Mastering Windows Server 2003

Rating:
Summary: Just Buy It
Review: This is one of many books on 2003 I own (I also have the MSPress MCSE 2003 Core books and the 7 deployment Kit books as well as the Admin Companion 2003). I wrote a review on the Server 2003 Admin Companion and gave that 5 stars. I bought this book as well to give me something to read because I was bored whilst interstate. Having read both books cover to cover here is my review.

Both books are about the same size and although the Admin Companion has a better sized (more readable) font, both remain legible. Minasi's book has a better DNS section, RIS, DFS, MMC, Software Deployment, registry and networking section, but lacks a SUS section. If you want info on SUS, buy the MSpress 70-290 guide or use Technet. The Admin Companions SUS section is a mere 2 pages, but at least they have one. From a sit down and read perspective, Mastering is better, laced with humor - its a good read. But both will serve as a reference on your shelf for a long time. I think Mastering explains things a little better, often using analogies mixed with humor. The Admin Companion is a little more to the point and this may gel with more experienced admins. For those that need their hands held, Minasi's book wins. As a side note, if you are an experienced admin and just want a quick ref guide, consider the 2003 pocket admin book.

As an (almost) complete Windows Server 2003 reference, there is no comparison - Minasi's book wins hands down. If you want a little more info about additional and very likely to be used MS Products and how they sit in your environment, ie. ISA Server, IEAK etc, then consider the Admin Companion, but it assumes a little more knowledge from the reader. Besides, if you need info about ISA etc, then you would seriously have rocks in your head if you didn't buy Shinders books.

You really cannot go wrong with either book, they are both well worth the money. Buy either or buy both, you will not be disappointed. If you only buy one, then I would consider Mastering to be the best choice. Without doubt, this is probably the most complete book I have ever read on any IT Topic.

There have been a couple of negative reviews on this book. I can only assume that those people never read this book properly. For the life of me, I have never heard such rot.

As a final note, having read the 4 core MCSE 2003 books. You will find that Mastering has more in this book than those 4 combined (except SUS) :). If you can read and understand everything in this book, and given how clear this book is - that is likely, you will have little trouble on the MS Exams. Now buy this book and stop wondering about it.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best Windows Server 2003 Book...
Review: This was my first Minasi book and I got to say I wish that I found him earlier :)
I can not express how helpful this book was to me. Coming from NT4 to 2003 is not a small task. Sure 1600 pages is a lot of reading but I can not think of a section in this book that I did not learn something from

Rating:
Summary: A must for any networking person.
Review: This book covers a wide range of networking knowledge and comprehensive, practical examples. This is a must book for anyone who networks with MS Server Operating Systems. Again I have to emphasize: "If you don't have this book, you don't know Sever 2003". Thanks alot, Mark.

Rating:
Summary: If you don't have this book, you don't know Windows 2003
Review: Once again Mark Minasi has come through with Mastering Windows Server 2003. He covers everything from unattended installs to DNS fundamentals and traps to interoperating with older versions of Windows and other operating systems such as NetWare.

The book is well written with Mark's usual flare for humor, which is in sharp contrast to most other computer books which tend to be boring and tedious to understand. If you have a test computer or, better yet, a small test network of three or so computers, you will find Mark's examples easy to follow (note: you don't have to purchase three seperate machines; you can use VMWARE to emulate three computers or more on one).

This book is a must have for anyone who is planning on rolling out Microsoft's latest Server operating system. If you don't have this book, then you just don't know Windows.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent clarity
Review: I am a physician and three years ago decided to take on the task of bringing my practice into the electronic age with electronic medical records and practice management software. I have used Mark Minasi's book from the start and have slowly developed reasonable networking skills as a result. The book is suited for beginners, but after learning the basics I find the book even more helpful since I am able to comprehend more advanced concepts. It has allowed me to get a darn good education in networking for about $! I enthusiastically recommend this book to users at all levels of competency.

Rating:
Summary: A must have for any serious networking person!
Review: I have been taking classes in all facets of networking for the last 2 years. When I took a Windows Server 2000 class the instructor literally threw out the textbooks we were using for a book called "Mastering Windows Server 2000" by Mark Minasi. That book has been my server bible, until now. I bought the 2003 version and am very glad I did. Mark gives you all the technical details about the new product and provides step by step operations that you can follow as if you were looking at a lab book. He goes into great detail (which is very necessary) on all aspects of Windows Server 2003. There is a lot of insight as to what really works well, and what you should be aware of when implementing this product in a live environment. Lastly, Mark's writing style is simply a joy to read. Let's face it, networking books usually aren't the type thing you read and enjoy immensely, but with Mark's humor and witty analogies the material comes to life and leaves a lasting impression. If you're going to be using Server 2003, buying this book is a wise choice.

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best source on the topic
Review: I am an IT professional and have been reading the new crop of books on Windows 2003 Server. I must admit, most of the books out there are disappointing. I've read several Microsoft Press books and was not thrilled.

Since "Mastering Windows Server 2000," by Minasi was the best book on the topic of Windows 2000 Server I have read (and I read quite a few) I was delighted to see the 2003 book available. Since Windows 2003 is an updated software version of Windows 2000 Server, one can expect that "Mastering Windows Server 2003" is greatly similiar to the 2000 book also. However, I disagree with a previous reviewer that recommended only the changes should be included. Doing that would require the reader to buy the 2000 edition then lookup any differences in the new book. Rewriting a book that is all inclusive makes much more sense.

If you are looking for only ONE book to buy on Windows 2003 Server, this is the book. Yes, if you already own the 2000 book, you may not need this one but if you know how to install and administer a 2000 server, you may not need any book at all.

Rating:
Summary: Almost perfect
Review: The major quality of this book is that provides answers for everyone. For the beginners it explains all concepts as they are used, don't have to read the book three times to have a complete understanding. For network administrators it gives lots of troubleshooting hints and ideas on how to accomplish task. For consultants and designers, it has the in-depth knowledge.
The side effect of this approach is the size. At 1600 pages is difficult to read and to structure the information. A 2-page summary at the end of every chapter would help.

Rating:
Summary: 2003 Server - the easy way
Review: OK, I have just finished Minasi's book this evening.

I must say, after reading some of the negative reviews I really do not think that those people could have even read this book. It seems to be some kind of "personal attack" with no ground for the comments.

The book seems to me to be very informative, witty and ideal for network administrators everywhere.

Hope this helps someone make the right choice.

Rating:
Summary: A Truly Excellent Guide.
Review: If you're in IT, you've shelled out more than a few dollars on manuals... and know that many aren't worth the investment. I researched the Windows 2003 documentation issue carefully before getting this manual, and it is by far the most comprehensive guide on the subject I've seen to date.

Contrary to the opinions of the handful of distractors posting here, this book is concise, and the sections CAN EASILY be used on a stand alone basis. To wit, I first opened the book to the topics I was interested in, had my web sites up in 5 minutes (and picked up some VERY useful info about the limitations of Host Headers), and remote desktop administration configured and up in under 1 minute... and now I've decided to go back and read the introduction, lol. I am unaware of any other manual on the subject that makes things so simple, or covers in detail so many features of the software.

This book is worth every penny. Thanks Mark!