Server 2003 reading material

[jgmadkit]

Hi peeps, I'm looking for recommendations for a Server 2003 Administrators book. I've got an interview in a few days and need to gen up.

I'm a Novell CNE in 5 and 6 so I'm familiar with networking concepts but I'm a bit rusty having been out of the game for a couple of years. I've played a little with 2003 server so just need to get familiar with the way Microsoft hang it all together. I've got an eval 2003 server up and running so just really need a book which explains how everything sits and maybe some excercises to do (I can set up as many servers/workstations as necessary)

Any suggestions would be most welcome either books or internet resources.

Cheers, John

[_DeeJay_]

Personally, I'd buy an exam cram book on the Server 2003 MCP.
They're small and very concise!

[agent006]

Sybex are always good for this sort of thing. Have got their 2000 server book and it's excellent.

[jgmadkit]

Blimey I forgot all about cramsessions...I'm printing some off now. Cheers.

John

[maddog-uk]

Download an eval off the web. or goto vmware and see if you can download a canned image and there player. But to be honest, speaking as someone who used to run a large team of wintel engineers we would see straight through you if you just quoted from the books....

[_DeeJay_]

maddog-uk said:

Download an eval off the web. or goto vmware and see if you can download a canned image and there player. But to be honest, speaking as someone who used to run a large team of wintel engineers we would see straight through you if you just quoted from the books....

He's already got a w2k3 box so would be better running VMWare server (i.e. their GSX replacement) now that it's a freebie.
It does depend on the position you're applying for, but as MadDog says, stretching the truth too far may result in much embarrassment!

[jgmadkit]

Sounds like a challenge

[jgmadkit]

BTW, it's not a Wintel Engineers Job - it's just part of it, it's mainly network related.

[maddog-uk]

Well good luck eitherway. Personally I tend to like honesty and integrity in people in interviews who explain areas they need to improve, so being frank that you need to brush up on your skills is not necessarily a weakness.

>> Edited by maddog-uk on Wednesday 8th February 23:22

[sjg]

I really like Mark Minasi's "Mastering Windows Server 2003". It's hefty (over 1700 pages) but covers a lot, and refreshingly it's designed to impart proper real-world knowledge rather than help people pass exams. Would be a useful book to have if you get the job, or one similar.

[jgmadkit]

Maddog, I think you are reading into this too much, I'm not trying to fool anyone and wouldn't dream of doing so (i'd be useless at it). The company are fully aware that my background is networking and Novell with a splash of Microsoft (server), I'm doing this for my own confidence more than anything. I am nothing but honest and value integrity highly, not quite sure why you assume the opposite.

John

[agent006]

sjg said:

I really like Mark Minasi's "Mastering Windows Server 2003".

I've got the 2000 version of this, and it's very good.

[maddog-uk]

jgmadkit said:

Maddog, I think you are reading into this too much, I'm not trying to fool anyone and wouldn't dream of doing so (i'd be useless at it). The company are fully aware that my background is networking and Novell with a splash of Microsoft (server), I'm doing this for my own confidence more than anything. I am nothing but honest and value integrity highly, not quite sure why you assume the opposite. John

Sorry I realise that I came across badly. Certainly would recommend the Mark Manasi's books as previously mentioned. I guess my feelings come from interviewing lots of people who basically thought that a crammers guide to windows servers would get them a job in a wintel environment. To be honest stating what you did above would more likely get you the job, as I admire people who are self motivated to progress but know when they should expand there knowledge. Using Microsofts technet is a good place to start and even subscribing to Windows IT pro may also help.

Good luck and please accept my appologies.

cheers

Simon