[.ca] Microsoft Windows 2000 Administrators Pocket Consultant (ISBN 0735617929)

From Amazon.com:
One of the best Windows 2000 references yet published, Microsoft Windows 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant is a professional-level how-to guide for all versions of Windows 2000. Designed with the mobile expert in mind, the cover of the book has a tough, plastic-coated surface (like that of a playing card) and rounded corners (though it won't quite lie flat without weights). Its contents are similarly hard-boiled. Concepts are explained in expertly written and carefully organized prose, while succinct procedures tell you how to meet requirements and numerous tables list options and their effects. There aren't many screen shots, but that's okay because this is a reference for people who don't need them. Coverage is wide-ranging and includes everything a power user or system administrator would want to know about the configuration, expansion, and efficient administration of Windows 2000 systems and networks. If you're not sure how to best go about an incremental backup or the installation of a Domain Name Service (DNS) server under Windows 2000, you'll find what you need here. If you know a bit about Windows NT (or even Unix) in a networking context, you can extract all you need to know about Windows 2000's unique operational features. Similarly--even though it wasn't designed for the purpose--this book makes a great study aid for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) tests on Windows 2000. --David Wall Topics covered: Administration of Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and Server editions, including network setup and configuration, users, groups, Active Directory, file systems, disk shares, RAID arrays, data backup and recovery, print shares, TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS), and DNS.

W2K admin guide for everyone:
This is the best Win2K Server book I have come across for daily administration. Stanek's writing style is actually enjoyable to read and easy to understand. He obviously knows the subject, and this book is like attending an expert training class. It's refreshing to read a book written for the real admins. I also used it to help prep for MCSE tests on Win2K. I particularly bought the book because I needed additional training on Active Directory. It has also helped with our DNS and DHCP configuration. Finally I found a book that covers Win2K DNS in good detail and also details how it integrates with AD. After reading the book, I finally fixed our DNS and AD problems. Another highlight of the book for me was his covering disk configurations, roaming profiles and EFS. Lots of expert tips and insights. Again, the book's not an exhaustive reference on the subject but is a solid daily adminstration reference. I highly recommend this book as a primary tool to correctly learn how to admin a Win2K domain.

Truly the admin bible:
When and if you find yourself wondering "how do i do that again?" or "how does that work?" you will need this book. Its small enough to place on your desk and big enough to contain all the information about Windows 2000 as it relates to an administrator. This book never comes up short in the help department. You cant remember it all and you dont need an 900 page book to remind you. Pick this up and keep it handy. You wont be let down when you need it most.

Another excellent pocket consultant:
My library of tech books fills many shelves. Out all of those books, Microsoft Windows 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant is one of the most used. I highly recommend it as a desktop reference. I refer to it all the time and it is one of the rare tech books I read cover to cover as well.

All of William Stanek's books are great references:
This edition is at the top of my list of W2K Server resources. I think its written with the assumption that you want to know how and why things work. It is not meant to cover everything resource (try the resource kit and good luck trying to find what you need). This is a great resource with an easy going style understandable by a wide variety of experience levels. Definitely 5 stars. The content is extremely thorough and accurate, the writing style intuitive, and Stanek's obviously an expert in the Enterprise. Check his other books, I think you'll find he is the best of the best when it comes to authoring technical material.

2nd edition even better than first:
I have the first edition and got the second edition immediaetly. With the second edition, Stanek has done a great job! This book is well written, easy to follow and concise, yet packed with lot's of useful information and hints and tips for Windows 2000. I consider myself a fairly expert Windows admin, but still learned quite a lot from this book. Like other Windows books that Stanek has written, this one is excellent for either new admins or experienced admins. I whole heartedly recommend this book to everyone.