I have a license for all three OS and want to start learning more about Windows Server (etc.), but I was wondering what is the best OS to start learning from since many businesses/organisations use Windows Server? The main areas I intend to look at are active directory, web server, mail server, file server and maybe SQL. I would also setup the server as a home network. For now I want to only concentrate on one OS so that I can learn that OS well before learning the next one, but I don't know where to start. Also, how much disk space is realistically needed? For the record I got the licenses from: https://www.dreamspark.com/Products/Prod… Finally, what is a good book to read from? e.g. Server 2003 for dummies. thank you.

I'd start with 2008 R2 (latest version) and study the self-paced training material for the MCITP Enterprise Administrator: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx#tab2 A lot of 2008 R2 stuff transfers back to 2003, but you can also work with 2003 and some of the older training kits for the MCSE. -- Mike Burr

Since Windows 2008 is the latest version, I would recommend focusing on the latest technology. Also, you can use Microsoft Virtual lab for learning purposes” http://www.microsoft.com/events/vlabs/default.mspx Santhosh Sivarajan | MCTS, MCSE (W2K3/W2K/NT4), MCSA (W2K3/W2K/MSG), CCNA, Network+ Houston, TX http://blogs.sivarajan.com/ http://publications.sivarajan.com/ This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Agree as well that 2008 or 2008R2 would be the best place to start. Its not required to know 2003 prior to learning 2008. Of course for those of us who go way back, the learning curve is much easier as new versions are released. The best way and most cost effective is to work on virtual labs and pick up some training kits as Mike and Santhosh described. Here are some books I highly recommend. I have taught these MS courses for about a decade. I have found that only those students who put the time and effort into teaching themselves are the only ones that generally highly succeed in this field. Visit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.

Thanks for the replies. The main reason I want to learn is because many businesses require some experience but I wonder how many are still with 2003 compared to 2008 or is it easy to back port any 2008 R2 skills back to 2003? Ordinarily I would agree in that the latest is typically the best but with this being about "the real world" I need to pick the best OS which businesses use. Also can anyone recommend a good free antivirus/firewall for server 2003/2008?

There are many businesses still on various versions, I would say mainly from 2000-2008. Although you still may see some a few instances here and there with NT 4.0 servers. Yes, if you put aside 2008 and learn core networking concepts such as Directory Services, DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, etc... you will be good for any edition. And yes, 2008 concepts for the most part can be applied with 2003. However, as you may expect, some new features are not found in earlier versions. For an Enterprise environment, I tend to stay away from any free product and stick with those products designed for Enterprise use. However, If you need something for testing/learning, I have used AVG in the past. Visit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.