general

I first started reading this book several months ago, and it's clearly a great book. I've learned so much from it. Windows Server 2003 can be puzzling even for experienced admins and Stanek makes it much less so. If you aren't familiar with any of Stanek's previous books, then you've missing out. Stanek writes in a clear, easy-to-follow style.

Windows Server 2003 Pocket Consultant concentrates on the core of the operating system. It focusses on daily tasks, day-to-day administration. And that makes perfect sense. It continues to surprise me how concise, yet detailed the book is. Many chapters do delve deep into the OS. And what's covered is covered thoroughly.

The new OS features are also covered in some detail, and since many of them are completely new, that's a very good thing.

This book lists for $29.95, which makes it an excellent value. I like Staneks books, they have earned prominent places on my bookshelf, so I have no hesitation strongly suggesting that if you use Windows Server 2003, you should get a copy of Windows Server 2003 Pocket Consultant. I also think it is the best book for any new admins. I've recommended it to lots of people at work who want to learn server.

Here's the bottom line on this book: if I could find a better book on the new Windows Server 2003, I would have bought it. William Stanek has done a masterful job of making this new OS understandable and more importantly, usable. It is the only daily administration book you're going to need, and possibly the only Windows Server book you'll ever use (at least regularly). I refer to it at least once a day and I've read entire chapters so I could know Windows the way I'm supposed to. Highly recommended!

I picked up this guide almost a year ago preparing for the move over to Windows 2003. Haven't put it down since.

This book contains everything that an administrators needs to do day to day. And it does it on a screen by screen basis.

If you are doing any IIS work I highly recommend you also pick up the IIS 6 Pocket Consultant