[Coco] OT: setting up default gateway ip address

[N8WQ]

Gang,
I am attempting to set up a stand alone server on my computer desk for 
learning purposes.
My goal at the moment is to have a backup server for my laptop. I also 
want to learn how to create user accounts using Active Directory and 
learn server maintenance in general.

The only computer hooked up to my server (at the moment) will be my 
laptop. Later, as I learn what I am doing (LOL) I will add more connections.

Please forgive my newbie questions but I a beginner at learning 
networking. I have used Google and done some searching, but I find the 
information out there to be very confusing.

1. Do I have to have a router or can I use a Ethernet Switch between my 
server and my laptop?

2. What IP addresses should I use for my server? I need to input a 
static IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and preferred DNS 
server. I am using the Microsoft Training kit for Windows 2003 Server, 
so I want my stand alone server to be a domain controller and DNS server 
if possible.

3. I am using a wireless router for my internet connection for all of my 
computers in my home, but it is not necessary for my server to be 
connected to the internet.

My server equipment is the following:
Desktop Computer: Sempron CPU, 1 Gig RAM, 160 Gig hard drive, integrated 
LAN controller
Ethernet Switch:  5 ports

Thanks for the bandwidth!

O. Alan Jones

-- 
N8WQ - Canal Winchester, Ohio
http://exwn8jef.googlepages.com/home
CompTIA: A+ Certified Professional