Mastering Windows NT Server 4

Granted, this is a fairly involved book, and lengthy, but it definitely fits everybody between newbies and experts. Before I got this, I thought I knew just about everything I needed to know...I was dead wrong. Mark also puts the explanations into ENGLISH! Microsoft press books are thrown in the dust by this one.

I buy a heck of a lot of computer books in the average year. Many of them are worthless, fluffy attepts to market a product, or a blatant attempt to sell books by writing "conceptually" about the latest industry buzzword. This book, however, is one that I continutally go back to as an indespensible reference. Not necessarily a book you would use if you want to take the MCSE exams (though it is helpful), but an essential tool if you need to quickly get up to speed on NT administration without the time and hassle of taking classes. Minasi provides thorough coverage, practical examples and situations, and useful real-world observations. He has a wonderful ability to explain things with clarity, and a subtle sense of humor that gets you through the heavier material. I keep my copy close and hand and always recomend it to anyone with a desire to learn NT administration (and, at 1500 pages, it's great for building up your biceps, too).

I've purchased a fair number of NT server resource books in my time, and for me this is my bible. When I have problems, this is the one I turn to first. It's informative, well organized and easy to understand. Written more from a 'how-to' perspective, it's easy to get what you need when you need it. No need to read entire chapters every time just to solve a small problem. However, he does give excellent backgrounds and overviews if you're looking for that as well. As a NT Administrator, I find that its content and usability are top notch. I subsequently follow author Mark Minasi's columns in Windows NT Magazine, and continue to be impressed with his ability to explain and summarize complicated technical issues so that even I can understand them! I'd also recommend his book on Mastering TCP/IP as well. Another great resource for NT Administrators.