Learning Windows 2003

dleggett

I have very little experience with Windows 2003. I need some hands on training but do not want to go back to college to learn this. Does anyone know where I get a cd so that Ipractice installing and configuring this? Thanks in advance

undomiel

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb430831.aspx

You can register for 180-day trials there. Install those into a vm and go to town with it! Hands-on experience is king here.

dleggett

Thanks undomiel! Are there any books out there that you would suggest that come with cds that let you actually experiment while reading?

undomiel

Lots of people like the MS Press books and the ones I've taken a look at have been pretty good.

aordal

I personally bought this set of Sybex books.
http://www.sybex.com/WileyCDA/SybexTitle/productCd-0782144527.html
Comes with a 180 day trial CD for Server 2003 as well as practice exams and flash simulations on cds.

Haven't taken the 290 test yet though, so i'll find out how good it actually is in a week!

bwcarty

Here's the MS Press book from Amazon, it includes a CD with the trial version of 2003 Server - http://www.amazon.com/MCSA-MCSE-Self-Paced-Training-70-290/dp/0735622892/

If you don't have time to go to a class but still want an instructor led type class, check out CBT Nuggets. They're expensive but good. http://www.cbtnuggets.com/webapp/product?id=207 If you're planning on taking several MS exams, go for one of their bundles.

dleggett

Thanks for all of the replies. If you think of anymore, please let me know. Thanks again for the guidance.

dynamik

Wrap it all up with Transcender practice tests.

Essendon

If you dont have experience with Server 2003, best way to start learning is by labbing at up. Download the free VMWare server at http://www.vmware.com/download/server. Have a couple of virtual machines i.e. a server and an XP client or an XP client at the very least. Dont be overawed by the VMWare server stuff, most of it is pretty self-explanatory, besides you have this forum to turn to if you run into problems. Break-fix is probably the best way to learn it.

The MS Press book is good enough for the test, I havent had a look at the Sybex books though. As Dynamik said, wrap it up with the transcender tests. CBT Nuggets are good but expensive, so if you can get someone to fund it for you, go for it.

Good luck!