https://github.com/camo-za/windows-vm-lab
Hands-on VirtualBox lab documenting Windows Client and Windows Server (AD DS) administration for CompTIA A+ and Junior SysAdmin skills.
https://github.com/camo-za/windows-vm-lab
active-directory comptia-a-plus helpdesk it-support junior-sysadmin networking-basics sysadmin system-administration virtualbox vm-lab windows-10 windows-11 windows-administration windows-server-2022
Last synced: about 2 months ago
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Hands-on VirtualBox lab documenting Windows Client and Windows Server (AD DS) administration for CompTIA A+ and Junior SysAdmin skills.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/camo-za/windows-vm-lab
- Owner: camo-za
- Created: 2025-10-21T19:01:10.000Z (9 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-11-22T21:26:25.000Z (8 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-11-22T23:20:17.403Z (8 months ago)
- Topics: active-directory, comptia-a-plus, helpdesk, it-support, junior-sysadmin, networking-basics, sysadmin, system-administration, virtualbox, vm-lab, windows-10, windows-11, windows-administration, windows-server-2022
- Homepage:
- Size: 23.6 MB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
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README
# 💻 VirtualBox VM Lab – Windows Client & Server Administration
This project showcases the complete setup, configuration, and administration of a **Windows 10/11 client environment** and a **Windows Server 2022 Active Directory domain**, all built and documented using **Oracle VirtualBox**.
It forms part of my **CompTIA A+ certification study**, hands-on technical development, and preparation for an **IT Support / Junior SysAdmin role**.
---
## 🌱 Project Overview
This lab simulates real-world IT Support and System Administration tasks in a controlled virtual environment.
It covers:
- Operating system installation (Windows client & server)
- Virtual hardware configuration
- System configuration & user management
- File system permissions
- Networking & DNS
- Active Directory Domain Services
- Group Policy management
- System maintenance & snapshots
- Troubleshooting and admin tools
All work is fully documented with **screenshots**, organised into clearly structured sections.
---
## 🖥️ Virtual Machines Created
### **🖼️ Windows Client VM — Windows 10 & Windows 11**
This project began with a Windows 10 VM (**Sections 0–3**) and was later rebuilt on Windows 11 (**Sections 4–7**) for improved performance and updated tools.
All tasks align with **CompTIA A+** and beginner **SysAdmin** objectives.
---
### **Windows 10 (Sections 0–3)**
- Installed from Windows 10 Evaluation ISO
- Configured system restore point and local user accounts
- Practised file system & folder permissions
- Compared **Control Panel vs Settings**
- Explored Task Manager, Event Viewer, and built-in troubleshooting tools
---
### **Windows 11 (Sections 4–7)**
- Installed from clean Windows 11 Evaluation ISO
- Practised core networking commands (`ipconfig`, `ping`, `tracert`, `nslookup`)
- Used administrative tools:
- Windows Update
- Restore points
- File History
- Firewall
- Defender
- UAC
- Explored security basics and administrative utilities
📁 **Screenshots Folder:** `Windows_VM/Screenshots/`
Organised by section:
- Section 0 – VM Setup
- Section 1 – User Accounts & Permissions
- Section 2 – File System & Extensions
- Section 3 – Control Panel vs Settings
- Section 4 – Networking Basics
- Section 5 – System Tools & Utilities
- Section 6 – Updates & Restore
- Section 7 – Security
---
## 🏢 Windows Server 2022 VM — Active Directory Domain
(*Sections 8–14*)
A full Windows Server 2022 domain environment was created to simulate real SysAdmin work.
### 🛠️ Key Tasks Completed
- Installed Windows Server 2022
- Performed server configuration (hostname, networking, time sync)
- Installed **Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)**
- Promoted server to a **Domain Controller**
- Created & managed **domain users and security groups**
- Built an **Organisational Unit (OU)** structure
- Created and applied **Group Policy Objects (GPOs)**
- Configured DNS for domain operations
- Performed system maintenance using **Disk Cleanup**
- Managed and documented VM snapshots for rollback protection
📁 **Screenshots Folder:** `Windows_Server/Screenshots/`
Organised by section:
- Section 8 – Server Installation
- Section 9 – Server Configuration Basics
- Section 10 – AD DS Installation
- Section 11 – Domain Users & Groups
- Section 12 – OU Structure
- Section 13 – GPO Management
- Section 14 – Snapshots & Maintenance
---
## 🧰 Tools & Technologies Used
| Tool / Platform | Purpose |
|-----------------|---------|
| Oracle VirtualBox | Virtualisation platform for VMs |
| Windows 10 / 11 ISOs | Client OS installation |
| Windows Server 2022 ISO | Domain Controller installation |
| PowerShell & CMD | Command-line practice & configuration |
| Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) | GPO creation & management |
| Snipping Tool / Screenshot Manager | Documentation & tracking |
| GitHub | Version control & project presentation |
---
## 🎯 Current Learning Focus
- Use Windows client & server lab to practise troubleshooting scenarios
- Continue studying for **CompTIA A+ (Core 1 & Core 2)**
- Apply admin skills to further practical labs
- Keep documenting milestones for LinkedIn and GitHub
---
## 👤 Author
Created by **Cameron Young**
🔗 [GitHub Profile](https://github.com/camo-za)
🔗 [LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronyoungit)