Windows 2000 Server 24seven

I read Matthew Strebe's book on consulting last year (From Serf to Surfer) and use it as my resource in dealing with clients. When I saw this book, I thought it would be a good companion, and I was right. What I like about Strebe's book is that it gives administrators and consultants the foundation for dealing with Windows 2000 networks, what works, but also what doesn't (i.e. Intellimirror chapter.) I admit I'm not the most creative person in the world and I would like to see a more industry standard of setting up Windows 2000 networks, or any for that matter. For clarity, what I mean by "setting up Windows 2000 networks", I mean path locations for applications, copying i386 folders to certain drives, etc. Anything that would make the setup process more standardized. I have Minasi's book (and use it all the time), but use it for specific issues. I use Matthew Strebe's book for the setup and foundational aspects of Windows 2000 networks.

I found this book to be just what is needed after reading the Microsoft's Resource Kits and Admin Companions. Unlike some authors whom you have to wonder if they only read the white papers and surf Technet and support.microsoft.com to get the info for their books, you can tell the author has actually used the products in a real environment!

This book is exactly what you are looking for if you are already familiar with navigating Windows 2000. The book is an easy read for an MCSE but would be a bit of a challenge to someone who is new to Win2000 or is new to Microsoft Networking. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the non-bias approach the Author took in explaining how/what things work in Windows 2000 ... the only shortcomming that I noticed is in the Active Directory section ... The Author assumes that you will be rolling out Windows 2000 in a small to medium sized network (less than 1000 servers) and doesn't assume you want to implement Clustering. Other than that, this is perfect for anyone who has seen Windows 2000 and wants to plan to roll out Windows 2000 in there infrastructure. Please note: if you are looking for step by step instructions in this book you will be disappointed. This book focuses more on Design, Planning,Initial Implementation, and Rollout (as well as some Support, Troubleshooting, and Security Got-cha's). Well worth it for under $30 !!!!!