Build Your Own Server

This book really worked for me. To give you some background, I'm a former web developer (now in business school) who needed a server for both a start-up business of mine and some home stuff that a laptop wouldn't be suitable for. I had never built a box before, but Tony laid out the steps and crucial tips very well. This isn't a "Building a Server for Dummies" exactly, as Tony assumes that you have at least an average to above-average level of computer proficiency (which is a good assumption, otherwise you probably would have no reason to want to build a server).I will agree with another reviewer who claims the book is very Microsoft-centric, and doesn't address the huge costs of Win 2003 server licenses. However, in my opinion, the first few chapters about hardware alone are worth the price of the book, and the topics addressed in the software chapters can easily apply to a Linux installation as well.

Yes, it has a heavy bias towards Microsoft, but so what. I just followed all the hardware suggestions and then installed two real operating systems ( OpenBSD x 2 ). This book brought up issues that I had never thought of ( Why would you want to dual boot a server?) Its easy to follow. If you build computers, buy this book. Like I said in my title, I read someone elses copy and then bought my own.

The author is very detailed in explaining hardware, software and configuration issues. An absolute MUST-HAVE even if you have built computers before, because of the thousand new issues that are explained in the book and you never thought of! Very detailed, and a truly simple and basic explanation of all one needs to know. Highly recommend this book to anyone building, or even thinking of putting a computer together. The hardware buying options in the book are sure to save money.

This book covers the process of building a configuring a server like a nice big blanket. It's amazing what he's jammed into 350 pages! I'd like to see more of these types of books with real-life small business successes! Highly recommend it.