Installing Windows Server 2019 and configuring Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

 Installing Windows Server 2019 and configuring Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is a comprehensive process.

**Installing Windows Server 2019:**

Step 1: **Prepare Your Hardware**

   - Make sure you have a computer with suitable hardware (64-bit CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of available disk space).

Step 2: **Obtain Windows Server 2019**

   - Acquire the Windows Server 2019 installation media (usually a bootable USB drive or an ISO file).

Step 3: **Insert the Installation Media**

   - Insert the USB drive or mount the ISO file to your server.

Step 4: **Boot from the Installation Media**

   - Restart your server and configure the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the installation media.

Step 5: **Begin Installation**

   - When the installation screen appears, select your language, time format, and keyboard settings.

   - Click "Next."

Step 6: **Install Now**

   - Click "Install Now" to start the installation.

Step 7: **Enter the Product Key**

   - Enter your Windows Server 2019 product key (if prompted).

Step 8: **Accept the License Terms**

   - Read and accept the license terms and click "Next."

Step 9: **Choose Installation Type**

   - Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."

   - Choose the drive where you want to install Windows Server and click "Next."

Step 10: **Install Windows**

   - Windows will be installed. The server will restart during the process.

Step 11: **Set Administrator Password**

   - When prompted, create and confirm the password for the Administrator account.

Step 12: **Complete Setup**

   - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup. This includes setting the server name and network settings.

**Configuring Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS):**

Step 1: **Install Active Directory Domain Services Role**

   - Open "Server Manager" from the taskbar or Start menu.

   - Click on "Manage" and select "Add roles and features."

   - In the "Add Roles and Features Wizard," click "Next" until you reach the "Select features" page.

   - Check the box for "Active Directory Domain Services."

   - Click "Next" and complete the wizard to install the role.

Step 2: **Promote the Server to a Domain Controller**

   - After the role installation is complete, a notification will appear in the "Server Manager." Click on it and select "Promote this server to a domain controller."

Step 3: **Active Directory Configuration Wizard**

   - In the "Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard," select "Add a new forest" if this is the first server in your network.

   - Enter the root domain name (e.g., school.local).

   - Click "Next" and follow the wizard to set the Directory Services Restore Mode password.

Step 4: **Domain Controller Options**

   - Choose the forest and domain functional levels.

   - Set the Directory Services Restore Mode password.

Step 5: **DNS Options**

   - Unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise, keep the default settings for DNS.

   - Click "Next."

Step 6: **Additional Options**

   - You can specify a NetBIOS name or leave it as the default.

   - Click "Next."

Step 7: **Paths**

   - Choose the paths for the AD DS database, log files, and SYSVOL.

   - Click "Next."

Step 8: **Review Options**

   - Review your settings, and when you're ready, click "Next."

Step 9: **Prerequisites Check**

   - The wizard will perform a prerequisites check. If everything is successful, click "Install."

Step 10: **Complete the Installation**

   - When the installation is complete, click "Finish."

Your Windows Server 2019 is now configured as a domain controller with AD DS. Students should have a basic understanding of how to install Windows Server and set up AD DS for a school environment.

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is a core component of Microsoft Windows Server operating systems. It is a directory service that centralizes network management and makes it possible for administrators to manage and organize resources within a network. AD DS is primarily used in Windows environments, but it can also integrate with non-Windows systems through LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol).