Matt said
Like some of the other reviewers this is the first time I've written a product review on Amazon, but I am SO impressed by this book that felt compelled to write something.
To put it briefly, this is easily the BEST book on Windows Administration that I have ever read, and quite possibly the best IT book (of any kind) that I have read. The book is well written and easy to read / understand, and full of practical solutions complete with examples and some fantastic scripts.
Importantly, this book is not a technical manual or reference, nor does it provide an in-depth explanation of any particular feature of Windows Server (or Active Directory, etc). Instead, it focuses on /problems/ and /solutions/ - identifying key pain points that exist for both regular users and IT staff in almost any Windows environment, and then providing practical and detailed solutions to those problems.
If you are administering a Windows network of ANY size, you absolutely, unequivocally should buy this book.
Agnar Gudmundsson said
I first got to know Dan Holme when I attended a training were he was the teacher. The class he tought was great, a lot of information designed to solve common proplems. I bought the book the same day and I read it. This was 8 months ago and I am still using the book a lot, there are some information in the book I still need to implement at my sites, but the book helped me a lot. I recomend this book for windows administrators that need some shortcuts to get from good to great.
Eric M. Jensen said
I have never written a review for a book before, guess I'm just too busy or lazy (not sure which), but I just had to write something about this book. I would give it a 6th star if I could. Yes the book and topics covered are just that good! I first heard about this book through an article in Windows IT Pro magazine, another must have for system administrators. Once I read that article, I knew this book was a must have.
I am almost finished with this book and I have to say that "It has changed the way I look at and deal with Windows and Active Directory management!" The book is a great blend of technical knowledge and solutions to "Real World" issues that system and network administrators face every day. This book is helping me to reshape our entire infrastructure into a more manageable and productive environment. I thank you, my co-workers thank you, and my users thank you! If you buy this book and read through the concepts, implement the ideas that work best for you, your job is going to be so much easier and your users are going to be so much happier.
The book is massive and could be overwhelming at first look, but once you start reading into the content and concepts you start to see windows and active directory management in a new light. Each chapter builds on the previous, and Dan does a great job of making complex subjects easier to tackle (For example: How do I best organize my Active Directory in a logical easy manner?). Going through the book you get the distinct impression that Dan Holme has been in your shoes dealing with typical Active Directory issues for years and is pouring out all his real world experience onto the pages, it's almost like he is right there with you. You could spend 100 times the amount of the book on a consultant and still not get the same value and knowledge this book is going to give you!
Buy this book, in fact buy 2 and give one to a friend.
Terence K. said
I found this book full of useful information that I was able to put to immediate use. The amount of information is a little hard to digest at first but it was well worth the time, I would recommend this to any IT professional and especially for system admins.
Glenn R. Silkensen said
Possibly the best Sys Admin type book I have ever purchased. Tips, shortcuts, best practices, etc. Great advice!
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