ITFlea.com Beginner IT Training

Paul Hill - ITFlea.com

Key Information

• Target Audience: Beginners with no IT experience
• Focus: Basic IT exposure and experience, specifically with Windows Server 2012 R2
• Platform: Home computer, all resources provided for free
• Tools Used: Oracle VM VirtualBox, Windows Server 2012 R2

Objectives

• Help beginners get exposure to the IT field
• Provide basic experience with Windows Server 2012
• Guide through setting up a virtual environment
• Demonstrate how to create and manage Virtual Machines (VMs)

Introduction to Virtual Machines (VMs)

• Definition: Emulation of a physical computer within a computer
• Advantages:
  • Reduces electricity and heat output
  • Environmentally friendly
  • No need for additional hardware
  • Cloning and backup capabilities
  • Easy electronic distribution

Steps to Setting Up VirtualBox and VMs

1. Download VirtualBox: www.virtualbox.org
   • Version: 5.0.10 or any available version
2. Install VirtualBox
   • Follow default installation options
   • Install device drivers when prompted
3. Start VirtualBox and Create a VM
   • Click “New,” name the VM (e.g., Test Virtual Machine)
   • Select appropriate OS type and version (e.g., Windows Server 2012 64-bit)
   • Allocate RAM (e.g., 2048 MB for 2 GB)
   • Create virtual hard disk (e.g., VDI, dynamically allocated)
4. Download Windows Server 2012 R2 ISO
   • Use a 180-day evaluation version from the Microsoft website
5. Mount ISO and Install Windows Server 2012 R2
   • Follow on-screen instructions for setup
   • Choose appropriate installation type (e.g., Server with GUI)
   • Set administrator password
6. Post-Installation Steps
   • Install VirtualBox guest additions
   • Rename the server
   • Check for and install updates
   • Opt in for necessary updates and restart server as needed

Managing Local User Accounts

• Creating Accounts: Add new local user accounts via Control Panel
• Standard vs. Administrator: Distinction between permissions and capabilities
• Switch User: Verifying the creation of new accounts
• Managing Accounts: Change settings, delete accounts, etc.

Adding and Managing Features/Roles

• Mount ISO for features setup
• Use Server Manager: Navigate to add/remove roles and features
• Example: Add Windows Server Essentials Experience

Event Viewer and Windows Logs

• Purpose: Track and log system events, errors, and operations
• Types of Logs: Application, Security, Setup, System
• Use Case: Troubleshooting installations, security issues
• Custom Views: Ignore for beginners
• Clearing Logs: Keep logs managed and uncluttered

Introduction to Batch Scripts

• Purpose: Automate repetitive tasks
• Creating a Script: Use Notepad, save with .bat extension
• Useful Commands:
  • echo for messages
  • mkdir for creating directories
  • pause to hold script execution
• Example: Create directories based on user input
• Resources: Google searches for command specifics

Additional Information

• Website: ITFlea.com
• Support: Contact Paul via the website or his YouTube channel
• Next Steps: Explore additional courses and detailed topics on the website

Note: Practical exercises follow each conceptual lecture for hands-on experience.