Administering Windows Vista Security: The Big Surprises (Paperback)

~ Mark Minasi (Author), Byron Hynes (Author)
Key Phrases: medium integrity level, file virtualization, administrator token, Event Viewer, User Account Control, Active Directory (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An Inside Look at Windows Vista Security for Systems Administrators


Get an early start on Windows Vista security and the technology shifts you'll need to know as a systems administrator. From leading Windows expert Mark Minasi comes this "just-in-time" book to get you there. This targeted, hands-on guide takes a rapid-fire approach to the biggest security changes and how they'll affect business as usual for those who must integrate and provide technical support for Windows Vista. You'll find practical instruction, tips, workarounds, and much more.
* Work through a slew of Vista surprises, such as logging on as Administrator and how to re-enable Run
* Discover how virtualization works--and where it doesn't
* Find out why you can no longer delete files in System32, even though you are an Administrator
* Get familiar with new post-boot security features such as PatchGuard
* Protect laptops to the max with the innovative BitLocker feature
* Meet the new Windows Integrity mechanism
* Explore the revamped Event Viewer, event forwarding, and new troubleshooting tools

Go above and beyond what you've heard about Vista

Discover the changes to Share and Registry Access

Catch up on all the encryption news and services

Try out Vista Remote Desktop with its enhanced security

About the Series

The Mark Minasi Windows Administrator Library equips system administrators with in-depth technical solutions to the many challenges associated with administering Windows in an enterprise setting. Series editor Mark Minasi, a leading Windows expert, not only selects the topics and authors, he also develops each book to meet the specific needs and goals of systems administrators, MIS professionals, help-desk personnel, and corporate programmers.

From the Back Cover

An Inside Look at Windows Vista Security for Systems Administrators

Get an early start on Windows Vista security and the technology shifts you'll need to know as a systems administrator. From leading Windows expert Mark Minasi comes this "just-in-time" book to get you there. This targeted, hands-on guide takes a rapid-fire approach to the biggest security changes and how they'll affect business as usual for those who must integrate and provide technical support for Windows Vista. You'll find practical instruction, tips, workarounds, and much more.

• Work through a slew of Vista surprises, such as logging on as Administrator and how to re-enable Run
• Discover how virtualization works—and where it doesn't
• Find out why you can no longer delete files in System32, even though you are an Administrator
• Get familiar with new post-boot security features such as PatchGuard
• Protect laptops to the max with the innovative BitLocker feature
• Meet the new Windows Integrity mechanism
• Explore the revamped Event Viewer, event forwarding, and new troubleshooting tools

Go above and beyond what you've heard about Vista

Discover the changes to Share and Registry Access

Catch up on all the encryption news and services

Try out Vista Remote Desktop with its enhanced security

About the Series

The Mark Minasi Windows Administrator Library equips system administrators with in-depth technical solutions to the many challenges associated with administering Windows in an enterprise setting. Series editor Mark Minasi, a leading Windows expert, not only selects the topics and authors, he also develops each book to meet the specific needs and goals of systems administrators, MIS professionals, help-desk personnel, and corporate programmers.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sybex (December 26, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470108320
• ISBN-13: 978-0470108321
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #590,926 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Technically Accurate and Humorous, January 2, 2007

By	William V. Osullivan "wosully" (Springfield, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mark once again, is able to take technical topics and infuse humor into them at just the appropriate time. I have been running Vista since beta one, and this book is an excellent reference for those of us already familiar with the Windows operating systems: it begins with short explanations of the operating system behavior divided into segments, then it covers more of the salient, complex aspects of Vista more in-depth.

I have three MCSE's and other certifications, and I have enjoyed reading Mark's books for years: my understanding always has increased while reading his books. He understands practical IT in the world, and writes from experience and with a goal to increase our understanding.

In my opinion, this is an excellent book for those of us that already have a thorough understanding of IT, not just the home user.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Vista Security Book, April 4, 2007

By	Rhys Ziemer (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having spoken at various Microsoft events on Windows Vista security, I have been looking for a comprehensive and deep book to recommend to IT administrators. I recently went through all of the Vista books listed in the bookstore looking for anything that called out Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Mandatory Integrity Control (MIC) in the index. Mark's book was the only one that even mentioned these topics.

Upon reading the book, not only does the book call out all of these topics, but it also explains them in great detail. Additionally real world examples are provided to demonstrate the new security features that are included with Windows Vista. It is one thing to be able to discuss the features, much as the whitepapers do, it is another thing to be able to show people examples of how these features actually work within the product. Mark further goes on to probe the product for unintended uses of the security features providing insightful information as to how Windows Vista security can and cannot be used. As an example, Mark's investigation of providing ACE's based on integrity level.

Overall I found this book to be the most thorough review of what has changed in the Windows Vista (and in the future Longhorn) security model. It was a great read with great examples and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the topic.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A winner, March 23, 2007

By	Jane Fleming "MCSE, CNA (that's Novell, not n... (Shell Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In an era of thousand-page computer books full of unedited inaccuracies, it's a joy to find a 250-page book that provides as much help as this one does.

Like many people, my first reaction to Vista's User Account Control was "MAKE IT STOP!!!" Mark's book has not only given me tools to reduce its annoyance to acceptable levels, but has convinced me that UAC is actually A Good Thing.

But beyond UAC, the book gives hands-on explanation of Windows Integrity control. I must confess to never really having understood why Win2K insisted on calling access control lists 'discretionary'. Now it makes sense.

Oh yes, there's coverage of BitLocker as well. And the new Event Viewer facility for phoning home ('subscription').

To me, the sign of an excellent teacher is the ability to explain complicated subject matter with uncomplicated language. Mark Minasi's writing exemplifies this art.

Highly recommended.