Re: Recommendations for novice administrator?

[guard]

One of the primary skills for a Windows System Admin
is the ability to write reliable and maintainable
shell scripts (aka batch files).

Here are some valuable FREE and "Almost Free"
resources to assist you.

*******
#1 - Write your scripts using Mount/\Commands

..Mount/\Commands are extensions to the "builtin"
commands and utilities that are present on
ALL INSTALLATIONS of all NT-based operating
systems including Windows NT4 SP6a, 2000,
XP and Server 2003.

They are constructed entirely of builtin commands
common to all four platforms (NT/2K/XP/K3).
There is NO BINARY CODE, only scripting commands!

..Mount/\Commands are specifically designed for
use in shell scripts and are coded for
Compatibility, Clarity and Speed.

Compatibility means that ALL M/\Cs perform
CONSISTENTLY across NT/2K/XP/K3. When the
command is created, those aggravating special
cases (the source of much Fuming) are masked
within the M/\C code so a CONSISTENT RESULT is
ALWAYS OBTAINED.

Clarity means that scripting code written
using MountCommands can be easily understood
and maintained, even by those without
extensive scripting experience.

Speed means that all available methods are
employed to enhance the performance of each
command, including preloading the code so
NO DISK ACCESS is needed to invoke it!

The complete Mount/\Command Set contains over 200
of these powerful commands. For more information,
see (http://MountCommands.com).

*******
#2 - Learn structured scripting techniques.

Our Free KnowledgeLetter, "BoomingOrFuming?" provides
valuable knowledge regarding the creation and maintenance
of reliable cross-platform shell scripts. This includes
Pattern Scripts to help you create your own custom
Mount/\Commands to add to the Standard Set.

You can peruse the first seven issues at
(http://BoomingOrFuming.com)

*******
#3 - Get the FREE Advanced NT/2K/XP Command Library (ntlib.cmd)

ntlib.cmd provides over 50 sample Mount/\Commands
to assist with writing and documenting shell scripts.
To get your FREE copy, go to (http://ntlib.com).

*******
You will also want to take a look at TheGuardBook,
Online Reference for Cross-Platform Shell Scripting at
(http://TheSystemGuard.com/GuardBook.asp).

All the commands internal to cmd.exe are documented
here in "Mounted Help" pages. This includes a color-keyed
page highlighting the differences between all
internal commands in NT/2K/XP/K3. The "Common Help"
from each OS's help screen is also available for comparison.

*******

-tsg
__________________________________________________ __________
TheSystemGuard.com | BoomingOrFuming.com | MountCommands.com
Free and "Almost Free" Knowledge for Windows System Admins!

"Stephen R. Gibson" > wrote in message
...
> Can anyone recommend a book or other resource(s) for a novice
administrator?
> My office is at the point where we need to move from a peer to peer
network
> to client-server capabilities. I am pretty good with computers, but i have
> never administered a client-server network. Are there any good books
> available to help a beginner understand what he needs to do?
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
>

[Al Dunbar]

"guard" > wrote in message
...
> One of the primary skills for a Windows System Admin
> is the ability to write reliable and maintainable
> shell scripts (aka batch files).

Agreed. But, without commenting either way on the quality of your particular
products, one of the important knowledge sets for a windows system admin is
a deep understanding of the plain vanilla batch language built into the o/s.
If the use of your products inhibits the development of this understanding,
that would have certain disadvantageous results.

<snip>

/Al

[Mark]

But dude, it sounds like the guy is administering a 15-20 users network...
save him going down a road at this time that would be fruitless, at this
time. He's coming off a peer-to-peer network for crimeny sakes, & you want
to put him right into the gutts of "a deep understanding of the plain
vanilla batch language built into the os".

Though, to each their own... as they say.

Steven,

I would highly recommend cruizing through MCP books OS (operating system),
server, Network Infrastructure, & Active Directory (Sybex is good). Even if
you don't take the exams the information will give you a good, solid, &
practical overview of what you are about to embark on. Also, pick up a
full-text 2K server admin guide. Microsoft Press puts one out, it's
thick... & the company should pay for all of these (but you can get em used
through Amazon.com if you have to). And believe it or not, Trancenders
test-prep questions a very detailed & practical... I have learned a great
deal about what to do in my network environment from the senarios that
Trancenders presents.

Either you bust your @ss, study, eat, live, drink this stuph... or you
aren't going to get anywhere anyway. So hit the books. Set up test
environments, & always understand the responsibility that rests on your
shoulders.

Good Endeavours,
Mark Wilson
Network Administrator/Engineer, Systems Analyst
A+, i-Net+, MCP, Watchguard Certified

"Al Dunbar" > wrote in message
.. .
>
> "guard" > wrote in message
> ...
> > One of the primary skills for a Windows System Admin
> > is the ability to write reliable and maintainable
> > shell scripts (aka batch files).
>
> Agreed. But, without commenting either way on the quality of your
particular
> products, one of the important knowledge sets for a windows system admin
is
> a deep understanding of the plain vanilla batch language built into the
o/s.
> If the use of your products inhibits the development of this
understanding,
> that would have certain disadvantageous results.
>
> <snip>
>
> /Al
>
>

[Al Dunbar]

"Mark" > wrote in message
...
> But dude, it sounds like the guy is administering a 15-20 users network...
> save him going down a road at this time that would be fruitless, at this
> time. He's coming off a peer-to-peer network for crimeny sakes, & you
want
> to put him right into the gutts of "a deep understanding of the plain
> vanilla batch language built into the os".

Sorry for any misunderstanding. No, I have no need to direct him down any
particular path. I was simply commenting on the previous post from "guard"
whose preference seemed to be for Steven to learn a whole new layer of
scripting based on a third party product he happens to sell. In suggesting
one stick to the basics, I think I am suggesting the simpler route...

>
> Though, to each their own... as they say.
>
> Steven,
>
> I would highly recommend cruizing through MCP books OS (operating system),
> server, Network Infrastructure, & Active Directory (Sybex is good).

.... erm, wouldn't that be a bit much for someone administering a 15-20 user
network?

/Al

> Even if
> you don't take the exams the information will give you a good, solid, &
> practical overview of what you are about to embark on. Also, pick up a
> full-text 2K server admin guide. Microsoft Press puts one out, it's
> thick... & the company should pay for all of these (but you can get em
used
> through Amazon.com if you have to). And believe it or not, Trancenders
> test-prep questions a very detailed & practical... I have learned a great
> deal about what to do in my network environment from the senarios that
> Trancenders presents.
>
> Either you bust your @ss, study, eat, live, drink this stuph... or you
> aren't going to get anywhere anyway. So hit the books. Set up test
> environments, & always understand the responsibility that rests on your
> shoulders.
>
> Good Endeavours,
> Mark Wilson
> Network Administrator/Engineer, Systems Analyst
> A+, i-Net+, MCP, Watchguard Certified
>
> "Al Dunbar" > wrote in message
> .. .
> >
> > "guard" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > One of the primary skills for a Windows System Admin
> > > is the ability to write reliable and maintainable
> > > shell scripts (aka batch files).
> >
> > Agreed. But, without commenting either way on the quality of your
> particular
> > products, one of the important knowledge sets for a windows system admin
> is
> > a deep understanding of the plain vanilla batch language built into the
> o/s.
> > If the use of your products inhibits the development of this
> understanding,
> > that would have certain disadvantageous results.
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > /Al
> >
> >
>
>