Setting up a domain controller in 2012

So, we all know Server 2012 is entirely different from the others. I need to perform a few tasks on Server 2012, but am having difficulties..

These are all tasks that would take me 10 minutes in 2008. It's frustrating that I cannot do this on 2012 environment but here goes:

1.) Create and configure a server as a domain controller: DCPromo is apparently dead. I couldn't even NAME my server without an error popping up. What credentials do they want? I used my Server 2012 user/pass and it didn't work.

2.) I need to setup a SMTP server - which is also different in 2012. How do I configure this?

3.) Send a test email using Telnet from the SMTP server I setup. Again, all easy things in previous versions - but I cannot figure this out in 2012.

Any suggestions or help would be great. I have no experience in 2012, but need to complete these tasks for a very important opportunity.

Thank you.

via Bleeping Computer Last 20 Posts http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/476757/setting-up-a-domain-controller-in-2012/