Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 is an advanced packet checking and application-layer firewall, virtual private network (VPN), and Web cache software that enables improved security and performance of a network.

The purpose of this presentation is to give users an overview of the One-to-One Instruction Advanced User’s Manual. It covers the installation and configuration of ISA Server 2004 to configure Internet access. ISA Server is not one of the most commonly used programs in a business environment mainly because it is an advanced program to use. For this reason, a manual for advanced users has been produced to provide understanding quickly and easily. ISA Server is the security gateway that helps protect your network environment from Internet-based threats and provides users with fast and secure remote access to data and applications.

Configure network connections and check settings such as IP addresses and Subnet Masks. Test connectivity by pinging; if no reply, check all settings and test cables and NICs for functionality. Insert ISA Server 2004 CD into CD-ROM Drive – setup should automatically start.

Select ‘Install ISA Server 2004’ and wait for setup to start. Read through License Agreement and accept only if you agree to abide by all terms and conditions. Enter user name, organisation and product serial number. Choose a suitable type of installation, depending on what components are needed.

In the ISA Advanced User’s Manual, a Custom installation has been chosen. The following components have been selected to be installed: Firewall Services, ISA Server Management and Firewall Client Installation Share. Click ‘Add’ to add address ranges to the Internal Network

Select Network Adapter, leave default settings and tick ‘Internal’. Internal addresses will then appear in the table. Choose OK and go to Next. Tick the box only if earlier versions of Firewall Client software are running.

There is a warning that Services may be disabled during installation. Message will inform when ISA has installed. Web page will appear providing links to updates. Choose Next and install ISA Server Wait a few minutes for installation to complete.

Once Windows has rebooted, open ISA and expand the computer icon. Scroll down, choose ICMP (Ping) and go to the ‘From’ tab. Click the upper Add button. Click Firewall Policy and then Edit System Policy. System Policy Editor will appear.

Expand the Networks folder, select Internal and then ‘Add’. Apply changes at top of the screen. Right click Internal, select Properties and then the Addresses tab. Click Networks on left side and then click Networks tab in middle of screen.

Remove any addresses already there and click ‘Add Adapter’. Select Internal and apply changes. Click Add and expand the ‘Networks’ folder, choose External and then Add. Select Web Chaining tab on the middle bar. Under the Tasks tab, choose ‘Create new web chaining rule’ and name the rule.

Next, choose to redirect requests to a specified upstream server. Enter the server, port and SSL port. Select Firewall Policy and ‘Create a new access rule’ under the Tasks tab. Name the rule. Choose to ignore requests, finish and apply at the top of the page.

Choose to allow all outbound traffic. Click add on the access rule sources screen. Under Access Rule Destinations, click Add under networks, choose ‘External’ then Add. Allow all users, finish and apply. Expand networks, add Internal and Local Host before going to the next screen.

I hope this PowerPoint Presentation was educational and gave a good overview of ISA Server Please consult with the Advanced User’s Manual - Installing and Configuring ISA Server 2004 for more detailed explanations.