Customer Reviews

Active Directory® for Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 Technical Reference (Pro-Technical References)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When Windows 2003 was first released, if you were shopping for an Active Directory title, it was to solidify your administrative abilities with the emerging technology prior to implementing what at the time was a new platform. Today, if you're looking for an AD book, you are probably looking more for a reference guide to facilitate either advanced configuration and troubleshooting, or to enhance your understanding of the more "behind the scenes" aspects of the AD.

In 2002 (when this book was published), I could have recommended this title. Without a doubt the book gives good historical information on where AD came from, and provides a solid foundation for the systems AD relies on (DNS), as well as planning your AD configuration, deployment in either a clean or migrated environment, security configuration, and AD object management. Much of the information presented in the domain design, deployment, and security sections however, are either direct reprints or consolidations of already posted (and free) Microsoft documentation, from such titles as Windows 2000 Server Domain Migration Cookbook, Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Domain Rename Tools, Step-by-Step Guide to Kerberos 5 (krb5 1.0) Interoperability, and several other cited Microsoft KB and "Step by Step" articles. These references are not hidden, but mentioned in side-bars throughout the text, and you are quite often encouraged to read those texts in addition to the information in this book.

The layout of this book lends itself well to those learning or solidifying the basic to intermediate points of the technology. Although the title would suggest that this is a good reference, references allow one to look at the index or table of contents for the information they need, and get the answers without having to cross-reference many other topics. Picking a topic, such as application partition creation and management, shows that the information on this is not in one location and in fact requires the reader to have read the preceding topics in order to get a clearer picture. This is not detractive to the value of the book, but a better classification for this would be textbook.

Today, the 2003 AD has been out for many years, more professionals have mastered the topic, and better books are available that provide a less Microsoft-centric take on the AD, as well as proven experience in management in more standard implementations. Instead of this title, look at ISBN 0321228480 "Inside Active Directory Second Edition".

If you're new to Active Directory, this is an acceptable starting point to get you up and running. However several points are not mentioned in this text:

- First of all, issues regarding an Authoritative Restore; specifically Group Memberships. This is a CRUCIAL topic, as you'll see in the field, after doing an authoritative restore "by the book" you will have group membership inconsistencies
- Poor explanation of tombstones & how to actually modify them; specifically which Object Attributes are saved in the tombstone by default [hint: user's group memberships is NOT one of them] and how to modify this property.
- Insufficient coverage of crucial tools such as LDP.EXE, ASDIEDIT.MSC, FRSDIAG, REPLMON.
- No explanation of Object's Back Link's [i.e. a user's Group Memberships] vs Object's Forward Link's [i.e. a group's User Members] and how Active Directory treats them VERY differently [esp for purposes of performing a restore].
- No coverage of the Journal Wrap & issues this causes w/ FRS replication

There are other books, but unfortunately the only place I've found any information on these vital topics is support.microsoft.com. I HIGHLY suggest you spend your time reading the following technotes if you plan on using this book: Q840001, Q280079, Q216993, Q909265, Q292438.

When I first took this book at the local bookstore, I was astonished by its simplicity, straightforward and structured arrangements of explaining the active directory concepts. Unlike any other books that guide you toward the design process and explains jargons inline within the text, or using insets below the pages; this book introduces and explains EVERY JARGON FIRST as the building blocks of the active directory. The way it is arranged is that, every component of the active directory has its own section of explanation, which makes easier to find as reference. Besides, the book has a very good flow, i.e: the concept of "domain" must come before "trusts"; which makes even easier for new learners to catch up. The thing I like most about this book is its modularity, so you can learn one thing at a time and master it before going to the mnext concept; so you wont keep forgetting or getting things mixed up (you won't be confused on where to start, or saying "huh?")
I like this book very much, and would like to recommend it to others, whether you're an MCSE with 10 yrs of experience, or just a newbie; you'll love this book!

While I generally have a low opinion of the quality of MS Press books, this one is absolutely the best book I've read on active directory. It is clear, concise, authoritative, and comprehensive. Don't waste your time or money with any other books on Active Directory.

I was given this book for free for attending a Microsoft Technet briefing and commented sarcastically to my colleague sitting next to me, oh great another MS Press book. I decided to read it on a whim, and boy was I surprised and even impressed. This book not only explains very detailed functionality within active directory, but also covers high level planning and design and does a phenomenal job of tieing it all together so that the information is useful. Don't let the size of this book fool you.

Every Windows 2003 Administrator should have this book on their shelf.

RT
MCT, MCSE, MCDBA, MCSA

I have several AD related books, but this one is on the top list.
There are many details, hints, tips and tricks that you cant find anywhere else.
Amazing book!

Everything rolled perfectly..the shipping and paying.
It's great book for those who have a good knowledge of Active Directory from Microsoft. I recommend it for those who want to develop for this kind of technology.

It's better than most AD books from MS Press. A great resource and not a bad cover to cover read either. Something very hard to say about MS press books.

If you just need more of an understanding of AD and how everything works together in 2003, than grab this book. it will be worth it.