Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Tome
Review: Being a new systems engineer in a large-scale mixed-mode environment, I have already discovered how useful the information contained in this book actually is. I didn't purchase this book for 'exam cram' purposes but to thoroughly understand the hows and whys of Windows 2000 Server. Perhaps Minasi's name helps sell the books but who cares? It's not important to me who wrote the book as long as the information contained therein is accurate and useful. The included CD-ROM with the entire book in searcheable .pdf format is great - I just toss it into my laptop bag and it's a handy reference on the go. I especially appreciate the fact that the book also provides a brief history of NT to help us understand how we got to where we are today with Windows 2000. From what I've seen so far, there is no doubt that this book will help me become a far better systems engineer. Thanks Sybex!
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: To all:I have been "playing" with NT 5.0 (sorry, I still want to call it NT 5.0) in the test & production environment since the first Beta, and although I can't never claim that I'm "anything" expert, I'm very comfortable with the product and all its goodies by having almost two years of hands-on under my belt. Also, I have been teaching both NT 4.0 and NT 5.0 at the Kansas City Metro area for almost three years, writing technical article for a journal for about 5 months now. Because of that, I could easily spot a better-than-a-good book regarding these two products. Mark's book is nothing less than excellent. Mark's theoretical and practical knowledge is second to none. At one time, I admit that I thought he was working for Microsoft, in the NT 4.0 and NT 5.0 Developing team. In fact, by reading his book, I was almost fell off my chair many times because there are so much of of the information, which are so deep, and so correct, in it that I could be able to learn, and apply right away. Further, Mark uses plain English and he has a great sense of humor. Most of the MCSE's (old or new ones) and MCT's don't usually like to say that s/he knows NT 4.0 and NT 5.0 less than someone else, and I'm no exception. I still don't like to say it, but in this case, I have no choice. I have bought and I will buy Mark's book every single time because he knows so much more than I do. My hat is off to you, Mark. Thanks a million. Tam T. Nguyen, MCSE
Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!
Review: I have bought this book three times. I bought the 1st, 2nd and now 3rd Edition because Mark keeps adding more great information. While I was studying for my MCSE, I did not use this book for exam cram. This book is a reference guide to the operating system. It's so thick that reading it before an exam would take up all my time. This is because Mark takes his time to explain everything in detail. Now that I've finished my tests, I use this for reference, because exam cram books dont offer enough detail. And now that the book comes with a CD, I can take it with me on my laptop rather than lug the 1800 page tomb with me everywhere I go. I can't wait for his XP book!
Rating:
Summary: Bravo on a job well done!
Review: This book is a great value. It covers Windows 2000 in a wholly approachable manner, and provides real world explanations that have helped me master the material and perform my job. I've perused many absolutely horrendous computer science books that contain multitudes of errors and simply terrible explanations of the subject matter. In stark contrast, this book is one of the best I've seen. It's a comprehensive tomb on Windows 2000 Server. And this author really knows how to explain technical material. His writing style, attention to detail, and accuracy, is refreshing in the current sea of so many nonsensical technical books of little value being pushed at engineers and developers today. If you want to learn Windows 2000 this book is great.
Rating: 
Summary: Sorry! Where is the information on IPSec (IP Security)???
Review: Sorry! I am very dissapointed at Mr. Minasi's 3rd edition book. Frankly, there is some important information missing !!! So, where is the stuff on security, especially IPSec (IP Security), networking diagrams, etc... All I see is bunch of screen shots and lots of unrelated text to Windows 2000! Sorry Mr. Minasi, but, do we have to wait for the FOURTH Edition of your book to get the material we need to study for Win 2K MCSE??? This is ridiculous. I am dissapointed....!!! The series are nothing but a rip-off. I have the complete Mark Minasi's resource kit books. None of them are complete. He is using several other authors under his cover to publish these books. Frankly, Windows 2000 HELP files and Server Resource Kits by Microsoft are far better!!! -:)
Rating:
Summary: NT MASTER
Review: Ordering today.. but if it's half as good as MASTERING NT4- it will be money well spent. Mark has a way of avoiding the DRY-MICROSOFT-PRESS lingo and explaing so it's understandable. My Mastering NT4 has been my District Bible that I don't leave home without. Way to go Mark- If your ever down in Texas look me up
Rating:
Summary: The best reference book for W2k
Review: I've read many Minasi's books since NT 4. He's one of the greatest "gurus" of Microsoft world. In addition to KNOW a lot about Win2k, he knows how to EXPLAIN the concepts, in words. That's very important in a book. This Win2k Server book is worth each cent you spend on it. It's not a 'sleepy' text as Microsoft Press books. Mark TALKS with you as it were a private class :} Go for it.
Rating:
Summary: Minasi makes the mark
Review: This is an exceptional reference work for any one who wants, and needs, to know the ins and out of W2k Pro. It is replete with detailed explanations, simply explained procedures, and seems to cover just about anything that matters. Minasi's writing style is also very good, discussing the highly technical without bogging down in tedious, too-detailed discourses on obscure points. This book ranks in the top of the category for W2k manuals for both the pro and the serious home chiphead. It is easy to follow, presents all the valuable info in an easy-to-find way with numerous content and index lists, and will fill the bill as being a useful reference to what makes W2k tick. The only drawback is one that is more and more common to all these great reference books: there is no CD with the text in searchable format. That feature can save even more time for the busy Sysguy who wants to look up something fast, or who does field calls and doesn't want top lug a catalog case full of reference books around. [Publishers take note: add a searchable text CD and it could boost sales!] All in all, this is a great and useful book for anyone interested in the innards of W2k and how to make it work like it should.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the best
Review: Minasi has done it again. His Windows books are the best, bar none. This is a complete reference guide as well as a fantastic learning tool. A Must Have!
Rating:
Summary: Well written
Review: I have only had the book for 3 days, but it is written in such a manner that the reading is very easy. I skipped ahead to the chapter on TCP/IP and it was the best description I have read - simple and straight-forward. A fine book to learn from, as well as to have as a reference.
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