Installing Windows Server 2008 - MCTS Guide to Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration - page 41

a Windows Server OS, it makes sense to get the most out of it by using the domain model
and installing Active Directory. With a small network of fewer than 10 users, however, the
workgroup model is a viable option, particularly if the main administrator isn't familiar
with Active Directory. With either model, you need a workgroup or domain name, unless
you're using the workgroup model and keep the default name “Workgroup.” If you're
using the domain model, you need to decide whether the domain name will be registered on
the Internet. If so, making the Windows domain name the same as your Internet domain
name makes sense. If the Internet name isn't already registered, make sure the name you
have in mind is still available. If you aren't registering the domain name on the Internet,
you can use any domain name you choose, but you should still follow the common naming
convention of SecondLevelName . TopLevelDomain , such as mybusiness.com.
• What server roles should you install? This decision is one of the most important because it
determines how this server will be used and what network services will be available to
users. Chapter 1 summarized the available roles and many features you can install. For a
first-server installation, however, there are some clear choices. With the domain model,
you must install the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role (discussed more in
Chapter 3). AD DS requires DNS, so the DNS Server role is installed automatically. Other
basic roles to consider on a first server include DHCP, for IP address configuration, and
File Services and Print Services, which include tools for sharing and managing file storage
and printer resources. Many other roles and features can be installed to meet your net-
work and business needs; several are discussed in later chapters.

2

Now that you have a plan, it's time to move on to the actual installation of Windows Server
2008.
Ready, Set, Install For the first server installation on a new network, you usually use a
DVD. Like any other OS installation, make sure the BIOS is set to boot from the CD/DVD
drive first if you have an OS already installed. After installation begins, a message is displayed
to let you know that Windows is loading files. Next, you see the window shown in Figure 2-1,
where you choose the language, time, and keyboard configuration. Note that there's no longer
a text mode portion of the installation; Windows Server 2008 is a GUI install from start to
finish. After clicking Next, the window shown in Figure 2-2 is displayed with the options
Install now, Repair your computer, and What to know before installing Windows (which takes
you to help information).

Figure 2-1 The initial installation window for Windows Server 2008