Windows Server 2003: A Beginner's Guide

Step-by-step tutorials cover all the essential aspects of migrating, deploying, networking, and administering Windows Server 2003. You’ll discover many ways to foster the exchange of information and computer resources among people, systems, and devices. Make your organization more efficient with Windows Server 2003.

Essential Skills—Made Easy!

Employ all of the features of Microsoft's most powerful operating system regardless of your experience level. Author Marty Matthews' patient approach will help you understand in detail hundreds of features and allow you to take advantage of all the power that is available in Windows Server 2003. Follow step-by-step tutorials covering all the essential aspects of migrating, deploying, networking, and administering this operating system. You'll learn to work with domains, Active Directory, virtual private networking (VPN), Terminal Services, Internet Information Services (IIS), Remote Installation Services, and many other features including the latest security upgrades designed to foster the exchange of information and computer resources among people and systems.

Designed for Easy Learning:

• Modules—Each concept is divided into logically organized modules (chapters), ideal for self-paced learning
• Critical Skills—Each module opens with the specific skills covered in the module
• Mastery Checks—End-of-module reviews test knowledge using short-answer questions
• Ask the Experts—Q&A sections throughout are filled with bonus information and helpful tips
• Progress Checks—Quick self-assessment sections check your progress
• Projects—Practical exercises show how to apply the critical skills learned in each module
• Blueprints—Key Windows Server 2003 networking configurations are illustrated in detail

Library Journal

Microsoft's April launch of Windows Server 2003 signaled a newer, modular strategy; the company intends to continue delivering additional components for at least six months postlaunch. This means that libraries, though needing to invest in guides to the new server OS, may need to upgrade more quickly than in the past for coverage of newer components. These four titles will help start the collection. Intended for Windows Server 2000 administrators who need to update their skills, Delta Guide eschews the basics for changes in the new OS, beginning with selecting an edition and moving through interface and policy changes, security enhancements, new command line tools, and more. Online sidebars bring users up to speed in areas where their Win2k knowledge is lacking. Buy in conjunction with more thorough guides that also address the needs of beginning administrators. Beginner's Guide and Teach Yourself target beginning administrators, teaching via step-by-step chapters. In Beginner's, the notes and "Ask the Expert" sidebars add useful info, progress checks mid-chapter help break up lengthy prose, and projects and mastery checks close chapters. Teach ends chapters with a summary and Q&A and includes similar notes and asides, falling somewhat short in explaining what to do when its step-by-step instructions fail. Beginner's, for example, goes by degrees through setting up nonplug and play printers, while Teach merely directs readers to the Add Printer Wizard. Both are good bets for all libraries. Meanwhile, Unleashed is a comprehensive reference for intermediate to advanced administrators. Lists of best practices contain tips to keep servers running smoothly, along with rules and recommendations integrated into each chapter; larger libraries can consider. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Martin S. Matthews (Freeland, WA) is the best-selling author of more than 50 books, including FrontPage 2000: The Complete Reference and Windows 2000: A Beginner’s Guide.