Introduction

Installing ISA Server is a relatively simple matter, but you should know what to expect before you run the Installation Wizard. When you are deploying ISA on a production network, it is very important that you have completed and approved your ISA network design before beginning the installation.

Only a few important decisions must be made during the installation. The installation is a software installation; even though a typical Install Shield type of install, this is the part that determines what type of firewall you're setting up on your ISA server. However, you do need to make sure you understand what your ISA server is doing as a firewall, to understand the installation process.

Putting Together Your Flight Plan

To ensure that your installation goes smoothly, have the answers to the following questions before you begin:

• Where are the installation files?

• Do you have appropriate permissions to install ISA Server?

• What is the CD key, and where is the product license?

• Will the Active Directory Schema need to be updated?

• What server mode will you use?

• Where will you store the program files, log files, and Web cache?

• What are the network IDs for the hosts on your internal network?

• What ISA features do you want to include in your installation?

• Will you be creating or joining an array?

Let's look at these points in a little more detail before beginning the installation.