[JHromadka]

At some point next year, I will be starting a small business and plan on using Mac OS X Server on the backend. My background is in Windows network administration, primarilly server and Active Directory support. I need to be able to have the tools/knowledge to setup a server hosting file/print/email/web services for a small office with Mac & Windows clients. Eventually the server will be used for hosting multiple websites.

I can get my current job to pay for training for two courses, so I'm considering taking these courses:

• Mac OS X Server Essentials v10.3
• System Administration Using Mac OS X Server v10.3

I've been using Mac OS X at home since it came out so wasn't considering the helpdesk course as I feel I have applicable knowledge. Any comments on these two courses? Will they prepare me for what I want to do?

I'm not sure when Tiger server training will begin, and I may lose my job by then, so it's better that I take the Panther training in the early part of the year.

[zwiebel_]

Lucky guy...I wished my work had the money to pay for training. If I were you, I would take both, no questions asked. It will give you a good understanding of the server underpinings, and coupled with the admin course a good, round-up of the powerfull features.

Over the years, I have learned that hands-on experience is the best way to get to know software/hardware capabilities. Trial and error will be a common thing, but you can find alot of help on Apple's Support forums, www.entropy.ch for OSX Server compatible SQL, PHP, and image manipulation packages, and sourceforge.net for any other tool/utility you would need to run a feature-full server.

Welcome to the powerfull world of *nix serving.
Good luck to you.

[Detrius]

I couldn't even get my employer to pay for the tests.