Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant

Exactly as described, this small form book provides a one-stop administrator's reference for the administration and maintenance of Windows 2003 without the need to break out the larger tomes available out there. Not for use as a learning guide for the OS, nor really designed as certification study guide, this is a must have for anyone on the job.

Most computer books tend to be massive tomes that are little more than fluff and filler and readers truly learn little even after reading hundreds and hundreds of pages. This is what I call the "bloat" approach to computer manuals. While there is a place for "bloat" manuals, the best books transcend this genre, and teach principles and background for understanding, as well as providing the essentials for getting the job done. William Stanek's most recent addition to the "Administrator's Pocket Consultant" series does just this for Windows Server 2003. Windows Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant combines the basics of Windows 2003 for newbies, and provides a more-than-generous helping of advanced techniques and principles for experienced administrators. I have 3 years experience with Windows 2000, 5 with Windows NT before that, and I learned something on almost every page. Stanek includes plenty of coverage of Windows fundamentals, and he gives plenty of examples. He makes things clear, even difficult and hard to grasp subjects. He provides enough instruction for the reader to get the task accomplished. He doesn't shy away from addressing the more difficult parts of the OS. There is a substantial amount of advanced material for the experienced administrator. The chapters on monitoring provided me the first thorough yet understandable overview of the subject I've found and this is follwed with expert-level how-tos and tips for improving performance. My only bone to pick with the book is that I wish there was a security pocket consultant written by Stanek, which there isn't. Don't get me wrong the book has lots of security coverage. It has security tips and cautions throughout, and provides good coverage of essentials. It doesn't however cover every conceivable security topic like a separate pocket consultant would.It's almost certainly got the information you need, be you a new administrator, a convert from another OS, or a serious administrator searching for a good reference work. You will enjoy reading it, a rare thing for computer books, and if you read it all, you'll know 95% of what you will ever need to know for on the job. As of this writing, William Stanek's Windows Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant is the best Windows Server 2003 book for your dollar.

This book is 20 chapters and 540 pages, deceptively small especially when it covers more ground than several of the 1,000 page books I bought before it. In fact, I haven't had a question yet that this book didn't answer and the answers are all clear and concise. I've never seen a daily operations book that compares and I have in fact set aside several of those doorstopper books in favor of this one. I can and do carry it with me everywhere. It fits nicely in my backpack.Why this book over the others? Windows Server 2003 isn't as much of a jump from Windows 2000 (not like Windows 2000 was from Windows NT) and this book covers everything you need to know about Windows Server 2003 to get the job done. You can start using this book as a desk reference immediately or as I've done, read the book from cover to cover to learn whats new and whats what. The good news is that if you are new to Windows Server 2003, this book has everything you need for your every day administration of Windows Server 2003. I think that regardless of your experience level you will find that this book is written in a very clear manner and exceptional accurate and to the point. The author explains his topics very well. The book is divided into four parts. The different parts are administration fundamtentals, directory services administration, data administration and network administration. The book has held up well and I've abused it in my backpack taking it with me to job sites and the type is just about the perfect size for comfortable reading. I particularly like Stanek's expert tips and "Real World" advice sections.This is easily the best book on my shelf right now and I plan to use the knowledge I've gained to help with the MCSE for Windows Server 2003 that I plan to take next year. I think that like the previous book, Windows 2000 Pocket Consultant, it will prove to be valuable addition to my preparation book list. Sure there are plenty of preperation books out there (as there were with Windows 2000) but you will still need a good reference on Windows Server 2003 itself in order to give you the practical knowledge--you know the stuff you are going to use.Overall, I am very happy with this book. It was money well spent. Go buy it, I'm glad I did. Very highly recommended!

Compact. To the point. Covers the information a network administrator needs on a day to day basis. Also, accurate.Is it a peer to Manasi's tomes? No. This is the book you throw in your briefcase and refer to on a day to day basis for those pesky commands and processes you forget.My advise is simple, if it says Stanek and Windows, I buy it.

All I needed to get myself up to speed with Windows Server 2003. The book focuses on key aspects of day to day use and administration. Others have said and I will too, Stanek is the leading authority on the Microsoft Windows operating system, especially when it comes to administration. Whenever I need a book on any technology topic I check to see if he's written a book on it first. I've been reading his books for many years and they've never steered me wrong. In "Windows Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant" Stanek documents the essentials for administrators and covers all the new features. It is focused on what matters and because the author is an administrator he knows what really matters. The book does everything it promises. As with the others before this one it is the only day to day book I use. The book isnt designed to be a study guide for certification but I believe it would be helpful for that too. I've used the other consultants for that and its been helpful. I would rate this as the definitive text on Windows Server 2003. It's got what you need to get the job done. Anthony