> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/zyberlab/01-lab-setup/lab-setup.md).

# Lab Setup Overview

This section builds the small virtual environment used for the first ZyberLab exercises.

The objective is not to create a complex enterprise network. We will start with only the systems required to learn Windows, Active Directory, security logging, and basic network analysis.

## What We Are Building

The first environment contains:

```
Windows 11 Host
     │
VMware Workstation
     │
VMware Virtual Network
     │
 ┌───┴───────────┐
 │               │
DC01          CLIENT01
Windows       Windows 11
Server
```

Later, additional systems such as Kali Linux, Ubuntu, Sysmon, Wazuh, or vulnerable applications can be introduced only when a lab requires them.

## Initial Virtual Machines

| System     | Purpose                                                    | Suggested Resources            |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| `DC01`     | Windows Server, later used as the domain controller        | 2 vCPU, 4–6 GB RAM, 60 GB disk |
| `CLIENT01` | Windows workstation used for domain and security exercises | 2 vCPU, 4–6 GB RAM, 60 GB disk |

These are starting values. They can be adjusted depending on available host resources and operating-system requirements.

## Build Order

Follow this order:

1. Prepare VMware Workstation.
2. Create `DC01`.
3. Create `CLIENT01`.
4. Confirm both systems can communicate.
5. Take clean snapshots.
6. Continue to the Active Directory labs.

## Naming Convention

Simple names make screenshots, logs, and troubleshooting easier to understand.

* `DC01` — first domain controller
* `CLIENT01` — first Windows client
* `KALI01` — Kali Linux, when added later
* `LINUX01` — general Linux system, when needed

## Snapshot Rule

Take a VMware snapshot at important checkpoints, especially before major configuration changes.

Recommended first snapshots:

* `DC01 - Clean Install`
* `CLIENT01 - Clean Install`

Later snapshots can be taken before Active Directory, Group Policy, Sysmon, or other security changes.

## Completion Check

Before moving to Active Directory, confirm that:

* VMware Workstation is installed and working.
* `DC01` starts normally.
* `CLIENT01` starts normally.
* Both VMs have network connectivity.
* You know the IP address of each VM.
* Clean-install snapshots have been created.

Once these checks pass, the base ZyberLab environment is ready.