applications

Once again William Stanek has come through with Windows Server 2003 Inside Out. This book has everything you need to know about Windows Server 2003. The most detailed Windows server book I've found. This book is a must for anyone planning on rolling out Windows complete with thorough install, migration, and upgrade chapters. For all the technical details on using Windows it is hard to beat as well. Highly recommended to users of all levels of competency.

I'm a long time user of Mastering in its various editions (four editions of Mastering Windows 2000 Server alone--why so many revisions?). I bought Stanek's book because I love his other books (especially the WINDOWS SERVER ADMINISTRATOR'S POCKET CONSULTANT). Having (like everyone else) bought the latest edition of Minasi almost robotically, I feel like the content and jokes are stale, and that the book's content has slipped. For example, there's way too much information and advice that fails to recognize changes that Microsoft has made in 2003. This new book by Stanek was the perfect cure for my malaise. It's just the right amount of detail so that I never got lost, it gives me not only grounding in techniques and best practices, but also a real sense of the new things that are possible in 2003, and it's exceptionally well written. THIS IS IMPORTANT NEW WORK! I may still buy Minasi in the future, but this is my new BIBLE! Thanks, Bill Stanek!

Had this for about a week now... haven't had a chance to read the whole thing but what I've read has been outstanding. This book is probably best for the Windows Server 2003 admin who wants to get the most out of the OS. You probably couldn't go past this book for its great design, excellent writing style and breadth of advice. The book revealed features I had no idea were present in 2003, and told me enough to begin using them. It's incredible how up-to-date this book is especially when it comes to AD. It covers all the latest.

I also have Minasi's book. I have to say this book is in many ways better. The AD section in this is understandable and extremely thorough. Minasi's is all over the place. This book has better Registry, DNS, networking, RIS, DHCP, printer, storage, and terminal services sections. Overall this is a much better book and I gave Minasi's book a 5 so this has got to be a 6! Stanek's Pocket books are well know for being clear, concise and thorough. This is being more of the same and you get a book packed with nearly 1500 pages! In short I think if you are looking for a complete Windows 2003 reference book this is the one. If you're looking for a quick ref as well pick up Stanek's Windows 2003 pocket admin. I use both all the time now.

What impressed me most about this is the attention to detail. Stanek tells you more than how and why it works. He provides expert advice to make Windows run better with less problems and when you have problems there's complete solutions. Nearly every chapter in the book provides troubleshooting, tips for maintaining it over time, tips for making it work better, tips for working around known issues. When it comes to networking every technology is covered with many security, design and implementation options provides.

For anyone studying for MCSE, this book is a must. I have learned more from this than my MCSE course books plus it covers everything those books cover. Another plus for the book is the CD which comes with an e-book version of the book, the Windows 2003 Resource Kit, and a lot of extras. This book has already made me a better administrator (and I am pretty good). I plan to read the book cover to cover to learn even more. I wouldn't be surprised if the Windows bootcamps start handing this out. It's the one I'd want to get if I was starting out and it's pretty darn good for us pros as well.