Book on Server2003

[LoverBoyJ]

I posted this message on Networking, don't know where this inquiry is supposed to be....

I need recomendations for a really good book for Windows 2003 Server.
I know theres a lot of books for Server2003 but I need one that is complete and easy to understand and helps me to quickly learn the ropes on Server 2003.

BTW, I'm will be taking classes for Server 2003, and hopefully get certified.

 

[Mindflux]

Windows 2003 Server Unleashed.

/thread

Get the R2 edition.. since that's most relevent I guess.

 

[LoverBoyJ]

thanks, I'll take a look at it.

Is there any other books aside from this?

 

[cleverhandle]

I have the Microsoft Press book on 2003, but never really found it very useful for "learning the ropes" kind of stuff. If your primary goal is to be able to use the system in a relatively short period of time, there's no better way to do it than installing it on a test network (VMWare is very useful for this if you don't have extra physical boxes) and trying things out. After that, hitting the books is a lot more productive.

Also, I would note that a number of problems that new Windows admins have come from not really understanding TCP/IP in general, and DNS in particular. I would start by making sure you understand those ideas and can apply them outside of the context of any particular server OS. Though most of the service configuration examples in O'Reilly's "TCP/IP Network Adminstration" are taken from Unix, that book also has several good introductory chapters on general TCP/IP networking. I found it very helpful.

 

[RebateMonger]

You aren't going to find a single Server 2003 book that covers everything you'll need. I probably own twenty Server 2003 books and each is different. I don't own the "Server 2003 Unleashed" book, so I can't comment on it. Book Reviews on Amazon.com are reasonably useful. Eriq O'Neale's "SBS 2003 Unleashed" book is excellent, but that's a whole different topic.

Microsoft has hundreds of free webcasts that you can also watch, as well as hundreds of technical papers. Eventually you'll need to dig into the separate areas of Server 2003:

Domains
DNS
DHCP
Remote Access
Group Policy
Active Directory
Backup and Restoration
Disk Management
Permissions
Performance Monitoring
Security
Terminal Services

Each of these areas has enough material to rate its own book (or two). Plus, of course, there are the Windows Server Applications: Exchange, SQL, ISA, etc.

 

[LoverBoyJ]

thanks for the inputs.

for TCP/IP i'm learning it from my Cisco CCNA class w/c I'm taking at the same time.
I might go to a local bookstore and check it out first before buying.

 

[Smilin]

Best way to learn = Virtual Server

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Smilin
Best way to learn = Virtual Server

= Far better than practicing on your Company's servers.

 

[ReDhAt]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: Smilin
Best way to learn = Virtual Server

= Far better than practicing on your Company's servers.

Indeed. "Mastering Windows Server 2003 by Mark Minasi, Christa Anderson, Michele Beverridge, and C.A. Callahan "

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: Smilin
Best way to learn = Virtual Server

And Microsoft's Action Pack

Best combination of products for any tech, geek, or MCSE (or MCSE wanna-be)

 

[stash]

Hurry up and get your action pack. From what I understand, the rules will be changing soon, and you'll be required to attend training, MS sponsored events, and possibility obtain a certain level of certification.

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: stash
Hurry up and get your action pack. From what I understand, the rules will be changing soon, and you'll be required to attend training, MS sponsored events, and possibility obtain a certain level of certification.

Do those rules appy to renewal or only to initial action pack subscriptions??

 

[LoverBoyJ]

Originally posted by: stash
Hurry up and get your action pack. From what I understand, the rules will be changing soon, and you'll be required to attend training, MS sponsored events, and possibility obtain a certain level of certification.

where do I get this? download?

 

[stash]

Originally posted by: jlbenedict

Originally posted by: stash
Hurry up and get your action pack. From what I understand, the rules will be changing soon, and you'll be required to attend training, MS sponsored events, and possibility obtain a certain level of certification.

Do those rules appy to renewal or only to initial action pack subscriptions??

Don't know.

 

[stash]

Originally posted by: LoverBoyJ

Originally posted by: stash
Hurry up and get your action pack. From what I understand, the rules will be changing soon, and you'll be required to attend training, MS sponsored events, and possibility obtain a certain level of certification.

where do I get this? download?

You get sent physical media: https://partner.microsoft.com/40009735

 

[LoverBoyJ]

can you register your "own" company?