Rating: 
Summary: Very Solid - Great for beginners too
Review: This book is substantial. If you are new to Win2K Server, this book will provide you with enough handholding to get you up-and-running. If you manage Win2K servers as a job, you could live off of this book. Our technicians have this title as part of their toolbox.The author writes in a clear, easy-to-read manner and deals with all of the important subjects. RAS is especially well documented. The information is also very easy to find and well illustrated, making this book a valuable reference when you are knee-deep in problem solving. So far, this is one of the best titles on the subject
Rating:
Summary: SYBEX IS RIPPING PEOPLE OFF
Review: Mark has done a great job. The 3rd edition is a marked improvement over the 2nd. The PDF on the CD is secured, however, and must be viewed with the CD in the drive. This is a huge inconvenience to someone like myself who purchased the 2nd edition, then the 3rd just for the CD. I was going to install it to my Palm Pilot so I could travel lighter, but this is not possible and Sybex refuses to offer any assistance. It boils down to this, the CD (PDF) is essentially useless since you need to have it installed with the CD to use it. Otherwise, the Book is great.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK!!!!
Review: This is a must have for those of us who need one book that will "truly" help set up W2K server in a real environment. Mark's articles in W2K magazine are always great and this book is better. I agree with some of the reviews that state this book might not be the end all if you are looking to pass a test. I passed 70-215 using Sybex, but this book REALLY taught me how to use and administer W2K server in a live day to day environment.
Rating:
Summary: All of Mark Minasi's books are great references
Review: I have a fun job of testing new technologies and make recommendations to management, therefore I walk unbeaten path often. Since Windows 3.1, each time I venture into a new Microsoft technology Mark Minasi's books have been there offering me valuable guidance. Don't let the title mislead you, it is a complete reference to many computer subjects. His easy approach helps you learn more than what you can from some of the dedicated books on the subject you are searching for, as it may be about MS Terminal server, IP Configuration, DNS or DHCP. A book of this size can not be read like a novel, hovever it is a great book for an administrator who may refer it every day, and also a practician like me who runs there in a hurry.
Rating: 
Summary: Too wordy but a good book
Review: Mark Minasi (the author), I have ONE advice for your book: BE MORE SUCCINCT. This book is almost 2000 pages long and it could EASILY be 1400 pages with just as much information. The author has a laid back and conversational writing style. Unfortunately, such style does not make a book thin. This book is, however, a fairly comprehensive book on Windows 2000. The author has done his research and performaned many hands-on tests on Windows 2000. He has become one of the foremost authorities on Administrating NT/Win2000 and with a good reason. It is just his books are thicker than a regular sized Webster's dictionary.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: What a fantastic book. It's very easy to read, full of info, well organized, and full of examples. As an experienced programmer with little LAN experience, I wanted to get better understanding of how LAN is actually set up and what exactly windows 2000 offers that NT 4 doesn't. This book provided everything that I ever wanted to know about setting up a LAN. I highly recommand it to even network newbies like myself.
Rating:
Summary: theory, ops and updates
Review: This edition is at the top of my list of W2K Server information sources. In my opinion it is written with the assumption that the reader desires an understanding of why as much as how. So it is not designed to be a cookbook for isolated problem resolution (try MS KB articles, and I wish you good luck in your search). It is not W2K Server at the molecular level, either (try MS W2K Server Resource Kit, and ditto on the wishes). If you have resolved to understand W2K Server at a level well beyond wizards but above deep registry hacks, this is a great resource. Bonus: this book includes a DNS primer that is the best I have encountered. 2nd Bonus: written in an easy going style understandable by a wide variety of experience levels, without insulting either end of the spectrum. 3rd Bonus: his web site has a regular newsletter that posts errata, tips and tricks to supplement the book. My conclusion, this book is worth much more than the price.
Rating:
Summary: Not written like the linux "Decoder Ring" Book
Review: I bought this book based on the straight forward approach of Mark's linux book. I advise anyone who enjoyed the linux "Decoder Ring" book pay close attention to its forward. Mark sites other contributors to have written large portions. I find this book very verbos. I wish there was a cliff notes version of Mastering W2k Server. If you like to read novels, stories abound in Matering W2K server book. I'll bet the information is accurate, I just don't have time for the fluff. For experience reference, I've only been in an IT position for 2 months. Regards Scott
Rating:
Summary: Another Mark Masterpiece
Review: Mark claims in this book that it was not intended to help you prepare for the Microsoft exams. Maybe not. But it will help you get a Win2K network up and running smoothly, in very little time, and with very little trouble. All of that while being interesting and enjoyable to read. Thanks yet again Mark!
Rating:
Summary: Both Professional and Server references are excellent.
Review: I am studying for my MCSE Exams and need references that go more into detail giving you the viewpoint from a writer that writes in a way that let's you know that he has the experiences required to know and cover the subject exceptionally well. His writing style is such that he makes it a pleasure to read the material. I also have Exam Study Guides that are necessary, but Mark Minasi has been down that road before, therefore he knows what to tell you to make your learning and job easier. He knows how to put meat as well as the potatoes on the table. I guess that I am different from the previous reviewer who did not like the detail.
| 
