Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed [Hardcover]

Rand Morimoto (Author), Michael Noel (Author), Omar Droubi (Author), Ross Mistry (Author), Chris Amaris (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 067233092X | ISBN-13: 978-0672330926 | Publication Date: January 17, 2010 | Edition: 1

Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed is the most comprehensive and realistic guide to planning, design, prototyping, implementation, migration, administration, and support. Based on the authors’ unsurpassed experience working with Windows Server 2008 R2 since its earliest alpha releases, it offers indispensable guidance drawn from hundreds of production environments.

 

Microsoft MVP Rand Morimoto and his colleagues systematically introduce Windows Server 2008 R2 to IT professionals, identifying R2’s most crucial enhancements and walking through every step of installation and configuration. Next, they present comprehensive coverage of every area of Windows Server 2008 R2, including Active Directory, networking services, security, R2 migration from Windows Server 2003 and 2008, administration, fault tolerance, optimization and troubleshooting, core application services, and more. 

 

The authors thoroughly address major Windows Server 2008 R2 enhancements and present extensive coverage of R2 innovations ranging from Hyper-V virtualization to DirectAccess and the enhancements in Failover Clustering. Every chapter contains tips, tricks, and best practices learned from actual deployments: practical information for using Windows Server 2008 R2 to solve real business problems.

 

Detailed information on how to...

• Plan and migrate from Windows Server 2003/2008 to Windows Server 2008 R2 and use R2’s new server migration tools
• Manage Active Directory with Active Directory Administrative Center, Best Practice Analyzer, and PowerShell scripts
• Use R2’s updated security tools and templates to lock down servers, clients, and networks
• Maximize availability with Windows Server 2008 R2 clustering, fault tolerance, and replication
• Streamline client management with new Group Policy ADMX settings and management tools
• Improve remote access using DirectAccess, Remote Desktop Services (formerly Terminal Services), and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
• Implement Hyper-V virtualization including the built-in Live Migration technology
• Leverage add-ons such as Windows SharePoint Services, Windows Media Services, and IIS 7.5

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rand H. Morimoto, Ph.D., MVP, MCITP, CISSP, has been in the computer industry for over 30 years and has authored, coauthored, or been a contributing writer for dozens of books on Windows, Security, Exchange, BizTalk, and Remote and Mobile Computing. Rand is the president of Convergent Computing, an IT-consulting firm in the San Francisco Bay area that has been one of the key early adopter program partners with Microsoft, implementing beta versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, Exchange Server 2010, and SharePoint 2010 in production environments over 18 months before the initial product releases.

 

Michael Noel, MCITP, CISSP, MVP, is an internationally recognized technology expert, best-selling author, and well-known public speaker on a broad range of IT topics. He authored multiple major industry books that have been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide. Significant titles include SharePoint 2010 Unleashed, Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Unleashed, SharePoint 2007 Unleashed, Exchange Server 2007 Unleashed, ISA Server 2006 Unleashed, and many more. Currently a partner at Convergent Computing (www.cco.com) in the San Francisco Bay area, Michael’s writing and extensive public speaking experience across six continents leverage his real-world expertise in helping organizations realize business value from Information Technology infrastructure.

 

Omar Droubi, MCSE, has been in the computer industry since 1992 and during this time has coauthored several of Sams Publishing best-selling books, including Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Unleashed and Windows Server 2008 Unleashed, and Omar has been a contributing writer and technical reviewer on several other books on Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Exchange Server 2000, 2003, and 2007. Omar has been involved in testing, designing, and prototyping Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 infrastructures for the past four years, and has primarily focused on upgrading existing networks and utilizing many of the new roles and features included in the product. Also during this time, Omar has assisted several organizations with the development of technical road maps, planning and executing domain and server consolidation and virtualization projects, and deploying Exchange Server 2007 for organizations of all sizes.

 

Ross Mistry, MVP, MCITP, is a principal consultant and partner at Convergent Computing, an author, and a Microsoft MVP. With over a decade of experience, Ross focuses on designing and implementing Windows, Active Directory, Hyper-V, Exchange Server, and SQL Server solutions for Fortune 500 organizations located in the Silicon Valley. His specialties include upgrades, migrations, high availability, security, and virtualization. Ross has also taken on the roles of lead author, contributing writer, and technical editor for many best-selling books published by Sams. His recent works include SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration, Exchange Server 2010 Unleashed, and Windows Server 2008 Unleashed. Ross writes technical articles for many sites including TechTarget.com and frequently speaks at international conferences around the world.

 

Chris Amaris, MCSE, CISSP/ISSAP, CHS III, is the chief technology officer and cofounder of Convergent Computing. He has more than 20 years experience consulting for Fortune 500 companies, leading companies in the technology selection, design, planning, and implementation of complex Information Technology projects. Chris has worked with Microsoft Windows since version 1.0 in 1985. He specializes in messaging, security, performance tuning, systems management, and migration. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) with an Information System Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) concentration, Certified Homeland Security (CHS III), Windows 2003 MCSE, Novell CNE, Banyan CBE, and a Certified Project Manager, Chris is also an author, writer, and technical editor for a number of IT books, including Network Security for Government and Corporate Executives, Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Unleashed, and Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 Unleashed. Chris presents on messaging, operations management, security, and Information Technology topics worldwide.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1680 pages
• Publisher: Sams; 1 edition (January 17, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067233092X
• ISBN-13: 978-0672330926
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.1 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,408 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems > Windows OS
  • #33 in Books > Computers & Technology > Networking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have resource for the working administrator., March 26, 2010

By 

Peter A. Denny "Seattle Peter" (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed (Hardcover)

As usual we are always expected to know the new stuff and support it but no one wants to ever pay for training so what to do? I did a lot of scouring for a good server 08R2 book and it was slim pickings. Most books were out of date (R1) or simply geared toward studying for a test which does me little good in defining an AD upgrade road map and figuring out what to define for app server standards. I finally found this on amazon and relying on reviews and the TOC i opted to get it. Its a fantastic resource but huge so expect to be doing some serious reading. What I loved is that right off they talk about what is new in R2. This is a big help. Lets get features out of the way immediately. The rest of the book is structured logically but is easy to jump around in since life does not follow a table of contents. I strongly recommed this if you support windows servers in a real world environment. If you are looking to take an MCSE test, then stick to the exam cram for those since this will be way over kill for you more than likely. A+ to the authors.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent General Reference for Windows Server 2008 R2, September 2, 2010

By 

Tw5000 (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed (Hardcover)

In the past, I have used the Mark Minasi "Mastering" series of books for general reference material on the various Windows Server versions (going back to NT4). This is the first "Unleashed" book I have picked up, and it has been every bit as good as any of the "Mastering" books. I will honestly say that I was a bit concerned with a book having five different authors. However, there is no difference in the quality of the material that I could find, as well as the clarity of the information presented.

As previously indicated in other reviews, the section on migrating from previous versions of Active Directory to 2008 R2 is excellent. The book covers a lot of Active Directory material overall, and provides good real-world examples that apply to both large and small site designs. The only thing that was missing was some expanded coverage of the Active Directory Administrative Center, which is a great tool for new admins (and can make common tasks much easier for the more experienced).

There is also plenty of coverage of material new to 2008 R2, including DNSSEC and Remote Desktop Services. The sections on IIS and Hyper-V are rather short, and if you are planning on relying heavily on either one, you are going to need additional materials. I'd love to see some expansion on these sections if they do future editions of the book. The Active Directory coverage, along with the sections on security options (at the server, domain, and network levels) and system management are all far more comprehensive, and this book is probably the only reference you will need.

Each chapter in the book concludes with a "Best Practices" section which serves as a terrific set of guidelines and general overview. Even if you only plan on using certain parts of the book, reading through each of the "Best Practices" could prove invaluable to your overall knowledge of Windows Server 2008 R2.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is One Impressive Book!, August 26, 2010

By 

Scot Wucher (Newport News, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed (Hardcover)

Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed is a superior, comprehensive reference book making it a true must have for every system administrator. First, the book itself is huge, totaling 1680 pages. I also appreciate the hardcover and obvious quality; I know my investment will last for years.

The content is even more amazing. It didn't find one subject not explored. Where other books only touch on certain topics, such as direct access, this reference book dives into each topic in great detail. Additionally I found all the material to be current and accurate. Unleashed gives some highly detailed coverage to migration, so if you are looking to migrate your 2k or 2003 servers, you will want to read the first few chapters at minimum.

Due to the large size, you will also probably want to select the chapters that apply to your specific environment and focus on those. One thing nice about this book is it does permit the reader to skip around among the chapters. Like I said, it is an impressive book and for the price, you are not going to find a book with a higher quality of content.