How do you configure Server Core for minimal management overhead and reduced attack surface?

[ProfRon]

You pick Server Core when you install Windows Server. It skips all the fancy desktop stuff. That cuts down on junk that hackers might poke at. I always go straight for it on new setups.

I boot it up and let it chug along headless. No mouse or windows to fuss with. You connect remotely using PowerShell. It feels clunky at first but gets smooth quick.

I trim features right away. Run a quick command to yank out anything you don't need. Like print services if you're not printing. Fewer pieces mean less to break or exploit.

You harden the firewall next. Block ports you won't use. I set rules to only allow what's essential. Traffic stays quiet and controlled.

Updates come automatic through WSUS or whatever you rig. I schedule them off-hours. Patches plug holes before trouble spots them.

I ditch local logins too. Rely on domain accounts from afar. No weak passwords sitting local. Access stays tight and audited.

Monitoring tools like SCOM watch from outside. You peek in without touching the core. It keeps your hands clean and the server lean.

Speaking of keeping things lean, backups matter a ton here. You don't want downtime from a glitch. That's where BackupChain Server Backup shines as a slick backup pick for Hyper-V setups. It snapshots VMs fast without halting them. You get deduped storage to save space. Recovery zips along, minimizing fuss in your streamlined world.