PART: I

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE SETUP

Creating an Internal Network in VirtualBox

To begin, it is essential to establish an internal network that allows communication between Windows Server and Windows 7 virtual machines. (In my case i use WIN7, because i have many problem to virtualized WIN10).

start by opening VirtualBox and selecting the virtual machine running Windows Server. Click on "Settings" and then on the "Network" tab. In "Adapter 1," select "Internal Network" from the drop-down menu and name the network, e.g., "InternalNetwork." Follow the same procedure for the Windows 7 virtual machine, ensuring to use the same network name. This step is crucial to simulate a real network environment where virtual machines can communicate without external interference.

Next, assign static IP addresses, which is fundamental for network management and server administration. Start the virtual machine running Windows Server, navigate to "Network and Sharing Center" > "Change adapter settings," right-click on "Ethernet," select "Properties," choose "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)," and click "Properties." Set the IP address to 192.168.100.10, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a default gateway of 192.168.100.1. Set the preferred DNS server to 192.168.100.10.

For Windows 7, follow the same steps to access network settings and assign the IP address 192.168.100.11, using the same subnet mask and DNS settings. To verify, ping between the two machines to ensure they can communicate properly.

Enabling remote access is crucial for server management without physical access. For Windows Server, open "Server Manager," navigate to "Local Server" and find "Remote Desktop." Click "Disabled" and select "Allow remote connections to this computer," unchecking "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication." In Windows 7, go to "Computer" > "Properties," select "Remote settings," and under "Remote Desktop," choose "Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure)." Ensure that firewall settings allow RDP connections.

PART: II

ROLE IMPLEMENTATION IN WINDOWS SERVER

A Domain Controller (DC) is essential for the centralized management of users and computers within a network. To set up the server as a DC, open "Server Manager," click "Manage" > "Add Roles and Features," select "Role-based or feature-based installation," choose the server from the server pool, and click "Next." Select "Active Directory Domain Services" and follow the prompts to install the role. After installation, click the yellow flag at the top and select "Promote this server to a domain controller." Choose "Add a new forest" and enter the domain name, such as "mycompany.local." Complete the wizard and restart the server when prompted.

Organizing users into groups and Organizational Units (OUs) facilitates permission management and policy application. Open "Administrative Tools" > "Active Directory Users and Computers." Create a new Organizational Unit (OU) to organize users, and create groups such as "UserGroup" and "AdminGroup." Add users and assign them to the appropriate groups. Verify group memberships by right-clicking on a user, selecting "Properties," and then "Member Of."

Implementing DNS and DHCP servers ensures efficient network management and automatic IP assignment. For DNS configuration, open "Server Manager" and add the "DNS Server" role. Then open "DNS Manager" from "Tools" in "Server Manager," create a "New Forward Lookup Zone," selecting "Primary Zone" and "Store the zone in Active Directory." Enter the zone name, such as "mycompany.local," and configure "Allow only secure dynamic updates."

For DHCP configuration, open "Server Manager" and add the "DHCP Server" role. Complete the wizard, ensuring to authorize DHCP in AD DS. Expand the server node in "DHCP Manager," create a new scope (e.g., Scope1) with an IP range, configure options such as the gateway (192.168.100.1) and DNS server. Create IP reservations by going to "Reservations," right-clicking, and selecting "New Reservation."

PART: III

RESOURCES AND POLICY MANAGEMENT

Sharing files securely and efficiently is crucial for collaboration within a network. To set up a file server, open "Server Manager" and add the "File and Storage Services" role. After installation, open "File Server Resource Manager," create shared folders, assign appropriate permissions (e.g., Full Control for AdminGroup and Read for UserGroup), and configure quotas and file screens as needed.

Group Policies (GPOs) allow for uniform configuration and restriction enforcement across the network. To configure a GPO, open "Group Policy Management" from "Administrative Tools," create a new GPO and link it to the domain, edit the GPO, navigate to "User Configuration" > "Policies" > "Administrative Templates," and configure policies such as "Desktop Wallpaper" to set a default background or "Don't run specified Windows applications" to restrict app usage.

Regular backups are essential for data protection and disaster recovery. Add the "Windows Server Backup" feature from "Server Manager," open "Windows Server Backup" from "Administrative Tools," set up a backup schedule, choosing a destination location, such as a remote shared Ensure that the user has the appropriate permissions to access the backup destination. It is important to regularly verify backups to ensure data is recoverable if needed.

This guide takes you through the essential steps for setting up and managing a Windows Server, showcasing a strong grasp of system administration. It covers everything from network setup and role implementation to group policy management and data protection. Each step is designed to ensure your IT infrastructure remains reliable and efficient.