Microsoft ISA Configuration and Administration (Paperback)

~ Curt Simmons (Author) "Welcome to Microsoft ISA Configuration and Administration..." (more)
Key Phrases: Active Directory, Cancel Figure, Local Address Table (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Microsoft ISA Configuration and Administration is first out of the gate with printed information about Microsoft's upcoming Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, and it's clear that author Curt Simmons--a respected expert in Windows 2000 matters--has done his work accurately and clearly, as well as quickly. The how-to material in this book is based on the final version of ISA Server, and it's packed with practical information on how to configure the product as a proxy server, firewall, cache server, and even an H.323 telephony gatekeeper. Readers can use this volume as an advance look at how networks will change with the introduction of ISA Server, as an implementation guide, or (though it's not explicitly organized for such) as a test-prep aid for the Microsoft ISA Server 2000 exam (70-227).

The book does a great job of combining design advice ("If you choose to use SSL [in server arrays], you must configure a server-side certificate so that clients can be authenticated...") with procedures to follow step-by-step, and documentation of the functions of interface elements. It also explains the processes that go on behind the scenes. Q&A sections contain both relevant questions and concise, detailed answers. --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, explained in terms that will appeal to network administrators and designers. Gloriously detailed information (both background and procedural) appears on all of ISA Server's capabilities, including firewalling, packet filtering, caching, intrusion detection, and existence within a server cluster.

Product Description

Microsoft ISA Configuration and Administration The Know-How You Need for a Successful ISA Server Implementation In this hands-on guide, Microsoft networking expert Curt Simmons shows you step-by-step how to deploy Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server, from initial installation and configuration to administration and troubleshooting. In-depth coverage of the issues you'll face, plenty of real-world examples, and helpful appendixes on TCP/IP and the Microsoft Management Console make this an indispensable resource — the one book you need for a successful ISA Server implementation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (May 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764548050
• ISBN-13: 978-0764548055
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,617,546 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Couldnt keep me awake, May 18, 2001

By	Ben Rainville "benrain" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was so basic and boring I couldn't stay interested for more than two pages. Lots of fluff little content. After forcing myself to read the majority of the first 6 chapters I resorted to the on line documentation from Microsoft. The book leaves out how the product actually works. IE (Data Flow and Evaluation) The book focuses how the product relates to mouse clicks, dialog boxes, and installation routines. If you have no router / administration experience and don't care to know how the product works but need to install ISA server this would be an excellent book. For seasoned administrators trying to incorporate ISA Server into a pre existing security concept you'll find this book isn't even heavy enough to be a doorstop. In short the title "Configuration and Administration" is very accurate. It will tell you where and how to click but if you want to know more either read the on line documentation or wait for the next book to hit print.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unacceptable!, April 20, 2001

By	David M. Streb (Paso Robles, Ca United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book guides you through the basics of how to install the ISA Server software. From there, it provides a very top-level informational base of what it should do and the theories of why it should work. There are absoulutely no practical examples, troubleshooting tips, or other information that you could not find on Microsoft's support site. It's a waste of time and energy. All in all, the book cover alone should give it away!

On the other hand, if you have absoulutely no clue on what you are doing, this book can provide you with the basic ABC's of ISA. But again, if you are an experienced IT professional--definately pass!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Alright - I guess, November 19, 2002

By	Jase T. Wolfe - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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Before I ever even thought of installing ISA, I read the book from cover to cover. Once completed, I installed ISA and referred back to the book for additional guidance. I'm still looking for the additional guidance.

This title does a great job of introducing ISA to the reader. It spends chapters of time covering the ISA concept, architecture and Microsoft Minimum Requirements. From there, however, the book gets a little more glossy and sales brochure like. Deployment scenarios, installation and (very) basic configuration are covered, but the author has chosen to really only cover the installation of ISA in an enterprise / array configuration, leaving the stand-alone server installation out in the cold. Past the installation, the author tour guides you through the basic setup of the server (which actually was very handy and without this it would have taken me quite a while to figure it out) and then moves on to briefly cover some of the major selling points.

What is really missing from this book is any specifics, or even an in-depth, point by point reference covering of the interface and components. For example, the author covers setting alerts for Intrusion Detection, but instead of explaining the configuration choices for each of the five actions, the author tells you that "Depending on your selection, a different window will appear that enables you to configure the option you selected."

The title is helpful, and I am glad I read it. But I find myself looking for a more in-depth reference that I can really learn ISA from.