Both this book and the Server 2003 for Dummies deal with the same topics, server administration for people that don't know anything about servers. The dummies book is 100 times more useful than this one. Although both are aimed at the same market, this book is far more superficial and I'm left to wonder what I can get out of it that I couldn't get out of the most basic help file.

Both this book and the Server 2003 for Dummies deal with the same topics, server administration for people that don't know anything about servers. The dummies book is 100 times more useful than this one. Although both are aimed at the same market, this book is far more superficial and I'm left to wonder what I can get out of it that I couldn't get out of the most basic help file.

I think that this book is a great addition to my IT library. Although it lacks in-depth explanations,
it explains enough to get a basic understanding of what you are doing. I think this book is great for anyone that
is already a pro and just needs a reminder once in a while, or someone who really has no idea what is going on,
but still needs to perform the tasks.. It's easy to find
what you need, when you need it, and the step by step instructions with pictures are clear and concise,
so easy in fact that my girlfriend can perform the task's in the book.

Basically, a great reference book for those that already know what they are doing and just need a refresher
once in a while. It would also help anyone that takes care of a server locally, but doesn't really have or need
a deep understanding of what is going on. I feel that this would also be useful
for anyone that is currently studying the 2003 MCSE track, and is just looking for something to supplement their
training kit.

I think that this book is a great addition to my IT library. Although it lacks in-depth explanations,
it explains enough to get a basic understanding of what you are doing. I think this book is great for anyone that
is already a pro and just needs a reminder once in a while, or someone who really has no idea what is going on,
but still needs to perform the tasks.. It's easy to find
what you need, when you need it, and the step by step instructions with pictures are clear and concise,
so easy in fact that my girlfriend can perform the task's in the book.

Basically, a great reference book for those that already know what they are doing and just need a refresher
once in a while. It would also help anyone that takes care of a server locally, but doesn't really have or need
a deep understanding of what is going on. I feel that this would also be useful
for anyone that is currently studying the 2003 MCSE track, and is just looking for something to supplement their
training kit.

While I don't think a person could actually "master" Server 2003 from reading this book I think it is a good introduction to server admin tasks for someone who is not a professional systems administrator. So, if you are the non-system-admin in your office who has been delegated the task of administering your company's new Windows 2003 server, and you are unfamiliar with this product, this book will get you off to a decent start.

You will need other books to give you the background you need to in understanding the theory behind the tasks, but if you just want to get things done and don't know how to get started, this picture guide will walk you through the process of many everyday system administrator tasks.

I gave this book 3 stars because it isn't what I personally look for in an IT related book. However, for the right audience it would be a good book to get a person who has no, or very little previous computer experience started because it will familiarize the reader with the gui interface and several of the command line tools. It's not a comprehensive education on 2003 but I don't think it was ever meant to be that, despite what the title says.