Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP Crash Course

Introduction

• Instructor: Muhammad Zubair
• Focus: Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP for entry-level IT support jobs.

Active Directory Installation

1. Preparing Windows Server
   • Start with an unconfigured Windows Server.
   • Click on Manage > Add Roles and Features.
   • Choose Role-based or feature-based installation.
2. Selecting Server
   • Select the server (current system) for installation.
3. Installing Active Directory Domain Services
   • Check Active Directory Domain Services.
   • Click on Add Features to install necessary components.
4. Complete Installation
   • Follow prompts until installation is complete.
   • Confirm installation and promote the server to a domain controller.
5. Creating a New Domain
   • Choose to create a new forest and domain (e.g., sbt.com).
   • Configure forest functional level (Windows Server 2016).
   • Set a strong password for the domain.
6. Finalizing Setup
   • Confirm installation summary and prerequisites.
   • Restart the server upon completion of installation.

Configuring Active Directory

1. Logging In
   • Log in to the new domain (SBT/Administrator).
2. Accessing Active Directory Users and Computers
   • Open Server Manager and navigate to Tools > Active Directory Users and Computers.
3. Creating Organizational Units (OUs)
   • Right-click on domain (e.g., sbt.com) to create OUs (e.g., Video Department).
   • Create sub-OUs (e.g., Editing Team, Recording Team).
4. Adding Users
   • Right-click on the OU to create users (e.g., Kevin David, Ali Mo).
   • Set user password options (e.g., "User must change password at next logon").
5. Creating Groups
   • Create groups (e.g., Quality Control Department) within OUs.
   • Add users to groups using properties.

DNS Overview

• What is DNS?
  • DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names to IP addresses.
  • Works with hierarchical system of DNS servers.
• Configuring DNS on Windows Server
  • Set a static IP address for the server.
  • Install DNS server role through Manage > Add Roles and Features.
  • Create Forward Lookup Zones and Reverse Lookup Zones.
    • Forward: Domain name to IP address.
    • Reverse: IP address to domain name.
  • Create hosts within the zones and validate using nslookup.

DHCP Overview

• What is DHCP?
  • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) assigns IP addresses to network devices automatically.
  • Simplifies management of IP addressing in large networks.
• Configuring DHCP on Windows Server
  • Install DHCP server role through Manage > Add Roles and Features.
  • Complete the DHCP configuration wizard.
  • Create DHCP scopes to define IP address ranges.
  • Set lease duration and configure options (e.g., default gateway).
  • Activate DHCP Scope to begin assigning IP addresses.

Conclusion

• Review of Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP configurations.
• Importance of these skills for entry-level IT support positions.
• Encouragement to like, subscribe, and follow for more content.