Windows Server 2003 for Dummies
by Ed Tittel, James Michael Stewart
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Book Reviews of Windows Server 2003 for Dummies
Book Review: Not Actually a Dummies Book
Summary: 1 Stars
The worst Dummies book I've ever bought.
That is, I'm sure much of the information is very useful, BUT IT ISN'T _REMOTELY_ A DUMMIES BOOK!!!!
It is clearly aimed, not at "dummies" or rank beginners with Windows Server, but at people upgrading from Windows Server 2000 or even NT Server. That would've been fine, if the title weren't dummies anything but something like "Upgrading to Windows Server 2003", but it isn't.
On the other hand, it wastes time discussing basic networking concepts that any intermediate user already knows, or shouldn't even be thinking of trying to administer a server. Maybe I shouldn't be but, running a small nonprofit without the resources to pay $100/hr. for someone to do it for us, it isn't a matter of choice.
What I needed, and still need, is a book that clearly introduces server concepts to someone who's never used it before, as one might expect a Dummies book should do.
Book Review: Dummier than other Dummies books
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this book to help study for the Windows 2003 server exams. Unlike the other Techno-Geek Dummies books, this book does not contain ANY exam practice questions or a CD with a sample exam. This book is also not as humorus or entertaining to read as other Dummies books. The first 9 chapters are a basic review of simple networking, like cables and how to install a NIC. You probably won't see much from the first 9 chapters on the Windows 2003 Server exam. Chapter 11 starts getting more technical and explains Active Directory fairly well, but this chapter also says that many topics are "beyond the scope of this book". This book is geared more towards a novice who has never setup a server before. I still think it's better than most of Microsoft's MOC books though. At least this book has real world examples and cuts through Microsoft's hype. If you are looking for an all in one study guide to pass the server exam though, keep looking.Book Review: Just what it says
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a developer who is installing a 'real' network for the first time--up to this point, my partner and I have used an NAS device attached to a router. This is a very good book for getting a Windows Server 2003 box up and running, configuring it as a domain controller, and adding users to the network. It does a nice job explaining essential networking concepts and terms along the way. But it's a Dummies book, so don't expect an in-depth treatment of either networking or WS 2003. In other words, this book won't prepare you for a Microsoft certification exam. But from here, you can easily go into a more detailed treatment, such as Windows Server 2003 Bible. Recommended for networking newbies working on their first WS 2003 installation.Book Review: A True Reference for the Rest of Us
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first review of a book, so please allow me a few mistakes. I am a chemist who is being forced, by work circumstances, to become more of an IT person than I thought possible. I will be administering a client-server system in our laboratory. I needed to find a book that would expand on the very limited knowledge that I currently possess. I found that book in "Windows Server 2003 for Dummies". The first couple of chapters are basic network setups, after that they got more in depth and to the point of what I needed to know. I'm obviously still learning and I use the book as a constant reference. I have since purchased "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for Dummies". I only hope I find this book as useful.Book Review: Annoying
Summary: 2 Stars
This book, like so many, is among the annoying books that pretend to offer everything to a "dummy"
The first couple of chapters look innocent and make you think that you are going to get alot of knowledge out of this book, but as you get to the chapters that are most important, the simplicity and clearity of the text is thrown out the window. He starts using terminology without defining it, doesn't break things down, and is just plain confusing.
The approach is this:
A is for apple.
B is for bat.
E = m c Squared.
The customer looks at the first few chapters and buys the book.
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