7 New Server Administration Books Reshaping IT in 2025

Experts Bekim Dauti, Jordan Krause, and Alexandru Calcatinge recommend these new Server Administration books for 2025 insights

Updated on June 24, 2025
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The Server Administration landscape changed dramatically in 2024, with new technologies and security paradigms reshaping how IT professionals manage infrastructure. In 2025, staying current means mastering both cloud integrations and on-premises complexities, making the right resources essential for success. The surge in hybrid environments and container orchestration demands fresh knowledge beyond traditional server management.

Experts like Bekim Dauti, who meticulously guides administrators through Windows Server 2022, and Jordan Krause, a ten-time Microsoft MVP, exemplify forward-thinking leadership in the field. Their books blend real-world scenarios with emerging tools, offering readers practical strategies that reflect today’s evolving server ecosystems.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Server Administration goals might consider creating a personalized Server Administration book that builds on these emerging trends. This approach helps translate broad expertise into actionable skills customized for your unique IT environment.

Best for Linux sysadmins seeking advanced skills
Mastering Linux Administration offers a detailed roadmap for sysadmins eager to elevate their Linux management skills in both traditional data centers and cloud environments. Covering everything from installing Linux to advanced container orchestration with Kubernetes, the book integrates emerging technologies like Docker, Ansible automation, and AWS/Azure cloud deployments. This second edition reflects the latest developments in the field, making it a timely resource for anyone aiming to bridge on-premises and cloud workloads with confidence and precision in Server Administration.
2024·764 pages·Linux, Sysadmin, Server Administration, Shell Scripting, Container Management

This book takes you beyond basic Linux system management to mastering modern techniques essential for today's sysadmins. Authored by Alexandru Calcatinge and Julian Balog, experienced Linux trainers, it guides you through practical skills like shell scripting, container orchestration with Kubernetes, and managing cloud deployments on AWS and Azure. You’ll explore how to automate tasks with Ansible and secure your environment using SELinux and AppArmor, all grounded in real data center scenarios. Whether you're transitioning from Windows or expanding your Linux expertise, this book equips you with the precise tools and insights to confidently handle both on-premises and cloud Linux systems.

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Best for mastering Windows Server 2022 essentials
This book stands out by focusing exclusively on the latest Windows Server 2022 platform, providing a practical pathway from installation to advanced role configuration. It covers critical areas like Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Hyper-V, blending conceptual overviews with applied examples to sharpen your administration skills. Perfect for system administrators at any level, it addresses the evolving challenges of managing Windows Server environments today. Bekim Dauti’s approach helps you not only understand but also effectively maintain and troubleshoot your server setups, making it a timely resource in the ever-changing realm of server administration.
2023·286 pages·Server Administration, Windows Server, Network Configuration, Active Directory, DNS

Drawing from a detailed instructional background, Bekim Dauti offers a methodical guide to mastering Windows Server 2022 administration. You’ll gain hands-on skills configuring roles like Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Hyper-V, using both GUI and command-line tools. The book balances foundational knowledge with real-world troubleshooting examples, ideal for navigating the complexities of modern server environments. Whether you’re setting up initial configurations or fine-tuning performance, this book equips you to manage Windows Server 2022 confidently. It’s well-suited for system administrators eager to deepen their expertise or prepare for Microsoft certifications.

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Best for custom server insights
This AI-created book on server administration is tailored to your skill level and interests in the latest 2025 developments. You share your background, the specific areas within server management you want to explore, and your goals, and the book is crafted to focus precisely on those topics. This personalized approach helps you engage deeply with the newest discoveries and adapt them to your unique IT environment, making learning efficient and relevant.
2025·50-300 pages·Server Administration, Cloud Integration, Container Orchestration, Hybrid Environments, Security Paradigms

This tailored book delves into the transformative developments reshaping server administration in 2025, crafted to align with your background and goals. It explores the latest technological advances, emerging security paradigms, and evolving management techniques that define modern server environments. By closely matching your interests, it examines both cloud and on-premises integrations, container orchestration trends, and hybrid infrastructure challenges to enhance your understanding. The personalized content focuses on helping you stay ahead of rapidly changing server technologies, providing insightful coverage that reflects your unique objectives and skill level in this dynamic field.

Tailored Guide
Emerging Tech Focus
3,000+ Books Created
Best for practical Linux server management
Viorel Rudareanu, with over 15 years of Linux experience, brings deep knowledge of operating systems and hands-on expertise managing Linux infrastructures. His understanding of the platform’s robustness and flexibility shapes this guide, designed to help you navigate Linux system administration with confidence and clarity.

When Viorel Rudareanu and Daniil Baturin wrote this guide, they brought over 15 years of Linux expertise to the table, aiming to demystify the complexities of Linux administration. You'll learn to master command line skills, manage users and filesystems, configure networks, and automate infrastructure with Chef. The book’s strength lies in its balance—covering foundational commands alongside enterprise features like high availability and security, so you can confidently handle both day-to-day tasks and advanced challenges. Whether you're stepping into IT or looking to sharpen your Linux system skills, this book delivers clear, focused instruction without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for beginners on Windows Server 2022
Windows Server 2022 Administration Simplified offers a fresh approach to mastering Microsoft's latest server platform. The book is designed to demystify the complexities of Windows Server 2022 by providing a clear, step-by-step framework that supports both newcomers and professionals seeking to upgrade their skills. Its focus on practical administration tasks, from installation to security management, makes it a valuable resource for IT professionals striving to harness new features and maintain effective server environments. This guide addresses the critical need for accessible knowledge in a fast-changing digital landscape, making it a timely addition to any IT toolkit.
2023·182 pages·Server Administration, IT Management, Windows Server, System Configuration, Security Management

The methods Dr. Bienvenue Maula developed while navigating the evolving landscape of Windows Server 2022 administration bring a much-needed clarity to this complex subject. This book breaks down Microsoft’s latest server environment into manageable, clearly explained steps that empower you to confidently handle setup, configuration, and management tasks. From exploring the new features introduced in Windows Server 2022 to practical guidance on user and security management, you gain solid, actionable skills. Whether you’re upgrading your IT toolkit or entering server administration for the first time, this guide offers a straightforward path to mastery without assuming prior expertise.

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Best for absolute beginners in server admin
Matthew Smith combines his IT expertise with a creative background as a screenplay writer, bringing a fresh perspective to this introductory server administration book. His passion for clear communication and structured learning shines through, making complex IT topics accessible for beginners eager to start their careers. Smith’s hands-on experience informs the practical approach he takes, guiding you through the essential steps to understand and manage servers effectively.
2023·102 pages·Information Technology, Server Administration, Networking, Security, Troubleshooting

Matthew Smith's unique blend of storytelling and IT expertise drives this approachable guide to server administration, designed specifically for those starting fresh in the field. You’ll gain hands-on familiarity with essential skills like server installation, networking fundamentals, security basics, and troubleshooting, all broken down in digestible chapters. The book doesn’t just skim the surface; it equips you with practical knowledge about different server types and the core concepts that form the backbone of IT infrastructure. If you’re aiming to launch a career in IT or need a solid primer on managing servers, this book lays the groundwork without overwhelming technical jargon or assumptions about prior experience.

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Best for future-ready skills
This AI-created book on server administration is crafted specifically for your unique background and goals. You share your current skills and interests in upcoming technologies, and the book focuses on exploring 2025’s most relevant server trends tailored to you. This personalized approach helps you concentrate on exactly what you need to prepare for future-ready IT environments, making your learning efficient and aligned with emerging challenges.
2025·50-300 pages·Server Administration, Cloud Integration, Security Paradigms, Hybrid Infrastructure, Container Orchestration

This personalized book explores the evolving world of server administration with a keen eye on the developments shaping 2025 and beyond. It examines emerging technologies, security paradigms, and hybrid infrastructure challenges, tailored to your background and specific interests. By focusing on the latest discoveries and research, the book reveals how to anticipate and prepare for future-ready server environments with precision. It delves into cloud integrations, container orchestration, and innovative tools, matching your goals and skill level to help you stay ahead in a rapidly changing IT landscape. This tailored approach ensures you gain relevant, up-to-date knowledge efficiently.

Tailored Blueprint
Emerging Tech Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for experienced admins updating to 2022
Jordan Krause is an IT professional with more than 20 years of experience and a recipient of 10 Microsoft MVP awards for his expertise in Microsoft server and networking technologies. His extensive background includes pioneering work with Microsoft DirectAccess and multiple authoritative books on Windows Server and security. Krause’s deep understanding of enterprise infrastructure shapes this detailed guide, making it a valuable tool for mastering Windows Server 2022 administration.

Drawing from over two decades in IT and ten Microsoft MVP awards, Jordan Krause delivers a thorough examination of Windows Server 2022 administration tailored for both novices and seasoned professionals. You’ll navigate everything from setting up Active Directory and DHCP to managing certificates and automating tasks via PowerShell and Windows Admin Center. The book digs into newer elements like Containers, Nano Server, and integration with Microsoft Azure, ensuring you’re equipped for modern infrastructures. If you want a reliable guide that balances foundational skills with the latest Windows Server features, this book serves as a practical reference you’ll revisit often.

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Best for database admins managing SQL Server
SQL Server 2022 Administration Inside Out offers a detailed roadmap for mastering the latest in SQL Server management, with a focus on the new capabilities in SQL Server 2022 and Azure SQL platforms. This book addresses the complexities of running SQL Server across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, providing step-by-step insights into provisioning, securing, and monitoring databases. Designed for professionals ready to upgrade their skills, it covers modern tools like Azure Data Studio and dives into automation, data virtualization, and disaster recovery best practices. Its comprehensive approach makes it an essential resource for navigating the evolving landscape of Server Administration.
SQL Server 2022 Administration Inside Out book cover

by Randolph West, William Assaf, Elizabeth Noble, Meagan Longoria, Joseph D'Antoni, Louis Davidson·You?

2023·992 pages·Server Administration, SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance

The authors, each with deep expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, offer a thorough exploration of SQL Server 2022 administration that goes beyond basic management. You’ll learn how to leverage new features like Intelligent Query Processing and navigate hybrid cloud environments with Azure SQL Managed Instance. The book dedicates chapters to practical tasks such as monitoring performance, automating maintenance, and securing data through encryption and auditing. If you’re responsible for managing SQL Server in any capacity, whether on-premises or cloud, this book equips you with detailed guidance and modern tools to elevate your administration skills.

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Conclusion

This collection highlights several clear trends shaping Server Administration in 2025: the increasing importance of hybrid cloud management, the rise of automation tools like PowerShell and Ansible, and the growing need for security-focused server practices. Books like "Mastering Linux Administration" and "Mastering Windows Server 2022" exemplify these themes by bridging foundational knowledge with modern challenges.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with "Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2022" and "SQL Server 2022 Administration Inside Out" for deep dives into current Microsoft server technologies. For cutting-edge implementation, combine "Linux for System Administrators" with "Mastering Linux Administration" to cover practical and advanced Linux environments.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Server Administration book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve in Server Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Server Administration for the Complete Beginner" if you’re new, or "Mastering Windows Server 2022" if you have prior experience. Both offer clear entry points to build solid foundations before advancing to specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Server Administration?

Not at all. "WINDOWS SERVER 2022 ADMINISTRATION SIMPLIFIED" and "Server Administration for the Complete Beginner" are designed specifically for newcomers, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-focused books, then progress to deeper dives like "Mastering Linux Administration" or "SQL Server 2022 Administration Inside Out" to build expertise across platforms and tools.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Server Administration?

Some do, especially advanced titles like "Mastering Linux Administration," but others, such as "Server Administration for the Complete Beginner," require no prior knowledge and grow with you.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2022" offers practical, hands-on guidance for immediate application in managing Windows Server environments.

How can I tailor these Server Administration insights to my specific needs?

Great question! While expert books provide broad knowledge, personalized Server Administration books can focus on your unique goals and environment. Consider creating a custom Server Administration book to complement these resources with tailored strategies and updates.

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