I had to cancle the order, because I keeped getting notes that it was on back order when I order it I was told it would be ship in 2 to 4 days

Susan Snedaker has written an excellent text covering almost everything you'll need to know to get and keep your Windows Server 2003 Enterprise up and running. Its called the 'Best Damn Book Period' and after reading some of the others written on the subject, I agree it is the best--especially for the non-MCSE user.
Areas covered include the usual installation/upgrade/implementation information as well as the more complex areas like Active Directory, TCP/IP infrastructure, remote access, and IIS 6.0. Included are lots of step-by step instructions for configurations and applications. The text includes profuse figures of screenshots to help illustrate what the text is talking about and tables of information for the reader's use.
Ms.Snedaker also covers troubleshooting and potential problems in each area of the server system in greater detail than most of the other books I have read on the subject. I like the pick a chapter as you need to approach, and jargonless language descriptions she uses throughout the 974 page text. You can have an IT helper on your bookshelf available 24/7. I give this title a 'must have' rating if you are running WS2003 or are even thinking of running it.

If you are planning to implement a network system based on Windows Server 2003 you will find everything you need in the pages of this book. It covers every topic you need to know to successfully create a secure and efficient Windows server (or at least as secure and efficient as a Windows server can be). The author does assume some basic knowledge of networking and so leaves out a lot of the basics, which is entirely appropriate in a book of this nature. The focus is on the Windows Server 2003 operating system and not on things like using IP addresses to subnet a network.

One of the things that differentiates this book from similar ones is that it is not an attempt to provide the reader with the information to pass some Microsoft exam, but focuses on what an administrator really needs to know to do their job. It is a practical and useful book, not one that will be shelved and not used again after taking some exam.

For such a thorough and practical book that attempts to provide real world knowledge I was surprised that it only has two pages about migrating up to a Windows Server 2003 system. Basically the only thing it mentions about upgrading is to make sure your hardware is on the approved hardware list. Although it is possible that this is the only potential problem in an upgrade experience has taught me that it is highly unlikely. I have never had an operating system version upgrade without some type of surprise. The only other thing that I don't like is the skimpy index given a book of this size. For each chapter there are items that should be in the index but are not.

Other than that, the book is well organized with each chapter containing all the information relevant to s specific task. The advantage here is that you don't have to go searching through five or six different places in the book to gather all the related information to do something - it is all in the appropriate chapter. Again, the focus is on usability and information for real world network operations instead of an exam. Each chapter follows the same basic outline of planning, implementing, and maintaining the chosen topic.

With just short of a thousand pages, "Best Damn Windows Server 2003 Book Period" is a highly recommended book for the person already familiar with computer networking who wants to learn the intricacies of Windows Server 2003. Don't buy it if you want a book to pass an exam, buy it because it will make your job easier, make your system perform the way you want, and provide a useful real-world resource if you have a problem.

From the author: If you're involved in managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 network, you need this book. You don't have time to waste reading through arcane tidbits of interesting but useless information. You certainly don't have time to waste reading a book that's been morphed from other versions of Windows. You need something built from the ground up that addresses exactly what you need to know about Windows Server 2003. Period.

The Best Damn Windows Server 2003 Book Period is a comprehensive compilation of everything you need to know about Windows Server 2003. Each chapter stands on its own as a focused reference for specific server information and tasks. We included only the relevant, need-to-know information. Each chapter has screen shots and step-by-step instructions covering critical server tasks as well as pertinent background information. It won't teach you how to convert binary to decimal for IP addressing, but it will show you how to set up DHCP scopes and implement IPv6 on your network. It doesn't explain what a router does, it shows you how to configure routers for secure and efficient network traffic management. From disk and storage management to securing wireless access, this book gets right to the heart of the topics you need to effectively manage your Windows Server 2003 network.

Get this book, keep it handy and refer to it often. Sleep better at night knowing your network is in good hands - yours.