Training Books

This is an amazingly useful book for anyone who wants to learn how to motivate people. I love the stories from best practice companies -- Jim has been there, and it's easy for the reader to learn from his vast experience and thoughtful observations. This book should be required reading for M.B.A. and Executive Education programs. The practical tools and techniques are invaluable for leaders who want to mazimize productivity. Five stars on my list -- I've already recommended it to several hundred people.

Just when you thought you couldn't handle one more piece of Information Age data, Jim Shaffer mercifully reveals the secrets to managing message bombardment, recognizing and maximizing all forms of communication, and connecting people with purpose to run any business better. With insights from many of the world's top CEOs, two "case studies," plain old good writing and a spot-on sailing metaphor to top it off, Shaffer proves what the best leaders have known (or at least have sensed) for some time: "informed people outperform uninformed people..." Better still, Shaffer steers a clear course -- with plenty of helpful examples -- through the sea of ambiguity that is business today, mapping the route for leaders who need to connect their employees to their business strategies. He calls it "connecting the dots." Business schools everywhere should use it and call it "Leadership 101." This is a terrific book for great leaders seeking to gain further marketplace advantage, leaders in training seeking instruction for "putting it all together" and the managers who serve them. The chapter on "earthshaking" events would be especially helpful for any one managing through a merger, acquisition, turnaround and the like.

Jim Shaffer, in this work, really connected the dots for me! His premise, that it all starts with effective communications, is dead on! As a former CEO and whose time is now spent as an outside director for a number of companies and as counselor to large company CEOs, this work is both relevant for today's leaders in today's warp speed economy and timeless in its approach.

Shaffer has crafted a very readable, yet content rich handbook for anyone either presently running a company or with dreams to someday run one! (In fact, this work is an excellent handbook for CEOs wanting to develop "bench strength" on the management team. Simply use Leadership Solutions as the textbook for a company-run academy for those up and comers selected for bigger jobs in the company's future. So many books are long on theory, short on application. Shaffer's approach is exceptionally practical...and applicable. It can be reread time and again.

Jim Shaffer's book, The Leadership Solution, is a MUST READING both for all corporate communications executives and staff and CEOs. Nobody does a better job in the age of "High Tech" to remind us to use the "High Touch." If we take the points that Jim cites, then we will find that attrition will be decreased.

Jim reminds us throughout that employee communications and touch will make the difference in performance and thus, stock price and a competitive and "best in class" company.

Shaffer lays out clearly the VISION aand STRATEGY. We all need to follow his course of what he states. "A vision is a target, a picture of the future. A strategy is a roadmap, how you're going to achieve the vision."

Tools are excellent. Follow the Readiness questionnaire to improving performance. See if we can all master the 6 course process to connect people or employees or associates to the business strategy. Shaffer identifies the 20 things to generate commitment. He cites the "3 people principles" that guide Best Practices and the Best Performance.

With all the focus on Mergers and Acquisitions, we find that Shaffer's 9 Guildelines for negotiating through the M&A are excellent.

Shaffer's examples of CEOs help build the case. His messages will help any communications chief help your CEO.

Shaffer demonstrates vividly how and why the communication function is being reinvented. The last chapter embodies the message strongly. It means what we all learn that communications much be align to assist the company's strategic goals. Shaffer does it.

Read and underline; share with your colleagues.

For over twenty years, I have been an advisor to management in the field of rewards and compensation. Traditionally, discussions of rewards at work focus on cash compensation, benefits, and, more recently, stock deals. These monetary and wealth-building vehicles help one have great experiences in life outside of work. But what about the experiences at work, where a dedicated employee might spend more than half of waking time? What makes the day-to-day work experience itself rewarding? In an age where the war for talent demands that every organization address this question successfully, Jim Shaffer provides powerful, practical answers for CEO's, executive teams, general managers, and heads of human resources.

At the heart of the day-to-day work experience is the process of communication. As Mr. Shaffer writes, "You can't not communicate. Everything you say and do communicates." Forget about bringing dogs to work and on-site concierge services. These are fluff, not substance. Mr. Shaffer gets to the substance. He demonstrates that the quality of organization communication is, by far, the greatest governor of the quality of the work experience for all employees.

Mr. Shaffer shows leaders how to develop a communication environment that shapes a highly rewarding day-to-day work experience for everyone in the organization. He shows how to build and lead ongoing organization communication processes and disciplines that align people to a common purpose and motivate them to pursue it with vigor. In the war for talent, he shows how to span the generations and ensure that one and all agree: "Our company is a great place to work! "

Do you face unprecedented challenges in attracting, retaining, aligning, motivating and rewarding top-notch staff at all levels? "The Leadership Solution" delivers distinctive know-how for building a huge advantage in getting, keeping and deploying the people you need. And, it's an enjoyable read, sprinkled with metaphors, quotes and anecdotes that produce many rewarding "Aha!" experiences.

This book was very helpful. It is an easy read and lots of little tips.My kids are older, 13,17 and 20, but I still picked up some good information. There are even some fun and easy tricks to teach your dog. I would recommend this to anyone with kids of any age.

There are certainly other kids and dogs books out there but, this one is so far the best I've found. Colleen Pelar gives great, practical tips for parents of children at all ages that can be put to use immediately. I don't have children but, am active in rescue and am always looking for more training to help adopters and I learned so much. This book will be required reading for all adopters with children going forward. GREAT read!!!

This is one of the very best resources I've found for families with children and dogs. It has lots of practical kid-friendly and dog-friendly tips and ideas. I've recently read hundreds of books on similar topics while researching a book I'm writing, and this one really stood out. As a child/family psychologist, I was impressed with how solid it was, and as a therapy dog trainer, I thought the advice about dogs was spot-on! It deserves all the stars that everyone has given it!!

Colleen writes in a reader friendly manner. Her life experiences as Mom and dog trainer have brought together this wonderful resourceful book families can turn to time and time again! I recommend this book to all families I work with as it describes practical and positive solutions for challenging and hectic lives! :)

Finally-- A really good book on how to live with kids and dogs. Most dog trainers don't have a lot of good things to say about kids (although I overhead one saying that she thought they tasted a lot like chicken!), but Colleen has written a book for parents by a parent who is also an excellent dog trainer. Colleen tells it like it is, from someone who knows. Her child-friendly, family-friendly and dog-friendly approach is realistic, safe, and right on the mark. I cannot say enough good things about Ms. Pelar or this book. Please read it and get a copy for your favorite family!

As the director of training for the 4th largest shelter in the country, I see every day that the consequences of people not having this information is that dogs end up in shelters. I applaud Ms. Pelar for writing it and helping keep dogs in their homes through education.

Becky Schultz, Certified Pet Dog Trainer
Director of Animal Training and Behavior Programs
Animal Humane Society
Minneapolis, MN

Finally---an anti-aging book that really gets down to what we need to know and follow. The 32 habit solution explains the "what" and "why" things are happening to us as we age. How we look and feel is not just about genetics, but more importantly how we care for ourselves day to day. The book provides a clear chapter by chapter road map on simple ways to a better life through a better life style. My thanks to Andy Troy (the author)for writing such a great book. I look forward to your next book!
Eric

The fountain of eternal youth has been a recurring theme in our culture since it's inception. Now, we have a book that gives us ways by which we can slow or even reverse the processs.

The author has done a great job solving the riddle of what happens when we age. You can probably extend your lifespan very significantly, and live longer with the wisdom and techniques described in this book.

A few years ago I purchased "The Bedroom Workout" DVD for my boyfriend, and was impressed with Andy Troy's clear, efficient, logical approach to a sound exercise routine. When I saw this book was available I decided to take a chance on it too.

This is a very, very worthwhile book that gives many valuable suggestions and tips for living a healthier and more satisfying life. It is not a rigid, overwhelming, over-hyped "how-to" manual. Instead, Mr. Troy presents a wealth of information on a wide range of topics (aromatherapy to vitamin intake, for instance) in concise, easy-to-read chapters. The reader is then free to take what ideas/suggestions they want from this book, and find ways to apply these ideas to their own life.

Essentially, living younger, and better, does boil down to the daily decisions that we all make regarding what we eat, the amount of physical activity we get, how much time we allow for sleep, etc. Andy Troy provides us with the information we need to make better decisions, and start incorporating good habits into our daily routine. Everyone can find some material of use and interest in this book.

It has been a while since I have felt compelled to express my joy at a worthwhile, and actually helpful commodity. On the mostly rare occasions, when I find a product that I feel can improve the quality of life, I do feel bound to promote or inform about my find. Two years ago, I offered a review of a health DVD by this author, and so, recently, when I saw that Andy Troy published a book, well, it had to be explored.

Living Young: 32 Habits of Ageless People, turns out to be an informative and practical book of advice about maintaining health into old age. Mr. Troy, CSCS, has written an organized, concise, and user friendly guide to taking care of yourself, once and for all! He takes you through a daily regiment that sometimes requires a little time and planning, yet each step is manageable, with some thought. Although I believe that I do, and have, taken basic care of myself, this book empowers and enables me to clearly prioritize my activities for greatest impact. The book allows me to re-think my habits in a clear fashion so I can make decisions on how to improve and maximize my day to day routines which do impact my health. His suggestions are very worthwhile, and those not in my present repertoire will be slowly and thoughtfully included, down to his recipes and suggestions for dining!

This is a good and quick read with long term benefits for everyone. I strongly and highly recommend this book for all!

The genius of this book is that it packs lots of extremely valuable information into a relatively short 288 pages. The writing is perfectly straightforward and to-the-point. If you are looking for a practical book packed with workable advice which will enable you to live better and longer, this is it.

The Making of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey
Easy to read, very helpful in providing guidance of the more important facts of psychotherapy. Both new and experienced therapists can benefit from this book.

If you are a therapist or want to be a therapist this book puts all your fears, concerns and worries into perspective. It actually gave me the strength to feel good about my choice and believe in myself. It empowered me and took away my fears. It helped me realize that being wrong is expected and how to communicate and find patterns to help clients change. This book is easy to read, makes clear common sense and is a page turner right to the end.

This was the best "beginner" book I've read so far. It talks about what you actually feel like and go through when starting out (for the experienced therapist as well). The author gives examples of his own initial misconceptions and mistakes which are common. I especially liked the overall theme which is about the "internal" world being as important as "professional" knowledge.

I'd bet he is.

First of all, this is an excellently written book. It must have been daunting to try to pull off turning the information he provided into such a imminently readable book. But the author hit it out of the park with his writing abilities, knowledge and expertise. I'll be referring to this book for years.

Cozolino leaves very few stones unturned for the beginning psychotherapist.

So, if you're looking for a primer on psychotherapy, I literally can't imagine a better book to begin with.

Fantastic job Dr. Cozolino.

A compulsive page turner and desk side companion for the caretaking profession. You will feel normal, assured and courageous after reading it. should be compulsory reading in all psychotherapy based curriculums!!!!

In this work, Rebecca Herold deftly lays out a framework that is easy to follow and comprehensive. She has skilfully managed to compile material that would otherwise take a significant amount of research, time and work to collect, and has created tools for the reader that are easily modified and transferred to any industry and indeed any country.

Ms. Herold consistently produces high quality written information centered around current and often complex subjects. The kernel of what she offers is the rare ability to present these topics as easy to understand and enjoyable to read.

As I live and work in Canada I was concerned that this book may be too centered on American laws and methodologies. I could not have been further off the mark. The methodology meticulously laid out by Ms. Herold could be applied in any country on the planet and ensure that whoever is following its plan is successful in their delivery.

In my 17+ years in Information engineering, security and education I have only kept a handful of texts on my bookshelf. This will be one of them.

If your organization is considering a security or privacy awareness program, this book will pay for itself many times over. I am not aware of any other resource that includes this much material about the art and science of awareness and training. Although this book is over 500 pages long, I found it easy to jump to specific chapters to get just the information I needed. The main chapters cover every aspect of program development including: planning, establishing a business case, budgeting, selling management, audience selection, material design and development, implementation, and measurement. Chapter 10 alone - which maps over 50 different awareness topics to various job roles - should save an organization thousands of dollars in program planning. And don't overlook the Appendices. Almost every sample form and worksheet you would need is available as an appendix. The assessment questionnaires alone should save dozens of hours of development. Definitely one of best security awareness investments your organization will ever make.

I am not a friend nor acquaintance of Ms. Herold. I believe this is a good book on Awareness Training and would recommend it to professionals in that field and to security professionals contemplating an awareness training program. I believe the book has especially good material on Legal and Regulatory requirements for training. However, it is too long at 515 pages. For a training program, the best bet is to collaborate with corporate training departments; security awareness training is no different from all the other types of awareness training. There is no point in security professionals reinventing the wheel on training methods. A collaborative approach will yield faster results than reading and understanding everything that is in this book.

The author introduces her book very eloquently: "I wrote this book to provide a starting point and an all-in-one resource for information security and privacy education practitioners. I incorporated much of the information and knowledge I obtained while working on my MA in computer science and education as applicable to providing education to adult learners. Additionally, I included the same type of information that I've used and found helpful over the years when creating awareness and training programs ... My goal was to provide a more comprehensive resource of everything involved with managing an information security and privacy training and awareness program than I had been able to find - a reference for practitioners to go to when implementing any part of their education program and get ideas that will help them be successful with their own program."

The entire `lifecycle' of a security awareness program is covered from program design (e.g. why awareness is important, legal and regulatory requirements and even `how not to do it') through program delivery and execution (getting started, gaining executive sponsorship and budget, topics to cover, methods of delivery/communications and motivational techniques, incorporating awareness into job responsibilities etc.) to program management (hints about planning, controlling and reporting progress) and program review (how to check that your program remains on-track and effective).

The book may appear overwhelming to someone just starting out on their information security and privacy awareness although it is not compulsory to read the entire book cover-to-cover in one sitting (tempting though that may be!). The chapter on `Getting started' is recommended reading, with details of how to identify key contacts, review the organization's existing approach to awareness and training, and a handy road-map that would serve as a good high level project plan. For more experienced information security professionals, and especially those considering or tasked with `doing awareness', this book is a must-read. Even seasoned security awareness practitioners would likely learn new things from this book, at least I did and suspect my copy will become well-thumbed in the months and years ahead.

The coverage is reasonably even throughout with plenty of meaty content in every section. The writing style is engaging, quite easy to read yet at the same time stimulating and thought provoking. The book is crammed full of good ideas, not just theoretical concepts but solid practical advice that can be put to use immediately. It really is hard to think of any way the book could have been better - praise indeed if you have read any of my reviews of other security awareness books.

This really *is* the definitive guide - a wonderful book for practitioners in our field, one I'm happy to recommend unreservedly.

I'll begin by saying that I have two broad comments about Ms. Herold's new book, Managing an Information Security and Privacy Awareness and Training Program. First, it may be the definitive book on the topic and seems to have enough meat to be the definitive book on the practice of information security in general. It approaches the profession in the right way: people-oriented. That is rare and important. Second, I actually read it from cover to cover - a rare thing for me. Professional books usually find their ways to my reference library and are used mostly for that purpose, not for general reading.

In the over twenty years I have been in the information security profession I have seen a lot of approaches to managing the security of organizational information. There is one common thread that ties all of those approaches together. The successful ones address the people who use and manage that information. Technology simply is a collection of tools to assist the information assurance manager with the task. It has been said that there are management solutions to technical problems but no technical issues to management problems. Ms. Herold addresses this homily head-on and does it with style, personality and skill.

Her experience shows as does the commentary from two icons in our profession, Donn Parker and Hal Tipton. If you have any questions about whether you should buy this book, read their comments in the Preface and Forward.

I have known Becky for many years and I respect her skill, experience and ability to present important issues clearly, concisely and understandably. Her latest book does all that and more.

If I was told that I was moving to a new office and could take only two boxes of books with me from my library, I would fill both with technical books but I would leave space for the only two general books on information assurance I will ever need. One is "The Computer Security Handbook" edited by my good friend and long-time colleague Dr. Mich Kabay. The other would have to be "Managing an Information Security and Privacy Awareness and Training Program". It would take more than the two boxes to cover technical issues in security, but I could put Mich's and Becky's books in my brief case. Then I would have the perfect security library.

This book is highly recommended for any information assurance professional (or aspiring professional), manager with information assurance responsibilities, or training coordinator. I'm sure there are others who need this new offering as well, but Amazon only allows so much space for these reviews. I also will be highly recommend this book to our students in the MSIA program at Norwich.

Peter R. Stephenson, PhD, CISSP, CISM, FICAF
Associate Program Director, MSIA
Norwich University

Probably you have heard this is the hardest windows server 2003 exam, then i will say that it is. The good news are really study this book and of course really do practice this material on a virtual machine or a test enviroment. Why may this book will not be enough to pass the exam, it is because you will get simulations (you'll have to configure dns, dhcp, etc) and that's why you will need lot of practice. But the book will help you along the way.

This was a great book for the 70-291 exam. Most people refer to this one as the hardest in the MCSE 2003 track so I spent some extra time pouring over this particular book. The information was comprehensive and I'd say it was one of the best in the series in terms of learning that just keeps on giving. I'm studying for the Server 2008 upgrade now and it's nice to see that a lot of the concepts covered in this book are still valid. Passed this exam using the book and a little experience with a healthy margin.

Before I started on my MCSA path, I had basically zero hands on experience with server. I picked up this book along with the book for the 70-290 test and these are ALL I used to pass both the tests.

Just read and make sure you UNDERSTAND what you are reading and do all the exercises and practice quizzes/tests. You really need 2 computers to do all the exercises.

Excellent prep for the exam, but you definitely need a multi computer lab environment. W2003 Server(32 and 64bit) will run on an old machines with only 512Mb memory. Useful to also upgrade old servers via W2000 and various service patches, change and kill old domains etc. Trivial problems can sometimes take a long time to resolve, but you learn a lot in the process.

Well, I'm impressed. For starters, I got a valuable education from this book, not to mention a 980 on the exam. This book is a thorough course and will prepare you as much for the real world as it will the exam, but it requires a practice network of at least 2 computers (I recommend 3), and a lot of time - 250 to 300 hours. This isn't the kind of book that you read in bed or on the couch. The book is approx. 25% reading, 75% hands on lab work.

I give my money to Microsoft reluctantly, especially on products that depend on solid communication skills, but since the book came with a trial version of Server 2003, I plugged my nose and bought it. I expected a litany of typos, endless ambiguity and the "good enough" quality standards that their software has accustomed me to, but that wasn't the case at all. The book was 98% accurate. The practice exam software was an asset, and like I said, it was thorough. It's only shortcoming was in the topic area of "Windows Software Update Service". I should add that I had two years of experience within an Active Directory environment under my belt.

I recommend for all programmers and System Analist that needs to learn everything about COBOL CICS.

I bought this back when I was trying to learn CICS. It was one of the best I found. I keep it at my desk at work and my co-workers use it on a regular basis too.

As always, Murach has provided a real working programmers text. This is a combination of the older volumes 1 and 2 with lots of new stuff thrown in. Beware - this is a full instructional text. It goes into depth on just about everything you would really want to know. I use it when I have questions as well as an instructional text for my junior staff programmers. The examples are also plentiful and well presented. Now that I do engagements on the road, I ship this text everywhere I go - wouldnt be without it as I still refer just to be sure I got it right.

An uncluttered layout and clear text make this the best textbook I've read in a very long time. You can see the code (or list of command options or diagram) on the right page, and read the explanation of the command on the left page. It's much easier than going back and forth trying to find a code example.

I was looking to fill in gaps in my knowledge, so I liked the way each topic stands alone. You can just look up VSAM browses or SQL commands or MRO without having to read the chapters leading up to it. I'm going to use this as a reference book. It has everything I need.

It was funny that the last two chapters were one on using CICS with web browsers and another on obsolete terms, like BLL-CELLS. I guess it's a reminder that CICS is still a developing system and we have to keep our knowledge fresh!

Murach's CICS For The Cobol Programmer is a complete training manual for CICS so well written and presented that the novice will rapidly become proficient in designing, coding, and testing CICS programs. All the features programmers use regularly on the job are featured including those for VSAM file handling, editing input data, controlling the display of data at a terminal, DB2 data access, error processing, and debugging. Programmers are also provided with an overview of how CICS can be used for web-based applications, including the design and coding considerations involved. Murach's distinctive and "learner friendly" paired-pages style is followed throughout with the illustrations and crucial coding details for a single feature or function on the right-hand page, while the left-hand page offers extra explanation and perspective. Murach's CICS For The Cobol Programmer is a "must" for anyone wanting to learn CICS programming and operation.

I was the skinny white kid from maryland i wanted to be good but i
was a bum. So i bought this book. Before the 12 week program ihad a 10 inch vertical leap, iwas 5'2 and weighed 70 pounds after using the program i know way 97 pounds am 5'4 have a 28 inch vertical leap. ia m also a real dominant player on the court with my 8% body fat. i also worked on shooting during the program and went from barely being able to shoot form the free throw line to shooting threes whit an unblockable form. i recomend this book to anyone. All you need is a goo weight set or not it dosen't matter.

This book is terrific. It has lots of great exercises that will help you get an edge on your friends. The exercise are well planned out and the test system helps see how well you are progressing. This books a must buy for anyone who wants to be physically trained for basketball!!!

This book has it all! From Stretching, to Strength Training, to Plyometrics Power Training, to Agility Training, to Speed Training. This book delivers motivation because it is the same source the NBA players use to get in top basketball condition. This book will get you to the highest level, and more.....

Well, as a college basketball player, I can say this book is somethin' special. Every new bball player should read it, cause it will change your thinkin' about this game, well it changed for me. Stretching section is realy good, cause not many of the players or coaches attend their attention to stretching these days. Strenght training exercises are specialy designed for bball players, and you don't have to think anymore what to do in the gym, what to train in order to become better bball player, everythin' is in this book. Ok, one thing is clear for sure, if you wanna train and play pro, read this book!!!

This book is terrific. It has lots of great exercises that will help you get an edge on your friends. The exercise are well planned out and the test system helps see how well you are progressing. This books a must buy for anyone who wants to be physically trained for basketball!!!

This book is very practical, and proven tohelp anyone get a job. You can buy it fromthe publisher at 626-820-4447 new for the list price of $29.95! Get it.

While this book is not just about disabilities, it is by far the best, most useful book for job seekers (or employed people) who have any kind of problem getting hired. It is organized in a kind of encyclopedia style and discusses an amazing number of problems that people may have at work. The book takes the EMPLOYER'S POINT OF VIEW as well as discussing ways that job hunters or employees can respond to objections. The author also suggests specific ways that employers should approach employees about issues that are problematic.

In addition to disabilities, the authors also discuss having been on welfare, having a criminal background, issues with chronic lateness, having been fired, memory problems, and former drug or alcohol addiction. The discussion of offensive body odor is a great example.

Most job-hunting-for-people-with-disabilities books focus primarily on people with visible, physical disabilities that do not affect their job performance if they have technological accomodations in place. Hidden disabilities need different solutions and even the ADA keeps changing.

Unfortunately, the ADA does not protect against prejudice and that is what this book focuses upon. The book pays a lot of attention to issues dealing with co-workers. While a boss may be accomodating, co-workers often are not.

The authors show you how you can be the best possible employee with the right job. But it just isn't possible to explain why you would be the best possible hire if you don't know what the employer is, and isn't, looking for. For example, the authors give specific advice for ex-con's and recovering alcoholics to explain why they would be the BEST possible employees for certain jobs, not just "ok" employees. Just about every situation can be an advantage, depending on how you look at it. And some "problems" aren't really problems if you know how to deal with them.

If you have a disability or know someone who has any kind of barrier to employment, beg or borrow a copy of this book. It is wonderful.

Every member of the staff at our non-profit job search and retention program has a well-worn copy of this book at their side. Helps us let our clients take ownership of the job search process. Also highly recommend this author's Career Development Curriculum and Materials for the hard to place.

Helps potential employees think about things from the employer's point ov view. Very readable and easily understandable, if you don't have a counselor to walk you through it.

This book is both brilliant and inspiring. Every excuse for calling someone unemployable--from body odor to burglary, is met with savvy creativity and solutions that turn your head around. Angel and Harney don't let up until they've got YOU convinced that No One Is Unemployable. And this stuff works in the real world. Genius level advice in the most down-to-earth, usable terms, author of Damn Good Resume Guide

I highly recommend this book not only for people that are wanting to learn networks, but also for networking professionals that need a handy reference guide. The book is an easy to understand basic introduction to networking with Nortel products. Kudos to the authors.

This book has already proven to be an invaluable resource. It's coverage of Nortel's data product line is thourough without being overwhelming to the novice networker. Nortel has got some great products out there and this book lives up to it's name by providing an excellent beginner's reference to those products. The world is a whole lot bigger than a Cisco-centric point-of-view might lead you to believe. I know my horizons have been expanded.

As a new manager working with Nortel products, I have found this book quite useful. It is not necessary for me to be able to configure a router. I do need to have a general understanding of the technology and the products. This book has accomplished both of these requirements for me. I would recommend this book to any person looking to gain a clearer understanding of networking in general. Although it does cover Nortel products, it covers the technology in general, so this book would be valuable regardless of whose product is being used.

Certainly one of the better beginners' guides out there. I was able to read most of it in one sitting. Found that the read was easy and less "mind numbing" than most computer/networking documents. I would recommend this guide to anyone that wants to get into networking, switches, & routers. Maybe you're just interested in understanding the fundamentals of Nortel networking or LAN/Wan technologies.... Get this book!

I received my copy of this book less than a week ago, and I am very impressed with the way the book was presented. I work in a "Cisco shop", but this book has offered insight to some of the wonderful offerings that Nortel has. I have read some of the other beginners guides out there, and can honestly say that this book is the easiest to understand and to follow. There are many boring books out there, this is NOT one of them. I read it cover to cover and will do so again. I highly recommend this book for all networking professionals. A must have!