Order of books to read

si20

A quick bit about me: I've got 5 years exp as an IT Tech, then I went to University to study Computer Science for 3 years. In all this time, i've never been let loose on Windows servers. I feel like i'm at a great disadvantage when I see job adverts and they all ask for server 2003/2008 experience. Now, i'm only 24, so there is time for me to learn.

So, I got hold of the following books:

70-640 - Configuring Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory
70-642 - Configuring Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure
70-646 - Configuring Windows Server 2008 - Windows Server Administrator

I figured that would be the best place to learn how to deploy and manage a server/AD etc.

Would I be right in reading the books in that order? I opened the AD book first, and it said that it assumes you have server knowledge already.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

kj0

Start with the 70-640. It will give you the foundation for the rest.

Are you more network or server orientated? If network, then 642 otherwise 646.


Make sure you set up a Lab, it doesn't take much to run a Server '08 lab. Vmware Workstation or Virtualbox will do it for you.

Also, the CBT nugget videos are extremely good for this, particularly if you are taking the exam.

Here's an older link with a lot of resources http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcts-mcitp-windows-2008-general/42880-70-640-resources.html

si20

Thanks. I've got a legitimate copy of Windows 2008 from the University's Dreamspark program, so I plan to learn using that. I think I can also get 2003 if I need that too. I'm more server orientated, so it looks like i'll be doing: 640, 646 then 642.

Here's hoping it goes well!

Thanks again!