The purpose of this section is to help you with the practicalities of a physical
installation of Windows Server 2003. However, I strongly recommend
detailed planning of Active Directory before you roll out Windows 2003 Server on
a production network.
This is the trickiest section, you really do need to practice running DCPROMO
on a test network. Pay close attention to your DNS settings. Spend
time designing the whole Active Directory forest not just one domain controller.
New command line tool ADPREP, also extra switches for DCPROMO. Perhaps
the easiest way to install is from a backup of an existing domain controller.
More Information. As an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly endorse TrainSignal because they
deliver practical hands on training. In particular, I like the way that TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material. You can either take one module,
for example File Server or go for a combination of modules.
See more about Windows 2003 training here
Installing XP or Vista
Ghost is still a popular method for installing clients, but I prefer to use
RIS (Remote Installation Service). The time spent in configuring RIS pays
back handsomely when you want Group Policies to apply from day one. RIS is
more tolerant of variations in hardware than ghost images.
