Free resource/labs. http://www.microsoft.com/events/vlabs/default.mspx
The labs are basic, but they do work and can help get you jump started before you move onto to more advanced stuff or your own thing. We had a thread on test environments a few weeks ago that had a variety of responses that may be useful to you in the archives. My basic environment is an HP Media Center I got on the refurb list (quad core q6600) that I bumped up to 8GB ram, tossed in two additional drives and can run a few virtual guests well enough. To supplement I can use Virtual Box ( http://www.virtualbox.org/) on my desktop. There are more details int he archive on it and other considerations. I advise you check out PowerShell along the way. I have a bunch of free links on my site, left hand side http://www.blkmtn.org Try and troubleshoot problems or read links by many on this list. (not all, some are weird links but you'll have to just learn who sends those out :) Have fun, best of luck. Steven Peck http://www.blkmtn.rog On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 1:19 PM, Leland <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi guys and gals, > > I'm rusty and after a number of years, I'm moving back into a hands-on > sysadmin role. I was very hands on with 2000 Server back in the day, but > once I started deploying Server 2003, I backed away and started delegating > (necessary evil at the time, unfortunately). Although I worked with Group > Policy, I really didn't have much of a chance to start leveraging it. That > is changing in my new role. > > I don't have a test environment to play with right now, so I'm at a loss > there. I've been looking at book possibilities, and this is one of the ones > I've found. I'm wondering if any of you have read it, or anything like it, > that would be of benefit to me. I'll be supporting 2003 and 2008 systems, > 2003 AD, but will likely be moving it from 2003 to 2008. I know this book > doesn't go deep, but I feel like I need a primer, and then to focus on what > is new in 2008 and AD specifics. > > > http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-Weekend-Crash-Course/dp/0764549251/ref=pd_sim_b_3 > > Then, I figured perhaps I would delve into these: > > > http://www.amazon.com/Active-Directory-Designing-Deploying-Running/dp/059652059X/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 > > > http://www.amazon.com/Active-Directory-Administrators-Pocket-Consultant/dp/0735626480/ref=pd_sim_b_2 > > > http://www.amazon.com/Windows-PowerShell-Administrators-Pocket-Consultant/dp/0735625956/ref=pd_sim_b_4 > > Finally, I'm torn between these first 3 on 2008: > > > http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=server+2008&x=0&y=0 > > Am I off base, or are these good places to start? > > Guidance much appreciated, > > Leland > > ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ > ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ > > --- > To manage subscriptions click here: > http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ > or send an email to [email protected] > with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin > ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to [email protected] with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
