Windows 7: Active directory

I am very new to active directory. Hence I need to make my basics strong. Hence if any one could answer this for me please.
If I run a company, say 'a financial', If I have 10 users. I have also installed windows server 2008 in one of my computers and
given windows vista to the client computers. How will I make the client computers connect to my server? If I install DHCP server
will it give private IP or APIPA(169.X.X.X). With APIPA could I communicate? Also I dont have ISP becuase I am not hosting a webste.
Is it possible to have active directory in this environment? Or to have active directory I should always be conected to the internet?

Welcome to SF.

On the client, right click on computer. Left click on properties. Under computer name, domain, and workgroup settings -> select "change settings".

I typically select "Change" to specify the domain. You might want to use the wizard.

Hi ajishb03,

If you are up for a big challenge, you may configure your Windows 2008 Server as a Domain Controller, AD will be created automatically. It is always a good practice to configure DHCP and don't forget the DNS from the Server, then you may create/add all 10 Users in AD Users & Computers - see Lemur's Post on how to join a computer in your Domain Controller.

If you decide not to configure DHCP in your Server, you may enable DHCP from your Router (it will create conflict if your have both enabled). Make sure that all your 10 PC's have DHCP or Auto IP Enabled, they will have to receive the IP Addresses from your Router or Server. You will get the IPIPA Addressing if the IP is not configured properly from your network.

If this is the first time that you are setting up a Domain Network, you will need to do a lot of reading and training. A few others will go through some professional In-Person training, I was one of those.

A good Tutorial here on how to configure a Windows 2008 Server as your first DC.

You don't have to have a Domain Network, Workgroup will also do.

Hope this helps.

You don't have to be on the Internet for Active Directory. If you setup a DHCP server, you can have the server hand out IP's on any range you like, APIPA is just what is used when a DHCP server cannot be found. If the machines all got APIPA addresses, they could talk to one another as they are technically on the same subnet.

I question why you would ever put Vista on the workstations though. Windows 7 is a much better choice, and often times easier on less capable hardware.

One thing of note: I see that at least your listed system is home premium.

Remember that not all versions of vista will be able to join a domain. (in vista home premium and basic can not join)

Thanks

Thank you for your reply too. Ok if internet is not required for active directory to work, then that means DNS server works for intranet as well??? Because I learned active directory cannot work without DNS server and I thought DNS server works only for internet. If DNS works for intranet (locally) then why we use www.x.com for domain.. could www be used locally for an intranet???

sure mate

Thank you so much... so do you mean we could set an active directory on a work group as well. ??

you guys make learning easier...please contribute more....