Inside Active Directory: A System Administrator's Guide

I have an extensive library already on Active Directory. When I first got my hands on this book I wanted to test it out, see if it was worth adding to my collection. So I played a little game, I thought of things that should be in here, then looked in the book to see if they were there. This treasure hunt went on for a while consistently finding that the topics that should be in here are in here... So I switched tack, I started to read the index and see what I wouldn't expect to be in, if it was I'd be impressed... I was and am very impresses. Very soon I was hooked, this book really does explain the answers to many questions that commonly come up. There's a lot of books out there that explain Active Directory, but few that answer those nitty-gritty questions. This is one that does! Even if you've got a bookshelf full of AD books, check this out, it's a must... Well done Sakari and Mita..

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.

I am only part way through this book and loving it. I can't seem to put it down. The author explains in clear detail important topics that you need to know to manage AD. Instead of boring you with highly detailed internals which you would never use anyway, you get simplistic view and explanation of all the things you need to know to be an AD admin. I find myself looking ahead because I can't wait to see whats covered next. As I said, I am only part way through the book but after 200+ pages, I don't think my opinion is going to change.

I concur with the other reviews that I have read in that this is the best book on Windows 2000 that I have read and one of the best computer books I have ever read.The most unique quality is the excellent explanation of how to use scripting to maximize your results and minimize your effort. This book is especially well suited to the enterprise audience that has to deploy many servers (100+) and not just 1-10. If you have even a small bit of programming experience you will really appreciate the in-depth explanations of Windows 2000 under the covers.

Quite simply it is the best guide to Active Directory in a single book. The quality of writing is superb, it has the benefit of appearing a couple of years after the release of W2K and you can tell that the authors know their subject. I found information in this book that I have never seen anywhere else (like what AdminSDHolder does)! A direct competitor to this book would be Alistair G. Lowe-Norris "Windows 2000 Active Directory" but IMHO that book does not have the benefit of 2 years experience in the real-world.Highlights are the chapters on AD security, replication, schema management and group policy. There are also two superb chapters on ADSI scripting.However, there are some things it doesn't cover (wisely in my opinion as it would become too large). Specifically it does not cover migration or deployment planning. It also does not cover DNS planning in depth. These topics are large enough to require books on their own.All in all if you want serious in-depth technical detail on managing AD, explained clearly and precisely (rare qualities in technical books) then this is the book to go for.