Product Description

The Only Windows Server Resource You Need

The single most comprehensive and understandable book on the subject, Mastering Windows Server 2003 continues author Mark Minasi′s award–winning tradition of clear and comprehensive coverage of Microsoft′s Windows Server products. This book shows you how to plan, configure and install your network, keep it running its best, and fix it if it breaks. And you still get all the coverage you need for the Windows 2000 Server installations that remain part of your environment.

Coverage includes:
∗ Configuring IP, DHCP, DNS, and WINS to achieve the right foundation for your network
∗ DNS explained in everyday English, from basics to advanced design
∗ Designing, running, and maintaining Active Directory–based domains with Server 2003 and 2000 Server
∗ Running your own Web, FTP, and e–mail server with 2003
∗ Controlling hundreds, even thousands, of workstations with group policies and security templates
∗ Tuning and monitoring your network
∗ Securing your network from split–brain DNS to AD delegation to group policies, logs, IPSec, PKI and more
∗ Using Windows Server 2003 to share Internet connections
∗ Complete coverage of all new 2003 features
Real Solutions to Real Challenges
If improving the real–world performance of your network is the bottom line, this book delivers the goods. It shows you how to design and manage a multiple–platform network, build a Windows–based intranet, find the right data backup strategy, prevent and recover from disasters, and much more. There′s no end to what you′ll accomplish with practical, step–by–step instruction from the expert who has actually done it all on live networks!

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29012 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1753 pages

Synopsis
Windows .NET Server 2003 is Microsoft's next iteration of its flagship network operating system. It is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, including file and print management, web application services, remote access and virtual private networking, and streaming media. As successful as its predecessor, Windows 2000 Server, was, industry analysts expect Windows .NET Server to be even more popular, as many companies have postponed upgrading from NT Server 4 in anticipation of this product.

From the Back Cover
The Only Windows Server Resource You Need

The single most comprehensive and understandable book on the subject, Mastering Windows Server 2003 continues author Mark Minasi’s award–winning tradition of clear and comprehensive coverage of Microsoft’s Windows Server products. This book shows you how to plan, configure and install your network, keep it running its best, and fix it if it breaks. And you still get all the coverage you need for the Windows 2000 Server installations that remain part of your environment.

Coverage includes:

• Configuring IP, DHCP, DNS, and WINS to achieve the right foundation for your network
• DNS explained in everyday English, from basics to advanced design
• Designing, running, and maintaining Active Directory–based domains with Server 2003 and 2000 Server
• Running your own Web, FTP, and e–mail server with 2003
• Controlling hundreds, even thousands, of workstations with group policies and security templates
• Tuning and monitoring your network
• Securing your network from split–brain DNS to AD delegation to group policies, logs, IPSec, PKI and more
• Using Windows Server 2003 to share Internet connections
• Complete coverage of all new 2003 features

Real Solutions to Real Challenges
If improving the real–world performance of your network is the bottom line, this book delivers the goods. It shows you how to design and manage a multiple–platform network, build a Windows–based intranet, find the right data backup strategy, prevent and recover from disasters, and much more. There’s no end to what you’ll accomplish with practical, step–by–step instruction from the expert who has actually done it all on live networks!

About the Author
Mark Minasi has 25 years of experience in the computer business. He has been teaching professional seminars on networking since 1985, and has experience with IBM, Novell, and Microsoft–based networks. Mark has been a columnist for BYTE, AI Expert, Compute, and NT Magazine and is CNN′s resident computer expert.

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Customer Reviews

Brilliant
This Book is essential to anyone who wants to get to grips with W2K3,Mark and his team has done a good job....It has been a vauluble asset to me as a systems administrator.
I recomend this book without hesitation...you won't(cannot)regret it.
Thanx Mark/Team

Good basic coverage for MCSE but missing key subjects
Overall very good book. Helped me to catch up on certain areas that I felt unsure of. However it does not cover some basic fundamentals of W2k3 server operational issues, i.e. SUS, MBSA and I'm sure Microsoft will be testing this in upcoming exams and there is not one word mentioned about it anywhere in this book.

Also the context can be a little confusing as the author(s) reference to material that hasn't been covered yet or is due to appear on the next few pages. Beware of completely useless trivia that could throw you of the topic.

Examples are general very useful - DNS is another area sure to be tested and Mark's example of Split-brain DNS infrastructure is very useful for those looking to setup a testing environment at home (or at work if lucky to get your hands on 3-8 spare PC's to play with!) However detailed knowledge does not seem to be present in this book and it is not for experienced admins who are looking for that one stop book to cover all. Several chapters are easy enough that anyone who has covered basic IT support issues and had exposure to general AD support (account, group maintainence etc) can skip through so dont let the sheer size and weight of this book fool you. 1753+ pages makes for a heck of a door stop but if you're prepared to slog it through chapter after chapter then this is the book for you.

I'd recommend this book if your starting out on the road to MCSE status, but only as a backup for additional reference material. The quickest way I learnt was through hands-on configuration of a series of 2k3 servers in a test environment - with the book as a basic guide.

A must for all IT professionals and students alike
Don't let the size of this book intimidate you. 1700 pages is certainly a lot to get through. However, the chapters are arranged in a mostly logical order and the information contained within is complete.

Mark's writing style is nothing short of exceptional. He injects just the right amount of humour in to what can, at times, be a dull subject, yet remains professional at all times.

I am about 1/3 of the way through this excellent work and have already managed to pass my 1st 2 core MCPs using the knowledge I have gained. Although the book is not a direct exam related book, there is more than enough information here to at least get a Windows 2003 MCSA qualification. The key is that this book will give you a complete understanding of Server 2003.

The fact that this book deals with 'real life' scenarios rather than the sometimes quirky outlook that Microsoft takes in its exam questions gives this book extra value. As it stands, it is giving me some very important training but I know that as soon as I gain the qualification I am after, this book will become a live manual on my desk, being referenced on a regular basis. In this respect, I would also recommend taking some 'mock' exams to get a feel for the way Microsoft like to do things before laying your hard earned cash on the Microsoft counter.

As for the value for money of Mastering Windows Server 2003, I would certainly be willing to pay the full RRP of £45.99, let alone the vastly reduced Amazon price.

As a final point, I have E-mailed Mark on several occasions with queries relating to his book and have always received a prompt and concise reply.

I just hope I can finish the book before he releases the Longhorn version!! ;-)