Microsoft Books

The evolution from NT to Windows 2000 has brought about a significant increase in the complexities of securing your server and network environment. This book provides a well thought out approach to allow you to enhance your knowledge of NT security and extend that knowledge to Windows 2000.

Roberta Bragg is one of the foremost experts on Security. I got this book based on her reputation and was not disappointed. Security has a lot of dark passages that can lose you, but this book, since it is dedicated to Win2k, covers all topics in a clear, concise format. It is good for security novices and experts. I have used it to not only understand principles but to gather reference information. An Excellent book!

This book provides a good grounding in security topics, explaining such topics like cryptography, Kerberos and Group Policy. It then builds upon this information to specifics for Windows 2000 OS and services (such as VPN, RRAS, NAT etc). Excellent details on securing the Windows 2000 registry and file system are included - making this book an excellent reference, not just a "read-once-and-pack-away" book.

So why only 4 stars?
* The book didn't flow particularly well (some sections written better than others). It will require a beginner to go back and forth to properly understand the implementation of security in Windows 2000.
* The level of detail was dependent on the topic. OS security, such as File and Registry security are detailed, yet there was not enough information on some topics (for example PKI, IPSec). Sadly, the use of IPSec Policies was hardly mentioned (creating filter lists and actions etc.)
* Finally, some generic security tenants were alluded to, but not explained in the introduction (for example Least Privilege, Security through Obscurity).

I would still recommend this book as an excellent security book for any IT professional working mainly with Windows 2000.

For most network managers the most important aspect of the job is the security of the data. Not allowing hackers into the system is the best way to make sure your data is safe. Setting up RAS, RRAS, VPN, Radius and Terminal Services are all included in that job description.

Windows 2000 Security is a book that not only talks about the concepts but also breaks it down into simple, plain speaking language. The four-part book is easy to follow and while some of the concepts are for the more knowledgeable network managers, everyone should be able to get something from this book.

In part 1 you start off with basic concepts of security, you take a look at crypto, protocols and APIs, and finally you work with public key encryption and Kerberos. Part 2 works in the securing of 2000 and NTFS and well as 2000 EFS.

Also in part 2 the is authentication and security tools and techniques for both 2000 professional and server. Part 3 deals with lanss and Microsoft networks as well as legacy clients. Finally part 4 - real world networks. Part 4 shows you about remote access, public key encryption, other operating systems and also gives you case studies to learn from.

The true network manager will have a book like this around at all times and the true managers and administrators with makes sure that securing the network is a major priority. This book is certainly making its case self-evident.

This book gives you every tool you need to get yourself through the rough edges, yet get the most from the Operating System! I love it and its tools!!!

Although the book lives up to its title, there are plenty of secrets, undocumented features and tips offered in the book, mostly Windows 98 Secrets Gold is a review of stuff most users will already know. In its current form, the book should be published in 2 volumes because it is quite unwieldy as a single volume making it difficult to sit and read. On the other hand, if the editors stuck to the title and only printed the secrets then the book would be much shorter and in my opinion, more useful. Secrets, undocumented features and tips are identified in the text margins with an icon and one only need flip through the book to realize that if you were to distill out the non iconized text, then the book would be much more compact. Curiously, the book keeps making distinctions between the features in Windows 98 and Windows 3.1 with hardly a nod to Windows 95. Still, like the authors state in the introduction, if even one tip is useful, you probably will have gotten your money's worth.

Oh looks so tempting. From the way windows 95 secrets went i could only wish. This is really torture because it's infront of me and i can't have it. Dag! WOW Nice Book i don't want to leave this web page.

This is THE book on WINDOWS 98! I also have the Windows 95 version, and find it to be the most helpful, so I am now reading my new copy of Windows 98...AND with 4 CDs, it is truly a great deal! Windows 95 users can benefit from this book also! A MUST have book for YOUR library.

Finally, a book I can understand. Im not an expert at computers but I do want to learn more about security, especially due to recent events! Most books are complicated with too many samples that assume I know what they are talking about.

While some of the material is above my head, I finally understand how the Internet and hackers work! I even realized that my computer was open to attack through my shares.

anyways...this is a great book full of information I could understand and use!

Finally, a book I can understand. Im not an expert at computers but I do want to learn more about security, especially due to recent events! Most books are complicated with too many samples that assume I know what they are talking about.

While some of the material is above my head, I finally understand how the Internet and hackers work! I even realized that my computer was open to attack through my shares.

anyways...this is a great book full of information I could understand and use!

This book definitely opened my eyes, and I am an experienced user. The hacker attack techniques were explained with clarity. There was also good additional reading references that were annotated. Good step-by-step recipies for protecting your broadband computer from hackers and computer viruses.

Pros:
--Good coverage of Windows XP
--Good coverage of Wireless hacking
--Shows you how to tighten your system using free tools
--Good for beginner/intermediate level

Cons:
--Covers Windows only (no Linux)
--Some of this is review material for experts

Overall, it is definitely a book you should buy and read. Highly recommended!

This book was a great intro to viruses, hacking and network security for me. I have been a small business manager for 10 years, and this is written in a clear and friendly tone so that I could understand everything the authors meant. I feel I can administer security in my network now. Kudos to the authors, and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

This is scary stuff, but this book helped me understand it.

The volume of relevant background information contained in this book is impressive. What is even more helpful, however, are the detailed instructions for what to do in case of failure. I never knew there were so many options for recovery. There are many tips included to help you avoid certain modes of failure, as well as suggestions on how to take a proactive approach in dealing with the inevitable.

I never knew there was so much to the topic of NT backup & recovery but I'm glad I got this book. A really interesting read and I learned alot. I really enjoyed the case studies section.

I bought this book on a whim cuz i thought it was a unique topic. i ended up learning alot. definitely a good purchase. the only chapter i could have done without was the virus chapter.

I am amazed at how this book gets to the details of everything that can go wrong with an NT network. I immediately noticed some areas that were at risk on my own systems. This book got me thinking in the right direction. I manage a group of IS professionals and we set up a meeting to specifically discuss the findings in this book.

I bought this book to serve as a troubleshooting reference and it serves this purpose very well. It has not ansered every question, but when used with Mark Minasi's Mastering Windows NT books, I have never had an unanswered question or a problem go unsolved.

There is really good depth of coverage in here. I highly recommend it to any NT administrators as a quick troubleshooting reference.

Do you like this kind of book where you read about problems and the way to solve it? You should. This book is well organized and full of practical informations and clear explanations. Plus humor. I do recommend it during my trainings. I've learned a lot.

This book should be used as a standard for writing computer manuals and support books. The book focuses on common problems and their solutions without the theory and fluff found in most other books. Easy to read and easier to use on the job!

I learned an incredible amount about keeping my NT network running from this book. Printing is a major headache and this author knows the ins and outs and describes the processes so well it's easy to figure out where the problem is and then solve it. The explanations are clear, and there's even a lot of humor. She writes extremely well, you can read this book like a novel.

I've received my books on time in perfect condition
Keep up the good work!

Pocket Consultants have always proved invaluable, and the Windows Server 2008 Pocket Consultant is no different. It's 650 pages, clearly written and packed with useful information while focussing on the core features of the operating system. This book starts things off right with in-depth information that is easy to find and easy to understand. A must have for administrators. I can't wait to pick up Stanek's Windows Server 2008 Inside Out as well.

Author William Stanek is well known for his excellent "Pocket Consultant" series from Microsoft. This book like his others is very well written and contains in depth information you can use immediately. This important book is designed to accommodate system administrators and developers at every experience level. I use it as a reference and it is always near at hand when I am on the computer.

This isn't meant to be an all in one, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of information this book provides. Author Stanek really knows how to pack in useful details in a way that's always clear, precise and helpful. A bonus is it fits nicely in a backpack even though its 647 pages!

Stanek's books are my go-to resources for learning new technologies. Whenever Microsoft releases a new product I look to see if he has a book on it so when Microsoft finally released Windows Server 2008 I was happy to see he'd written not only one book but two: Windows Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant and Windows Server 2008 Inside Out. I ordered both and have been using the pocket consultant for several weeks now.

Windows Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant zeroes in on core support and administrative tasks. The book is focused and precise, covering in 650 pages more than most books do in 800 or 900 pages. I've learned a lot and every section clears up something or gives expert insights in ways I wouldn't have thought of myself.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone upgrading from previous versions and any current administrators. For day to day work it can't be beat. Great work, William!

Craig Hunt and Roberta Bragg's WINDOWS SERVER 2003 NETWORK ADMINISTRATION: BUILDING AND MAINTAINING PROBLEM-FREE WINDOWS NETWORKS is a recommended reference for programmers: it's been revised and expanded to address the numerous networks supported by windows Server 2003 and to address common security issues, and includes chapters on protocol, firewalls and network security, TCP/IP troubleshooting, and much more. Serious programmers working in the Windows Server 2003 environment will find it should be close at hand to explain tools and techniques basic to administration issues

Do you need to configure a network service on a Windows server? If you do, then this book is for you! Authors Craig Hunt and Roberta Bragg, have done an outstanding job of writing a book that provides practical, detailed network information for the Windows system administrator.

Hunt and Bragg, begin by providing you with a quick history of TCP/IP, a description of the structure of the protocol architecture, and a basic explanation of how the protocols function. Then, the authors describe addressing and how data passes through a network to reach the proper destination. They continue by discussing the relationship betwen clients and server systems, as well as the various services that are central to the function of a modern network. Next, the authors cover the basic "client" configuration required by all systems running TCP/IP. Then, they describe how to install, configure, and maintain a Windows DHCP server. They also describe how to install, configure, and manage a Microsoft DNS server. Then, they focus on the symbiotic relationship between TCP/IP and Active Directory. The authors continue by describing how to install and configure the RRAS software that permits a Windows server to run a variety of TCP/IP routing protocols and to provide the security protocols needed to create encrypted connections. They then discuss the different implementations of the native Windows firewall. The authors also describe the installation and configuration of an IAS to provide centralized authentication, audit, and authorization services for RADIUS clients. Next, they provide the background that is necessary to understand, install, and configure IPSec. Then, the authors describe how to install, configure, and manage the Internet Information Server software. They also describe how to design proper security into your network and how to understand the overall security framework within which the network resides. Finally, the authors tell you what to do when something goes wrong.

This most excellent book is about building and maintaining your own network based on Windows servers. Furthermore, this dynamic book strives to find the correct balance of theory and practice, so that you understand what needs to be done and why it is done.

Oh my, this book is just incredible. It is the most comprehensive book I found covering many advanced networking technologies including routing and firewalls. One thing so cool is able to understand comparatively the firewall features of routing and NAT functionality of RRAS, IPSec filters, TCP/IP filtering, ICF, and Windows Firewall. I wasn't able to find such material in any other books.

There's a lot of great material covering RADIUS technology of IAS, including wireless security with WPA, PEAP with TLS (certificates from Certificate Authority). The book has coverage of other topics including DHCP, DNS, Windows Time Service (NTP), IIS, etc.

Overall the coverage of network administration is just excellent. It is by far the best book I found covering IAS and RRAS technologies with Windows Server 2003. I found it refreshing to have advanced coverage of the new Windows Firewall, which is something Windows security books don't do.

Mr. Hunt and Ms. Bragg have produced a very acceptable book on Microsoft Networking Technologies. However, if you are looking for depth in TCP/IP (the protocol suite) on the Microsoft platform of OSes, this isn't the book for you. Craig and Roberta spend enough time and go to just enough depth to allow the reader to get the value of the 'real meat' of this book - the second half that deals with the installable services and servers, as well as those that are available natively in the OS. If you are looking for real 'nuts and bolts' depth on TCP/IP on the Microsoft platform, the best on that I have found (Sorry, Thomas and Joe...) is Niall Mansfield's "Practical TCP/IP" by another publisher. (Do a quick search - you'll find it.)

That being said, Hunt and Bragg dive deep into operation and best practice on:

Routing and Remote Access Service
Windows Host Firewalls
RADIUS using IAS
IPSec

These above 4 subjects are worth the price of the book. I'm less impressed with the treatment of DNS and IIS. These are huge subjects, and just can't be dealt with effectively in 50 - 60 pages. I suppose that this is the reason why the book "DNS on Windows Server 2003" by Cricket Liu, Matt Larson, and Robbie Allen - also published by O'Reilly - exists. And, too - this is likely why there are whole books dedicated partially or completely to IIS 6.0.

All in all - Craig and Roberta do a fine job with this book. Roberta, being the preeminent mistress of Security geek on Windows, and Craig having years and years of experience in communications and TCP/IP - both can be considered experts in the subject area of this book. This book is a good one for the average to more advanced Administrator that is looking to excel in the field of Network services - and add that Network Design Engineer moniker, as they will likely only need a primer on TCP/IP and DNS. This book will get them on the road to the practical experience that will help one attain the status of Network Services engineer.

Bought this book to help pass the 070-649 exam and it helped do the job... It is not geared for the exam but it covers the subjet matter on the exam... Also it is the only real 2008 Server book out right now....

Cover the topics well and goes thru the installation process...

I've been waiting for a complete book on Windows 2008, and glad to have gotten in a pre-order and purchase of this book! 1400+ pages!!! I jumped straight to the migration chapter as we're looking for tips on how to plan our migration from Windows 2003. Very complete and detailed process along with tips and hints, which was great to see someone has actually done the migrations before and could share best practices! I also found the chapter on clustering and high availability (chapter 29) to cover the new Windows 2008 clustering in detail as being very helpful! And since we have several sites, Chapter 32 on branch office was a good read! I think I'm only 120 pages thru the most pertinent chapters to me, but expect to read the thing cover to cover. GREAT book, I highly recommend it!!!

This book is a monster at 1337-pages (sorry, I don't count the 100-page index that brings this book to 1432-pages) and hard bound cover, REALLY NICE, I felt I got my money's worth! I've bought several of Rand's books in the past, this one is another winner! 37-chapters on everything from design and planning, through testing, through migrations, plus chapters on security, clustering, performance optimization, SharePoint, Hyper-V, etc. I went through the RTM product and the book, it covers everything end to end which is GREAT! Another winner, very impressive!!!

I went to the Windows 2008 launch event and got excited about migrating our company to Windows 2008, but wanted to get a third party book to help me better understand the REAL features, functions, and experiences of the product (rather than Microsoft's rendition of it). I jumped on Amazon and searched for a book, and this Windows 2008 Unleashed book was already rated with a couple 5-stars, so I bought it. I just got it last week.

At first, I was a little overwhelmed as the book is almost 2-inches thick and hard bound (definitely worth the cost for the shear volume and amount of paper it took to print this book)! I read the introduction chapter and got a lot more comfortable with Windows 2008 as the author provided a really good comparison of Windows 2008 to Windows 2003 (which I already know pretty well). The intro chapter also gave me links to different parts of the book that helped me organize the way I was going to review the text of the book (I prioritized chapters in the book based on my interests, which was outlined and highlighted very well in the first chapter).

I was most interested some of the new things I've heard about Windows 2008 such as the security stuff, Windows virtualization, terminal services, and Active Directory Federation. I flipped to each of the chapters that covered these topics, and I found the content very easy to follow. Each chapter started off with an overview of the topic (like an introduction of the concepts) and then as I got further into the chapter, it got more into the details on how to implement the technologies, and it had notes and tips throughout the chapters that made it obvious to me the authors have worked with Windows 2008 for a long time and provided great guidance!

After reading about 5 chapters, I then focused on what it would take to implement and migrate to Windows 2008 and flipped to the chapters on installation and on migration. Those chapters also were VERY well structured and helped walk me through what was involved. I was greatly relieved to read that the migration process from Windows 2003 to Windows 2008 wasn't that complicated. And while I have only been fiddling with Windows 2008 for about a week in the lab here at the company I work for (which is a pretty extensive lab with over 30 servers mirroring a portion of our production environment), I've gone from being overwhelmed to pleasantly relieved that our migration to Windows 2008 will be well planned, staged, and executed thanks to the content of this book!

I am grateful to the authors of this book! I just bought the books on Exchange 2007, SharePoint 2007, and Windows Vista written by the same authors (Rand Morimoto and Michael Noel) as I think their writing style and the value of the content is wonderful!

B

The pocket reference arrived on time. And the package is in perfect condition. With regards to the overall contents of the pocket book. I gave it five stars. Because of its compactness and very informative.

If you are ever stuck using window XP then this is the book for you! I was skeptical on buying this book because how cheap it was. When i recieved it, it answered many questions that I had. This book always goes where I go cause its a life saver! All of the information is so clear to understand and so easy to find. And it will fit in your front shirt pocket.

If you are ever stuck using window XP then this is the book for you! I was skeptical on buying this book because how [inexpensive] it was. When i recieved it, it answered many questions that I had. This book always goes where I go cause its a life saver! All of the information is so clear to understand and so easy to find. And it will fit in your front shirt pocket.

If you are ever stuck using window XP then this is the book for you! I was skeptical on buying this book because how cheap it was. When i recieved it, it answered many questions that I had. This book always goes where I go cause its a life saver! All of the information is so clear to understand and so easy to find. And it will fit in your front shirt pocket.

This book was very well written. It covered many extremely interesting topics useful to most people using a modern OS. It's a shame MS did not include it with their over-priced Windoze XP. Well worth the price.

Windows XP Power Tools is a jewel for advanced and power users of Windows XP, both the home and professional versions. It is well organized and can be read from cover-to-cover or by individual sections. Each section covers the topics in detail with excellent examples and illustrations.

Windows XP Power Tools is not just a rehash of vendor documentation or other authors that leave out important information. Rather, each topic is presented in enough detail to be complete and really useful.

To me, a good technical computer book allows the reader to stand on the shoulders of the author to get a jump-start on rapidly evolving technologies. The author, Jim Boyce seems to have broad shoulders on which to stand.

If you are an advanced computer user and want good, focused information on Windows XP, then get this book.

"Windows XP Power Tools" is a fantastic collection of tips and tricks for really using Windows XP to it's fullest potential. Each of the advanced techniques is fully explained in a way that you can feel comfortable implementing it without concern that you will be breaking something else. Topic coverage is extensive and includes advanced setup information such as startup and shutdown control, networking, OS components, FTP hosting, hardware, remote access and VPN connections as well as maintenance information on items such as the registry, security, automated tasks, the command console, policies, and recovering from disasters.

If that weren't enough reason to purchase the book (which, believe me, it is), it also has a CD with many useful utilities. If you want a book that is well written and comprehensive with detailed instructions to make you a real power user and troubleshooter then this is an excellent choice - A highly recommended book.

Regardless of your Windows XP level, professional systems administrators using XP Professional to first time home users using XP Home Edition can find value in this title. The author has succeeded in putting together an easy reading and comprehending, one-stop reference that puts Microsoft's Windows XP Resource Kit and Step by Step books to shame.

The book does an excellent job of addressing the needs of users where Windows XP is their first OS away from Windows 9x, while not bringing the information level down for seasoned NT/2000 administrators who need a source of information for the features so poorly documented by Microsoft.

The printed portion of the book covers everything from Windows Shortcuts, Policies, the Recovery Console and EFS to slipstream deployment of service packs, designing network topologies, web mastering with IIS and VPN Connections. The included CD-ROM includes many useful shareware/professional utilities and tools (and unlike some other included CD-ROMs, many of the titles are used quite frequently within the industry). A nice note about the CD-ROM and the book is that the author hasn't written an 800 page advertisement for the utilities - the CD-ROM can stay sealed in the pouch, never seeing the light of day, and the book will still stand on it's own.

The back cover says it's a must-have. I've used Windows XP since it was in beta, deployed the release to my network users, and certified in the OS by Microsoft - and I couldn't agree more.