Sebastopol, CA--Unlike its predecessors, Windows Server 2003 plays an increasingly important role in many enterprise networks as a competitive solution to Unix, not only in cost, but also performance. "Windows Server 2003 supports a rich networking environment," notes Craig Hunt, a well-known expert on networking and coauthor of Windows Server 2003 Network Administration (O'Reilly, US $49.95). "It's about time that Windows administrators receive the same quality information on network protocols and network system administration that Unix administrators have been enjoying."
Hunt's new book, coauthored with Roberta Bragg--a Windows networking MVP and expert on information security--is a practical, step-by-step guide to configuring and managing TCP/IP networking software on Windows server systems. Written specifically for experienced system administrators, Windows Server 2003 Network Administration covers the issues that are most important to those building or managing a Windows network.
"The importance of networks, and the role of Windows servers on those networks, cannot be exaggerated," Hunt insists. "What we offer with this book is the Windows Server 2003 version of the O'Reilly classic TCP/IP Network Administration that Unix administrators know and appreciate, and that skilled Windows administrators deserve."
Windows servers implement a full array of TCP/IP network services, including well-known protocols and services such as DNS and DHCP, and widely deployed protocols like OSPF and IPSec. "One of the advantages of using Windows servers is that they do an excellent job of integrating Microsoft network services, such as CIFS, into an Internet built on standard Internet protocols," Bragg remarks. "Our book covers both the standard TCP/IP protocols and the Microsoft protocols, and explains the tools and techniques used to integrate them."
Windows Server 2003 Network Administration is divided into three distinct sections: fundamental concepts, tutorial, and reference. The first three chapters provide a basic discussion of the network protocols and services, which include fundamental concepts necessary to understand the rest of the book. The remaining chapters offer a how-to tutorial for planning, installing and configuring various important network services. Three appendixes provide technical references for various configuration options.
"This book strives to find the correct balance of theory and practice, so that administrators understand what needs to be done and why," Bragg remarks. "That includes security. Proper security is a vital part of networking, and our book covers the tools to help block threats such as protocol filter, Windows firewall, and Internet connection firewall. We also cover the IPSec protocol, which is used to build VPNs, and take an in-depth look at security planning."
Hunt points out that the excellent integration that Windows Server 2003 brings to various network services means that even networks dominated by Unix servers are now considering Windows servers for specific tasks. "Given the ubiquity of networking," he says, "every Windows system administrator must master network administration."
Additional Resources:
- Chapter 14, "Troubleshooting TCP/IP"
- More information about the book, including table of contents, index, author bios, and samples
- A cover graphic in JPEG format
Windows Server 2003 Network Administration
Craig Hunt and Roberta Bragg
ISBN: 0-596-00800-7, 677 pages, $49.95 US, $69.95 CA
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938; 1-707-827-7000
About O’Reilly
O’Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O’Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying “faint signals” from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.