Learning advanced stuff

[Howard]

OK basically my brother came up with the idea of maybe getting another computer or two and building a file server, with Windows Server 2000 or 2003 or something, and me learning how to use all the functions as a good base so that it would be easier for me to get a job in networking in the future.

Basically...Where do I start to learn how to do all this stuff? Shall I just set it up and work my way through setting things up like domains, file servers, Exchange servers, etc? What else is there involved?

[directhex]

you need a few thousand pounds of software to start with

and the real qualification is the MCP, Microsoft Certified Professional (a number of sysadmin jobs require it)

play about with some free network infrastructure tools to start with such as XPOPK (i can hook you up with a copy, it's free for system builders)

[directhex]

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/default.asp

[Howard]

What's XPOPK?

[Steve]

Well you can download a 180 day trial version of 2k3 server.

Play about with it - that's how I learn.

Don't rely on it though - try setting up active directory on it or something like that, but don't move all your files onto it - keep them local. That way if you cockup there's no real harm done.

[Howard]

It'll be on a seperate computer I'll get hold of from somewhere.
First thigns first... What's an Active Directory?

I'll probably just play about it with some non vital files or something

[Moby-Dick]

ACtive Directory is the Structure within which a widows domain holds its data. I contrian informatino about users , computers, printers and all the policies relating to them.

You can download time limited betas of exchange and 2k3 server which is a good base.

See if you can get hold of the course books for the various MCP's and try to work your way through them.

[Howard]

Are the course books expensive? I don't mind paying a moderate sum for them... But once I get into the hundreds..

[Moby-Dick]

no need to buy them all at once
You need to take 7 modules for a full MSCE , but dont rush them or you wont really learn it.

Best ones to start off on are the Exam for XP and the one for 2k3 Server

70-270 (XP)
70-290 (2K3 Server)

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/m...a/windows2003/


Remeber the Exams are looking at mainatining the OS rather than actually using it - so there is a bit to learn.

[Howard]

I don't plan to take these exams for a few years yet (obviously ) but I think it's a far more interesting learning curve than just sitting here playing games when I'm bored
Thanks for your help so far

[directhex]

o right, i have a few 1-year trials of 2003 enterprise & some 180-day server standard trials. exchange server & things like that too.

xpopk is the xp oem preinstallation kit, it lets you do unattended network installations. there's a minor certification they offer for doing it - the Microsoft Preinstallation Specialist. for one thing you can take it as many times as you like for free. check http://oem.microsoft.com if you like.

[Jiff Lemon]

Originally posted by Moby-Dick
no need to buy them all at once
You need to take 7 modules for a full MSCE , but dont rush them or you wont really learn it.

Best ones to start off on are the Exam for XP and the one for 2k3 Server

70-270 (XP)
70-290 (2K3 Server)

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/m...a/windows2003/


Remeber the Exams are looking at mainatining the OS rather than actually using it - so there is a bit to learn.

I'd actually recommend the Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining book (70-291 or 70-218 (2k) ) - Mainly because it deals with the why you need DNS,DHCP etc etc, rather than how to implement them.

Always felt the way they teach MCSA/MCSE is back to front. They teach you how to implement stuff before they teach you why you need it!

[Moby-Dick]

Originally posted by Jiff Lemon
I'd actually recommend the Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining book (70-291 or 70-218 (2k) ) - Mainly because it deals with the why you need DNS,DHCP etc etc, rather than how to implement them.

Always felt the way they teach MCSA/MCSE is back to front. They teach you how to implement stuff before they teach you why you need it!

good point - I guess I knew why I needed it before hand

[wasabi]

the thing to keep in the back of your mind while you're practising is in reality, there will be about 50 plus computers with utter morons using them. You need to be able to get things up and running quickly as there is nothing so snotty or all-knowing in this world as a user with a flakey PC. Computer rollout made easy , locking things down, backup strategies, new app rollout - thats the kind of thing you do in the 'real world' but which only gets token treatment in MCSE type stuff.

Or to put it another way - you can do all kinds of cool stuff on a 3 PC netowork - you got to think what it will be like on a BIG scale and would it really work?

[Twigman]

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/technet/...evaluation.asp

Get microsoft to send you tons of free/trial stuff. Just fill int eh form and they will bombard you with loads of useless but free stuff.

/me looks over at about 40 odd cds and other crap free from microsoft

More seriously it is quite good, and lets you use pretty much any software you want to trial from Microsoft.