7 Windows Server 2012 R2 Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Discover 7 Windows Server 2012 R2 Books, authored by leading experts such as Greg Tomsho and Charlie Russel, offering deep insights and practical knowledge for IT professionals.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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What if I told you that mastering Windows Server 2012 R2 doesn’t have to be an uphill battle? Many IT pros underestimate how critical it is to grasp this platform’s nuances—even years after its release. Windows Server 2012 R2 remains foundational in enterprise environments, powering everything from virtualization to network services. Getting it right can mean the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime.

These 7 books, penned by seasoned IT professionals and educators like Greg Tomsho and Charlie Russel, deliver expert knowledge grounded in real-world experience. They cover everything from installing and configuring servers to managing complex deployment workflows and preparing for Microsoft certification exams. Their practical approach helps you build skills that last beyond the classroom.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience, job role, or learning pace might consider creating a personalized Windows Server 2012 R2 book that builds on these insights. This tailored approach bridges broad principles with your unique challenges and goals.

Greg Tomsho brings over 30 years of networking and programming expertise to this guide, blending his experience as an IT Director and educator. His deep knowledge of Windows Server and hands-on teaching background make this book a solid resource for mastering Windows Server 2012 R2 installation and configuration. Tomsho’s ongoing commitment to supporting learners through his website and YouTube channel reflects the practical value embedded in this work.

What happens when decades of hands-on networking expertise meets the complex demands of Microsoft certification? Greg Tomsho, an educator with over 30 years in the field, crafted this guide to bridge theory and practice for Windows Server 2012 R2 professionals. You’ll gain in-depth skills managing Active Directory, Group Policy, DHCP, DNS, Hyper-V virtualization, and more, all aligned with Exam 70-410 objectives. This book suits IT professionals preparing for certification who also want real-world competence navigating Windows Server environments.

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Best for advanced server administration
Charlie Russel brings a rare blend of practical IT management experience and deep technical expertise, recognized through multiple Microsoft MVP awards. With a background spanning chemistry, electrical work, UNIX and Windows systems administration, and Oracle DBA roles, he’s authored over three dozen books on operating systems and enterprise environments. His intimate knowledge of Windows Server and PowerShell uniquely qualifies him to guide you through mastering Windows Server 2012 R2 administration, making this book a valuable resource for IT professionals aiming to elevate their skills and certification credentials.
Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server, Network Services, Active Directory

After analyzing numerous scenarios in enterprise environments, Charlie Russel developed this focused guide that dives into administering Windows Server 2012 R2 at a level suited for experienced IT professionals. You’ll learn to deploy, manage, and maintain servers, configure essential services like file, print, network, and Active Directory, and handle Group Policy with precision. The book challenges you with strategic what-if cases, sharpening your critical thinking for Microsoft Exam 70-411. If you’re already familiar with core infrastructure administration and want to deepen practical knowledge for certification and real-world application, this book delivers targeted insights without fluff.

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Best for personal learning paths
This AI-created book on Windows Server 2012 R2 is tailored to your specific goals and experience. By sharing your background and which areas you want to focus on, you receive a book that covers exactly what you need to master installation, administration, and troubleshooting. This personalized approach helps you navigate complex topics efficiently, making your learning sharper and more relevant than a one-size-fits-all guide.
2025·50-300 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Server Installation, Server Administration, Active Directory

This tailored book explores the essential facets of Windows Server 2012 R2, focusing on installation, administration, and troubleshooting. It delivers a personalized learning journey that matches your background and specific goals, ensuring clarity on complex topics like Active Directory, Group Policy, network services, and Hyper-V virtualization. By concentrating on your interests, it bridges broad expert knowledge with practical, focused content that helps you build confidence managing real-world server environments. The book examines various administrative challenges and presents solutions aligned with your experience level, making the learning process both engaging and effective. This tailored approach transforms foundational concepts into actionable skills relevant to your unique context.

AI-Tailored Content
Server Configuration Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for certification exam preparation
Don Poulton is an independent consultant with extensive experience in Windows technologies. He has authored several titles and worked with training providers, lending his deep expertise to this comprehensive study guide. His background ensures the book covers critical aspects of Windows Server 2012 R2 in a way that’s accessible and practical. This guide reflects Poulton’s commitment to clear explanations and effective exam preparation strategies, making it a strong resource for IT professionals focused on certification and real-world server management.
2014·1056 pages·Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Server Configuration, Active Directory

After years of hands-on work with evolving Windows technologies, Don Poulton crafted this guide to tackle the challenge of mastering the MCSA 70-410 exam. You’ll gain a solid grasp of installing and configuring Windows Server 2012 R2, including crucial skills like managing Active Directory, setting up Hyper-V virtualization, and handling DNS and DHCP configurations. The book’s detailed chapters, like those on storage permissions and network virtualization, offer clear explanations paired with review questions to sharpen your understanding. If you’re preparing for certification or aiming to deepen your server administration skills, this book delivers a focused, practical path without overwhelming you with fluff.

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J.C. Mackin, MCITP, MCSE, and MCT certified, leverages over 10 years of expertise in Microsoft networks to deliver this authoritative resource. As an IT consultant, trainer, and author, Mackin crafted this book to guide experienced professionals through the complexities of Windows Server 2012 R2, directly addressing the skills needed for advanced certification. His practical approach reflects a deep understanding of enterprise needs, making this work a reliable companion for strengthening your server configuration capabilities.
2014·384 pages·Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Network Services, Active Directory

J.C. Mackin brings over a decade of hands-on experience with Microsoft networks to this focused guide on mastering advanced Windows Server 2012 R2 services. You’ll explore critical areas like configuring high availability, managing storage solutions, and implementing disaster recovery, all aligned with Microsoft Exam 70-412 objectives. The book challenges you with strategic scenarios that test your decision-making skills in real enterprise environments, making it ideal if you’re preparing for MCSA or MCSE certification. While its depth suits seasoned IT professionals, newcomers may find the pace brisk and best approached after foundational Windows Server knowledge.

Published by Microsoft Press
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Greg Tomsho is the director of the computer networking and cybersecurity department at Yavapai College with over three decades of experience and multiple industry certifications. His deep expertise in networking education uniquely positions him to write this guide, which not only prepares you for Microsoft certification but also equips you with practical skills for managing Windows Server 2012 R2 systems. Tomsho’s professional background ensures the content is authoritative and aligned with industry demands, making this book a solid resource for anyone serious about mastering server installation and configuration.
2014·656 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server, Server Configuration, Active Directory

When Greg Tomsho, a seasoned networking educator, wrote this guide, his goal was to bridge the gap between certification preparation and practical server management skills. You’ll learn detailed configuration techniques for Windows Server 2012/R2, covering essentials like Active Directory setup, Group Policy management, and Hyper-V virtualization. The book’s structure follows the official exam objectives closely, making it ideal if you want to master both the theory and applied aspects of server installation and configuration. Whether you’re preparing for Microsoft certification or aiming to sharpen your hands-on skills in a professional environment, this book provides a thorough, focused approach without unnecessary distractions.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on Windows Server 2012 R2 is crafted based on your background, skill level, and the specific server topics you want to master. It focuses on targeted actions and projects that align with your goals, providing a clear pathway to build your proficiency efficiently. Because server management involves complex, varied tasks, having content tailored to your needs helps you avoid overwhelm and focus on what matters most for your role and experience.
2025·50-300 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Server Administration, Network Services, Active Directory

This personalized book explores a focused 90-day journey to elevate your Windows Server 2012 R2 skills through hands-on projects and targeted learning. It covers core server administration tasks, advanced configuration, and network service management, all tailored to match your background and specific goals. By concentrating on practical actions and real-world scenarios, this tailored guide reveals the pathways that align with your experience level and desired outcomes, helping you build proficiency efficiently. The book examines tailored pathways through complex server concepts, providing clarity on deployment, security, and automation designed to accelerate your learning curve. With a focus on your interests, it delivers a custom framework that bridges broad expert principles with your personal development needs.

Tailored Guide
Server Skill Advancement
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for infrastructure automation techniques
This book stands apart in Windows Server 2012 R2 literature by focusing on building a real-world infrastructure through automation tools like PowerShell and MDT 2013. It’s designed for anyone needing to move beyond manual setup toward repeatable, scalable deployment processes. By following step-by-step guides and using sample scripts, you can start from zero and construct a fully operational, production-ready environment. This approach addresses the growing demand for automation and documentation in modern data centers, making it a practical choice for IT professionals aiming to streamline their Windows Server infrastructures.
2014·260 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Infrastructure, Automation, Deployment

The methods Johan Arwidmark and Mikael Nystrom developed while working extensively with Windows Server 2012 R2 infrastructure focus on automating full deployment workflows using PowerShell and MDT 2013. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge about installing and configuring core infrastructure components from scratch, supported by practical sample scripts that build a production-ready environment. This book walks you through creating repeatable, well-documented setups essential for modern data centers, emphasizing automation that reduces manual overhead and errors. If your role involves managing Windows Server 2012 R2 environments or designing scalable infrastructure, this resource offers clear guidance tailored to those technical challenges.

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Best for comprehensive certification study
William Panek’s Mcsa Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide stands out for its comprehensive approach to mastering Microsoft’s server platform. Designed to guide you through the essential exams, this book breaks down complex server concepts into manageable sections, enabling you to build confidence in deployment, configuration, and administration. Its methodical coverage benefits those seeking to deepen their understanding of Windows Server 2012 R2 or aiming for certification success. The detailed explanations and extensive page count reflect its ambition to be a definitive study tool for IT professionals navigating this technology.
2013·984 pages·Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Networking, System Administration

William Panek's Mcsa Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide draws on his extensive experience in IT certification training to deliver a thorough preparation resource for Microsoft's certification exams. You’ll find detailed coverage of core Windows Server 2012 concepts, including installation, configuration, networking, and identity management, with clear explanations and practical examples, such as configuring Active Directory in Chapter 7. This guide suits IT professionals aiming to master Windows Server 2012 administration or prepare for certification, offering a structured path through complex topics. While it demands commitment due to its depth, it rewards you with a solid foundation in managing enterprise environments.

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Conclusion

Across these 7 books, common themes emerge: practical skill-building, certification readiness, and advanced server management. Whether you’re just starting with installation or diving into high-availability configurations, these resources cover the spectrum with clarity and depth.

If you’re facing certification exams, the MCSA 70-410 Cert Guide R2 and Mcsa Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide offer structured paths to success. For hands-on infrastructure automation, Deployment Fundamentals, Volume 5 provides actionable scripts and workflows. Combining these tailored reads helps you implement powerful Windows Server 2012 R2 solutions efficiently.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Windows Server 2012 R2 book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and confidently manage Windows Server 2012 R2 environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Greg Tomsho's "MCSA Guide to Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows Server 2012 /R2" to build a solid foundation in installation and configuration before moving to advanced topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Windows Server 2012 R2?

No, books like Tomsho’s and Poulton’s guides introduce concepts clearly, making them suitable for beginners aiming to learn step-by-step with practical examples.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with installation and configuration guides, then progress to administration and advanced services books, finishing with deployment automation and comprehensive study guides for certification.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals—choose the certification guide for exam prep or deployment fundamentals for infrastructure automation. Multiple books offer broader perspectives but aren’t mandatory.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Most focus on practical application, but "Exam Ref 70-412" leans toward strategic scenarios and critical thinking, while "Complete Study Guide" balances theory and hands-on examples.

Can I get content tailored to my specific learning needs in Windows Server 2012 R2?

Yes! While these books provide expert knowledge, you can also create a personalized Windows Server 2012 R2 book that adapts insights to your experience, role, and goals for efficient learning.

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