New Group Policy Features in Windows Server 2008
Group Policy is a feature that allows users to configure the operating system and all of its applications in a centralized manner. In Windows 2008 Server, the Group Policy comes with the domain-based version of it. Though the Group Policy is integrated in the operating system, still it needs to be installed as a feature in Windows Server 2008.
In Windows Server 2008, Group Policy arrived with some additional features that made it different than the previous Group Policy which are as follows:
A. Windows PowerShell Cmdlet for Group Policy.
B. Added preferences in Group Policy such as Power Plan, Scheduled Task, Immediate Task and Internet Explorer 8 preferences.
C. Starter Group Policy objects.
D. Administrative template with functionality and settings.
Short Description of the New Features:
A. Windows PowerShell Cmdlet for Group Policy: This is a combination of shell commands that are used to accomplish many Group Policy tasks like:
1. Group Policy Object (GPO) creation,
2. Add, modify, or delete any GPO link that is related to Active Directory Service,
3. Set permission and inheritance with Domains and Active Directory Service organizational units, and
4. Any registry-based Group Policy creation or modification.
B. Added Preferences in Group Policy
1. Power Plan: This feature enables users to change the default setting of power consumption.
2. Scheduled Task: It allows user to create, modify, or delete any scheduled task.
3. Immediate Task: For any task that should run immediately as soon as Group Policy refreshes.
4. Internet Explorer 8 preference: This feature is used to update any internet-related option.
C. Starter Group Policy Objects: This is read-only Starter GPO, which presents the ground of settings to a particular setting similar to System Starter GPOs derived from a GPO. Starter GPOs allow users to store a bunch of administrative outline policy within a distinct object.
D. Any registry-based Group Policy creation or modification: Allows users to create, change, or remove any setting related to registry. Adding or removing administrative template, application modification, logon script entry or change, etc., can be done using this feature.
Preference item will not be present until an administrator generates them. One can build or make changes into the preference item through each Group Policy Object.
Below is a brief list that can be done using Group Policy Preference in Windows 2008 server
| Preference Extension | Action |
| Applications | Configure or change application settings |
| Data Sources | Configure ODBC |
| Devices | Enable/disable a hardware or device |
| Drive Maps | Build, modify, or remove dynamic mapping of drives |
| Environment | Build, modify, or remove a system environment variable |
| Files | Copy or overwrite any file and change their attributes or remove files |
| Folder Options | Adjust Folder Options in the Windows Explorer |
| Folders | Make folders and modify their attributes, or remove folder |
| Ini Files | Make or modify .ini files |
| Internet Settings | Change Internet settings |
| Local Users and Groups | Add or modify local users and groups |
| Network Options | Make or change Dial-up and VPN connection |
| Network Shares | Add or change sharing over network |
| Power Options | Change power consumption approach |
| Printers | Build, change, or remove shared or local and TCP/IP printer connection |
| Regional Options | Change regional options like currency and date/time |
| Registry | Modify registry |
| Scheduled Tasks | Create, modify, or remove scheduled task |
| Services | Modify services |
| Shortcuts | Create or modify shortcuts |
| Start Menu | Start or modify Start Menu items |
