Windows Server 2003

How This Book Is Organized

The book is divided into six major parts, each of which consists of two to seven chapters. Each chapter covers a major topic and is divided into sections, which discuss some particular issue or concern related to that topic. That's how things in this book are organized, but how you read it is up to you. Choose atopic, a section, a chapter, or a part — whatever strikes your fancy or suits your needs — and start reading.

Part I: Laying the Network Foundation

Part I covers networking concepts and terminology, including the basics of networked communications and what makes networks work— usually, some magical combination of hardware and software. Look here for discussions about networking terms and concepts, such as client, server, protocol, and topology. If you're not familiar with networks, this part should come in handy. If you're already a seasoned networker, you can skip this part (and Part II).

Part II: Hooking Up the Hardware

Part II covers everything you need to know to build or extend a network or simply to understand what's really happening on an existing network. It starts with coverage of network design and layout principles, and continues with a discussion of how to install and configure NICs in a PC. After that, it examines the wiring that links network devices and talks about how multiple networks can interconnect. Part II concludes with a review of all the software components you're likely to encounter on a Windows 2003-based network and why you need them.

Part III: Servers, Start Your Engines!

Part III tackles Windows Server 2003 head on, starting with its installation and configuration. It covers the issues involved in installing and configuring network hardware specifically for Windows Server 2003. It also covers how to install and manage print servers and services on a Windows 2003-based network, how to handle Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) addresses, and how to set up and manage directory services, domains, and trust relationships in a Windows 2003-based environment. Part III is where you figure out how to put the basic pieces of a network together using Windows Server 2003.

Part IV: Running Your Network

Part IV picks up where Part III leaves off — that is, it talks about living with and managing a Windows 2003-based network after the initial installation and configuration phase is complete. It begins with a discussion of how to manage users and groups on a Windows 2003-based network, including details on profiles, policies, and local and global groups. Next, it covers how Windows 2003 controls access to NTFS files and directories, and how to manage network-accessible file system resources called shares.

After a network's users, groups, and data assets are in place, rebuilding such a setup from scratch can be a real pain. That's where a backup comes in handy, so Part IV covers the ins and outs of backing up and restoring a Windows Server 2003 machine, plus other aspects of fault tolerance. After that, a review of network security principles and practices should help to prepare you to protect your data from accidental loss and from would-be hackers and crackers.
Part V: Troubleshooting

PartV takes a long, hard look at the common causes of trouble on Windows 2003-based networks and explores those areas that are most likely to fall prey to trouble. It begins with a look at some key Windows 2003 tools for troubleshooting systems, and then continues on to explore tips, tricks, and techniques for troubleshooting a Windows 2003-based network. PartV concludes by exploring the handling of problems with Active Directory.

Part VI: The Part of Tens

Part VI follows the grand tradition of For Dummies books, all of which include "The Part of Tens." Here, you'll find lists of information, tips, tricks, and suggestions, all organized into short and convenient chapters. This supplemental information is designed to be both helpful and informative and is supplied at no extra charge.
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