Good books to learn about e-mail systems and messaging?

Hi, all:

Some (or most of you) probably won't believe this, but I'm an MCSE who doesn't know anything about the SERVER side of e-mail and messaging systems. I understand the basics of Web-hosted messaging services, such as IM and the difference between POP3 and IMAP, and I've been setting up and troubleshooting Outlook accounts for a half-decade now.

The problem is, when I got my MCSE back in 2000, I chose the IIS/TCP/IP route, and stayed away from the heavyweights (SQL Server, Exchange). As such, I ended up only installing and configuring servers that would be used for Web hosting, DNS, or file/print.

Times have changed, and I'd like to learn about Exchange Server 2007. I know about the MS Press books for the MCTS credential, and I'm setting up my lab right this very moment to dive into it. However, I'd like to get the basics (as I assume the old MS Press books for Exchange 5.x taught).

Any suggestions? Your thoughts and comments are much appreciated.

Thanks,

Volm

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Comments

Slowhand

No worries. I've made it a special point to stay away from Exhange and messaging systems in general for as long as I've been able. Doing systems administration doesn't automatically make you a mail expert as well, (despite what overly-zealous recruiters and HR managers might think,) but it's definitely a good thing to have experience with since so many people assume that having an MCSE means you know Exchange.

I've got three threads going on Exchange 2007 books and study guides, particularly relating to the MCTS exam for it:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/exchange-server-office-communications-server-exams/38244-ms-press-sybex-lousy-70-236-a.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2003-general/24734-new-ventures-another-path-change.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/off-topic/19244-exchange-2007-sharepoint-2007-groove-book-help.html

dynamik

These along with Transcender and lab work got my through the entire EMA track.

Harold Wong's Blog Site : 24 Hours of Exchange 2007 Recordings

Amazon.com: How to **** at Configuring Exchange Server 2007: Including Outlook Web, Mobile, and Voice Access (How to ****): Henrik Walther: Books

Amazon.com: Mastering Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: Barry Gerber, Jim McBee: Books

Amazon.com: MCITP: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Messaging Design and Deployment Study Guide: Exams 70-237 and 70-238: Rawlinson Rivera: Books

volmeru

Thanks a bunch! From the suggestions that you guys offered, it seems that all I have to do is learn about Exchange, not necessarily e-mail systems in general. That's a relief...! I somehow thought there was some 'background info' that I would need (like the Network+ to my CCNA).

The real reason that I'm interested in Exchange is to find out how both it and Active Directory can integrate with Cisco VoIP solutions (if at all). I'm not really sure if I should stop working on my CCVP and freshen things up with Server 2008/Exchange 2007 (maybe I'd find a job faster?), or just keep slugging away at the VP.

I have a CCNA Voice and STILL can't seem to find VoIP work (I'm currently unemployed). I'm somewhat new to this forum, so you'll find me hanging out in the CCVP section!

Much appreciated!!

- Volm