Home Lab Flashcards
(11 cards)
🛠️ How to Set Up a Home Lab?
Option 1: Virtual Home Lab (Budget-Friendly & Flexible)
Requirements:
• A computer with good specs (at least 16 GB RAM, multi-core CPU, SSD, ~500GB+ storage).
• Virtualization software:
• VirtualBox (free)
• VMware Workstation Player (free for personal use)
• GNS3 or EVE-NG for network simulations.
Steps:
1. Install your preferred hypervisor (VirtualBox, VMware, etc.).
2. Download ISO files or virtual appliances (Linux, Windows, pfSense, Cisco IOS images, etc.).
3. Create virtual machines or network topologies.
4. Use GNS3/EVE-NG for advanced router/switch/firewall emulation.
5. Configure networking between VMs (NAT, bridged, internal networks).
🛠️ How to Set Up a Home Lab?
Option 2: Physical Home Lab (More Realistic, More Expensive)
Requirements:
• Old or used networking gear:
• Cisco routers (e.g., 2811, 1841)
• Cisco switches (e.g., 2960, 3560)
• Patch cables and a rack/shelf
• Power strip and possibly a managed power unit
• A PC or laptop for console access
Steps:
1. Buy used gear on eBay or local marketplaces.
2. Connect devices via console cables and configure using terminal tools (e.g., PuTTY).
3. Create network topologies (routing, VLANs, ACLs, STP, etc.).
4. Document your setup and test various configurations.
How to add a computer or a user to a domain?
Steps (Windows 10/11):
Open System Settings:
Right-click This PC > Properties
Or: Press Windows + I > System > About
Click on “Domain or Workgroup” Settings:
Under “Related settings” > Click System info
Then click Change settings (under “Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings”)
In the System Properties dialog:
Click Change next to “To rename this computer or change its domain…”
Choose “Domain”:
Select the Domain option (not Workgroup)
Enter the domain name (e.g., corp.company.com)
Enter Credentials:
When prompted, enter the domain admin or a delegated user account authorized to join devices.
Restart the Computer:
Once successful, you’ll be asked to restart.
Login problems during connecting to a domain?
When you have a problem during login to a domin, First change the DNS ip Address of Client to ip address of server
also turn off the firewall
How to create an Active Directory?
To create an Active Directory (AD) domain, you’ll need to install and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) on a Windows Server machine. Below are step-by-step instructions for creating a new AD forest and domain.
✅ Requirements:
A Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022 or later)
A static IP address configured
A strong administrator password
(Optional) A meaningful domain name like corp.local or mycompany.com
🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Create Active Directory
🔹 Step 1: Set Static IP Address (Optional but Recommended)
Go to Network and Sharing Center
Click Change adapter settings
Right-click the network adapter > Properties
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties
Set a static IP, subnet mask, gateway, and preferred DNS (point to itself: 127.0.0.1 or the server IP)
🔹 Step 2: Rename the Server (Optional)
Open Server Manager > Click Local Server
Click the computer name > Change to a meaningful name (e.g., DC1)
Reboot after renaming
🔹 Step 3: Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
Open Server Manager
Click Manage > Add Roles and Features
Click Next until you reach Server Roles
Check Active Directory Domain Services
Click Next and complete the wizard
After installation, click the flag icon at the top > Promote this server to a domain controller
🔹 Step 4: Promote the Server to a Domain Controller
Choose one of the following based on your goal:
To create a new forest:
Select Add a new forest
Enter your root domain name (e.g., corp.local)
Set Domain Controller Options:
Choose Forest functional level and Domain functional level (e.g., 2016)
Leave defaults: DNS Server (checked), Global Catalog (checked), RODC (unchecked)
Set Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password
Continue clicking Next through the wizard
Click Install
💡 The server will restart automatically when done.
🔹 Step 5: Verify AD Setup
After reboot:
Log in as: domain\Administrator
Open Server Manager > Tools > Active Directory Users and Computers
You should now see your domain and be able to manage users, groups, and computers.
How do I install a server?
To install a server, you need to decide what kind of server you are setting up and for what purpose (e.g., file server, Active Directory domain controller, web server). Here’s a general guide for installing a Windows Server (e.g., Windows Server 2019 or 2022) on a physical machine or virtual machine.
🖥️ PART 1: Install Windows Server (Base OS)
✅ Requirements:
Windows Server ISO file (download from Microsoft or use licensed media)
A physical or virtual machine (VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V)
Minimum specs:
1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
2 GB RAM (minimum), 4 GB+ recommended
32 GB disk (minimum), 64 GB+ recommended
🔹 Step-by-Step: Installing Windows Server
Boot from Installation Media:
Mount ISO or boot from USB/DVD
Select language, time, keyboard → Click Next
Click “Install Now”
Select Edition:
Choose between Standard or Datacenter
Choose with Desktop Experience if you want a GUI (recommended for beginners)
Accept License Agreement → Click Next
Choose Installation Type:
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
Select the Drive:
Choose a partition or create a new one
Click Next
Wait for Installation to Complete
Server will reboot automatically
Set Administrator Password
Enter a strong password and press Finish
Login
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del, log in as Administrator
🎉 You now have a Windows Server installed!
🛠️ PART 2: Perform Initial Configuration
After installation:
Open Server Manager
Set Static IP Address
Change Computer Name
Join a domain (if applicable)
Enable Remote Desktop (if desired)
⚙️ PART 3: Install Server Roles (Optional)
Common server roles:
Role Use
AD DS Active Directory Domain Controller
DHCP Automatically assign IP addresses
DNS Domain Name System services
File and Storage Services File sharing and storage
Web Server (IIS) Host websites
Hyper-V Run virtual machines
To install a role:
Open Server Manager
Click Manage > Add Roles and Features
Follow the wizard:
Select server
Select roles/features
Complete installation
✅ Summary
You’ve now learned:
How to install Windows Server (GUI or Core)
How to configure it (name, IP, RDP)
How to install server roles (like AD, DHCP, IIS)
What do I need to install a windows operating system?
What You Need to Install Windows
1. Windows Installation Media
ISO file (downloaded from Microsoft)
🔹 Windows 10
🔹 Windows 11
🔹 Windows Server
OR
A bootable USB with Windows setup
- Valid Product Key (if required)
You can skip it during installation and activate it later. - PC/Server or Virtual Machine
Either a physical computer or a virtual machine (VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V) - Minimum System Requirements
For Windows 10/11:
CPU: 1 GHz or faster, 64-bit processor
RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Disk: 64 GB minimum
TPM 2.0 (for Windows 11)
For Windows Server 2019/2022:
CPU: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
RAM: 2 GB minimum
Disk: 32 GB minimum
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Installing Windows
🔹 Step 1: Create Bootable USB (if needed)
Use Rufus to make a bootable USB:
Plug in a USB (8 GB+)
Open Rufus
Select ISO image
Click Start
🔹 Step 2: Boot from Installation Media
Insert USB/DVD and restart your computer
Enter BIOS/UEFI (F2, Del, Esc, or F12) and set boot order
Boot from USB/DVD
🔹 Step 3: Install Windows
Choose Language, Time, Keyboard > Click Next
Click Install Now
Enter product key (or click “I don’t have a key”)
Choose the Windows edition (Home, Pro, or Server edition)
Accept license terms
Choose Custom: Install Windows only
Select your drive/partition (format or create new)
Click Next and wait for installation
🔹 Step 4: Initial Setup
After restart:
Set username and password
Choose region, keyboard layout
(Optional) Sign in with Microsoft account
Choose privacy and update settings
🔒 Optional: Post-Installation Steps
Install drivers (if not automatic)
Run Windows Update
Install necessary software
Activate Windows (via internet or license key)
Create recovery backup (optional)
Top skill in IT to have?
Attention to documentation details
How to install an operating system inside the virtual environment?
What You Need to Install Windows
1. Windows Installation Media
ISO file (downloaded from Microsoft)
🔹 Windows 10
🔹 Windows 11
🔹 Windows Server
OR
A bootable USB with Windows setup
- Valid Product Key (if required)
You can skip it during installation and activate it later. - PC/Server or Virtual Machine
Either a physical computer or a virtual machine (VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V) - Minimum System Requirements
For Windows 10/11:
CPU: 1 GHz or faster, 64-bit processor
RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Disk: 64 GB minimum
TPM 2.0 (for Windows 11)
For Windows Server 2019/2022:
CPU: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
RAM: 2 GB minimum
Disk: 32 GB minimum
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Installing Windows
🔹 Step 1: Create Bootable USB (if needed)
Use Rufus to make a bootable USB:
Plug in a USB (8 GB+)
Open Rufus
Select ISO image
Click Start
🔹 Step 2: Boot from Installation Media
Insert USB/DVD and restart your computer
Enter BIOS/UEFI (F2, Del, Esc, or F12) and set boot order
Boot from USB/DVD
🔹 Step 3: Install Windows
Choose Language, Time, Keyboard > Click Next
Click Install Now
Enter product key (or click “I don’t have a key”)
Choose the Windows edition (Home, Pro, or Server edition)
Accept license terms
Choose Custom: Install Windows only
Select your drive/partition (format or create new)
Click Next and wait for installation
🔹 Step 4: Initial Setup
After restart:
Set username and password
Choose region, keyboard layout
(Optional) Sign in with Microsoft account
Choose privacy and update settings
🔒 Optional: Post-Installation Steps
Install drivers (if not automatic)
Run Windows Update
Install necessary software
Activate Windows (via internet or license key)
Create recovery backup (optional)
Would you like help creating a bootable USB step by step, or installing Windows Server on VMware or a physical machine?
You said:
How to install an operating system inside the virtual environment?
ChatGPT said:
Installing an operating system (OS) inside a virtual environment (like VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V) is a common practice for labs, testing, and safe experimentation. Here’s a full step-by-step guide:
🧠 What You Need
Item Description
✅ Virtualization software e.g., VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V
✅ ISO file of the OS e.g., Windows 10/11, Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu, etc.)
✅ Minimum hardware At least 4–8 GB RAM, 50+ GB disk, and virtualization enabled in BIOS
🖥️ Step-by-Step: Installing an OS in a Virtual Machine
Let’s use VirtualBox as an example (very similar for VMware).
🔹 Step 1: Download & Install Virtualization Software
VirtualBox (Free)
VMware Workstation Player (Free for personal use)
Hyper-V (built into Windows Pro/Education)
🔹 Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine
Open VirtualBox / VMware
Click New
Set:
Name: e.g., “Windows 10”
Type: Microsoft Windows
Version: Windows 10 (64-bit) or whatever matches your ISO
Allocate Memory (RAM):
Minimum 2048 MB (Windows 10), 4096 MB recommended
Create Virtual Hard Disk:
Choose VDI/VMDK (default)
Set disk size: e.g., 50 GB
Choose Dynamically allocated (grows as needed)
🔹 Step 3: Attach the ISO
Go to Settings > Storage
Under Controller: IDE, click Empty
Click the disc icon on the right > Choose a disk file
Select your ISO file (e.g., Win10.iso or Ubuntu.iso)
🔹 Step 4: Start the VM and Install the OS
Click Start
The VM will boot from the ISO
Follow the installation steps:
Language, region, product key, partitioning
Wait for setup to complete
🔹 Step 5: Complete Installation
Set user name and password
Install Guest Additions (VirtualBox) or VMware Tools
Adds clipboard sharing, screen resizing, and better performance
✅ Example: Installing Windows 10 in VirtualBox
Download Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft
Open VirtualBox → New → Name: “Win10” → Type: Windows → Version: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Allocate 4 GB RAM
Create a 50 GB virtual hard disk
Attach the ISO under Storage
Start the VM and install Windows like normal
🚀 BONUS TIPS
Snapshots: Take snapshots before risky changes
Network settings: Use “NAT” for internet access, or “Bridged” to make VM visible on your LAN
Shared folders: Enable file exchange between your PC and VM
How much cpu are required for normal machine to run?
🧠 For Basic Use (Home or Office Tasks)
✅ Activities:
Browsing the internet
Watching YouTube/Netflix
Working in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Video calls (Zoom, Teams)
✅ CPU Recommendation:
Dual-core or Quad-core CPU
Example CPUs:
Intel Core i3 (8th Gen or newer)
AMD Ryzen 3
Intel Pentium Gold
Clock Speed: 2.0 GHz or higher
✅ Minimum: 2 cores
✅ Recommended: 4 cores
💻 For Intermediate Use (Multitasking, Light Editing)
✅ Activities:
Running many tabs
Photo editing (Photoshop, GIMP)
Light video editing
Virtualization (1–2 virtual machines)
✅ CPU Recommendation:
Quad-core or Hexa-core (4–6 cores)
Example CPUs:
Intel Core i5 (10th Gen or newer)
AMD Ryzen 5
✅ Minimum: 4 cores
✅ Recommended: 6 cores
🎮 For Gaming, Programming, or Heavy Tasks
✅ Activities:
Gaming
Compiling code
3D rendering
Running multiple virtual machines
✅ CPU Recommendation:
6–12 cores
High clock speed (3.0 GHz+)
Example CPUs:
Intel Core i7/i9
AMD Ryzen 7/9
✅ Minimum: 6 cores
✅ Recommended: 8+ cores
🖥️ Summary Table
Usage Type Min Cores Recommended CPU Example
Basic (office, browsing) 2 Intel i3 / Ryzen 3 Core i3-10100, Ryzen 3 3200G
Intermediate (multitasking) 4 Intel i5 / Ryzen 5 Core i5-11400, Ryzen 5 5600G
Advanced (gaming, VMs) 6–8 Intel i7/i9 / Ryzen 7/9 Core i7-12700K, Ryzen 9 5900X
🔧 Other Important Things Besides CPU:
RAM: At least 8 GB (16 GB recommended for multitasking or VMs)
SSD: Greatly improves speed over HDD
GPU: Only needed for gaming, rendering, or high-end graphics
How to change a Computer Name?
1: Rename Computer via GUI (Windows Settings)
1. Log in to the computer with an account that has administrative rights.
2. Open Settings → System → About.
3. Click “Rename this PC”.
4. Enter the new computer name, then click Next.
5. Restart the computer when prompted.
