Chapter 9 - Implementing a domain

Abstract

Once a domain structure design is completed, implementation can proceed in accordance with one's design strategy. When the first domain controller (DC) is installed on a network, so also is the first domain in the first forest of Active Directory. The DC is the source of Active Directory management. Installing a DC is a two-step process. The process of installing Windows 2000 Server will create a member server. The Windows 2000 Server is functional as a member server with a local database of user accounts and groups that can access and use it. However, to use the Active Directory functionality, the member server must join an Active Directory domain or become a DC for an Active Directory domain. To install the Active Directory service, the installer can invoke the Active Directory Wizard from the Configure Your Server screen that starts when the server starts. The Active Directory Wizard guides the installer through the options for installing Active Directory. The information required for installing the Active Directory Service includes the Domain Name System (DNS) information for the computer and its domain. DNS is required by Active Directory. DCs must be configured as DNS clients, or they must provide the DNS service itself.