Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Resource for Administrators and Developers
Review: There really is something to be said about second editions. The kinks have been worked out and the authors have just that much more experience to enrich the new text with. Refreshingly this title also doesn't assume that you have forgotten the existence of operating systems less than 2003 or that your experience is only within the Windows World; throughout the text are clue-ins for Windows NT administrators as well as those with a Novell background (both types displayed as bonus text and if you have experience in neither, you don't miss a thing). Without a doubt, if you are in charge of any aspect of the Active Directory (AD) - this is a must have.
It is amazing in what is included in this book. For administrators there is the most comprehensive overview of the AD you could want, covering everything from domain planning to single AD object creation. Included with general text are graphics and summary tables, so you're never having to dig for that needed quip of information you're just sure you read 50 pages back. Like to see the tie-in between the interface and where the data is stored in the registry, file system, or schema? It's in there. A bonus for administrators are chapters dedicated to topics such as LDAP/LDAP Searches, new Microsoft RSK utilities relating to AD and Group Policies, and even an administrative scripting overview with samples (not a scripting tutorial, and not all-inclusive of ADSI, but an excellent introduction and possibility revealer). For developers (and admins alike), everything you would want to know about the schema, from explanation of the schema and classes to extending the schema, is very well documented and demonstrated.
Unlike some titles where the information is a rehash of Microsoft White Papers, on-line help, or the authors own initial discoveries while learning the previously unknown system, it is crystal clear that the authors know the AD inside and out and have refined the presented experience in a very concise and easy to read manner. Anyone who must administer the AD should read this book - regardless of experience. Long after you've discovered new aspects you didn't know existed, this title will server as an excellent reference.
Rating:
Summary: The must-have Active Directory book!
Review: This is a must-have Active Directory book. As the title states, it takes you inside Active Directory. Good writing style doesn't bore. Good coverage of scripting. Excellent references.This makes a great AD reference, in addition to 'Mission Critical Active Directory', and Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit - I regularly quote material from this book in class and highly recommend it to everyone interested in getting under the hood of AD. Bharat Suneja
MCT
Rating:
Summary: Amazing piece of work
Review: Weighing in at over 1100 pages I couldn't imagine a more comprehensive book on Active Directory. And this is not a doorstop. It's very well researched, written and illustrated. It guides you through installation and use all the way to advanced topics. The chapter on replication is superb. As are the chapters on the schema and how the schema can be extended.
Sometimes you get a book and marvel at just how much work went into it. This is one of those books. An absolute must for anyone who is actively using, or planning to use, Active Directory.
Rating:
Summary: Very detailed technical guide
Review: While the authors note in the preface that this book is suitable for the complete novice, I would disagree. It is a much better match for someone with some knowledge of Active Directory who wants to take their knowledge to the next level and become a true Active Directory wizard. For those with some knowledge who wants to really get down to the inner workings of Active Directory in a depth of detail and breadth of coverage unmatched by any other book this is the place to turn.
Kouti and Seitsonen provide excellent coverage of topics a lot of people have difficulty understanding and setting up properly. This book supplies you with sound background theory so you can understand these concepts and at the same time gives just the right amount of detail to actually accomplish what you are trying to do.
Inside Active Directory, Second Edition is highly recommended to everyone already possessing a basic understanding of Active Directory and who wants to have the best single reference available at hand.
Rating:
Summary: Superbly written, up-to-date text on Active Directory
Review: Without doubt the best book I've purchased on Active Directory. The explanations are very clear and transparent, with plenty of diagrams and relevant screen shots. If you're in any doubt just visit the authors' web site, the content headings alone are enough to wet the appetite, and I wasn't disappointed when I started reading. If I wrote a book, this is the type of book I would aspire to produce. This text has the benefit of experience and is up-to-date.
Rating:
Summary: Where has this book been?
Review: Wow!! I love this book. I'd trade all my books covering Active Directory for this book in a second. The material is covered at a level of depth that I haven't seen in any other book--and I've looked at most of them. The material is presented in a straightforward manner that doesn't put you to sleep like most MS Press books. An NT4 admin could easily read this book and become an expert at AD. I especially appreciated the chapter on AD security.
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