Mastering Network Services

This volume will teach you the ins and outs of Windows 2000 Network Services.

• By Paul G. Brown
• 03/01/2001

Windows 2000 contains so many new twists that even proficient Windows NT network administrators can spend a lot of time updating their skills. Managing Windows 2000 Network Services, however, is a great way to reduce that time and — in the process — gain a valuable tool for further support.

This book jumps out of the gate with a look at all of the changes brought by Win2K. Chapter 1 also covers what hasn’t changed, a big departure over other volumes. In addition, upgrading and migration are covered in detail.

So, where does this leave the rest of the book? Explaining the stuff you need to know about managing Win2K network services, and it does this job well. WINS, DHCP and DNS are all thoroughly covered in separate chapters, while Chapter 9 covers creation of a routable network using Win2K Router. There’s even a chapter that covers connecting small offices and homes to the Internet.

Chapter 2 discusses TCP/IP from the Win2K perspective, with details on QoS, IPSec and IP auto-configuration. Chapter 6 looks at TCP/IP from a security slant. It digs into IPSec in great detail, along with SSL and VPN. By the time you’re done reading these chapters, you’ll know everything you need to know about TCP/IP for day-to-day operation of almost any size network.

Chapter 7 looks at external connections, with more information presented on VPN and RAS. You’ll find everything you need here for enabling access for mobile users and remote sites. Another thing you’ll find is an excellent look at security concerns and remedies. Even experienced administrators should read the reviews of common hacker tactics, if only as a refresher. Security is so important, I think it probably should have had a chapter of its own in this book.

Chapter 11 is titled, “Managing Windows 2000 Network Services Fast Track,” and is designed to hit the highlights. The introduction even suggests those boning up for Microsoft certification exam 70-221, Designing a Win2K Network Infrastructure, use this chapter as a pre-test. The only thing I can’t understand is why this chapter wasn’t placed at the beginning of the book. It would have been a perfect fit right after Chapter 1. If you’re an experienced administrator you might want to start at the back of the book and hit those areas where you find holes.

Overall, this is a solid book, of benefit to those of just about any skill level and also excellent for use when preparing for Microsoft certification. You’ll find this book well worth the cost in both money and time.