I was able to connect the Windows 2025 Core Server to my Virtual Domain. The Core version does not have a Graphical User Interface. It is not as intimidating as a Linux Command Line. I ran into a couple problems. I tried to assign it an IP address that was already taken (IP Conflict). The Windows System does not tell you that right away. I was confused on why I could ping the Domain Server but the software would not connect. After doing some research I found out the static IP had to be changed. It still did not connect after that. So I had to re-add the correct DNS IP (same as Active Directory Server in this case). When I logged back on the GUI Domain Controller and added the Server to the Server Manager. The server manager can actually add roles and features to servers it controls such as web hosting.
Getting the Virtual Machines to See Each Other
I had to troubleshoot my Oracle VirtualBox software. The instructor used Hyper-V but I prefer VirtualBox. I was trying to connect the second Windows 2025 Server to the First Windows 2025 Server that hosted DNS and Active Directory. It initially said it could not connect. So I tried to ping the computers and it did not work. Then I changed the network adapter settings to go from LAN to Internal. Now they can see each other but not connect to the Internet. To fix that I just have to add an additional Virtual Network Adapter.
Passed Security+ & upgraded my RAM
Yesterday I passed the Security+ Exam. I did not like the fact the exam does not show you the specific questions you missed. I thought I remembers all the abbreviations after reading a book and using a different online test simulator, but I was lost when a few of them came up. I also upgraded my RAM in my laptop. My laptop was close to using 100% of the initial 16GB Ram when I would bootup the Windows 2025 Server on VirtualBox. So I upgraded the RAM to 64GB. I eventually will try to have two servers and a Virtualized Windows 11 PC running on the Virtual Network.
Added Active Directory Services
I got added the Active Directory Role to my Server. You basically create a new forest if it is the first Active Directory Server on your network. The administrator account because the enterprise administrator for the Active Directory. If it is the only Server and no other DNS exist, it also becomes a DNS server.
Windows Server 2025 Core Install
I am currently installing two new Windows 2025 Core Virtual Machines for my Virtual Network. These servers will not have a graphical user interface. I am going to have to modify some networking settings because the instructor is using Hyper V and not VirtualBox. I am also going to have to install more RAM.
Pearson VUE Network+ Lab Simulator
I am starting to go through the Pearson VUE Network+ Lab Simulations. I purchased it before getting Certified but mainly used Udemy and Plural Sight for studying. I took the N10-008 Exam a few days before they retired it. The Peason VUE Lab for the Network+ seems very helpful when you physically don’t have access to a router, switch or other enterprise networking devices. Hopefully they make a Security+ Lab and newer Network+ lab simulator.
Zorin OS Pro Linux Install
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I replaced my second solid state drive on my laptop with the Samsung 990. I had to remove the heatsink to make it fit. It was $10 cheaper at the time compared to the one without the heatsink. I honestly would have paid the extra $10 if I knew it would not fit and I would void the warranty if I removed the heatsink. I installed Zorin OS Pro Linux. It cost around $50. Normally most Linux Flavors (versions) are free. Zorin OS Pro is well worth the price. A few years ago I purchased the Pro and one of the Zorin Staff walked me through some custom scripting to get the Operating System to work on the computer I had at that time. It runs very fast and has a nice interface.
Windows Server 2025 VirtualBox Install
I am currently Studying for my Comptia Security+. I have finished my Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity as well as A+ and Network+ Certification. I decided it is now important to learn platform and hardware specific skills. I initially purchased a low cost key online for Windows Server 2025. I attempted to use it with an evaluation Virtual Machine I downloaded from Microsoft’s Website and it said the key was invalid. I initially attempted to install the ISO with Microsoft Hyper-V and Oracle VirtualBox but failed. After doing some reading I found out VirtualBox made an update so I could install Windows Server 2025. I was finally able to install it. The only issue now is that I have to manually shutdown the server when it restarts or else I just get a blank screen. The good thing now is I can transfer my Virtual Host to my Linux Hard Drive so it will run faster.
Hosting Provider
I chose to use Amazon Web Services for the Domain Name Registration and Hosting of this website. Amazon offers hundreds of web services. One thing I notices is that Amazon will have its own term for a common service.
I previously experimented with Virtual Private Servers from other companies in the past. What I liked about Virtual Private Servers is the fact you have close to complete control of the Server. In Amazon, they branded their Virtual Private Server as LightSail.
I chose to use the custom Linux and WordPress Bitnami Package. It has built in software to easily generate self-signing certificates (TSL/SSL) that automatically renew on its own. Normally if you use a Linux Server you have to install Linux, Apache, MySQL, & PHP before you can install WordPress. After that you have to also install self-signing certificate generator and configure Apache. The initial setup took longer than expected. I initially had to keep recreating the Virtual Private Server and relinking the IP address and Domain Name Server settings. It seemed like there was a specific order it had to be done or else it would simply not work. The install directories are slightly different with Bitnami but you still have the same functionality as a normal Linux System. One thing you really can’t do is change the Kernel. The Kernel is specifically designed to run as a Virtual Private Server.