Who This Book Is Not For
I've made the assumption throughout the book that you have experience with Windows NT servers and classic NT domains. If you have an IT background with other operating systems, and you prefer diving into the deep end of the pool when you approach a new subject, I think you'll find sufficient background explanations and references to help guide you through all but the most arcane subject areas. If you are just setting out to learn about Windows and networking technologies, this is not a good place to start.Because this is a book about Windows Server 2003, if you are primarily concerned with deploying and managing desktops, you may want to check out one of the many books on Windows XP. If you want to know how the server-side features in Windows Server 2003 interoperate with XP and Windows 2000 clients so you can effectively troubleshoot features such as folder redirection, offline files, group policies, resource sharing, name resolution, remote user access, certificate enrollment, EFS, and smart cards, you'll find plenty of details here.If you are primarily interested in certification on Windows Server 2003, most of the information you need to pass the exams is here, but you may not find it arranged in a way that is conducive to exam preparation. If you want the hands-on experience to go with the paper on the wall, I think you'll benefit from the deployment format of this book as you prepare for the exams.Because of space limitations, this book does not cover the many new features of Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 or all the myriad aspects of Application-mode Terminal Services. It also does not cover the interoperability features for Novell NetWare and Novell Directory Services (NDS), Services for Macintosh (SFM), or Services for UNIX (SFU). Chapter 11, "Understanding Network Access Security and Kerberos," contains details of Windows Server 2003 Kerberos interoperability with UNIX-based MITv5 Kerberos.