Auxiliary built-in tools

A number of smaller tools exist that you won't use often but will likely have need of while assembling your cluster. Some tools do not exist in both installation types, but all that are available in a non-GUI environment are also available in the GUI. All of these are included automatically, so no downloads or configuration steps are required. These tools are listed as follows:

These extra tools are generic Windows tools, so they will not be thoroughly explained in this book, although you will see some of them appear in examples.

If you are deploying without a GUI, one tool that you may select to use is the text-based Server Configuration tool. This is available on all Hyper-V Server and Windows Server installations, although it is of most use in non-GUI environments. Unless configured otherwise, this tool starts automatically on each login to the console of a non-GUI system. It can be manually started by entering sconfig.cmd at an elevated prompt. The following is a screenshot of this tool:

This chapter will focus on demonstrating the GUI and PowerShell methods of configuring these and other settings. The Server Configuration tool is certainly useful when you don't have access to a GUI, but it cannot be scripted. Feel free to use any combination of approaches that suits your needs and comfort level.