Windows Advanced Server 2000 book/manual

[JPS]

Hi guys

Non technical question. I am setting up a server at home, purely as a way of increasing my knowledge (remembering I'm not a techy). I have been able to obtain a legit copy of Advanced Server 2000 at very little cost and am aware of course that this is quite dated now but it will suffice for my needs. What I am after is some kind of manual that I can use to assist me with things like setting up AD, DHCP etc ('basic' server functions really, but at a later date I am going to look at Exchange 2000) but dont know what to get. I suspect there wont be great choice now as publishers are focusing on 2003/2008, but I was hoping someone might recommend something suitable and perhaps a good supplier. New or used would both be acceptable. I have googled and checked ebay but really need an experts recommendation rather than just me guessing.

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[jamesreedersmith]

Why are you even considering learning 2000 when 2003 is the main stay and 2008 is becomeing very common.

[Dos_Box]

I'd have to say that learngin on a server 200 based platform is goign to be pretty pointless. With 2003, 2007 and upwards, tahe way things work and methodology are completely differant, and given that extended support for Server 2000 ended last summer you are not even learnign an operating system recognised by Microsoft a existing!
you best bet would be to download a 180 day trial version from here: Windows Server 2008 R2 Evaluation Free 180-Day Trial
I would also practice installing it several time before installing services etc, just so you can get the feel for when things 'go wrong' which is what our job is all about (apart from ensuring it never goes wrong of course!).
But bin 2000. You will not be doing yourself an favours learning that IMHO.

[computer_expert]

You can also extend the trial of server 2008 to 240 days. IIRC it also works on 2008R2 (and W7) as well.

How to extend the Windows Server 2008 evaluation period

I also agree that learning server 2000 would be pointless too seeing as most places I've visited tend to use 2003/XP and newer.

[JPS]

Thanks for your input guys. I understand what you're saying. I am really trying to get to grips with the basics rather than specific versions of windows. Before I get too into it, I thought £20 for server 2000 isnt a bad place to start and nothing can be lost. I did consider the trial version of 2008, but was concerned that when that ended, I'd have to start all over again and of course shell out for a licence which I just dont deem necessary for a home network. I'm also not installing this on a 'typical' server, so spec is low and I didnt want to run into performance issues.

If I was looking to enhance job prospects I totally understand that I would need to study the latest version, but that could be some way off and learning 2008 (for example) must be a tad easier if you understand how 2000 works, rather than coming into it without any prior knowledge.

[siadam]

Thanks for your input guys. I understand what you're saying. I am really trying to get to grips with the basics rather than specific versions of windows. Before I get too into it, I thought £20 for server 2000 isnt a bad place to start and nothing can be lost. I did consider the trial version of 2008, but was concerned that when that ended, I'd have to start all over again and of course shell out for a licence which I just dont deem necessary for a home network. I'm also not installing this on a 'typical' server, so spec is low and I didnt want to run into performance issues.

If I was looking to enhance job prospects I totally understand that I would need to study the latest version, but that could be some way off and learning 2008 (for example) must be a tad easier if you understand how 2000 works, rather than coming into it without any prior knowledge.

Your just trying to make yourself feel better for dropping $ on an out-dated version. The guys here listed the reasons on what you need to do, if you don't want to listen, carry on.

[cpjitservices]

Hi, I agree you SHOULD be trying to practice on either 2003 or 2008 as nowadays you wont find 2000 Server, Except here we use 2000 for on our print server (virtually) .

BUT however, if you want to learn the very basics of Active Directory etc etc, just go to start > run > and then type dcpromo and follow the instructions to set up your own Domain.

You will then need a copy of 2000 Pro or XP Pro as a client.

[strawberry]

Similar to what others have said, if you want to learn about domain services then you will need more than a server. You'll need clients too. EAsier option is probably to use some sort of training software rather than trying to arrange your learning around your hardware. something like TechNet Virtual Labs or testout's training software might well be more worthwhile. They both give you explainations, instructions and labs to work on. for testout prob best to look at the ms exam, 70-290 and 70-291 assuming you know the basics about client's.