Greetings Jad,
It's hard to approach this question with a reasonably good response. Windows
2003 installation is actually just like installing every other type of
Windows Operating System. It's very automatic, and with a few clicks the
Windows Installation Wizard will finish all the hard work for you. The only
"show stoppers" you might have is what type of server configuration you
have; if you need certain drivers, BIOS updates, or even "Pre-Installation"
CDs before running the Windows Wizard.
To make a Windows 2003 server a DC all you have to do is go to Start > Run
and type dcpromo and hit enter. This will bring you to a setup wizard which
will ask you the type of DC you wish to install and once it has the
information, it will upgrade your role to a DC.
Now, even though all this seems simple, and in a way it is, there is a lot
more to consider then just running wizard. You need to think about how to
lock down your server, what type of security settings you need to apply,
make sure you get the latest patches, turn off unneeded services, etc. All
these "extra" not only make the server more secure but will ensure you are
running at an optimal level.
For an Exchange installation, the same is the truth. Pop in the CD, follow
the Wizard. The first thing that comes up is a pre installation check list.
Complete this check list then install the Exchange 2003 by the wizard. Make
sure you have the latest SP installed and the latest patches that relate to
Exchange. I also run ExBPA (Exchange Best Practice Analyzer) to ensure that
the Exchange server is running at an optimal and secure level. This is a
free tool from MS and can easily be downloaded (Google it).
Once you have a server installed, it's no good unless you can do some
preventive maintenance, backup plans, and general admin tasks. If your
looking to be your company's admin I would strongly urge you to consider
some classes. Also take a look at Amazon's selection of Windows 2003 based
material:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=...&Go.x=5&Go.y=6
If you still feel uncomfortable, consider bringing in help from an IT
company. The money spent to correctly setup, configure, and maintain your
server can save you tons more money in the future.
Hope this helps and good luck with your rollout.
--
Louis Vitiello Jr.
------------------------------
MCSE, MCSA, MCP, A+/N+
ERCP XP Pro / Net Concepts
"Jad" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:70DC9EF4-2E93-494C-9D33-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Does anyone know of either a book are kb article that would go over a step
> by
> step procedure to set up a domain server and exchange on 2003
> --
> jj
>
>
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