Lab Partners 2006 Preperation Part 1

[zimbo]

Hi guys!!!

This is the first part in the preparation for the MCSE/MCSA lab partners. I think the most important part is having the ‘domain’ as everyone else. This will help us a lot when the actual labs start and someone gets really lost at least we can see it in front of us what they are doing wrong.

I think its best we start off with one server and a client first since nearly all of us are on 270 and 290 and when the time comes in 290 we can add our second server.

Hardware Requirements
If feel this could be our biggest problem (I hope not!!) and you have 2 options to choose from:

1) Real machines (2 boxes) – with Ethernet cards in and a cross-over-cable (I’m sure you can get this from a local pc store)

2) VMWare - For VMWare to run okay for our labs I think you will need a fast processor and lots of RAM (512 MB, I think might be okay but don’t quote me!) and atleat 10GB free more later! For the requirements for vmware and if you are interested in getting it (well worth it trust me!) there is a 30 day trial HERE


Operating Systems

You are going to need to have a copy of windows server 2003 and windows XP Pro. There are many legal ways to get these including:

*Buying a MS Press book (70-270's book for the XP and 70-290 through to 299 to get the server 2003) these will be 180 day evaluation editions

*After consulting with two mods (Pete's taking the flack if this is wrong!!) Ebay - where you can buy quite cheaply evaluation copies again for 180 days.

*The MS Press site when you can get Server 2003 HERE, you can either d/l it or order it. I looked for a Win XP link but is doesnt seem MS do one!

For those who are curious about the spec's needed to run these here they are:

Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition

Computer and processor
PC with a 133-MHz processor required; 550-MHz or faster processor recommended (Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition supports up to four processors on one server)

Memory
128 MB of RAM required; 256 MB or more recommended; 4 GB maximum

Hard disk
1.25 to 2 GB of available hard-disk space

Drive
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

Display
VGA or hardware that supports console redirection required; Super VGA supporting 800 x 600 or higher-resolution monitor recommended

Windows XP Professional

•PC with 300 megahertz or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233 MHz minimum required (single or dual processor system);* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
•128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
•1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space*
•Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor
•CD-ROM or DVD drive

I think thats a good start so you can gather what you need and start planning too!

Cheers!
zimbo

[Tyler D]

Nice work Zimbo

[Jakamoko]

Pinned.

[JonnyMX]

Nice one mate.

I'm working on my 290 but don't have much time to spare.
I'll be watching the thread with interest. I might just jump in at some time...

[Boycie]

Good work Zimbo . I do have a Microsoft 70-270 book. Not sure about the CD though. Will try and get machines set-up on the weekend...

[zimbo]

@boyce mate im hoping everyone involved will end up with the same stuff on their machines (eg mcse.local as our domain name) so it will make helping each other out easier.. more will follow on the setup for those who dont know how!

ps only the 2nd edition book (blue-purple one has the xp pro cds)

[mojorisin]

Are we going to walk through the initial installation together or do we just setup our server and client waiting fro this to start ?


Looks great so far will hopefully be able to join in

[zimbo]

Originally Posted by mojorisin

Are we going to walk through the initial installation together or do we just setup our server and client waiting fro this to start ?


Looks great so far will hopefully be able to join in

im planning a guide for you guys!! its just taking time cause im getting screen shots and actually writing up a guide for you 'newbies'

[The_Geek]

And another cool think with VMware is "teams". You can actually create a "team" with one sever and one workstation.

[law123]

I am not doing the 270 or the 290 but if you guys dont mind I may just try to follow along. It will help later I hope. If this is a problem let me know.

[zimbo]

@geek - yeah you can create teams if you want

@law- sure mate no worries..

[mojorisin]

Nice one Zimbo

Is it ok to use Virtual PC aswell as i dont have VMWare

I have setup my domain already but will start from scratch to follow your tutorial

this sounds great

[The_Geek]

Alright, I have my team set up and have the workstation joined to the domain.

[zimbo]

well you a few step ahead of the pack mate!

[damienj3]

This sounds great. You guys mind if I tag along?