Reviews (92)

Good things, bad things...
Good:
Good, but too much fluff...
I've been a Server OS administrator since 1991, starting with Novell 3.12. I started with OS2, Novell and then Windows NT in 1995 at the second largest retailer in the US and I've worked my way through NT 3.5 to 2003. I bought Minasi's NT 4.0 books and thought they were the greatest thing going, but I was still green and the other publishers were not up to speed. Now I own the Windows Server 2003 books Inside Out, Unleashed and Administrators Companion. I have read much of Minasi's 2003 book, but I doubt I'll buy it. I have to say that Minasi's writing style now forces serious administrators to waste a great deal of time wading through the fluff. His book is one of, if not the thickest and it's not because of the technical information. Just like his articles in magazine publications, his writing is oriented towards new or amateur administrators. I think if you have 2 of, or the 3 books I mentioned previously, you can skip Minasi's Server 2003 book. The single area where Mark has an edge over the other books is his discussion of compatibility with older, downlevel or non-MS workstation client OSes such as DOS, Mac, Workstation, etc. This same information was covered in his earlier NT 4.0 and Win2000 books, so if you have any of them, you're ok there.

A response to Joaquin Menchaca from an Apple Certified Tech Coordinator
You know, there are times I despair at the treatment of Macintoshes in Windows-centric books. Obsolete information, badly written explanations of Mac technology, and general "macs can't do that" comments. I'll flip through Windows books at the store and shudder at the nonsense they spread about Macs.
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Subjects:  1. Client-Server Computing - General    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer operating systems    4. Computers    5. Computers - Communications / Networking    6. Internet - General    7. Microcomputer Application Software    8. Microcomputer Operating Environments    9. Microsoft Windows server    10. Operating Systems - General    11. Operating Systems - Windows    12. Operating systems (Computers)    13. Programming - General    14. Computer Communications & Networking    15. Computers / Operating Systems / NT    16. Microsoft Windows   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computers    3. Microcomputer Operating Environments    4. Operating Systems - NT    5. Operating Systems - Windows    6. Computers / Operating Systems / NT    7. Operating systems & graphical user interfaces (GUIs)   

Editorial Review

Mark Minasi is an excellent technical writer and a veteran of many high-quality projects. Read more

Reviews (141)

Balanced and Comprehensive
Sybex Mastering Windows 2000 server
The Bible
We used this book as the primary text in our MCSE 2000 certification course last year, and everybody passed. Although not expressly designed as a certification text, the Minasi covers all the bases. It's comprehensive, accurate, and easy to read.
Simply outstanding...a wealth of knowledge
First I should say that I've read quite a few tech books, as I'm in the business, and I've purchased quite a few from amazon.Some books have been good and others not so good.This is the first one that has ever prompted me to write a review.Read more

Subjects:  1. Client-Server Computing - Windows    2. Computer Books: Operating Systems    3. Computers    4. Computers - Operating Systems    5. Interactive & Multimedia    6. Microcomputer Operating Environments    7. Microsoft Windows server    8. Operating Systems - General    9. Operating Systems - Windows    10. Operating systems (Computers)    11. Computers / Operating Systems / Windows    12. General Theory of Computing    13. Microsoft Windows   

Reviews (8)

The Ultimate Hardware Book
Some of the best advice I've ever had about computer books came from a pair of friends who happened to be married to each other.The husband told me, "If you're looking for a reference manual, always buy the smallest one on the market so that you'll carry it around with you."The wife said "Always buy the biggest, fattest book on the market because it has all the answers."In this case, the wife happened to be right- -with its 1400 pages and 2 CDs, this book is certainly the biggest, fattest PC hardware book that I've seen on the market.It also contains the clearest writing and most useful information that I've seen for books of its type.This book will tell you how to upgrade your hard drive, choose a new video card, protect your computer from lightning strikes, and a lot of other important facts besides.But it's too big and bulky to make it easy to carry around. Title s/b upgrade your very old pc to one not quite so old
This book may be of some use to someone that has a 386 or 486 and wants to know something about them.If you are seriously looking to upgrade to a pentium III or IV, it is useless.

Fantastic book if you want to upgrade your 486
I bought this book expecting to find some useful information about how to upgrade my PII. It barely acknowledges that PII'S exist.My advice is if you want a good book that covers all the bases thoroughly buy Scott Mueller's UPGRADING AND REPAIRING PCs ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Architecture - Repair & Maintenance    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computers    4. Computers - General Information    5. Hardware - Personal Computers - General    6. Maintenance and repair    7. Microcomputer Maintenance And Repair (General)    8. Microcomputers    9. Upgrading    10. PCs (IBM-compatible personal computers)    11. Systems management   

Editorial Review

Rarely does one see a book written with authority and clarity the way this one is. Author Mark Minasi takes information from his experiences as a computer technician (among other things) and explains problems you may encounter. This book is full of sentences that begin, "I once saw ..." or "This happened to me ..." Rather than explain the differences among different kinds of screwdrivers in the beginning of the book, the author gets right to the point by showing how to disassemble a machine and see what's inside. Then, there's a sort of "hall of horrors" for PC components--a section that details how different parts can fail. Quickly, the book moves into explanations of general troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques. The bulk of this book is a series of chapters explaining how to install and fix various components, such as RAM, hard disks, modems, video-capture cards, and audio peripherals. There aren't a lot of illustrations, but most of the ones here are useful.Read more

Reviews (19)

Getting Started with ease, Without Intimidation!
I have so far bought two editions of this book, the 7th and the 2003 edition. Both books were and are very helpful in the areas that I need them for. A beginner can't ask for a better book to learn about computers, than this line of books. I have no complaints about Marks books, because a person who isn't a computer technician or an IT professional wouldn't want anything that's extremely complicated to start learning about their computer.
A fine piece of work
Minasi has done it again. This was a treat to read and as in previous editions skillfully walks the reader through the minefield of modern technology. Mark makes it seem easy and reading his work it is. The index is also very thorough which is essential when your on a new project and trying to piece together where you are., For us non techie types its easy to get lost in the middle of a problem. The index helps you find your way back. A great piece of work overall. F.C. Wendell

Minasi or Mueller?
I have both Mueller's 14th edition and Minasi's 3rd edition and consider them to be superb. If you are going for an engineering degree in computers and like thick technical explanations interspersed with great useable information get Mueller. But, with Mueller don't expect an enjoyable, easy read. But, if you want an enjoyable easy read with great information, get Minasi.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Architecture - Repair & Maintenance    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Engineering    4. Computers    5. Computers - General Information    6. Hardware - Personal Computers - General    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Microcomputer Maintenance And Repair (General)    9. Microcomputers    10. Upgrading    11. General Theory of Computing    12. PCs (IBM-compatible personal computers)   

Reviews (17)

Good, Not Great
Most people reviewing this book either love it or hate it. I won't go to quite that extreme, but I do have to say that the book missed the mark in a number of areas. Best of Class!
This books is different than anything else on the shelf. Skip first three or four chapters
Skip the first three chapters, 37 pages, you'll miss nothing except some bad info about Windows 2000. If you can use Partition Magic to prepare your disk for installation and the nic was identified during setup, skip Chapter 4 and start at page 101.If you can make up your own mind on where to use Linux or NT (the author didn't understand 2000 Dir. Svcs. yet so he only compared Linux to NT), skip Chapter 10 and stop at page 471. That leaves 370 pages of Linux info. provided by the co-authors.Browsing through these chapters, X seems to be an important feature. That matches with my limited understanding.Lots of important topics are mentioned but none covered very deeply. The comparisons with Windows technology weren't that important or were just uninformed (DNS comparisons ignored services) and most features, RPM for instance, don't benefit from a Windows perspective. Too bad they wasted 200 pages on fluff. That's why it gets a three.Don't pay retail for this book, it is already dated material and should be heavily discounted.As an MCSE Network Admin on NT & 2000, I saw 2000 and Server 2003 leave NT in the dust along with Linux. Directory Services and group policies are vital to distribution and central management. Linux has only SNMP so far. Soon Linux will be ready for [self-installing on] client desktops which may be it's future.Directory-based services and integrated business software (Exchange, CRM) will run on proprietary server OS's from IBM, Windows, and maybe Oracle OS in the future. Clients will stream XML of secure managed code from these servers and back via open protocols. JIT compilers and local code libraries will assemble client executables that use remote web services and data. Admins: read about web services and Mono on Linux. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer operating systems    3. Computers    4. Computers - Operating Systems    5. Linux    6. Microcomputer Operating Environments    7. Microsoft Windows (Computer fi    8. Microsoft Windows (Computer file)    9. Operating Systems - Linux    10. Operating Systems - UNIX    11. Operating Systems - Windows    12. Operating systems (Computers)    13. Unix (Operating System)    14. Computers / Operating Systems / UNIX    15. Microsoft Windows    16. Unix, Unix Linux & Unix TCL/TK   

Editorial Review

Geared more for the desktop than the network closet, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional has its own collection of features to be capitalized upon and quirks to be accommodated. A couple of esteemed Windows authors--Mark Minasi and Todd Phillips--weigh in on the new and improved operating system in Read more

Reviews (20)

What do you know about Windows 2000 Professional?
Most everyone who uses a personal computer has questions from time to time about its operating system. Even advanced users need some assistance with troubleshooting, and everyone can use a little additional training every once and a while. This reference guide offers both how- to advice on correcting problems and general guidance to help Windows 2000 users better understand the system.
W2K Pro for the Newbie
I was disappointed in this book.The majority of the almost 1000 pages are written for people just stumbling in from the backwoods who've never seen a computer.There are a few tidbits of detail to be gleaned by the experienced user, but more often than not the book spends too many words explaining operations or features that even the most casual user of any Windows OS already knows. Not recommended for the advanced technical user
I was disapointed with the book.It might be useful for a novice user, but it doesn't get into the detail which I was expecting.I have been pleased with other Sybex books in the past, but this one probably won't make it on my reference shelf.If you are an advanced user searching for a rather technical book, I would not recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computers    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. Microcomputer Operating Environments    5. Microsoft Windows (Computer fi    6. Microsoft Windows (Computer file)    7. Operating Systems - Windows    8. Operating Systems - Windows 2000    9. Operating systems (Computers)    10. Computers / Operating Systems / NT    11. Electronic books    12. Microsoft Windows   

Editorial Review

The risk Mark Minasi takes in Read more

Reviews (18)

Buy This Book
Someone here said they liked Windows Xp Complete a lot, so I looked at that, and bought it, too.I have several computer books I consider "Golden".Well written, complete, easy to read and understand, and, most importantly, written by someone who is clearly a "sage" in the field.This is one of those books.I laugh when a reviewer expects EVERYTHING out of one book - that's why I got "WinXP Complete" too.This one goes deep into the guts of Windows where it counts.If you need complete knowlege of aspects - Networking, for example, then, of course you need a Networking book.Mr. Minasi is quite thorough where it counts, though - running Windows Pro with assurance and authority.

Readable and Detailed
Mark Minasi is a great writer, with the ability to take a complex subject, like Windows XP, and make it fairly readable. This book is typical of the "Mastering" series, however, and is not intended for light weights. If you are a home or private user, you may be better served with something akin to the "Windows for Dummies" variety. I'm not trying to be condescending, just realistic. This book is highly detailed and goes well beyond the average users needs. However, the first 89 pages of this book present a color plated introduction to using XP, which I found very helpful and better than most related products on the market. The first 89 pages alone are worth the price of this book for most of us. As an administrator, this book will also serve you well with its detailed explanations, extensive graphics and screen shots, and Mark's interpretation of Microsoft's technical manuals. Best organized, clearest, most readable reference available
Today, I left my copy of Mastering Windows XP Professional at home, so I went to the XP help, Microsoft.com and other internet sites looking for the answer to a very simple question:Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computers    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. Microcomputer Operating Environments    5. Microsoft Windows (Computer fi    6. Microsoft Windows (Computer file)    7. Operating Systems - Windows    8. Operating Systems - Windows XP    9. Operating systems (Computers)    10. Computers / Operating Systems / Windows    11. Microsoft Windows   

Editorial Review

Too many Linux books shoot themselves in the foot, either by explainingLinux in terms that can't be understood without a grounding in some other Unixflavor or by expecting readers to follow instructions blindly and be satisfiedat their completion. Read more

Reviews (39)

Excellent for Win Admins wanting to learn Linux
This was one of the first books I picked up when I decided to take the plunge into Linux.Being an MCSE and Windows administrator, I drastically improved my understanding of how Linux is similar, and differs from Windows.If you're a Windows guy or gal who wants to make sense of Linux, I highly recommend you pick up this book!

Coming from Windoze...
...this is a great start/introduction.The "Dummies" and "Visually" books were too simple for my needs but this one explained everything from an NT standpoint.

Excellent!
I normally don't write reviews, but this book was the best Linux book for beginners that I've ever read.Dont let the cheesy title fool you.I'm well past the beginner level at this point, but this is the book that started me off.I would highly recommend this book for someone trying to learn Linux. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Internet General    2. Computers    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. Microcomputer Operating Environments    5. Operating Systems - Linux    6. Operating Systems - NT    7. Operating Systems - UNIX    8. Operating Systems - Windows    9. Operating Systems - Windows 2000    10. Unix (Operating System)    11. Microsoft Windows    12. Unix, Unix Linux & Unix TCL/TK   

Reviews (5)

All You Need To Know And More.
Having been recommended by a Tutor on a recent course in the States, I bit the bullet and ordered myself a copy.This book gives all that it promises.The well written text treats you like an Adult whilst not forgetting that we are not all fully A+ Certified.It has already gotten me out of a few jams and I would fully recommend it to anyone else. For anyone from the UK reading this review, the language does not need an American Dictionary to read so it's great for both sides of the Pond.

Good book for a student...
I bought this book to use in my Computer Hardware class in college. It helped to elevate my knowledge of computers and I found it to be a useful tool for reference.This book is a good place to start if wanting to learn about computer hardware.

Dave in Kazoo
The book would be good for someone new to computer repair. I bought it to keep current on new technology. There was little new in it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Architecture - Repair & Maintenance    2. Computer Books And Software    3. Computer Engineering    4. Computers    5. Computers - General Information    6. Hardware - General    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Microcomputer Maintenance And Repair (General)    9. Microcomputers    10. Upgrading    11. Computers / Personal Computers & Microcomputers / IBM-Compatible    12. General Theory of Computing    13. PCs (IBM-compatible personal computers)   

Reviews (3)

Many errors - disappointing
Minasi's earlier editions were good (and hardcover - what happened to that?).This one was apparently rushed out without any proofreading just to keep up with the Joneses (Mueller).There are so many errors in the first two chapters, it's unbelievable... Maybe the rest of the book actually got re-written and proofed, but the first part is very disappointing and makes me unlikely to grab this volume when I need an accurate answer.
The Complete PC Upgrade and maitenance Guide
Who want to work in computer repair then need this book.

clear instructions
Sybex and the authors have updated this long running and successful text with the 16th edition. The rapid changes in personal computer hardware mean that you might want to consider getting this book for its comprehensive advice of a wide range of hardware items.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Architecture - Repair & Maintenance    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Engineering    4. Computers    5. Computers - General Information    6. Hardware - General    7. Computers / Personal Computers & Microcomputers / IBM-Compatible    8. General Theory of Computing    9. PCs (IBM-compatible personal computers)   

Editorial Review

For sheer value, Read more

Reviews (8)

"So Far"
This is a "So far" rating."So Far" I've read the W2K Professional Book and about 1/4 through W2K Server.Like ctboone said "These books are MASSIVE".If I recall the introduction says that these books are NOT intended for study for MCSE exams, however some people used these as a tool for MCSE, and "so far" I strongly agree.I wanted to get some spoon-fed type info, since my NT4.0 background is very limited. And that's what this is, I think.I find myself almost in a "conversation" with the text, like Mark Minasi and the other authors are standing there talking to me.There have been helpful comparisons of W2K topics to every-day life scenarios.There are many print screens of install/config processes.I think the books are ideal for getting familiar with W2K and or using as a "how to" resource.Sometimes while reading I find I get a little lost when the books says "click on Start, then programs, then click on accessories, then click on ...and so on".That type of info would be more valuable if I were actually doing it at the PC. Which is why I wish the info in these books were setup with a self-study system with actual training demo's on CD.I plan to purchase Alan R. Carter’s Windows 2000 MCSE Study Guide System to maybe get more of a "classroom approach" in pursuit of my MCSE/all around knowledge quest and use these books (Minasi's) to explain what other self-study books may not cover or explain very well. And "So Far", Minasi's Resource Kit may be matched but definitely NOT beat for this.No Certs, 1/2 A+ , Master's in "Wanna Be". ...

Mark Minasi is a Win2k God
Mark does it again.This guy made me cancel my windows 2000 training classes.I have read his articles in Windows 2000/NT magazine for a few years now. The Resource Kit of resource kits
This Resource Kit is the Resource Kit of resource kits.Don't bother with the Microsoft kit.Mark has a way with disseminating information to humans in a way that most authors can't.The four volumes are packed with tips, hints and solutions for anyone who administers a Windows 2000 network.It's an excellent reference kit as well.Highly recommended!Thanks Mark for your humorous, witty way of teaching! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computers    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. Microcomputer Operating Environments    5. Operating Systems - Windows    6. Operating Systems - Windows 2000    7. Microsoft Windows    8. Systems management   

Reviews (4)

Really it's worth to buy
Really I am looking for networking book gives all the detail of networking concept and easy to understand and I find this book is excllent.

One of the best network books for beginners
Just in two words: it is the best such book on the market now. If you are a student or a trainer - buy it. For a student - everything is explained in very popular and understandable manner. For a trainer - it shows how totalk about networks.

An Unpretentious Primer
Unlike most of the tomes on networking, this comprehensive survey does a good job of informing the reader in a natural, easy-to-read manner.Anderson seems to know her stuff and balancestech-talk with pragmatism. Recommended for the uninitiated Admin-type as a study or reference work onmost LAN technologies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Local Area Networks (Lan)    4. Local area networks (Computer    5. Local area networks (Computer networks)    6. Networking - General    7. Networking - Local Area Networks (LANs)    8. Local area networks (LANs)   

Editorial Review

This comprehensive guide to Windows NT Server is both a manual for the operating system's features and an implementation tool for real-world use. In this sixth edition, author Mark Minasi builds on an already mature work by adding numerous new topics.Read more

Reviews (80)

COOL
everyone out on the job in the ICT-world should have this one ! I can't wait for the W2K edition to come out !

How Mark Minasi's Book Helped Me Get My First SA Job
I wish there were a place where you could rate the "Author" and not just the book.I own many of Mr. Minasi's books and he never fails to meet my expectations of just how much information he can successfully impart to the reader.I stress the words "successfully impart" because this author's style is so clear and his analogies are so "on point" that he is able to make you understand concepts that other books fail to properly convey.Oh and as an extra:he throws in his quirky sense of humor, thus bringing some welcomed comic relief to those of us who read dull tech stuff all day long.This book is the first "Mark Minasi" book I ever owned and I haven't stopped buying books authored by him since. Excellent Always a pleasure to read.
Mark always writes in such a way that he make the driest of subject interesting to read. Yes sometimes there is some stuff in each chapter. A sidetrack or extra information that's not necessary. However that is what makes him so easy to read. I often find myself reading long after the time I allotted myself to. One topic always leads my interest to another. This ease of reading greatly helped me obtain my MCSE, with earlier versions.I bought this update to NT 4.0, as it's being phased out, to get the latest and greatest for SP6. I purchase and have read threw months ago, sorry it has taken me so long to write the review. As with all of Marks books, when there is a revision (which SP6 created the need for), it's worth getting. I will be able to better support my Windows NT 4.0 servers until they're in there grave.I also recommend his Windows 2000 books, which I own a few of. The only thing I miss about Marks writing is his PC Upgrading & Maintenance book. The best thing about this author is he writes like he talks and talks like he writes. If you get the chance to hear him speak, you'll buy all of his books on topics you need. I came to this conclusion when I attended a tech. conference, Chicago in April of 2000. Thanks, Mark ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Client-Server Computing    2. Client-Server Computing - General    3. Client/server computing    4. Computer Books: Operating Systems    5. Computers - Communications / Networking    6. General    7. Microsoft Windows NT Server    8. Operating Systems - General    9. Operating Systems - NT    10. Operating systems (Computers)    11. Computer Communications & Networking    12. Computers / Operating Systems / NT    13. Microsoft Windows   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computers    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. Microcomputer Operating Environments    5. Operating Systems - Windows    6. Workbooks    7. Computers / Operating Systems / Windows    8. Microsoft Windows   

Reviews (7)

The Complete PC Upgrade & Maintenance Guide
I really like the book. I have the 8th and 9th editions and feel the book is very informative for beginners and for the experienced PC techs. There are thing that I sometimes forget and I use the book to research things. I also use it when I have trouble with my home PC that I built. I don't think I would have gotten as far into computers if I had not had this book to assist me in my education

A book a PC technician must have!
This is a technicians bible.I'm just learning about pc repair and upgrading and this book is everything I need to know about when to do what and when not to do something.This is a book I'm going to keep around fora very long time.

A book I wouldn't be without.
An extremely informative book. An essential guide for the beginning PC builder and troubleshooter. Not written in technical language and extremely easy to understand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books And Software    2. Microcomputer Maintenance And Repair (General)    3. Computer Bks - General Information    4. Computers    5. Computer Architecture - Repair & Maintenance    6. Personal Computers & Microcomputers - Upgrading    7. Business Software - General    8. Business Software - IBM Compatible    9. Bargain   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computers    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. Operating Systems - Windows    5. Computers / Operating Systems / Windows    6. Data security & data encryption   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Games    3. Computers - Games    4. Entertainment & Games    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Role Playing & Fantasy - General    7. Wing commander    8. Role-playing & war games   

Reviews (1)

A fantastic reference book to DOS 6.22!!
This book, in my humble opinion, is perhaps the best guide out there for anyone who wishes (or needs) to learn more about DOS version 6.2 (and 6.22). Although not geared towards the first-time user, the book nonetheless does not swamp the reader with much technical jargon, as do many others of this type. Well done!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Operating Systems    2. Computer Books: Operating Systems    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. MS-DOS (Computer file)    5. Ms-Dos (Operating Syst