How can I learn about Windows Server?

[Buffy]

As the thread title states, I'm wanting to learn more about Windows Server.

Backstory:

Spoiler: show

I work part time for an IT guy for my company, and have learned a lot about a few things and a little about some other stuff. I am working on my Master's Degree in Information System Security, but the school I am taking it from didn't require a related undergraduate degree, so I have holes in my knowledge. I've been looking at jobs on Craigslist/Dice.com/random websites, and I have a lot of the troubleshooting skills and other related skills they have, plus I have practical experience which people are always demanding, so I'm in good standing there.

However, the glaring area of deficit for me is Windows Server and Active Directory. while I have access to a domain, and can add computers to a domain, my interaction with Windows Server, including adding groups, modifying groups, adding users, and adding computer to a group, I have little to no practice with, and after asking my boss, it is unlikely he will show me any of it (yes, dick move by him).

So how do I gain theoretical experience so I can actually answer questions in an interview a year from now and not reveal myself to be an idiot. Actually able to do the job I get hired for would be nice too.

Thoughts?

[Tajin]

Microsoft virtual academy.
If you download WS microsoft gives you access to WS ebooks iirc too.

[Tajin]

Setup a virual machine and install WS every 180 days

[Buffy]

Microsoft virtual academy.
If you download WS microsoft gives you access to WS ebooks iirc too.

Is that "WS microsoft" = windows server microsoft?

[Niya]

I think Tajin meant "if you download WinServer, microsoft gives you..."

IMHO the only decent source for learning WinServer and AD is actual experience with it. We have countless books lying around at work that our boss bought over the years, and they were pretty much... useless. If you can, grab 2-3 PCs that you can work with (don't need much performance), or if you have one machine with enough RAM you could also work with VMs. Download the demo of windows server from Microsoft and install it. Then try to build a little domain with a DC and at least a member.

The only "problem" you might run into is that microsoft only offers the newest versions as demo, so you'd have to use server 2012, which is the server version of Windows 8...

[xopher]

Get a job at a Managed Service Provider as a tier 1 tech.

[Isiolia]

The only "problem" you might run into is that microsoft only offers the newest versions as demo, so you'd have to use server 2012, which is the server version of Windows 8...

Students should be able to sign up for MS's Dreamspark program and get 2008/R2 as well (for free).

[Buffy]

Students should be able to sign up for MS's Dreamspark program and get 2008/R2 as well (for free).

I actually am a student, with Strayer University, and I've gotten Project, Office, and Visio for 2 years for free. This is a protip.

[rezn0r]

I learned it on the job by screwing with things as we upgrade, I don't recommend this (yes in a production environment, I don't get much of a budget to have extra hardware). Now in 2013 though, VMs are cheap and easy. Make two virtual machines (whatever platform you want or can afford), one a Windows Server and one a workstation. Or for the hell of it make a third, have one be XP and one 7 or 8. Create a domain, add the workstations to the domain, then start playing around with group policies and see what happens. I agree that books are nice but getting your hands dirty will be what gets you to actually learn things. It's actually kind of fun when you aren't destroying a live network.

[Scizor]

Setup a virual machine and install WS every 180 days

This is the way I did it