Configuring DNS and Active Directory
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Hey all!
I am finishing up the Server+ course and there has been discussions about Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Backups, Group Policy, Load Balancing etc and even some touching of these technologies in the virtual labs. My question is, is there a place within IT Pro to actually configure these services from scratch? Its good to learn that these exist, but wouldn't it be better to build with these services to really get a full understanding of these technologies?
Thanks!
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Bueller?
I took some initiative and tried asking ChatGPT to create a scenario for me to setup and work with these technologies given a scenario and it game me the following:
ou have been hired as a systems administrator for XYZ Corporation, a medium-sized company that specializes in software development. The company has recently decided to upgrade its server environment to support its growing business needs. Your task is to set up a new Windows server environment for XYZ Corporation.
To complete this task, you will need to perform the following activities:
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Obtain a Windows server installation ISO from Microsoft. You download Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition from the Microsoft website.
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Create a bootable USB drive from the ISO using a tool like Rufus.
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Install Windows Server on a physical machine that will serve as the primary domain controller. You name the server "XYZDC1" and assign it the IP address 192.168.1.2 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and default gateway 192.168.1.1.
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Join the server to an existing domain, "XYZCORP.COM", and configure DNS settings to use the domain controller as the primary DNS server.
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Install and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) on the server.
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Create user accounts for all employees in the XYZ Corporation, including developers, salespeople, and administrative staff. You also create groups to manage access to resources, such as the "Developers" group for developers and the "Managers" group for sales and administrative staff.
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Install and configure file and print services on a second server, "XYZFS1". You name the file server "XYZFS1" and assign it the IP address 192.168.1.3 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and default gateway 192.168.1.1.
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Create shared folders on the file server for each department in the company, such as "Marketing", "Sales", and "Development".
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Install and configure Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on a third server, "XYZRDS1". You name the RDS server "XYZRDS1" and assign it the IP address 192.168.1.4 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and default gateway 192.168.1.1.
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Configure the RDS server to allow remote access to applications for users in the "Developers" group.
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Install and configure Internet Information Services (IIS) on a fourth server, "XYZWEB1". You name the web server "XYZWEB1" and assign it the IP address 192.168.1.5 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and default gateway 192.168.1.1.
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Configure IIS to host the company's website, "xyzcorp.com".
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Implement security measures, such as configuring firewalls and antivirus software on all servers and creating security policies for user accounts.
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Create a backup plan for all servers and test the backup and restore procedures.
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Monitor server performance and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
By completing these activities, you have successfully set up a new Windows server environment for XYZ Corporation, which will enable the company to support its growing business needs.
So, if anyone else is wanting to practice these skills use the above scenario and give it a try! If there's anything missing please let me know!
Has ITPro even considered having projects like this integrated into their courses? Instead of just the virtual labs which hand hold you through the entire lesson?
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i kind of always asked these same quests to have a tasks list as the practice for the course and a sandbox lab (which they now have) more practical and you learn a lot since it is less hand hold you through it. and have an answer video if you completely get lost that will guide you through the steps
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Hey @Andrew-Despres great question and I like the way you used ChatGPT! If you have access to Practice Labs then the environment is setup for you already. You can check out the following courses for Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy and more:
https://app.acilearning.com/course/az-800-administering-windows-server-hybrid-core-infrastructure/course-overview-9328If you would like DNS from another perspective than Microsoft, this is a great course:
https://app.acilearning.com/course/dns/nslookupIf you decide to build an environment, you can download a trial copy of Server 2022 ISO here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2022You can then run that in a virtualized environment such as Oracle’s VirutalBox that you can download here:
https://www.virtualbox.org/I hope this helps and look forward to hearing from you!