Rating: 
Summary: Compact, easy to use, great details
Review: All I needed to get myself up to speed with Windows Server 2003. The book focuses on key aspects of day to day use and administration. Others have said and I will too, Stanek is the leading authority on the Microsoft Windows operating system, especially when it comes to administration. Whenever I need a book on any technology topic I check to see if he's written a book on it first. I've been reading his books for many years and they've never steered me wrong. In "Windows Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant" Stanek documents the essentials for administrators and covers all the new features. It is focused on what matters and because the author is an administrator he knows what really matters. The book does everything it promises. As with the others before this one it is the only day to day book I use. The book isnt designed to be a study guide for certification but I believe it would be helpful for that too. I've used the other consultants for that and its been helpful. I would rate this as the definitive text on Windows Server 2003. It's got what you need to get the job done. Anthony
Rating:
Summary: As usual, Stanek delivers
Review: Compact. To the point. Covers the information a network administrator needs on a day to day basis. Also, accurate. Is it a peer to Manasi's tomes? No. This is the book you throw in your briefcase and refer to on a day to day basis for those pesky commands and processes you forget. My advise is simple, if it says Stanek and Windows, I buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Exactly as described, this small form book provides a one-stop administrator's reference for the administration and maintenance of Windows 2003 without the need to break out the larger tomes available out there. Not for use as a learning guide for the OS, nor really designed as certification study guide, this is a must have for anyone on the job.
Rating:
Summary: Very good manual
Review: For depth of understanding, clarify of presentation on complex subjects this book can't be beat. The major quality of this book is that it provides answers for everyone. Beginners don't have to read chapters five times to have a complete understanding. Advanced can jump in and get answers with lots of troubleshooting hints and ideas on how to accomplish tasks. I always find myself returning to this book for answers.
Rating:
Summary: Bottom line: It's a must-have for anyone on Windows Server
Review: Here's the bottom line on this book: if I could find a better book on the new Windows Server 2003, I would have bought it. William Stanek has done a masterful job of making this new OS understandable and more importantly, usable. It is the only daily administration book you're going to need, and possibly the only Windows Server book you'll ever use (at least regularly). I refer to it at least once a day and I've read entire chapters so I could know Windows the way I'm supposed to. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A necessity
Review: I first started reading this book several months ago, and it's clearly a great book. I've learned so much from it. Windows Server 2003 can be puzzling even for experienced admins and Stanek makes it much less so. If you aren't familiar with any of Stanek's previous books, then you've missing out. Stanek writes in a clear, easy-to-follow style. Windows Server 2003 Pocket Consultant concentrates on the core of the operating system. It focusses on daily tasks, day-to-day administration. And that makes perfect sense. It continues to surprise me how concise, yet detailed the book is. Many chapters do delve deep into the OS. And what's covered is covered thoroughly. The new OS features are also covered in some detail, and since many of them are completely new, that's a very good thing. This book lists for $29.95, which makes it an excellent value. I like Staneks books, they have earned prominent places on my bookshelf, so I have no hesitation strongly suggesting that if you use Windows Server 2003, you should get a copy of Windows Server 2003 Pocket Consultant. I also think it is the best book for any new admins. I've recommended it to lots of people at work who want to learn server.
Rating:
Summary: A necessity
Review: I have been a Windows user since 1989. Windows has come a long way since then and so has the opertating system. As one who was very familiar with Windows NT after moving to Windows Server 2003 I was completely lost. Since this was my first exposure to Windows Server 2003 I started looking for information about how it worked and how to do the things that had become second nature with NT. Windows Server 2003 Administrator Pocket Consultant was the answer. The book covers everything a new admin must know in order to use the system efficiently. In addition, the text covers in detail the many tasks you perform every day with numerous advanced topics especially the real world details on how to avoid/resolve problems. Windows Server 2003 Administrator Pocket Consultnat is the one book to have if you are new to Windows Server 03. Both the experienced Windows admin updating to WS03 and the new admin will find the Pocket Consultant very useful and a solid reference. This book should be included with WS03.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed!
Review: I love this author ecspecially his exchange books but i was not impressed with this one. He left out some new features such as ASR he did not mention at all in the book, he did not explain stub zones and also he did not explain how user can access the previous version of a folder when volume shadow is enabled.
The book is still good keep on your desk but this would not be the only windows 2003 server text i would also use windows 2003 administrator companion as well.
Rating:
Summary: Can't put it down
Review: I picked up this guide almost a year ago preparing for the move over to Windows 2003. Haven't put it down since. This book contains everything that an administrators needs to do day to day. And it does it on a screen by screen basis. If you are doing any IIS work I highly recommend you also pick up the IIS 6 Pocket Consultant
Rating:
Summary: This book is a total help
Review: I purchased this book to keep on my desk now that we are moving to Windows Server 2003. Awesome - not just as a reference, but as an initial read. My advice, this book is a one time read, a lifetime reference - or until Windows Server 2006 comes out. Stanek Rocks.
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