Windows 2003 Server for beginners

esuhl

I was just wondering if anyone knows of any good websites for learning about Windows Server 2003? All the sites I've found via Google are really technical and go into far too much depth!

Thanks in advance! :-)

Omertron

That's probably because Server 3k is a rather complex environment to be playing with if you don't have the basics.

Have a look on Amazon for Windows Server 2003 for Dummies and Active Directory for Dummies, then progress to something like Windows Server 2003 Inside Out when you have the basics.

hobo28

There are loads of books on the subject. Go visit Waterstones and have a good browse for one that you like. (Then do the MSE thing and get it from Amazon!).

Another good idea is to download the evaluation which lasts for 120 days I think so you can have a good play for a bit of practice not just theory.

I found the Microsoft range of books to be a good place to learn.

John_Gray

Best if you have experience with NT Server 3.50, 3.51, 4.0 and Windows Server 2000 first. Go back in time to 1995 and start there!

All the Windows Server 2003 books cost £LOTS, but you need them, and you need to put in a lot of time learning. It's a non-trivial task...

John

nickmack

I assume you have a W2K3 server to play with.

It makes learning alot more difficult if you're just trying to take in information without actually testing anything out. Books are quite pricey in the shops, but look for the ISDN number online and you will find it cheaper.

Which books, depend on your level of knowledge. To get a good grounding, you should at least have a good grasp of Windows client OS and Networking.

esuhl

Thanks all. I think I know quite a lot about Windows XP Pro, and have a small wired & wireless workgroup at home. I've played about with that quite a bit, although I really don't know anything about domains or how corporate networks would be designed.

I have Windows 2003 installed on an old PC, because I really need to DO things to understand them properly.

Thanks again for your help. I think I'll give up looking for an "everything you need to know about Server 2003" website and try to find a good book instead. It'll be worth the £20-odd even if I am a (skint) cheapskate!