IBM SG24-4763-00 manual

This soft copy for use by IBM employees only.

5.5.1 Naming the Server

Enter the name you want to assign to this server.

This name identifies this server on the network and it has to be unique on the network. Put some thought into naming your servers, as it will save you a lot of duplication and effort during the life cycle of your network. You have the option to change the name of the server later but some of the server-based applications that you will install are dependent on the server name when they are operating. These applications will cause you endless pain and effort if you want to change their settings.

The name must be unique. You will not be allowed to use a name that is the name of an existing domain in your network.

Note: Avoid using the name you intend to assign as the domain name later in the process, as you will run into some obstacles when you reach that phase of the process.

5.5.2 Selecting the Server Type

At this point you will be asked to select the server type. Setup gives you three choices:

1. Primary domain controller (PDC)

Depending on the design of your network, you may have one or more domains. For each domain, you will have only one primary domain controller, which will have a unique domain name (as well as a unique computer name). You can have several domains but only one primary domain controller can exist on a network for any domain.

2. Backup domain controller (BDC)

For each primary domain controller, it may be appropriate that you also have a backup domain controller to take over domain management functions if the primary controller fails. The BDC keeps a copy of the account database that resides on the primary controller.

3. Stand-alone server

This server type is typically secondary to the domain controllers. Depending on your network design, it may be a single function server. The stand-alone server acts in a peer-to-peer network capacity without the advanced security features found on the primary domain controller.

Refer to the NT 4.0 documentation for more information on these server types.

In our testing, we selected our computer to function as the primary domain controller. At this point, setup asks for the domain name. By default, setup offers DOMAIN as the domain name. Refer to your network administrator for your site′s naming conventions. If you specify a domain name already in use, the Windows NT server service will not start.

Chapter 5. Installing Windows NT Server 4.0 95