Customer Reviews

Inside Windows Server 2003 (2 Volume Set)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a VERY detailed book. If you don't have good experience with Windows, don't start here as the author assumes you already know quite a bit. I have a few years of experience, though, and thought this book was perfect for me. It's very detailed. It does contain a LOT that was the same for Windows 2000, but then 2003 isn't so big of an upgrade as 2000 was. I did find a few errors, because I think the book was written to beta code, but the author's level of detail more than makes up for a few mistakes.

There are many books out there written on Windows 2003, including the ones published by the Microsoft Press, but Bill's book stands out easily. The simple reasons are: Bill is a very, very good, writer, and his techincal knowledge is so obvious. I'm glad to find out that Bill, unlike many other authors, ddidn't pull the stuff from the online help, paraphased them and called them his own, but from his own practical experience, and know-how.

I strongly recommend this book to everyone.

I stumbled across this valuable book shortly after finishing Minasi's. I was searching for a second reference, one that I could reach for as a backup of sorts. I quickly discovered that this book was more then just a backup; its range of topics - including security issues and Kerberos - and depth of coverage clearly show that this book stands on its own merits. It's also nice to read an author who doesn't just present the facts, but also outlines how these facts fit into best practices. As far as Windows 2003 server books go, this one fits into the upper tier.

Great Book! If you want to know a lot about Windows Server 2003 and earn your MCSE 2003. You can't go wrong with this book.

Mastering Windows Server 2003 is a more enjoyable book to read, but this book has some sections that are much better, such as Certificate Services (although winstructor.com has videos that really make Certificate Services easy to understand).

I really liked this book and often refer to it, if Mastering 2003 doesn't have the info. Go and buy it

This covers a subject that has hundreds of bug fixes and extensions on Windows 2000 (aka. NT 5). For the first time in NT's history, the desktop version (=XP) was released separately from the server version. XP has gotten very good reviews in the marketplace, as being very stable; comparable to a mature unix line like Solaris. So now, finally, we have the server version!

The author is upfront about offering an independent view of WS2003. For example, he states that MS's minimum hardware requirements are inadequate for good runtime performance in a real workplace. Others have also said this about MS's earlier operating systems. [Cynically, one might think MS is understating the full cost of the system, to jack up sales.]

The book certainly is comprehensive; walking through all aspects of installing, configuring and running the OS. The quality of the prose is clear and should be understandable if you have any sysadmin experience with MS. My own background is unix, but I had no problem following his steps.

A compelling claim of this book is that it aspires to be more than a mechanistic drill. Typically, each chapter begins with a good outline of its subject. If you do not have a specific problem to fix, but want a lucid synopsis of a topic, try finding the relevant chapter and read the first third or so. Nice level of abstraction, without bogging you in minutae.

As I work with clients and students on Windows Server 2003, I'm inevitably asked about reference material. Without hesitation I recommend Inside Windows Server 2003 by William Boswell. This book not only covers the fundamentals you would expect, but also delves into the nitty-gritty, and sometimes obscure, technical details of Windows Server 2003. With excellent illustrations , clear and concise writing, and a soups to nuts approach, this title is a must-have for any Windows administrator.

At the presnet time, I have just finished the first chapter of this book. It is without a doubt the best server book that I have worked with. I have a better understanding of the old stuff that I knew as well as a great understanding of the new information that I am learning.

Mike Johns MCSE CCNA
mike_johns@hotmail.com

I found this book and bought it out of curiosity. It's a great book and a good reference. Though with R2 now out only a little of the info is dated.

This is book is in one way better then Minasi's great tomb. In some cases Minasi will give you a little explanation and then tell you how you should run things. Boswell keeps to the basic information and walks you through steps of doing it. Those of you that read Minasi will notice the difference between the two with the handling of RIS.

There are pictures and diagrams to help but in many cases there are simply steps. If you like screen shots walking your though A-Z then you probably will not like this book. If you like to play, then it's a good book.

One thing I did like was the many registry examples that are found to aid in the explanation of things. Boswell also mentions a few websites to help with information gathering and further understanding.

In many cases, there is only enough info to get things going(example ISA), you will not find "real-life" configuration suggestions on what you should be doing. Boswell stayed with fundamental explanations of how things work and gave you enough to get them going.

I would say that if you had both this and Minasi's book, you should be able to figure out just about everything.

William Boswell is the principal engineer for the Windows Consulting Group based in Phoenix, Arizona and author of the "Windows Insider" column for "MCP Magazines". He draws upon his many years of practical experience and expertise in Inside Windows Server 2003 to make it an especially practical, scholarly, and exhaustive reference for information technology professionals. Focusing especially on the complexities of installing, configuring, and managing a Windows Server 2003 system; as well as offering recently updated information on new command line tools; features to improve system security; and much, much more, Inside Windows Server 2003 is very strongly recommended instructional reference resource and text for anyone seeking to better understand, create and maintain Windows servers for business, personal, or professional use.

Decent practical reference but there is one glaring problem. It's not written on the final release. Look on . . .