What s in the Book

We've divided Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Administrator's Companion into seven parts, roughly corresponding to each stage in the development of a Windows 2000 network:

• Part I: Preparing for Installation Perhaps you've heard Edison's famous quote, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." Modify that slightly and you have a good motto for network building: "A good network is one percent implementation and ninety-nine percent preparation." That's why this book begins with four chapters of planning advice. The first chapter is an overview of Windows 2000, its components, and its features. This is followed by chapters on directory services and namespace planning. The last chapter in this section covers specific issues that need to be addressed when planning your deployment.
• Part II: Installation and Initial Configuration This part takes you through the process of installing Windows 2000 and configuring hardware. Also included are chapters on upgrading to Windows 2000 and managing users.
• Part III: Network Administration Part III covers day-to-day tasks involved in running a network, including implementing Active Directory, managing storage options, and configuring security.
• Part IV: Supporting Services and Features This part addresses the main services that are included with Windows 2000 Server. Few networks will need all of the features Windows 2000 Server offers, but all administrators will need to be familiar with messaging and managing software and most will find reading about advanced features useful. You'll find chapters on interoperating with other operating systems plus chapters on Terminal Services and Certificate Services.
• Part V: Internet Servers and Services In Part V, we cover the components that connect you to the outside world—and, in turn, connect that world to you. Here you'll find chapters on Internet connectivity, Internet Security and Acceleration Server, and remote access.
• Part VI: Tuning, Maintenance, and Repair This section covers important material on network health. There's a chapter on the performance monitoring tools included with Windows 2000 Server and how to use them. There are also chapters on the important topics of disaster planning and prevention. If, despite your best efforts, the network falters, here's where you'll find information on troubleshooting and recovery. In addition, we include a chapter on the registry—the brains of Windows 2000 Server—and some advice if you're contemplating brain surgery.
• Part VII: Appendixes and Glossary At the end of the book, you'll find supplemental material that can prove useful for quick access to important information. The glossary covers terms new to Windows 2000 and familiar terms that take on new meaning. Five appendixes cover the interface changes in Windows 2000 Server, the components that are part of the package, the tools included as part of the software, and other useful information.

Within the chapters themselves, we've tried to make the material as accessible as possible. You'll find descriptive and theoretical information, as well as many step-by-step examples for how to implement or configure a particular feature. These are supplemented with graphics that make it easy to follow the written instructions.

In addition, we've made extensive use of the reader aids common to all books in the Administrator's Companion series.

Notes generally represent alternate ways to perform a task or some information that needs to be highlighted.

Methods of performing tasks more quickly or in a not-so-obvious manner show up as tips.

More Info

References to other books and sources of information are offered throughout the book.

Don't skip over these boxes because they contain important warnings about the subject at hand—often critical information about the safety of your system.

As we stress throughout the book, proper planning is fundamental to the smooth operation of any network. These boxes contain specific and useful hints to make that process go smoothly.

Real World

Everyone benefits from the experiences of others. Real World sidebars contain elaboration on a particular theme or background based on the adventures of IT professionals just like you.

We encourage you to take advantage of other books offered by Microsoft Press. In addition to other Windows 2000 titles, the Technical Reference series will provide you with in-depth coverage of specific topics. The Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit is highly recommended for every administrator.