Distributed File System (DFS) is a technology that lets you group shared folders on different servers into one logically structured namespace. As the name suggests, the files are distributed across various file servers and locations, and you can use DFS to access the shared folders of those servers from a single path. The components of DFS are Namespace and Replication. This article covers the DFS Namespace. Additionally, we are using two servers running Windows Server 2022 (SR1-technig and SR2-technig) to install and configure the distributed file system namespace.

Install Distributed File System (DFS) on Windows Server 2022

The DFS technology is part of the File and Storage Services, and you need to install this role on your system. I will install the DFS Namespace using the Server Manager.

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Click Next on the Welcome screen.
4. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
5. Select the server where you want to install DFS and click Next.
6. On the Server Roles page, expand File and Storage Services and select DFS Namespaces.
7. Click Add Features and then click Next.
8. On the Features page, select the features that you want to install and click Next.

9. Click next on the Select feature wizard, and confirm the installation selection. Review the installation summary and click Install.
10. Wait for a few seconds. The installation might take some time. Click Finish to close the wizard.

Note: You must install the Distributed File System (DFS) on all the servers where you want to implement DFS.

How to configure distributed file system namespace

After the installation, you can create your Namespace following the below procedures. But, first of all, let’s create a folder on each server and share them in the network. To do that, I create a new folder on each server and put a text file in it.

Once the installation is complete, you will need to configure the DFS namespace. Here are the steps on how to do it:

1. Open the DFS Management console.
2. Right-click Namespaces and select New Namespace.
3. In the New Namespace Wizard, enter the namespace name and click Next.
4. Select the type of namespace that you want to create and click Next.
5. Select the servers that will host the namespace and click Next.
6. Review the configuration settings and click Create.

The following are the real example:

1. On server SR1-technig, I create a new folder SR1-Sales, and a text file SR1-TextFiles.
2. On server SR2-technig, I create another folder, SR2-Sales, and a text file, SR2-TextFiles.

Moreover, I share these folders on the network. If you do not know how to share files on the network, please read the Share Files over the Network:

To see whether your folder is shared on the network, press the Windows +R buttons and write the \ServerName in the Run and enter. You see the shared folder appear.

How to create Distributed File System (DFS) Namespace

Once the namespace is created, you can start adding shared folders to it. Here are the steps on how to do it. Now let’s create a namespace by the name of Sales in the DFS Management.

1. Right-click the namespace that you want to add the shared folder to and select New Folder.
2. In the New Folder Wizard, enter the folder name and click Next.
3. Select the shared folder that you want to add to the namespace and click Next.
4. Review the configuration settings and click Create.

Following are the real scenario of adding shared folders to the namespace.

1. In the server manager window, click on administrative tools.
2. Find the DFS Management and open it.
3. You see the two components of the DFS on the left-hand side; right-click on the Namespace> New Namespace.

4. Write or browse the server’s name to host the Namespace and click next.

5. Enter the name of the Namespace. I name the namespace Sales.

6. Click on the Edit Settings button to customize the users’ permissions for the shared folders in the Namespace, and then click the Ok button. Click next.

There are two types of namespaces: domain-based namespaces and standalone namespaces. Domain-based namespaces can be stored on one or multiple namespace servers and in Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). Standalone namespaces, on the other hand, are stored on one namespace server. If you choose to create a domain-based namespace, you will need to enable Windows Server 2008 mode.

7. Select the type of Namespace and click next.

8. After reviewing all the settings, click on the Create button.

9. Finally, you have created the Namespace and now close the Wizard by clicking on the Close button.

Create DFS Folders

It is time to bring together all those shared folders from different servers under one Namespace in one server. To do that:

1. In the DFS Management, open the Namespace.
2. Right-click on the newly created Namespace and then New Folder.

3. Click on the Add button to connect the folder to the target path.

4. Browse for the target path, select the shared folder, and click the Ok button.

5. Click on the Ok button to return to the New Folder Wizard, give the folder name, and click the Ok button.

6. Again, right-click on the Namespace, Create New Folder > Add button, browse or write another server’s name, select their shared folder, give it a name, and then click on the OK button.

You can add multiple shared folders from multiple servers and add them into one Namespace.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type ComputerName and press Enter to check the new namespace you created. If you open that namespace folder in the network, you will see subfolders that are shortcuts to the folders you added to your namespace. These subfolders are linked to the shared folders on other servers. Now, you can access all of those shared folders from different locations under a single path.

Conclusions

In this article, you learned how to install the Distributed File System (DFS) namespace on Windows Server 2022 and configure the DFS namespace to group shared folders from different servers into one namespace. Since this article is already long, we will cover DFS replication in another session. Please feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comment section below.

Related: How to Install and Enable Data Deduplication on Windows Server 2022

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When you store a massive amount of data in your system disks, you may find duplicated data. The duplicated data will impact storage efficiency. This probability is more actual when you save more similar files in your storage. For example, consider an educational center that stores thousands of students’ files with a high volume of similar contents and structures. Fortunately, data Deduplication technology can manage duplicated data and improve storage efficiency. Data Deduplication is a process that eliminates the excessive copies of data and decreases the storage capacity requirements. In this article, we write on How to install and enable data Deduplication on Windows Server 2022. So, tune in with us till the end.

Important note: Data Deduplication can deduplicate data on NTFS and ReFS only.

Install data deduplication on Windows Server 2022

You can install the data deduplication feature on the windows server through the Server Manager, PowerShell, and Windows Admin Center. I will use the Server Manager to install the Dedup roles and features on Windows Server 2022 in this session. Follow me with the steps below to install:

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. On the server manager dashboard, click on Add roles and Features. (Or on the Manage >Add Roles and Features)
3. In the Before You Begin wizard, click on the Next button.
4. Select the installation type: Role-based or feature-based installation, and click next.
5. Select the destination server and click next.
6. Find the File and Storage Services in the Server Roles wizard and expand it. Expand the File and iSCSI Services.

7. Find the Data Deduplication feature and tick it. Click on the Add features button.
8. Click on the Next button till the Installation button activates. And click on the Install button. Wait for a few seconds; the feature will install.
9. Finally, close the wizard.

How to enable data deduplication on Server 2022?

After installing the data deduplication feature on your Windows Server, now you should enable it on a volume.

1. Determine on which volume you are going to apply the data deduplication. (You cannot implement it on the C drive)
2. Open the Server Manager dashboard.
3. On the left-hand side, click on File and Storage Services.

4. Click on the Volumes.
5. Right-click on the desired volumes, and click on the Configure data deduplication.

6. You see, the data deduplication is disabled by default. Click on the drop-down menu to enable it. Select a proper answer from the three options below:
   1. General-purpose file server: it is used for general purpose (I select this one here)
   2. Virtual desktop infrastructure server: choose this option if you use it for virtualization.
   3. Virtualized backup server: Select this option if you use the virtual machine as a backup server.

7. Additionally, You can input a number to tell the server that starts deduplicating your files in a volume after some days. By default, it is three days. Here I want my server to deduplicate right now; that’s why I choose the 0 number.

8. If you want to exclude some files and folders and do not want them to be deduplicated, click on the Add button and select the folder. Or write file extension and click enter.

How to Schedule the Deduplication on Windows Server 2022?

Additionally, in the Deduplication setting wizard, you see the Set Deduplication Schedule button. Click on that to schedule the Deduplication on your server.

You can set the time to start the Deduplication process and specify the Deduplication’s day, hours, and duration. Moreover, you can create a second schedule for throughput optimization. After you set the scheduled time, click Ok.

How to Run Data Deduplication process on Volumes?

Now that you have installed the Data deduplication feature and enabled it on your Windows Server. You should know that it does not start deduplicating immediately. It will start running in the background when the system is idle or according to the time you specified in the schedule. However, you can run the Deduplication job on the targeted volumes manually. To illustrate it further, I have an E: drive on my system and want to implement the Deduplication process. To do that, I run the PowerShell as an administrator and write the following command, and enter.

Start-DedupJob –Volume "Name_of_Volume" –Type Optimization

Conclusions

To conclude, you learned to install and enable data deduplication on Windows 2022. Data deduplication is a great way to enhance the efficiency of your storage on a Windows server. I hope you can benefit from this feature on your server to save storage space. You can write down in the comment section your thoughts and questions.

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Have you noticed a tiny window pops up when opening the Server Manager and asking to use the Windows Admin Center to manage Windows Server? Windows Admin Center is a free and browser-based platform used to manage Windows Server and Windows clients. This app gives complete control over all aspects of Windows Server infrastructure and improves the management environment. Additionally, this app brings together all the features in one platform and allows you to configure them remotely. In this session, We will discuss how to download and install Windows Admin Center on Windows Server 2022. Since the process is the same, you can use and implement it on Windows 11 or other Windows versions with slight differences.

How to download Windows Admin Center?

The Windows Admin Center has not been installed by default; you need to download it first. Open Microsoft Edge to download the windows admin center and click on https://aka.ms/WACDownload. The download will start automatically. Alternatively, you can search Windows Admin Center on other search engines, such as Google Chrome, and download it from docs.microsoft.com.

After the Windows Admin Center download, let’s go ahead with the installation.

How to install Windows Admin Center on Windows Server 2022

After downloading, go to the download directory and follow the steps below to install the setup.

1. Double-click on the setup to start the installation.
2. If you agree with license terms, accept the terms and click next.

3. Select the option to send the diagnostic data to Microsoft to make Windows Admin Center better. I go with the “Required diagnostic data” option and click next.

4. If your server is not up to date or you want to check for the update, select the “Use Microsoft Update” option. Otherwise, check the “don’t want to use the Microsoft update” and click next. I go with the second option.

5. Generally, Desktop (Local) mode and gateway mode are supported on Windows Admin Center for the operating system. In the image below, the wizard summarizes the gateway mode; click next.

6. The “Use WinRM over HTTPS only” is a new option with the latest updated Windows Admin Center versions. It is used to encrypt the data being sent across the wire. Since it is a broad subject and needs another article, I will use the default settings now.

7. The new wizard asks to enter the port number and certificates. By default, in gateway mode, it uses the 443 port number. Although, you can change the port number according to the requirement. Moreover, if you have installed the SSL certificate on your computer, select the second option and provide the thumbprint for the gateway SSL certificate. Since I have not installed the SSL Certificate on my system, I will use the default setting and click the Install button.

Manage Windows Admin Center

After seeing the final wizard, “Ready to Connect from a PC,” you have successfully installed the Windows Admin Center. In the last wizard, you see a URL that you can use that link to open the Windows Admin Center on a browser. If you click on this URL, it asks about the credential. Enter the user name and password, then click ok.

Another URL in the final wizard lets you know which browsers support the Windows Admin Center. Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are primarily the two browsers supporting this app.

Another direct way to open the Windows Admin Center is through the browsers. Open Microsoft edge or google chrome and write the URL (https://localhost/full_Server_Name) and enter. Click on the server name to connect. You are in the Windows Admin Center environment. Now you can manage your servers from the Windows Admin Center.

Conclusions

This article discussed how to download the Windows Admin Center and install it on your Windows Server 2022. I hope the article could sharpen your skills further and If you have questions, write them in the comment section of this page.

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The Remote Desktop allows a computer to access another computer through the local area network (LAN) or the internet. This software is pre-installed on the latest windows, but you have to enable it. There are many different ways to enable and configure remote desktop in windows 11.

Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11 through Settings

To connect from one computer to another computer remotely, you have to enable the Remote Desktop on the target computer. Then connect the local management computer to the target computer. The target computer is the computer that you want to be managed, and the local management computer is the computer that connects to the target computer remotely and manages it.

To enable remote desktop go to Settings, System, and click on Remote Desktop.

When you get to the Remote Desktop window in Windows 11, basic settings have to know to configure well.

1. Remote Desktop on-off button; you can switch On to enable remote desktop and Off to disable it.
2. Require devices to use Network Level Authentication to connect (Recommended): it allows only the authenticated users (members of the Remote Desktop Users group) to connect. To enable this feature, checkmark the box for this feature.
3. Remote Desktop port: the port that the remote desktop use to make a connection between devices is port number 3389
4. PC name: you can use a computer’s PC name or IP address to connect to it remotely.
5. Remote Desktop users: choose who can remotely access this PC, click on it and add the users and groups. I will explain how to add users and groups to the Remote Desktop Users group in more detail.

If the operating system you are using is not Windows 11, enable remote desktop through system properties. Enable remote desktop through system properties is the typical way in all windows. Now that you have enabled the remote in windows 11, you can scroll down to configure the Remote Desktop Users group.

Enable Remote Desktop through System Properties

There are different ways to enable and configure Remote Desktop, but allowing that from System Properties is expected in the latest windows. Enabling Remote Desktop from System Properties is the same in Windows 7 and later. Follow the steps below to access System Properties, and configure the remote desktop through System Properties.

• Go to Settings, scroll down, click on About, and then click on Advanced System Settings. Or Type the sysdm.cpl command in the Run.

• Click on Remote, and select Allow remote connections to this computer. If you want to allow specific users to connect remotely, select Allow connections only from Remote Desktop computers with Network Level Authentication (recommended). Then click on Select Users to specify users. Once the users have been added, click OK.

From the Settings and System properties, you can specify which users or groups can access this computer remotely. Below I have explained how to add users and groups to the Remote Desktop Users group.

Related Article: Enable Remote Desktop using CMD.

Add users and groups to the Remote Desktop Users group.

A more common way to add users and groups to another group is through group policy in Computer Management. But you can add users and groups to the Remote Desktop Users group from Remote Desktop settings or System Properties. Since I have explained enabling remote desktop through windows settings and System Properties, just one click on Select Users can get you to the screen below. Follow the steps below to add users and groups to the Remote Desktop Users group.

• Click Add to add users and groups to the Remote Desktop Users group.

• Click on Find Now, list of users and groups will appear. Select a user or a group, then click OK.

• Add the users and groups you want to have remote access then click OK.

• A list of the users added to the Remote Desktop Users group shows up here. To remove users from the Remote Desktop Users group, select user and click on remove. Click OK to apply the changes.

You can configure all the users on your computer to have remote access or configure specific users to have remote access. It is better to specify the user you allow to have remote access for security reasons.

You may also like to know How to use Remote Desktop (microsoft.com)

Connect to a Machine using Remote Desktop

Now that you enabled remote desktop on the target computer. Follow the steps below to connect the local management computer to the target computer remotely.

• Run the command mstsc in the local management computer.

• In the Remote Desktop Connection, type the IP address or name of the target computer.

• When the screen below appears, enter a user’s credential that is a member of the Remote Desktop Users group. Type the username and password, then click OK.

Most of the configurations happen in the target to make a remote connection. In the local management computer (the computer you want to use for remote connection), open the Remote Desktop Connection, type the IP address of the target computer, and then log in with an authorised user. Enable remote desktop in the target computer (the computer you want to manage) and add users to the Remote Desktop Users group.

To know about remote servers in windows servers, click on How to Install Remote Server Administration Tools on Windows 10? (technig.com)

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When a system DNS works for a long time, it saves many records that cause DNS works slowly or not working correctly. To flush DNS cache, you need to clear DNS records from your system. You can do it with the command line in command prompt and Windows Powershell and Terminal on macOS systems.

The flush DNS command is the tool you need to clear and flush DNS cache. Just open the command line interface and dump the correct DNS cache then remove it.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical decentralized naming system for computers, services, or other resources connected to the Internet or a private network. It associates various information with domain names assigned to each of the participating entities. Most prominently, it translates more readily memorized domain names to the numerical IP addresses needed for locating and identifying computer services and devices with the underlying network protocols.

Clear and Flush DNS Cache with the command line:

1. Open a command-line interface
2. Display DNS Records
3. Flush DNS Cache
4. Check DNS Records

To flush DNS cache just follow the step by step guide. It works the same on all Windows operating systems, but different on various macOS and Linux distributions.

Related: Install and Configure DNS Server on Windows Server.

How to View DNS Cache

To view DNS cache on Windows systems, just type “ipconfig /displaydns” in command prompt.

1. Press Windows+R to open the Run.
2. Type “cmd” and press enter to open the command prompt.
3. Now type “ipconfig /displaydns” to view DNS cache and records.

The ipconfig /displaydns result is like this.

C:\>ipconfig /displaydns

Windows IP Configuration

    569-vt.c3tag.com
    ----------------------------------------
    Record Name . . . . . : 569-vt.c3tag.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 1
    Time To Live  . . . . : 2150
    Data Length . . . . . : 4
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    A (Host) Record . . . : 67.220.103.115

    Record Name . . . . . : 569-vt.c3tag.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 1
    Time To Live  . . . . : 2150
    Data Length . . . . . : 4
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    A (Host) Record . . . : 66.180.64.115

    sc.iasds01.com
    ----------------------------------------
    Record Name . . . . . : sc.iasds01.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 5
    Time To Live  . . . . : 660
    Data Length . . . . . : 8
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    CNAME Record  . . . . : anycast.sc.iasds01.com

    Record Name . . . . . : anycast.sc.iasds01.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 1
    Time To Live  . . . . : 660
    Data Length . . . . . : 4
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    A (Host) Record . . . : 199.166.0.200

    i1.wp.com
    ----------------------------------------
    Record Name . . . . . : i1.wp.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 1
    Time To Live  . . . . : 4175
    Data Length . . . . . : 4
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    A (Host) Record . . . : 192.0.77.2

    usw12.lunrac.com
    ----------------------------------------
    Record Name . . . . . : usw12.lunrac.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 1
    Time To Live  . . . . : 351
    Data Length . . . . . : 4
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    A (Host) Record . . . : 209.50.48.91

    egqegkuoocwcdb
    ----------------------------------------
    Name does not exist.

    staticxx.facebook.com
    ----------------------------------------
    Record Name . . . . . : staticxx.facebook.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 5
    Time To Live  . . . . : 12
    Data Length . . . . . : 8
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    CNAME Record  . . . . : scontent.xx.fbcdn.net

    Record Name . . . . . : scontent.xx.fbcdn.net
    Record Type . . . . . : 1
    Time To Live  . . . . : 12
    Data Length . . . . . : 4
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    A (Host) Record . . . : 31.13.86.4

    lvplwmvbubf
    ----------------------------------------
    Name does not exist.

    www.internetdownloadmanager.com
    ----------------------------------------
    Record Name . . . . . : www.internetdownloadmanager.com
    Record Type . . . . . : 1
    Time To Live  . . . . : 18558
    Data Length . . . . . : 4
    Section . . . . . . . : Answer
    A (Host) Record . . . : 169.55.0.224
C:\>

There are too many DNS records on my system. But this is just an example of DNS cache in Windows system.

Flush DNS Cache in Windows 10

To clear Windows 10 DNS cache and records, type the “ipconfig /flushdns” command in command prompt or PowerShell.

PS C:\Users\Shais> ipconfig /flushdns
Windows IP Configuration
Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

That’s good, the DNS cache removed successfully. This command works the same on all Windows client and Windows server machines.

Check DNS Records

Now if you check again you can not find any DNS records.

PS C:\Users\Shais> ipconfig /displaydns
Windows IP Configuration
Could not display the DNS Resolver Cache.

Yes, the system can not display the DNS records. Because there is no DNS record cached yet.

Flush DNS Cache on macOS

Flushing the DNS in Mac OS X is an easy process, but the steps taken will depend on which version of OS X you are running. For the different version of macOS operating system use the following command to clear and flush DNS cache.

macOS Sierra, OS X El Capitan, Mac OS X Yosemite, Mac OS X Mavericks, Mac OS X Mountain Lion, Mac OS X Mountain Lion, and Mac OS X Lion.

If you are running Mac OS X 10.11, you need to follow the below steps:

1. Open up the command terminal.
2. Run the command sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

If you are running Mac OS X 10.6, you need to follow the below steps:

1. Open up a command terminal.
2. Run the command sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Mac OS X Leopard and below.

If you are running Mac OS X 10.5.1 or below, you need to follow the below steps:

1. Open a command terminal.
2. Run the command sudo lookupd -flushcache

Flush DNS Cache on Linux

If you are running the nscd Name Service Cache Daemon and wish to flush your DNS cache, then you will need to do the following.

1. Open up a command terminal (either as root or run step 2 with sudo).
2. Run the command /etc/init.d/nscd restart
3. Now, you just have to restart the NSCD. To do, type the following command

sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart

Finally, ask your question related to the DNS server from the comment section.

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This is the complete DHCP configuration guide on Windows server and Cisco router. The article is based on a step by step guide which helps you configure the DHCP server on Windows Server and Cisco routers easily.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a client/server protocol that automatically provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its IP address and other related configuration information such as the subnet mask and default gateway. RFCs 2131 and 2132 define DHCP as an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard based on Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP), a protocol with which DHCP shares many implementation details. DHCP allows hosts to obtain required TCP/IP configuration information from a DHCP server.

Why we use DHCP in the network? Every device on a TCP/IP-based network must have a unique unicast IP address to access the network and its resources. Without DHCP, IP addresses for new computers or computers that are moved from one subnet to another must be configured manually; IP addresses for computers that are removed from the network must be manually reclaimed. With DHCP, this entire process is automated and managed centrally. The DHCP server maintains a pool of IP addresses and leases an address to any DHCP-enabled client when it starts up on the network. Because the IP addresses are dynamic (leased) rather than static (permanently assigned), addresses no longer in use are automatically returned to the pool for reallocation.

Benefits of DHCP Server.

Reliable IP address configuration. DHCP minimizes configuration errors caused by manual IP address configuration, such as typographical errors, or address conflicts caused by the assignment of an IP address to more than one computer at the same time.

Reduced network administration. DHCP includes the following features to reduce network administration:

• Centralized and automated TCP/IP configuration.
• The ability to define TCP/IP configurations from a central location.
• The ability to assign a full range of additional TCP/IP configuration values by means of DHCP options.
• The efficient handling of IP address changes for clients that must be updated frequently, such as those for portable computers that move to different locations on a wireless network.
• The forwarding of initial DHCP messages by using a DHCP relay agent, which eliminates the need for a DHCP server on every subnet.

DHCP Configuration Guide

• To configure DHCP server on Windows Server 2012 R2 read this article:

Install and Configure DHCP Server on Windows Server 2012 R2

• The step by step DHCP configuration guide on Cisco Router read this article:

How to Configure DHCP on Cisco Router?

• To Configure DHCP server on Windows Server 2016 follows the below step by step guide DHCP configuration video guide.

That’s all a system administrator needs to know about DHCP configuration on Cisco routers and Windows servers. For more information about the dynamic host configuration protocol read some book about DHCP and ask your question through the comment section.

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The step by step guide to install and configure DHCP Server in Windows Server 2012 R2. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the core networking protocol to deploy Internet Protocol (IP) address automatically for network clients. In a small to medium and large networks, the IP address deployment has performed by DHCP Server. A DHCP Server assigns IP addresses to client computers and reduces IP management tasks.The DHCP protocol is available on most used Wireless Access point devices with preconfiguring of basic DHCP services for home users.

But in the enterprise network, DHCP Server require installation and configuration. In Microsoft Windows Server it a role base service. You must install it first and configure to work correctly. So I don’t take about DHCP Server on Cisco routers now because this article is about DCHP installation and configuration of Windows Server 2012 R2. 

 1. Install and Configure DHCP Server Role

To install DHCP Serve go to Dashboard on Server Manager and click Manage then click Add Rules and Features.

In the Role installation window select Role-based or feature-based installation the click Next.

Choose the server you want to install DHCP from the Server pool. Here we have one server and select by default.

From the Roles list select DHCP Server. When the Add Roles and Features Wizard Page opened, click Add Features then Click Next. That will install required features for DHCP Server.

In the Features window, do not change anything, just click Next.

Once read the information about DHCP Server and click Next button.

In the Confirm Installation page, select Restart the destination server automatically if required. Click Yes the warning window and click Install.

The installation will take a minute,when it has completed successfully click Complete DHCP Configuration link.

Read DHCP Post-Install configuration wizard description and click Next.

Set the appropriate user for management of DHCP Server. Here I leave it by default because the administrator (Shais) has the right privilege to perform DHCP Server configuration.

On the DHCP summary window clicks Close and close the DHCP Installation page also.

2. Configure DHCP Server and Create Scope

Now try to set up the installed DHCP server and create Scope to lease IP address for clients.

Type dhcpmgmt.msc in Windows Run and press enter to open DHCP management console.

On DHCP console window expends the domain name and IPv4.  Right, click the IPv4 the click New Scope.

Click Next on the New Scope Wizard page.

In the Scope, name defines the name of Scope and write any description then click Next.

Assign the start IP address range and the end IP address range. I have set from 192.168.100.1 to 192.168.100.254 which is a class C IP address. Leave the length 24 by default and click Next.

Add the exclusive range prevent them from leasing to the client by DHCP Server. The IP address range which reserved is use for Network Servers and popular workstation. Here I add 192.168.100.1 to 192.168.100.15.  Just set the IP address and click Add button then click Next.

Let the Lease Duration by default and click Next.

Only click Next the Configure DHCP Options, and Yes, I want to configure these options now must be checked.

If you have a router in your network, set the router IP address and click Add button, then click Next.

Type your domain name, and it’s IP address then click Next.

Do nothing for WINS Servers, because we don’t use WINS Server ether. Just click Next.

In Active Scope, windows click Next. Be sure the Yes, I want to active this scope now must check.

Finally, click Finish to close and finalize the installation of DHCP Server in Windows Server 2012 R2.

Now you can assign the IP address to your network clients automatically trough this DHCP Server.

How to Install DHCP Server on Windows Server 2016?

If you don’t like to read more details, just watch this simple lab manual to install and configure DHCP Server on your Windows Server.

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The installation of Kali Linux is a bit difficult for new users. So in this article, we help you to install Kali Linux version 2.0 on VMWare. The Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing.

The first thing you need to install VMware on your computer and create a Virtual Machine for Kali Linux then set up a Penetration Testing Lab.

• How to Create Virtual Machine on VMWare?

The second step is to download the latest version of Kali Linux for you Pentest Lab.

• Download Kali Linux 

How to Install Kali Linux On VMWare?

Now I assume that you have installed VMWare, created a virtual machine and the Kali Linux image downloaded successfully. So you are ready to install Kali Linux.

1. Open the VMWare and run the Kali Linux virtual machine to boot the Kali.

2. Select Graphical Install from Boot menu with arrow keys and press enter.

3. Choose your system language and click Continue or press enter.

4. Select your location for local page and click Continue.

5. Select American English from Configure the Keyboard page or what keyboard standard you are using then click Continue.

6. From the Configure the Network page, type your hostname and click Continue.

7. Leave the Domain name empty and click Continue if you don’t have a directory server.

8. Set a password for the root user and click Continue. Don’t forget the password. If you forgot the password read the Reset Kali Linux Password topic.

9. Select the time zone of your location from Configure the Clock page then click Continue.

10. On the Partition Disks page, select Guided-use entire disk then click Continue.

11. On the above screen do nothing and click Continue.

12. Select All files in one partition (recommended for new users) and then click Continue.

13. Select Finish partition and write changes to disk then click Continue to apply the changes for partitioning the hard disk.

14. Finally, select Yes the click Continue to implement the changes.

It takes time to finish the installation, so be patient and drink a cup of tea.  😉

15. For Configure the package manager selects No and click Continue.

16. Select Yes to install the GRUB boot loader on a hard disk and click Continue.

17. On the Install, the GRUB boot loader on a hard disk page select /dev/sda then clicks Continue.

18. Finally, the installation has finished successfully. Click Continue.

The system will reboot and log in as root user and password you have entered.

Yes, welcome to Kali Linux v2.0.

That’s all. Hope you can install Kali Linux without any problems.

The post How to Install Kali Linux on VMware for Penetration Testing? appeared first on TECHNIG.

Install and configure DNS Server which is a standard network protocol and a hierarchical distributed naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet or a private network.

Install and Configure DNS Server in Windows Server

From Windows Server 2012 R2 dashboard, click on Manage tab and then click Add Roles and Features to open the Add Roles and Features Wizard page and click Next.

On the opened page select Role-based or features-based installation and click Next.

We want to install on the local machine, so select the server you want to install DNS from server pool section and then click Next.

In the Server Roles page, select DNS Server, in the opened page click Add Features. These are the required features needed to install with DNS Server, and then click Next.

On the Features page, do nothings and click Next.

The DNS Server page read the information and click Next.

On the Confirmation page, tick the Restart the destination server automatically if required and click Yes warning page then click Install.

The installation process will take a few minutes. When the installation succeeded, close the page and open the DNS Server console.

The installation has accomplished successfully. Now to to create DNS Zone.

How to Create DNS Zone in Windows Server 2012 R2

Creating zone in DNS Server is easy, but need some basic knowledge to understand the difference between zones and types of zone you need to create.

   Primary zone: When a zone that this DNS server hosts is a primary zone, the DNS server is the primary source for information about this zone, and it stores the master copy of zone data in a local file or in AD DS. When the zone is stored in a file, by default the primary zone file is named zone_name.dns and it is located in the %windir%\System32\Dns folder on the server.

Secondary zone: When a zone that this DNS server hosts is a secondary zone, this DNS server is a secondary source for information about this zone. The zone at this server must be obtained from another remote DNS server computer that also hosts the zone. This DNS server must have network access to the remote DNS server that supplies this server with updated information about the zone. Because a secondary zone is merely a copy of a primary zone that is hosted on another server, it cannot be stored in AD DS.

Stub zone: When a zone that this DNS server hosts is a stub zone, this DNS server is a source only for information about the authoritative name servers for this zone. The zone at this server must be obtained from another DNS server that hosts the zone. This DNS server must have network access to the remote DNS server to copy the authoritative name server information about the zone. Read more: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc771898.aspx

So we try to create Primary Zone. From DNS Manager console right click Forward Lookup zones and click New Zone. 

On the New Zone Wizard page click Next.

Select Primary zone from Zone type page and then click Next.

Type the Domain Name or your domain to Zone name then click Next go to the next page.

On the Zone File page, just click Next.

Leave the Dynamic Update configuration by default and click Next.

Finally click Finish to complete the installation.

That’s all the step by step installation and configuration of DNS Server on Windows Server 2012 R2.

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This is how to easily install ADK and MDT in Windows Server 2016 for Windows Deployment. The current version of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is MDT 2013 update 1. MDT is a solution accelerator for operating system and application deployment. MDT supports the deployment of client operating systems and server operating systems. In this post, we are going to show you how to install and configure MDT and ADK for Windows 10 in Windows Server 2016 which works the same as Windows Server 2012 R2.

The methods of installation and configuration of all Microsoft Deployment Tool kits are the same. So don’t worry, just download the MDT required components ADK for Windows 10 or for older Windows and start installing.

You might need to read for Windows deployment Services:

1. How to install Windows Deployment Service WDS In Windows Server 2012 R2?
2. Configure Windows Deployment Services on Server 2012 R2
3. Deploying Windows 10 Using WDS Server 2012 R2

Download and Install ADK and MDT

The first kit we need to download is the Windows ADK for Windows 10. The second one is the latest update of the Microsoft deployment tool kit. Download the Microsoft deployment tool kit update 1 files from the Microsoft website. Always try to download the latest version of MDT.

In our practicing lab, we are using MDT 2013 update 1 which supports Windows 10 and Windows Server Server 2016. You can download Windows ADK for Windows 10 with two methods. Download and Install at the same time or download all components in a separate Windows and move it to Windows Server. So I have selected the second one. First, download all Windows ADK for Windows 10 and now try to install it.

1. Let’s download all components of Windows ADK for Windows 10 and then install it.

• • Download the Windows ADK for Windows 10 and run the setup.

2. Select the Download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit – Windows 10 for installation on a separate computer and Browns to specify the path then click Next.

3. It’s a test lab so select No and click Next. On the license terms and agreement page click Accept to accept the Windows Kits privacy.

4. It is almost 3 and a half GB in size. When the download is complete successfully, move or copy files to Windows Server 2016 then run the adksetup file to install it.

5. Specify a location or click Next to select the default location. Then on the Windows Kits privacy page select No and on the license terms and agreement page Accept.

6. Now select the features you want to install. Don’t select unnecessary features. Click Next to install it.

7. It will take a few minutes to complete. When it is finished, close the page.

Now the Windows ADK for Windows 10 is installed successfully in Windows Server 2016. The next step is to install the Microsoft Deployment tool kit.

How to Download and Install MDT?

So the installation of Windows ADK for Windows 10 has finished successfully. Now try to download and install Microsoft Deployment tool kit update 1.

• Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2013 Update 1 and run the setup.

1. Run the downloaded Microsoft deployment tool kit setup file and click Next.

2. Select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next.

3. Click Next and do nothing on this page because we need tools and documents.

4. For testing lab select I don’t want to join the program at this time and click Next.

5. Click Install to start the installation. Let the installation will be finished. Finally, click Finish to close the page.

Yes, that’s it. The Microsoft deployment tool kit was also installed successfully. If you are faced with some errors or problems during the installation, try to search for the title on Google or comment to us through this post.

6. Now go to Windows Server 2016 start menu and run the Deployment Workbench.

Here is the Windows deployment Workbench. It is ready for Windows Deployment and Application Deployment.

Now the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is ready for configuration and deploying new operating systems and Applications.

It’s time to configure the MDT and start deploying Windows 10 with MDT. Continue the article about deploying Windows 10 using MDT in Windows Server 2016. So that’s all you need to install ADK and MDT for your Windows Deployment Server in Windows Server 2016.

The post How to Install ADK and MDT in Windows Server 2016? appeared first on TECHNIG.

Here is another Hyper-v and Linux article about how to install Linux Fedora on Hyper-v Windows 10. The Linux Fedora (formerly Fedora Core) is an operating system based on the Linux kernel, developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat. Fedora contains software distributed under a free and open-source license and aims to be on the leading edge of such technologies.

Install Linux Fedora on Hyper-v

For prerequisites to install Linux Fedora on Hyper-v, you must have the Linux Fedora image or DVD. To download the Image, go to its official website and download Linux Fedora. The downloaded image is a live Fedora. The Fedora Workstation Live image allows you to make media for your computer that provides a complete, running Fedora Workstation you can run right away. You can use the Live image to test and play with Fedora without making changes to your hard disk. When you are ready, you can install Fedora to your hard disk from the Live image.

To use this image, you need a drive that can create or “burn” DVDs, or a USB flash drive at least as big as the image.

• Create a Linux Bootable USB

While you are installing Linux Fedora on Hyper-v, you don’t need to have a bootable USB. Because you can use this image directory to install it on Hyper-v or other virtualization software.

1. Open the Hyper-V on Windows 10 and create a virtual machine for Fedora Linux. If you are new with Hyper-v, try to read the Hyper-v for beginners article. A Linux installation on Hyper-v article will help you better.

• How to Install Linux Mint on Hyper-v? Using this article to create a virtual machine.

2. When you have created a virtual machine, open and run with Linux Fedora Image. It will load the Fedora boot section.

3. Select Start Fedora Live and press enter to boot with Fedora live workstation. If you want to test the Fedora before installation, select Try Fedora. Otherwise chose the Install to Hard Drive and continue the installation process.

4. Select the exact language you want to have on Linux Fedora and click Continue.

5. Select the timezone, network interface, and hard disk partition. I’m installing on Hyper-v virtual machine and I do not care about losing files from hard disk. But when you installing on a physical hard disk, make sure of losing files.

6. When everything has been configured, click Begin Installation. On the User Settings page, set a root password and create a user for yourself.

Note: When you creating users for Linux Fedora, check the tick’s of  Make this user administrator to join the user to admins group. 

7. Don’t do anything, let the system will install software, installing boot loader and everything that your system need. Finally when Fedora successfully installed and ready for you to use. Go ahead and reboot to start using it.

8. The final configurations are selecting keyboard, language, timezone and location. Chose all the exact you want then finalize the initial configuration and start using Fedora as the guest machine on Hyper-v beside your Windows 10.

That’s all you have to do for installing Linux Fedora on Hyper-v Windows 10. Let us know your problems with Linux Fedora and Hyper-v.

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