Mastering Windows Server 2003 [Hardcover]

Mark Minasi (Author), Christa Anderson (Author), Michele Beverridge (Author), C. A. Callahan (Author), Lisa Justice (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0782141307 | ISBN-13: 978-0782141306 | Publication Date: April 7, 2003

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!

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1753 pages
• Publisher: Sybex (April 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0782141307
• ISBN-13: 978-0782141306
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.1 x 2.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (100 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,549 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

159 of 162 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Buy It, October 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mastering Windows Server 2003 (Hardcover)

This is one of many books on 2003 I own (I also have the MSPress MCSE 2003 Core books and the 7 deployment Kit books as well as the Admin Companion 2003). I wrote a review on the Server 2003 Admin Companion and gave that 5 stars. I bought this book as well to give me something to read because I was bored whilst interstate. Having read both books cover to cover here is my review.

Both books are about the same size and although the Admin Companion has a better sized (more readable) font, both remain legible. Minasi's book has a better DNS section, RIS, DFS, MMC, Software Deployment, registry and networking section, but lacks a SUS section. If you want info on SUS, buy the MSpress 70-290 guide or use Technet. The Admin Companions SUS section is a mere 2 pages, but at least they have one. From a sit down and read perspective, Mastering is better, laced with humor - its a good read. But both will serve as a reference on your shelf for a long time. I think Mastering explains things a little better, often using analogies mixed with humor. The Admin Companion is a little more to the point and this may gel with more experienced admins. For those that need their hands held, Minasi's book wins. As a side note, if you are an experienced admin and just want a quick ref guide, consider the 2003 pocket admin book.

As an (almost) complete Windows Server 2003 reference, there is no comparison - Minasi's book wins hands down. If you want a little more info about additional and very likely to be used MS Products and how they sit in your environment, ie. ISA Server, IEAK etc, then consider the Admin Companion, but it assumes a little more knowledge from the reader. Besides, if you need info about ISA etc, then you would seriously have rocks in your head if you didn't buy Shinders books.

You really cannot go wrong with either book, they are both well worth the money. Buy either or buy both, you will not be disappointed. If you only buy one, then I would consider Mastering to be the best choice. Without doubt, this is probably the most complete book I have ever read on any IT Topic.

There have been a couple of negative reviews on this book. I can only assume that those people never read this book properly. For the life of me, I have never heard such rot.

As a final note, having read the 4 core MCSE 2003 books. You will find that Mastering has more in this book than those 4 combined (except SUS) :). If you can read and understand everything in this book, and given how clear this book is - that is likely, you will have little trouble on the MS Exams. Now buy this book and stop wondering about it.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, July 16, 2004

By 

"markjackson18" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering Windows Server 2003 (Hardcover)

I have Minasi's Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 Mastering books. I would recommend Mastering Windows 2003 to most but I would also recommend Windows Server 2003 Inside Out. Having both books is a Godsend. Windows Server 2003 Inside Out has become my goto book for the indepth stuff especially monitoring, maintenance, Active Directory, networking, printing. Inside Out has the best coverage of DNS, DHCP, and TCP/IP. Mastering is still my goto book when I have to deal with Mac to Windows support or Unix to Windows issues or NetWare to Windows. Mastering is good for issues with older OSs like connectivity to Windows for Workgroup clients.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any serious networking person!, July 15, 2003

By 

"caveman2001" (Petaluma, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering Windows Server 2003 (Hardcover)

I have been taking classes in all facets of networking for the last 2 years. When I took a Windows Server 2000 class the instructor literally threw out the textbooks we were using for a book called "Mastering Windows Server 2000" by Mark Minasi. That book has been my server bible, until now. I bought the 2003 version and am very glad I did. Mark gives you all the technical details about the new product and provides step by step operations that you can follow as if you were looking at a lab book. He goes into great detail (which is very necessary) on all aspects of Windows Server 2003. There is a lot of insight as to what really works well, and what you should be aware of when implementing this product in a live environment. Lastly, Mark's writing style is simply a joy to read. Let's face it, networking books usually aren't the type thing you read and enjoy immensely, but with Mark's humor and witty analogies the material comes to life and leaves a lasting impression. If you're going to be using Server 2003, buying this book is a wise choice.