Windows Server 2003 for Dummies (Paperback)

by Ed Tittel (Author), James Michael Stewart (Author) "If you've ever used a cell phone or watched a TV show, you've used a network, perhaps without even realizing it..." (more)
Key Phrases: logical printer definition, logical printer assignment, networked print device, Resource Kit, Event Viewer, System Monitor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The perfect handbook for those who need to deploy, install, and configure installations, upgrade from previous versions, understand network addresses, manage day-to-day operations, configure storage, manage users and groups, implement security measures, configure mail services, and perform other vital administrative tasks.
Covers the enhanced features and updates of the new version including the Microsoft .NET framework, Active Directory and its new drag and drop object management, Internet Information Server, and the Microsoft Management Console.

From the Back Cover
Set up and manage a network – no experience required!

Discover Internet Information Services, Active Directory, and more

If you’re afraid of getting all tangled up in the mysteries of Windows Server 2003, fear no more! This friendly guidebook makes it easy to install, configure, secure, and manage a network. You’ll understand networking basics, find out how to use cool new Windows Server 2003 features, and become network-savvy in no time.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1st edition (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764516337
• ISBN-13: 978-0764516337
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,835 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #39 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Hardware > PCs
  #69 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Networking > Data in the Enterprise > Client-Server Systems
  #77 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Microsoft > Networking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Does exactly what the title says..., March 7, 2006

By	Tom Carpenter "- www.sysedco.com" (Marysville, OH) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

...it provides a Windows Server 2003 reference for people who are starting from scratch (a.k.a. Dummies). I'm really shocked by the other reviews. This book promises no coverage whatsoever of any exam objectives for Microsoft's exams. I am a, sometimes blunt, redneck from West Virginia (now transplanted to Ohio), and I must say that only a true dummy would buy this book to prepare for an exam. In that light only should the book be condemned (I have a real problem with the whole "for dummies" series as an adult educator myself, but that's another story for another review.), in that a true dummy buying the book is probably making a bad decision anyway - as they do not have the capacity to make an educated decision, since, by definition, a dummy (according to webster: one without intelligence; and intelligence is a lack of the ability to learn) cannot become educated. In the end, the market for the "for dummies" books should be about .001 percent since that's about how many people would be "dummies".

If you are new to Windows servers and networking in general this is a phenomenal book with which to begin. If you are a seasoned Windows veteran, and you buy this book, you might want to consider an occupation that requires little planning and thought. It's obviously for the beginning Windows admin.

In most of my reviews, I try to focus on the book itself and the value it brings, but I had to point out the misrepresentations of the other reviews.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Reference for the Rest of Us, March 29, 2006

By	Jeffrey A. Ruffing (Arcanum, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is my first review of a book, so please allow me a few mistakes. I am a chemist who is being forced, by work circumstances, to become more of an IT person than I thought possible. I will be administering a client-server system in our laboratory. I needed to find a book that would expand on the very limited knowledge that I currently possess. I found that book in "Windows Server 2003 for Dummies". The first couple of chapters are basic network setups, after that they got more in depth and to the point of what I needed to know. I'm obviously still learning and I use the book as a constant reference. I have since purchased "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for Dummies". I only hope I find this book as useful.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not Actually a Dummies Book, July 20, 2008

By	C. Salser (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The worst Dummies book I've ever bought.

That is, I'm sure much of the information is very useful, BUT IT ISN'T _REMOTELY_ A DUMMIES BOOK!!!!

It is clearly aimed, not at "dummies" or rank beginners with Windows Server, but at people upgrading from Windows Server 2000 or even NT Server. That would've been fine, if the title weren't dummies anything but something like "Upgrading to Windows Server 2003", but it isn't.

On the other hand, it wastes time discussing basic networking concepts that any intermediate user already knows, or shouldn't even be thinking of trying to administer a server. Maybe I shouldn't be but, running a small nonprofit without the resources to pay $100/hr. for someone to do it for us, it isn't a matter of choice.

What I needed, and still need, is a book that clearly introduces server concepts to someone who's never used it before, as one might expect a Dummies book should do.