The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Professional References for Win2000 For the bookshelf Major Keary

Win2000 Configuration Wizards

This title begins with a useful chapter on Win2000 pre-installation, describing those things that should be addressed before the installation process begins. From there each chapter deals with a particular configuration wizard, beginning with initial setup and proceeding through: Server Configuration; Active Directory Installation; Network Connection; Managing DHCP Servers; Create New Zone (DNS; Routing and Remote Access; Create Shared Folder; Add Printer; Internet Information Services (IIS); Windows Component (add and remove components); Resource Kit Setup; Add/Remove Hardware; Internet Connection; Connection Manager Admin. Kit; Create New Dfs Root; Delegate Control; Create Partition; System Maintenance; Environment  Configuration; Accessibility; Fax; and Backup and recovery.

Each of those wizards is dealt with in a common format. An introduction describes the wizard's purpose; then a detailed discussion of those things the user needs to know in order to use the wizard; and then a tutorial - step-by-step instructions - that leads the user through the process, with illustrations of the various screens encountered.

A great resource for help desks; the step-by-step instructions are in clear language.

Brian Collins et al.: Windows 2000 Configuration Wizards  ISBN 1-928994-08-3  Published by Syngress, 444 pp.,  RRP $93.50 inc. GST

Managing Win2000 Network Services

This title is about the deployment and integration of network service tools that are now available in Win2000. It does not stop at describing how to employ a particular feature, but goes on to explain how it works. The focus is on managing network services. The system covered by this series is at the server end of the range and includes many new tools and features, such as ATM, certificate services, DHCP, disk quotas, group policies, an indexing service, Kerberos, LDAP, quality of service, network address translation, message queuing, VPN, and Active Directory.

Chapters deal with: New Features of Windows 2000 A brief descriptions of Win2000's new features and a discussion of system requirements for the professional and server versions as well as upgrade issues.

Microsoft TCP/IP 2000 An overview of TCP/IP and a detailed description of the new features in Win2000.

DHCP Server Management Covers the dynamic host configuration protocol, its integration with DNS, installing and configuring a DHCP server, and management.

Windows 2000 DNS An introduction to DNS, name resolution, integration with Active Directory, security issues, and configuring a DNS client.

Developing a WINS Strategy Windows Internet Naming Service.

Secure TCP/IP Connections Virtual private networks, point-to-point tunnelling protocol, secure sockets layer, and encryption issues.

External Network Connections Internet connection, point-to-point tunnelling protocol over the Internet, and remote access service.

Connecting SOHOs to the Internet Discusses SOHO-specific issues, including the use of network address translation.

Creating a Routable Network Using Wn2000 An overview of routing, descriptions of various kinds of router, configuration, and virtual private networks.

Administration and Ease of Use Plug-and-play, dial-up connections, configuring modems, the Connection Manager Administration Kit, phone books, and remote access using Active Directory.

Managing Win2000 Network Services Fast Track A summary that lends itself to last-minute self-briefing "just before a meeting, interview, or ... exam"). An appendix, Secrets, lists "lesser known functions", undocumented features, troubleshooting tips, and editing the registry. Well written, with supporting illustrations (which are particularly useful for anyone charged with preparing presentations on network services), and plenty of cautions and side notes.

Shinder et al.: Managing Windows 2000 Network Services ISBN 1-928994-06-7  Published by Syngress Media, 664 pp.,  RRP $115.50 inc. GST

Troubleshooting TCP/IP

This title is not just about TCP/IP but "focuses on Microsoft's implementation ... in Windows 2000 [and] discusses guidelines for planningg testing, and implementing substantial changes such as the setup or migration of a Windows 2000 TCP/IP network."

The first chapter presents a detailed overview of TCP/IP from its origins and describes the OSI model, the U.S. Department of Defense model, and the Microsoft Win2000 networking model.

Chapter 2 takes the reader through the Win2000 TCP/IP network setup process. The emphasis is on the importance of planning in order to prevent problems. The following chapters address troubleshooting issues general guidelines; TCP/IP internals; Using network monitoring tools in Win2000; Netbios name resolution problems; DNS problems; IP addressing problems; remote access problems; connectivity problems at network interface level; connectivity problems at Internet work level; and selected services on Win2000 TCP/IP network. A final chapter presents a summary of the material covered, and an appendix deals with lesser-known shortcuts, under-documented features and functions, and other useful information.

Debra Shinder and Thomas Shinder: Troubleshooting Windows 2000 TCP/IP ISBN 1-928994-11-3 Published by Syngress, 704 pp.,  RRP $115.50 inc. GST

Reprinted from the October 2000 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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