Hello, I am looking at possibly working towards a test setup of a active directory and filesharing setup for a non profit organization but have no real prior experience with windows server of any version. What book would you recommend I look at as a good starting point? If there's something that walks you through the basic steps of getting a functional active directory deployment off the ground that'd be great. I've tried searching for a good book on this topic, but there's so many to choose from it's a little overwhelming. Thanks.

Hiya, Unless you really prefer reading stuff from a book or you like books in general, I wouldnt recommend buying a book on the topic. Use your preferred search engine and basically write how to xxx Begin with: 1: How to setup Windows 2008 http://www.petri.co.il/how-to-install-windows-server-2008-step-by-step.htm 2: How to setup Active Directory http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc755103(WS.10).aspx 3: How to setup file sharing. http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/Configuring_Windows_Server_2008_File_Sharing If your new to the hole thing, try and set it up, see if it works. If it does work, start all over and write down what you do to get there. In that case, if you run into problems later on, it should be easier for a IT consultant to go through your system. And use these forums as much as possible - no stupid questions, only stupid answers :)

Hello JohnMusbach, You best bet for the cost is the "MCITP Enterprise Administrator Core Requirements Training Kit". MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647): Windows Server® 2008 Enterprise Administrator Core Requirements Visit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.

Thanks for the replies all. I ultimately decided on the book "Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed".

Good job. That is an excellent book for R2. Here is the link (Amazon.com) for those who are interested. Windows Server 2008 R2 UnleashedVisit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.