Windows Server 2003 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

by For Dummies

Product Description

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. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Domestic Shipping: Item can be shipped within U.S.
• International Shipping: This item is not eligible for international shipping. Learn More
• ASIN: B000NVL6MW
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)

Top Customer Reviews

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful

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

By Tom Carpenter VINE VOICE

Format:Paperback

...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

Format:Paperback

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Windows Server 2003 For Dummies July 4, 2011

By John E. Haynes

Format:Paperback|Verified Purchase

Windows Server 2003 for Dummies

An awful book. Way too much time spent on trying to be cute, and not nearly enough time spent on what you need to know to run the NOS. A lot of the information given was completely inaccurate, and if I did not know a little about networking this book would have caused me to waste dozens of hours of my time due to the fact that some info given is just plain wrong. I would try and sell it to re-claim some of my money, but I do have some standards. I would hate to be the one responsible for being the one who put this book in the hands of a network novice and causing them a million headaches. It will make a nice log for the fireplace come winter. Do not buy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A little or a lot April 8, 2011

By Amazon Customer

Format:Paperback|Verified Purchase

No matter if you want to know a little or a lot about Windows 2003 Server, this is the book for you.

I explains how to use it, and why it does what it does. If your a beginner or expert this book will guide you

through the process of setting up this server.

Good job explaining every aspect.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what it says July 3, 2009

By Amazon Customer

Format:Paperback|Verified Purchase

I am a developer who is installing a 'real' network for the first time--up to this point, my partner and I have used an NAS device attached to a router. This is a very good book for getting a Windows Server 2003 box up and running, configuring it as a domain controller, and adding users to the network. It does a nice job explaining essential networking concepts and terms along the way. But it's a Dummies book, so don't expect an in-depth treatment of either networking or WS 2003. In other words, this book won't prepare you for a Microsoft certification exam. But from here, you can easily go into a more detailed treatment, such as Windows Server 2003 Bible. Recommended for networking newbies working on their first WS 2003 installation.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful

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

By C. Salser

Format:Paperback

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great service, Informitive Book August 16, 2011

By William Schenk

Format:Paperback|Verified Purchase

This book has answered all of my questions about server 2003, and allowed me to efftively implentment a central server into my bussiness. Combine this with the great service provide by Amazon and it's suppliers, and you have a truely great product.