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1. This is a solid resource that delivers knowledge for Windows Server 2025 administration.
   Having spent time with an early review copy of Bekim Dauti’s Windows Server 2025 Administration Fundamentals, I can share a more detailed perspective on this fourth edition. The hands-on experience with the book has really helped me appreciate its practical value.The author’s expertise shines through in how he explains complex concepts. For instance, his treatment of SMB over QUIC in Chapter 10 is remarkably clear – he breaks down this sophisticated protocol into digestible segments, complemented by practical configuration examples that actually work in lab environments.What really impressed me was the virtualization chapter. It’s not just the theoretical aspects; he provides real-world scenarios that help you understand the performance implications of different virtualization configurations. The troubleshooting sections are particularly valuable, offering solutions to common issues you’re likely to encounter.The security coverage is extensive and current. Chapter 11’s deep dive into the new security enhancements is especially strong, providing detailed walkthroughs of implementing features like enhanced security baselines and the improved Windows Defender capabilities. The practical tips about potential pitfalls – something I found invaluable during testing.Standout features: – The practice questions at chapter ends are genuinely challenging and relevant – Step-by-step examples are meticulously detailed and actually work as described – The Azure Arc hot-patching section provides clear, actionable guidance – Active Directory enhancements coverage includes practical migration scenariosA few areas could be stronger: – The network fundamentals chapter might be too basic for experienced administrators – Some advanced troubleshooting scenarios could benefit from more detailed examples – The virtualization performance optimization section could be more comprehensiveI found the chapter on Active Directory Domain Services enhancements particularly useful. The author provides clear migration paths from earlier versions and includes practical considerations for maintaining service continuity during upgrades.One of the book’s strengths is its coverage of data storage solutions in Chapter 8. The section on implementing storage spaces direct is especially well-done, with clear explanations of the new features and practical configuration examples that worked flawlessly in testing.Overall, while some sections could be more detailed, this is a solid resource that delivers practical, actionable knowledge for Windows Server 2025 administration.

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2. Also great for experienced administrators
   The book covers a wide range of topics, from network fundamentals to advanced security features. It stands being a practical tool, providing step-by-step examples that make even complex concepts simple to beginners. There are even practice questions that would be useful for those that want to obtain Microsoft certification.

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3. A Must-Have Guide for Windows Server 2025 Administration
   I recently had the opportunity to read Windows Server 2025 Administration Fundamentals, and I must say, this book is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced IT professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest advancements in Windows Server.The book starts with networking fundamentals, covering IP addressing, subnetting, and key differences between Windows Server 2025 and previous versions. It then walks you through installation and initial configurations, offering detailed explanations of various deployment methods, including clean installs and in-place upgrades.One of the most valuable sections for me was the deep dive into Active Directory and server roles, which provides clear, step-by-step guidance on setting up and managing domain controllers, DNS, and other critical server functions. The book also does a fantastic job of explaining Group Policy and Hyper-V virtualization, making complex topics easy to understand with practical exercises.Security is a top priority in modern IT, and this book doesn’t disappoint. It covers SMB over QUIC, TLS encryption, and biometric authentication, along with advanced security enhancements that Windows Server 2025 brings to the table. I also appreciated the discussion on hot patching and Azure Arc, which are game-changers for seamless updates and cloud integration.The final chapters focus on performance tuning, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery planning, equipping readers with best practices for keeping their server environments running smoothly. Additionally, the book includes a dedicated section for those preparing for the AZ-800 certification exam, making it a great study companion.Overall, this book is well-structured, informative, and full of practical insights. Whether you’re a system administrator, IT manager, or just starting your journey with Windows Server, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need. Highly recommended!

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4. An Essential Resource for (new and existing) Windows Server Admins.
   With years of experience in Windows Server administration, I can say Windows Server 2025 Administration Fundamentals is an very nice guide! The author does an excellent job of covering everything – from installation to new and more advanced features, like SMB over QUIC and hotpatching with Azure Arc.The book is well-structured, providing both beginners and seasoned professionals with practical knowledge. I especially appreciate the in-depth coverage of security features and the AZ-800 certification exam tips. The end-of-chapter Q&A sections are also a great addition… to test your understanding immediately.I would recommend this book to anyone managing Windows Server 2025, as it’s informative, practical, and packed with useful insights that will help you excel in both daily tasks and certification preparation.As a bonus – there is also a great foreword written by Dr. Erdal Ozkaya!

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5. Highly Recommended!
   Although I am not studying for the exam mentioned, I loved this. As an old Windows AD head, it was nice to get up to date on whats going on. Definitely recommend!

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