As is Microsoft's habit these days, a command-line tool exists to provide some of Server Manager's functionality. The tool is servermanagercmd.exe, and here are a few of its major qualifiers.

1. query (runs a discovery operation and reports what's installed and what's not, as well as providing the "code names" of each role and subordinate role)
2. install (you can also specify required settings with - setting)
3. remove
4. inputPath (processes an XML-formatted answer file)

Typing the command with the /? qualifier presents more detailed help text if you want to explore this tool further. Be forewarned, the syntax can get fairly complex.

I'm about out of space for today, so I will just briefly mention that Server Manager also gives you convenient access to the following tools and consoles, via the navigation pane:

Diagnostics

• Event Viewer
• Services
• Reliability and Performance Monitor
• Device Manager

Configuration

• Task Scheduler
• Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
• WMI Control
• Local Users and Groups

Storage

• Windows Server Backup
• Disk Management

See January's posts...

How to setup Features in WS2008

Configuring a Role in WS2008: NOT as easy as can be

Adding a role to WS2008: Easy as can be

The purpose of roles in Windows Server 2008

Meet Windows Server 2008 'Server Manager' -- your new management cockpit

The Look and Feel of Server 2008