Before touching a server, you must understand the "why" behind the structure.
: Study how AD relies on DNS for service location (SRV records) and name resolution. Phase 2: Building Your Lab Active Directory Infrastructure Self-Study Trai...
: While the MCSA is retired, look into the AZ-800 and AZ-801 (Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate) exams. Before touching a server, you must understand the
: Learn the hierarchy of Forests , Domains , Trees , and Organizational Units (OUs) . : Learn the hierarchy of Forests , Domains
: Promote the server to a Domain Controller using the Active Directory Domain Services role.
: Configure a second "Child" domain or a second DC in the same domain to practice Replication . Phase 3: Object Management & Group Policy This is the day-to-day work of an AD administrator.
: Research Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and how Microsoft Entra Connect bridges on-premises AD to the cloud. Recommended Learning Resources Documentation : Microsoft Learn - AD DS Overview