I love it when I find a post that sums up information I have been meaning to put together! A big thanks to Danny Fyffe for taking the time to write up his first impressions of the book SBS Unleased.
"I purchased Eriq Neales book, "Small Business Server 2003 Unleashed". ISBN is 0-672-32805-4. So far, I have read the first five chapters in order. I intend to read the entire book in a sequential manner and then hopefully use it for field work. Here are my basic thoughts on those five chapters.
Chapter 1 - This first chapter is a really great place to start for those who do not know the history and intricacies of the four iterations. This chapter covers little known details and some downright bad things in the various versions. I am happy to have read this chapter and learn many things I did not know. Remember the adage, "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it". It appears MS has certainly learned from previous versions and have really gone out of their way to improve this current version. It makes me anxious for the next SBS version.
Chapter 2 - This chapter is all about business and how to justify the cost for a business to implement this solution we call SBS2K3. This chapter uses what I call horse sense and some good tips that could help anyone who is going into any business, not just the IT business. This chapter gives a number of real business types and examples and what the justification for each is. In other words, it shows you how to sell the product to each type of business model in this space. SBS2K3 has numerous features, but not every business needs all the various features. Therefore, this chapter shows you how to use the strengths of various parts of SBS2K3 to help shore up various weaknesses in the type of business you are trying to gain a relationship. This chapter is a very good segue from the first chapter. It will help focus you on satisfying a business need and not just making an unnecessary sale. You might call this chapter an MBA lite!
Wow! That was my intent.. I wrote chapter 2...Anne
Chapter 3 - Before you install the product, you must plan it first. Every war is fought one battle at a time. Therefore, to win the war (customer) you must make sure you do not misfire. This chapter tells you step by step how to keep your powder dry and win the day. You will learn about selling the proper number and types of Cal's (Answer - almost always it is user, not always however). You will plan your network, IP's, DHCP, DNS, wireless and other topics. Each chapter also has summaries and best practices to help you with tidbits of wisdom, shortcuts and the like.
Chapter 4 - Finally, we get to install the product. Here is where the rubber meets the road! This chapter assumes a fresh install on a new drive. It admittedly is not the hardcore stuff the migrators may be looking for, but it is a great guide on the install. It quickly moves over the not so detailed stuff and slows down and goes in-depth where it counts, at the GUI portion. It covers the To Do List in two parts and does a fine job of showing you each step and how to perform them. Those of you with a lot of experience however, need not apply. It finishes up with some good old fashioned troubleshooting. Did your installation go nuts on you and leave you crying? Turn here to find out about the logs that can help you get through the tangled mess.
Chapter 5 - This chapter gets very serious and can help you out when it comes to DHCP and DNS specifically. It takes turns discussing what each are, how to set them up and how to use the tools to troubleshoot various issues. One nugget, many errors that seem to be AD related are actually DNS related. DNS and AD are so deeply intertwined, it is easy to troubleshoot what you think is an AD issue when in fact, DNS is the culprit! Have you met a friend named NSLookup? When you are troubleshooting DNS errors, this friend can help you out like few others can and get you thinking and looking in the right direction. Has your DHCP laughed at you and left? Learn how to wrangle that rascal and bring it back for good! This chapter was very good and worth the price of admission.
This is as far as I have gotten in the book. So far, I feel very good, warm and fuzzy inside about my purchase. Are you an SBS'er? Do you dream of being one? If so, head on out right now and buy this book.Eriq and his 9 co-writers I'm sure will appreciate your purchase. Moreover, I think they would love your personal review. I am not sure who wrote what chapter (except Chapter 2 by Anne Stanton), but I know so far, there is a LOT of talent and gifts in this book.
Next time, I'll cover from chapter 6 till wherever I get! It should be several chapters at least. I hope this helps you to decide to buy the book. I do not make anything from its sale nor do I know personally any of the writers. I just know if you want real world information on SBS2K3, this book will help get you through the real world stuff. See you next time."
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