Mastering Windows Server 2003 (Hardcover)

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

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

If you're a current or aspiring Windows administrator or consultant, look no further than Mastering Windows Server 2003 for the in-depth, comprehensive, unbiased, and highly readable (some would even say entertaining) coverage readers have come to expect from the leading Windows authority, Mark Minasi. Building on the solid foundation established over years of working with and writing on Windows products, Mark Minasi takes you where few have ventured within Windows Server 2003, Microsoft's flagship network operating system that provides a solution for file and printer sharing, secure Internet connectivity, centralized desktop application deployment, and rich collaboration between businesses, employees, and customers. Anyone evaluating or planning a deployment of .NET Server will benefit immeasurably from Mark Minasi's detailed discussion of Windows Server 2003 installation, configuration, and essential operations. Mark Minasi is a regular keynote speaker at major IT conferences across the country. His training seminars sell out months in advance.

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!

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1753 pages
• Publisher: Sybex (April 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0782141307
• ISBN-13: 978-0782141306
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.9 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 (99 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,372 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #32 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Microsoft > Operating Systems > Windows NT
  #34 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Microsoft > Operating Systems > Windows NT Server
  #36 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Microsoft > Networking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

156 of 159 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

13 of 13 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

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.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down..., May 7, 2003

By	Sue (Sarasota, FL) - See all my reviews

I received my copy of Mark Minasi's book, "Mastering Windows Server 2003", the other day. I don't normally sit down and read a technical book from front to back; however, once I started reading it, I just couldn't put it down! Mr. Minasi has a style of writing that makes even the driest of subject matter interesting. I like his examples of how to accomplish something, and at the same time tells the pitfalls and the "best practices". His sense of humor is appreciated. I already own Mastering Windows NT Server 4 and Windows 2000 Resource Kit both at work and at home. And, again, I have purchased this book for both. I use these books before I go searching anywhere else. His books have been the end of many a heated debate on how things should be implemented. You just can't go wrong with purchasing Mark Minasi's "Mastering Windows Server 2003".