Active Directory & Domain Controller newbie could do with some advice :)

[rockhard]

Ive just got Win2K server up and running and would like to make admin of my home network more centralised than it is as peer to peer.
I dont know too much about this, so if you guys could recommend some newbie compatible reading to get me started i'd be real chuffed
Would the Win2k Server resource kit be suitable for a newbie?

Do u have to register a DNS address to use a Domain controller if its not going to be made accessible/visible over the internet? If so, how much it going to cost me?

Please excuse my complete lack of knowledge on all this, but im keen to learn if you guys can point me in the right direction.

Thanx,

rockhard =)

 

[DAM]

i just got my server running too, about 3 months ago, its a domain control and got active directory running, about the dns question, i am not sure, but here are some sites that have been tons of help to me.


http://windows.microsoft.com/windows2000/en/advanced/help/

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/win2000/win2ksrv/default.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/TechNet/winnt/Winntas/Tips/techrep/w2pronet.asp?a=printable



that will keep you busy for a while.\



dam()

 

[Shadow07]

With Active Directory and DNS, AD uses the DNS namespace only for resolution/authentication. What this means is that if you have an all Windows 2000 network, you do not need NETBIOS. The Windows 2000 client does not use the NTLM or DC Locator via NETBIOS. Rather, the client will query the locally configured DNS server (which has to be a Dynamic DNS server, either Windows 2000 or BIND 8.2 +) for the SRV (Service Record) of a Domain Controller in the local AD Site.

As far as using a registered DNS name, you don't have to. you can use any DNS name you want, but make sure that if you do, do not try to publish any of your DNS records to the Internet. Also, if you use a DNS namespace like YAHOO.COM, you will not be able to browse any of the webservers or email servers that is hosted under the YAHOO.COM namespace. You would have to manually enter in each and every DNS record for YAHOO.COM. I hope this made sense. If not, just PM me and I'll try to explain it better.

I would look at all of the links DAM put in his post. I would recommend gettinga SYBEX or MSPRESS book on Windows 2000 Actice Directory. If you really can stand reading a book that is very technical (and I mean technical) and you can spend the $250+, then I would get the Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit. Get it from MSPRESS.MICROSOFT.COM and you will be able to get it cheap.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

[rockhard]

DAM Thanx for those links, should keep me busy for a while and hopefully get me going Win2k server sure is sweet.

Shadow07 Great reply - Looks like im goin to have to get a book i reckon. Looks like it could get a bit complicated for a newbie like me
I'll give your suggestion a try about using any DNS address i like - Will i get an option in the set up asking me whether i want to publish any DNS records to the internet?

Ive ghosted my initial install, so what the hell. Looks like i could have some fun with this kinda learning by trial and error, yeah?
I got kinda stale with Win2K prof for fiddling, but theres so much to play with in server Heh, should keep me quiet for a while

Appreciated,

rockhard =)

 

[Shadow07]

No. DCPROMO will never ask you to publish a DNS record to the Internet, only if you want it to install and configure DNS locally or if you will do it yourself. The Windows 2000 section of Technet has a lot of links to articles that will help you out.

 

[rockhard]

Shadow07 I'll pop over to Technet and have a browse around those articles you mentioned, cheers

Thanx for all your help guys,

rockhard =)