Microsoft Books

I found lots of good explanations in this book of many of the NT features. Good reference book to have -- it even tells you how to add a harddrive, setup networking, RAS, optimizing, and security. Good book to have around

Just bought this book today and it looks concise and helpful in installing and maintaining NT 4.0 Workstation.

At first I thought this book would be too simple and basic, but by the third chapter I realized that this book has lots of meat in it, and numerous solutions to tricky problems. I also use it as a reference since it answers questions about NT, hard drives, device configuration, etc.

If you use NT much you probably want this on your shelf, well organized, easy to follow, and fairly complete instructions on numerous NT topics

This is the book you need if you want to lock down TS and make sure you are not a conduit of disaster. Secure your network NOW!...HENCH

I picked up a copy of this book the day it came out and I'm so happy I did. Security is a must in IT today but in a Terminal Services / Citrix world it is even more important! Roddy's book taught me things not only did I not know but he reminded me about things I did know but have just not put in to place for numerous reasons. I highly recommend this book to anyone who deploys and/or maintains a Citrix / Terminal Server farm. It is simply awesome! 5 starts all the way!!! - Douglas A. Brown, Microsoft MVP - Terminal Services

I have in the past and continue today to complain about a lack of good and timely books on Terminal Services and Citrix. I have to confess this book has proved to be an exception! This book is concise, accurate and describes really advanced concepts in Terminal services and security in a language that is very accessible and then walks you through implementing those concepts in the real world. What a concept- A book I can actually use in my professional career! Other authors out there, please take note. I urge IT professionals and others interested in Terminal Services and Security to take a serious look at this book.

I found this book to be one of the best references out there for securing our systems. Having been through SOX audits I am always looking for the best and most thorough resources. I found this book to be a very good resource because it's comprehensive and easy to follow, everything the IT security specialist needs!

The one quality that makes this book a clear winner is the quality of the content and clarity of author Rebecca Riordan's writing. She uses a friendly, humorous, often bitingly sarcastic voice that eases the normal tension accompanying such a complex topic as UI design for Windows applications with .NET technologies. You'll appreciate this tone as Riordan takes you through some very challenging scenarios in developing winning desktop apps.

The main focus is on presentation tier technologies and techniques used to create great programs that customers will really enjoy using. The book starts out with five phenomenally-written chapters on GDI+, typography, color, and image programming that every developer working with .NET should read, whether they're examining UI design for desktop applications, or otherwise. It also includes a helpful glossary of development terms mentioned throughout the text that you'll enjoy and refer to often.

Riordan also attempts to demystify the many complexities of .NET databinding within Windows Forms. as do most Addison-Wesley texts, the book's physical properties are to be appreciated, using sturdy binding and thick paper, making the book close and sit easily after a session open on your lap (and who hasn't wrecked at least book doing so?).

The only downside to this book (and a minor one at that) is the exclusive presentation of code in Visual Basic .NET, which would make the book largely one-dimensional to programmers working with that language (or liberal minded C# readers). But programming language semantics aside, this is a real gem, and one you'll want to pickup for your WinForms team projects.

A formidably detailed and comprehensive attack on the problem of user interfaces and data visualisation. Riordan tackles this in the context of Microsoft's .NET platform. Notice the two topics. There are books on pure UI design, for various operating systems. Nothing wrong with that. But they tend to concentrate on the strict visuals and how the user interacts with various widgets. Usually, any data to be displayed or modified is general and lacks much structure.

There are certainly elements of this approach here. Like where Riordan discusses the various properties of fonts and faces, or colours or different image types.

But she goes further. She shows how to make UIs customised for SQL data. To make your SQL Server easily accessible. A full workout. From using the widget families that come with .NET and hooking these all the way back to a SQL Server. In, for example, a four tier architecture. Unusual to see all this in one book. PLus, she makes VB seem very easy to design and program in.

I was initially surprised by the structure of this book. It starts with an introduction on user interface principles, then in goes into the mechanics of user interface implementation in .NET, then it veers into databases. This is where I thought I was lost, but actually it turns out that it's the anchor for the sections that follow, which show how how databases are linked to the UI and how that is done effectively. In this way I think the book is different than any other technology centric book on .NET user interfaces, which only cover the API portion of the problem.

On the whole I am impressed by this book. I think it takes a fresh look at the entire topic. In addition it's well written and not overly illustrated. It's a unique book, so I recommend a look before you buy, but I certainly recommend the look.

Seeing Data: Designing User Interfaces for Database Systems Using .NET is an amazing book for anyone designing a user interface (UI) to allow users to display and edit data. It is very specifically focused on .NET WinForms development, however much of the information is useful for all developers.

Starting with coverage of the basics, like fonts, colors, etc., the book moves on to how to display and allow proper editing of various data types. This is very much a needed book, since the Microsoft User Interface standards book has not been updated since 1999. A lot has happened since 1999 in the Microsoft world, and the advice Rebecca offers comes from a lot of hard-won experience.

I do not do a great deal of Windows Forms development, but when I do, I will keep this book nearby.

Here, at last, is a concise introduction to the world of e-commerce for the semi-savvy professional. Terminology, strategic planning, branding, advertising, traffic generation, and, oh yes, technology... every topic budding e-ntrepreneurs need to consider before risking their futures is here presented with clarity and grace. One caveat: those looking for strictly the technical or strictly the business side of e-commerce will find this book lacking. To explain the whole, the author had little choice but to abbreviate some of the parts.

Like most titles published by Microsoft Press, this book has a decidedly pro-Redmond feel, with frequent references to bCentral, FrontPage, and other MS products and services (most notably in the section on server platforms... the author would have you believe your only choices are 2000 or NT). However, these product placements do not diminish the flow of the chapters or the value of the advice.

Alas, no one book can turn you into a dot-com success story overnight (unless Jeff Bezos' diary is for sale). But this one should certainly help.

This book isn't about just creating a website--it's about running a business! With the help of this book, I was able to come up with a plan for expanding my business into e-commerce. The book is very readable, and full of sensible advice. Each chapter moves you closer to making your idea a reality. It starts with getting real about what's going to work and steps you right through everything you need to know, all the way through building your site in the most economical way and right up to marketing it. My hat's off to this author for writing a book that's a good read and good advice, too.

Here's another primer linking small business efforts to e-commerce basics; from building a site and understanding database and transaction processing systems to understanding how to best hire a Web developer. Tips range from marketing a site effectively to making it easy for customers to use, making for an excellent coverage.

Great advice for anyone who wants to do business online. Well-written by a real expert. You won't find better guidance anywhere.

This is very clearly written and so helpful. I just got my first computer a little over a year ago, 2nd hand, and with no owner's manual. I have looked at many self-help computer books from the library and think this is the best one. I keep it by the computer to refer to if I get stuck. If you need to really go into depth, the same authors publish separate books for that purpose. But this is really the only one you should need. I am nearly 63, and am teaching myself with this book and not doing too badly. It comes with a CD-ROM disc which I have not yet downloaded, but probably will. I heartily recommend it.

We're slowly starting to deploy Office 2003 across out network and this book has been a pretty good general all-in-one type of resource for answering the vast majority of the questions that the users has posed. As well, we've been able to generate several traning sessions based on the content of the book itself using our customized screen shots.

If you need super-deep coverage of a specific application, this is probably not the book for you. If you need a very good overview of the entire suite and what's new and improved, get this book.

A few of the really nice things I liked about this book were the full index and the chapters in the back on macros and VBA...very useful.

This book has a good overview on all the office programs. If you are looking for in depth information on a certain aspect of office I would look elsewhere. I will be buying the Access book because I need in depth information about about Access and this book does not get that deep. I would still recommend this book to anyone because it is much easier to read than the help included with Office.

Once again, Ed and Woody come through for those genuinely interested in exploiting Office functions to their benefit. Hitting topics not referenced in help screens or the MS Knowledge Base, the authors address challenging circumstances with efficient solutions. Learners in many professional roles, from Administrative to Executive relate to Ed and Woody's clearly explained situations and resolutions, which are easy to implement. If you wish to have a top-notch book, which covers all Professional Office Suite applications, this is the book to buy. The front cover is right on target where it states, "The only Office 2003 book you will ever need."

This book contains more information than this novice will use in his lifetime, yet I am thankful to have this book. To someone like me, who knows very little about computers, this book is very user friendly and easy to understand.

All 38 chapters walk you through each Windows 98 feature/function in excruciating detail. You'll never need another source for running Windows '98. By now, you should be able to get this book for a pretty good sale price. Buy it, you'll like it!

This book gave me all the answers I needed. It was refreshing to finally find a book that seems to be written for Windows 98 instead of just a rehash of Windows 95 information. This book is a well-written, comprehensive and valuable reference for the beginner as well as the more advanced reader.

I had lots of questions when I upgraded to Windows 98. This book answered every one of them. I was especially impressed with the details on using FAT32 and the Active Desktop. I've seen books from Microsoft Press, too, but I prefer this one. Why? Because it's independent. I don't trust Microsoft to admit that there are bugs or problems with Windows or Internet Explorer. This book doesn't have to follow the Microsoft party line, so I trust the authors when they tell me how to handle ActiveX components and Java applets. I'm glad I bought this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to become a power user.

I bought this book and one other when I upgraded to Windows 98. This book has paid for itself several times over, while the other book was practically useless. Whenever I have run into a problem or have a question, instead of calling an expert friend or tech support, I have picked-up this book and have found the answers I need. It was a great help during installation, and clearly explains the various Windows 98 settings and features. The coverage of Internet Explorer 4 and the various other Windows applications (like Outlook Express) has been terrific. Now my friends think I'm an expert. I can't recommend this book enough.

I am an experienced SMS Administrator. While I have attended multiple training courses and read other books, this one is a very detailed and complete. I would recommend this to any SMS Administrator.

As a new SMS Administrator I had lots of questions about the processes of SMS, even after taking both MS classes. This book covered all my questions and all the software delivery process flows along with excellent help with troubleshooting failures. This is my new SMS bible and is my constant companion.

Another great addition to the recently published books and guides available for the SMS 2003 admin. I especially appreciated the care taken in explaining the importance of planning for and implementing an adequate infrastructure.

Like all technical manuals, this author goes through the steps on how to do this or that. As you read on however you will notice a difference that only years of experience will bring to a subject. There are many helpful notes covering useful information. Don't stop reading after you figured out how to accomplish a task, the next page could save you a good deal of time.

This is a very well done book that has made it much easier for teaching the concepts to new and aspiring administrators.

I managed to add TCP/IP, DHCP, and RAS to a buggy NetBeui Network in just a few days by following the examples in the book. Fell a bit short for me on the theory and advanced topics and I couldn't contact the authors, but it served it's purpose well. Glad I found it.

This is not only a book on how to configure TCP/IP functions on NT but also a very good overview of the internet protocol. Does an excellent job reviewing the IP protocol and all of its layers including some of the more interesting applications. Excellent reference material and a good read.

This is not a training manual (with chapter quizes, etc.). It is, however, the BEST source I've seen for grasping an understanding of TCP/IP (as in MCSE candidate). It is extremely well written, and the grahic illustrations are a tremendous help to someone like me (I'm a visual learner who easily forgets things that don't have a graphic or other stimulus). Let's face it, when you start talking about a bunch of 1's and 0's running around inside of computer or across a network wire, that's a little hard to relate to without something tangible. I'm studying for MCSE, and I use this as a reference source to clarify voids in my training manuals. This resource has crystalized many things which were just "vapor" until Bisaillon/Werner. Again, the graphics, supplemented by understandable text, is the answer. I'd highly recommend this to any person seeking better understanding of the subject without being overly technical. Finally, I might add, so many of these computer related books/manuals are loaded with typo's, spelling and punctuation errors, poor grammar, and outright mistakes; but NOT this one. I haven't read the book cover-to-cover, but I also haven't noticed any mistakes. That's refreshing! My hat is off to the authors for a such a superb job!

Read less & learn more

This book makes office 2000 a cinch!! I recommend this book to anyone!

I feel that this book is the best book for learning Office 2000. It is easy, but has a lot of information. I have never seen a better computer book, and I hope they make more like this. This book is for people who know older Office programs and those who are trying Office for the first time. If you really want to learn it fast and easlly try this book. This book does not waste words or your time.

As a teacher both in the public schools and as a corporate contractor, I could not advocate this book higher. It has become the course book of choice for my students and is better suited for starting computer users and intermediate level users than ANYTHING else I have found.

As an aid to teaching, for self instuction and at times as a reference for the starting user, this title is invaluable.

This is a very good book for novice to beginners who know how to use only the obvious features. This book introduces you to a good foundation of details. As the level of the book is Beginner to Intermediate,as stated on the book itself, you will need to read another book on Office 2000 for Intermediate to Advance skills. But this is a great place to start.

This book have a lot of wonderful questions, but people that read this must have the concepts in mind. I used this book and "transcender" and I passed with a 800 score. Pay attention because this test is not so easy! I recommend this book.

I must confess that I was first attracted to this book by its price. $13.99 for a 2k "MCSE" wanna to be books! I set out one-day to skim over after received from Amazon. I must say what a bargain. Don't let the price of the book fools you. This is an excellent and well-organized written book. The author attacked all subjects (11 totals) outlined by Microsoft 2k Professional study guide.

At the beginning of each chapter, the author gives a short but precise and direct summary of what will be covered or expected on the test for this particular topic. And what about that "Exam Watch" thing, it is a short paragraph that pointed out certain things needed to watch on the real exams. This feature is so thoughtful and definitely a big plus for 2k MCSE wanna to be. Furthermore, the author gives (in every question/answer) a clear explanation of why this is a correct answer instead of the others. I really really like this book. After one-day skim over, I must say love at the first sight!

And finally, as a bonus there is a 50-pages glossary. I have never seen any book in this category that has a glossary. Let alone 50 pages!

As a CNE (what is that?) and "pre-2k" MCSE, I have done all my study materials by self-face. This book definitely will be the one for my 2k Professional study material. As a 10 year IT veteran, I would strongly recommend this book for all Microsoft Windows 2k people. It has so much detail technical information that IT folks will find it useful reference material for day to day dealing with 2k. As a veteran adjunct faculty for a nationwide technical institute, I would strongly recommend for my students.

Impressive achievement!

I am preparing to upgrade my MCSE to Windows 2000 and am currently reveiwing my preparation for the Professional exam. I must say that this book is an excellent review book for anyone who is seriuos about writing the exam. At the same time, I must warn that this book will dissapoint anyone who wishes to pass the exam just by memorizing questions.

This book and other Test Yourself books in the newly designed series by Syngress have certainly an edge over other review books due to their unique presentation style. The questions in the book are performance and scenario based and much like the questions we find on the exam. This book will not only help me pass the exam but will also prepare me for any challenging assignment in the field.

The practice exam in the end is very helpful for a self test. This book if used with the Syngress study guide will definitely be a wonderful combination for the MCSE Win2K exam.

Absolutely the best preparation book for MCSE Windows 2000 exams!!

I would like to say thanks to the author. This book help me to improve my reading comprehension, which is really needed for new MCSE 2000. I am a programmer and new to MCSE world! I just love to pass Windows 2000 exams!

I took exam 70-210 in my first try and passed with 800 (620 is required). This a good book for last week before taking actual exam, and I recommend Microsoft Readiness for more advanced topics. I also saw some questions from examsimulators.com demo in the actual test!

There are lots of questions in this books (Required Result, Optional Result, and Proposed Solution), but I did not see on the actual exam! Just be aware that there are a few typos in the book too.

I can guarantee if you correctly answer %75 of sample test in the end of book, you will pass the actual exam. Good luck.