In this lecture, I am going to walk you step by step through a Windows DNS server role installation. Before you begin this lecture, you need access to a Windows server preferably with 2016 already installed.

If you want to set up your own lab here are the links that you will need. Here is a link so that you can download Windows Server 2016 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2016 Here is a link so that you can download Virtual Box https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

DNS Defined

Domain Name System (DNS) provides a standard method for associating names with numeric Internet addresses. This makes it possible for users to refer to network computers by using easy-to-remember names instead of a long series of numbers. In addition, DNS provides a hierarchical namespace, ensuring that each hostname will be unique across a local or wide-area network. Windows DNS services can be integrated with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services on Windows, eliminating the need to add DNS records as computers are added to the network.

The best practices in a production environment are:

• The Administrator account has a strong password
• The most current security updates from Windows should be installed.
• It is recommended to Install DNS first then Active Directory.
• Server network cards should be configured with a static IP address.

Update - The question has been asked, “Should I install DNS first or just run the DCpromo wizard and install DNS automatically?” My answer - It’s your choice! You can certainly run the DCpromo wizard and choose the Active Directory Domain Services Role, and install DNS automatically. However, for this lecture, I want my students to know how to install the DNS server role manually. Regardless of whether you choose to use the wizard o…