Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003 Inside Out (Inside Out)

Rating:
Summary: Best technical book on Windows 2003...Outstanding
Review: This is better than any other books out there that do nothing more than tell you how things SHOULD work; this tells you how things DO work. Our primary domain controller crashed and resisted all attempts at restores. We continued to have network problems with it out of the chain. I knew pretty much nothing about administering active directory (besides the basics of adding groups, users, etc.) and picked this book up to try to help us. There was a section in it about the first server that gets active directory installed serving as the operations master and how to seize that function to another server. After seizing that and a few others, our domain started behaving itself again. Along the way, I picked up some other useful knowledge and now our domain is actually running faster. The book also showed how to do proper back ups and restores of Active Directory so we never have this problem again.

I would echo what others said that this book will help you with specific problems. I was impressed with the author's use of real-world scenarios and experience as well as the graphics and screen shots to help you.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Fresh perspective on Windows Server 2003
Review: William Stanek is one of the world's most respected Windows authors. His expertise shows in Windows Server 2003 Inside Out. Windows Server 2003 Inside Out has everything you need to deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot a Windows network as efficiently as possible.

Let me start by saying I've read all 3 of Stanek's Windows pocket books prior to this one (NT4, 2000 & 2003). I've been an admin for 7 years. This book is a one of a kind in the ocean of Windows Server books available these days. It is targetted specifically at windows admins and network engineers (and anybody else) who wants or needs to know Windows Server 2003 and it is written with the kind of insider knowledge you can only get by from many years of experience writing, teaching and consulting on Windows Server which Stanek has.

It is a massive book (almost 1500 pages). The CD-ROM includes the full Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit, lots of tools and the System Architecture documentation. In my opinion it is the most complete, up-to-date resource available. What it will show you is how Windows Server 2003 can be installed, configured, and maintained.

As with Stanek's pocket consultants, the writing style is very clear and consice. It is easy to find answers. It provides a solid foundation for correct DHCP, DNS, and WINS deployment and configuration. The architecture details are very comprehensive. It has excellent details on IP including subnetting (I finally understand it).

However, the best part of this book, in my opinion, is part 7: "Managing Active Directory and Security". It teaches you step by step how to implement it and use it to manage Windows networks. If you ever wanted to know how Active Directory really works this is a must read. It is better than the books dedicated to Active Directory I've read.

If you are new to Windows Server, I recommend starting with Stanek's Windows Server 2003 Pocket book first to learn as much as possible. Once you think you know everything about it, buy Windows Server 2003 Inside Out to see how much you still have to learn. This is the *Windows Server* bible.