Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent tool
I have read many powershell books out there, and many of them are good, many are not so good.This book claims to be a cookbook, which typically I use as a reference to take ideas from.There is usually a short explanation of the concepts and uses of the technology.But I found I gained a good deal of practical application of the concepts in these short reviews. So in short this should not be your 1st Powershell book, but it should definitely be your second if you are an IT administrator.

The scripts are comprehensive, and useful. Lee has done a great job.I found immediate use that saved me a couple days in consulting time.So a $40 book and a couple of hours of my time against that cost, was quite a good return and I end up being the IT hero again.

A vital piece of any PowerShell scripter's collection
I've been using PowerShell for a little over a year now, and I've acquired quite a hefty collection of PSH-related books.Among those books, the 1st edition of Lee Holmes' "Windows PowerShell Cookbook" is one the most heavily read and dog-eared.The new 2nd edition adds chapters and sample scripts around PowerShell 2.0's new features, like Event Handling and Advanced Functions, but most importantly, it retains - and even expands upon - the obvious passion that Holmes has for PowerShell, and for helping people understand it.

Whether you're just getting into PowerShell now, or you're a seasoned expert who has been using PowerShell since it was codenamed "Monad", Lee Holmes' "Windows PowerShell Cookbook" should have a prominent position on your bookshelf, or in your e-book reader!

** Full disclosure: I work for Microsoft, but my job has nothing to do with PowerShell.This review is my own personal opinion.** ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (13)

Best book ever; for anyone...
I opened this book in the morning with the coffee. It was so inspiring,with a huge array of balanced, classic lines and patterns, both formal and whimsical.Wonderful color combinations that you don't always find.All the info you need to build a cornice or hang it on rings, is included.So well illustrated; even the windows looked good.Everything you need.I just loved this book!

ummm...
alot of the styles in this book are way too fancy for my taste. at the end it just helped me decide on the simple blinds.but the information in this book is great and the pictures are wonderful

great photos
this is a good book.the photos in there gave me a lot of ideas.It's much better to look at photos as opposed to diagrams.

Window Treatments
This is a great book for ideas on window treatments even for the most difficult window openings.I particularly like the treatments for arched windows.

lots of great ideas
This book was very helpful in getting some fresh ideas for our house.
Great photographs, numerous selections.If you just need to see some great curtains, this is a book for you.It will not provide you with the instructions on how to make them. ... Read more

Product Description

Dear Reader,

If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are kindhearted and quick–witted, but their lives, I am sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched, and this one may be the worst of them all.If you haven't got the stomach for a story that includes a hurricane, a signalling device, hungry leeches, cold cucumber soup, a horrible villain, and a doll named Pretty Penny, then this book will probably fill you with despair.I will continue to record these tragic tales, for that is what I do. You, however, should decide for yourself whether you can possibly endure this miserable story.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

Ages 10+

But just when she should be the most fearful--when Count Olaf creeps hisway back to find the Baudelaire orphans and steal their fortune--shesomehow lets her guard down. Once again, it is up to Violet, Klaus, andSunny to get themselves out of danger. Will they succeed? We haven't thestomach to tell you. (Ages 9 to 12) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (233)

Fun with words
One of the funniest things I've ever read: "If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put that thing in your mouth, especially if the thing is cats. "

Another satisfying tale.

Love the story but not the performance
I must be spoiled by Jim Dale's reading of the Potter books. Absolutely fabulous. And then Tim Curry's performance of Bks 1 and 2 was good too. But Lemony Snicket is a great writer not a great reader. The voice, the speech mannerisms and the performance are all disappointing. I love the series though. Hated the Percy J book and the Dark is Rising. After Potter, this works for me.

Aunt Josephine is Hilarious!
My children and I read this series together out loud.Although it is a bit dark, it is also hilarious!I reccommend this series for older children because of the dark nature of the series.There are murders, evil plots, etc that might disturb sensitive children.My girls are sensitive, but saw the humor and LOVED it.They were 5 and 7 when we read the series.

~~Spoilers Below~~
Aunt Josephine is the next guardian the children are sent to live with.She is well-meaning and kind, but mortally fearful of everything.Apart from being annoying, this makes her more like a child than a guardian.

She is afraid of the stove, the radiator, the lake, and most of all realtors.Her house is perched precariously on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lake Lacromoss (by the way, not sure if I spelled that right since I do not have a text version to read from and I can't be bothered looking it up right now, so you have to deal with my phonetic-best-guess-spelling.)Her husband, Ike, was killed by the Lacromoss Leeches because he entered the water too soon after eating.Smelling the food on him, the devoured him.

Aunt Josephine does have one love, grammar.Klaus is disappointed that the impressive library with the lovely, wide window overlooking the lake, is filled with books only on grammar and Lake Lacromoss.Well, it's better than nothing.Violet busies herself with trying to create a way to warm things without making Aunt Josephine fearful.Little Sunny finds a bit of joy in biting a doll named Pretty Penny.

One fateful day, the children and Aunt Josephine go shopping to store up before Hurricane Herman hits.There they run in to none other than Count Olaf.The children, not being unobservant like all of the adults around them, recognize Olaf right away.He introduces himself to the family as Captain Sham, a sailboat owner. The children try to point him out to Aunt Josephine, but she dismisses it as nonsense.Afterall, Captain Sham can't possibly have a tattoo on his left ankle, he had a peg leg from his knee down.He gained points with Aunt Josephine by stating that the Lacromoss Leeches had deprived him of his leg a few years ago.

Soon, as you may have guessed, tradgedy strikes.The children hear a crash and find the wide window of the library broken and a suicide note left by Aunt Josephine, willing the children to the care of Captain Sham.The children see this as the fraud it is, but of course Mr. Poe when he arrives will hear nothing of the matter.

Klaus finds a series of grammatical errors in Aunt Josephine's note and see that she has left them a secret code.She is hiding at Curdled Cave.The children steal a sailboat and set off to find her.When they eventually do, Aunt Josephine is alive and well, but refuses to leave the cave.Klaus informs her that the cave is for sale and soon a group of realtors will diverge upon the place.This is the leverage needed to get Aunt Josephine into the boat.

As they enter the territory of the Lacromoss Leeches, Aunt Josephine remembers in terror that she recenly had a banana.The leeches begin to attack and the children work together to signal someone from shore to come to their rescue.

Someone comes, but as I'm sure you've figured out, that someone was Captain Sham/Count Olaf.He promptly throws Aunt Josephine to the leeches and heads back to shore.

As he tries to cover up his treachery to Mr. Poe, Sunny uses those four sharp teeth to bite and the wood of the peg leg of Captain Sham.Out pops Count Olaf's tattooed ankle.Mr. Poe tries to chase him down, stating that he is under arrest for such things as, murder, child endangerment, and fraud among other things.Count Olaf adds, "and arson."

Neither of my children nor anyone in the story seems to catch this bit....but I have a feeling I know where this is going.Captain Sham escapes.Mr. Poe is forced to find the orphans a new home.The orphans are left where they started, alone, and yet together.

~Jenn

In this episode...
The children are now in the care of their Aunt Josephine, who lives over a lake in a house that is suspended on a series of beams. Count Olaf returns, this time disguised as Captain Sham, and is determined to get his hands on the orphans. And did we mention the deadly leeches?

Great!
The product was in excellent shape and we got it quickly.My child was very happy to receive it.Thanks! ... Read more

Product Description

All your Windows Server 2008 R2 questions answered—on the spot!

Get up to speed on the new features of Windows Server 2008 R2 with this indispensableguide.Designed for busy IT professionals, it's the perfect go-to resource for quick answers and real-world solutions as you administer the new server OS. You'll find easy-to-read lists, quick-reference tables, helpful thumb tabs, and much more in a handy, compact format that puts the information you need at your fingertips.

Topics include:

• Getting started and adding roles and functionality

• Automating tasks

• Managing users, groups, directories, and the centralized desktop

• Handling folder security, disk management, storage, backup, and recovery

• Monitoring and maintaining web servers

• Troubleshooting IP and managing remote access

• Doing performance tuning and maintaining virtual servers

Customer Reviews (2)

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Instant reference
This is a quality book I was looking for a reference materails boot not a detailed archive. I am satisfied with the content and degree of details, I would reccomend this to a friend.

Great reference book for experienced and inexperienced users
You could start at the beginning and read all the way through 'Windows Server 2008 R2 Administration Instant Reference' by Matt Hester and Chris Henley. Part 1 of the book of the book ("Getting Started") walks the reader through planning, installing and upgrading the operating system, while subsequent sections dive into details about specific areas of the software.

But a more reasonable approach is to open to the section on which you are working today. Each chapter is structured so that you can dig into the detail you need. Each topic begins with an explanation of concepts and definitions of key terms. This part is critical for someone like me, who doesn't spend his days managing servers. Experienced administrators may skip this section and jump to the detailed explanations of how to use and configure each feature of Windows Server 2008 R2. Basic functionality is described first, followed by more advanced features.

A section on Active Directory, for example, begins with a description of built-in groups, followed by a description of custom users and groups and how rights are granted. After establishing these basics, the author describes how to use Active Directory to manage groups, users and rights and how to configure this in Windows Server.

Hester and Henley write in a clear, concise style that simplifies everything they describe. Step-by-step instructions are amplified by screen shots.

The smaller dimensions of the book make it fit easily into a laptop bag, despite the 500+ pages of text.

This is a solid book for a full- or part-time network administrator to keep on hand for a quick reference or for a more detailed look into important concepts of Windows Server. ... Read more

Product Description
Get in-depth guidance for designing and implementing certificate-based security solutions straight from PKI expert Brian Komar. No need to buy or outsource costly PKI services when you can use the robust PKI and certificate-based security services already built into Windows Server 2008! This in-depth reference teaches you how to design and implement even the most demanding certificate-based security solutions for wireless networking, smart card authentication, VPNs, secure email, Web SSL, EFS, and code-signing applications using Windows Server PKI and certificate services. A principal PKI consultant to Microsoft, Brian shows you how to incorporate best practices, avoid common design and implementation mistakes, help minimize risk, and optimize security administration. This definitive reference features a CD loaded with tools, scripts, and a fully searchable eBook.

Key Book Benefits

Guides system engineers and administrators how to design and implement PKI-based solutions

Explains how to exploit the tight integration of Windows Server 2008 PKI services with Active Directory® directory service

Features best practices based on real-world implementations
Includes a CD with tools, scripts, and a fully-searchable eBook ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Bogus reviews?
5 out of 6 of the reviewers who gave this book rave reviews appear to have reviewed nothing else at all. Spam reviews, by any chance?

Pretty good - found a typo
It is a good book, very helpful.I don't think you can implement this any other way other than getting this book.Google fails, book wins.

Watch typo on page 134-135.They have Period and Unit parameters reversed in this section.

YOU MUST HAVE IT!
This book is the best reference for Windows PKI, even if you are deployng Windows 2003 PKI. If you have started to look into PKI, this is the book YOU MUST HAVE. Thanks to Brian Komar.

Great PKI Book
A nice follow up from the Windwos 2003 version. A must read for those planning to upgrade those security servers...

Buy this book if you are serious about Windows PKI & Certificates
This book is definitely a must have for anyone who plans to deploy a Windows 2008 (or even 2003) based Certificate Authority/PKI infrastructure. The author not only fully masters the subject, he also has found the rare balance between the necessary theory, legal aspects, discussing design aspects and diving into technical information. On top of that, the book contains an awful lot of real life scenario's and implementation examples.
So before you even start installing AD CS, read this book. You won't be disappointed.
... Read more

Product Description

Product Description

Customer Reviews (12)

Must read for developers new to Azure
Programming Windows Azure is fantastic introductory resource for developers taking a first look at working with Microsoft's cloud computing platform.This text will help you put the whole platform into perspective before you dive deep into the SDK.

The text explains how the platform works under the hood (at a high level), which serves to put all design considerations and constraints into context.

The text is entertaining, to the point, and highly relevant.Concepts are presented in perfect order, which results in a great "user experience" to build on what you've read so far.The author had an uncanny knack to anticipate what questions you'd be asking yourself (and when), and cover off the bases.

Highly recommended!

Good information and useful code samples
Programming Windows Azure is a useful book for users who want to know how to program with Microsoft Cloud. The book has enough practical code samples for users to start their own projects with confidence. What I liked the most about this book is its concise and clear explanations on various aspects of Windows Azure such as managing service, RESTful APIs, blobs, queues, and SQL Azure.This book is a good resource for programmers who want to start developing Windows Azure solutions.

Excellent Azure learning book
The book has lots of useful information and examples for Azure beginners.
This is the first Azure book I found useful.
It is easy to read and follow and I highly recommend it.

Pathetic
The author does little more than recap information that is readily available in the SDK documentation, and has added hardly any thought about the practicalities of Azure development.(In fact, I could find NO evidence of such thought, but I've written "hardly any," in case I missed an iota.)For example, if you want to use an Azure Worker Role, you might create one from the template provided by the Azure SDK add-in to Microsoft Visual Studio.You will peruse the automatically-generated code and think to yourself, perhaps, "okay: what are the implications of the different alternatives for sleeping on the thread in the Run() method."You won't find that question or any others answered in Krishnan's book, though.What you will find is text that simply restates what you will read in the generated template.So save yourself $49.99 and just download the SDK and read the templates.Perhaps you want to use SQL Azure in your solution?The author devotes 9 pages to that subject.Here are a couple of things you might want to do if you actually want to use SQL Azure:

(1) Take a definition of an existing database and deploy that into Azure.There is nothing at all on how one might accomplish that ... not so much as a hand-wave in the direction of the Visual Studio Database Edition facilities that would allow you to generate a complete definition of your database for deployment to SQL Azure.

(2) Connect to a SQL Azure database from an Azure Web or Worker role.Krishnan has a code snippet showing how to accomplish that (which one could have found in the Azure SDK documentation easily enough) but not a word about how one might not HARD CODE the connection parameters, but instead get them from configuration, and, in that case, how best to secure the configuration information.

Questions like these would arise for anyone who is actually trying to write anything more than a "Hello, World" application, and who develops software professionally.There are no answers to any of those sorts of questions here.I believe I have read all of the books on Azure published to date, and among those, Tejaswi Redkar's "Windows Azure Platform," is by far the best.

Helpful beginners guide to Azure
I'm just starting on programming services in Windows Azure, and this book really helped me make sense of the various options I have in doing so, as well as how they relate to concepts I already know in the CLR and .NET. I really appreciated the narrative flow of the book: it was laid out the way that I think about building a service, not as a textbook as so many books in this genre are. The sections on Windows Azure storage, in particular, made reading through the documentation on MSDN much more meaningful; the descriptions of the motivations, from a programmer's perspective, of the available options were much appreciated.

On the con side, if you're looking for a book that lays out common architectures for distributed systems and how they might be implemented in Azure, this isn't the book. There are two or three complete examples, only one of which is a common patterns for services. The discussion of queues in particular seemed abbreviated, since they are such a key ingredient of distributed systems.

All told, though, I am very happy I purchased this book; I've already referred back to it several times in prototyping and expect to do so again. ... Read more

Product Description
The Encyclopedia of Window Treatments is a must-have for anyone interested in home décor. Cross-references help the reader navigate an abundance of traditional and modern designs. Visually compelling with more than 1,000 full-color illustrations and photos, the book presents hundreds of window treatments: draperies, curtains, shades, valances, swags and cascades, and blinds and shutters. Features:

* The most comprehensive collection of today’s window treatment options in various configurations

* More than 1,000 full-color illustrations and photographs

* Visual glossary identifies various elements of window treatments

* Offers complementary pillow and tabletop ideas throughout

* Special section on measuring windows and estimating yardage

* Problem/Solution guide presents ideas for challenging window configurations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Irene's review
I am pleased with my item and the handling of it.I will order from Amazon again.Thank you.Irene

This should be titled The GREAT Book of Window Treatments!
Best overview book of window treatments I've ever seen - and I'm in my sixties.Well organized with a wonderful presentation, the book was my Christmas gift to my nieces.

Window Treatments Review
The book is very informative and provides such an assortment of illustrations for your window treatments.You won't need another book after you buy this one.

Repeat
I ended u p returning this book - it was a repeat of another one I already owned; it's a rendered collection of images not photographs.

Excellent Basic Book of Ideas
I feel compelled to defend this book.I am a home-dec seamstress and constantly on the look for a book for clients to look through.This book has proven invaluable to me.It is very clearly organized, the pictures are clear and there are examples of the basic, traditional styles many of my clients are looking for.Many other books try to show 'fancy' styles that are either impractical, hard to visualize due to the color, or flat out impossible to sew.Many of my clients are overwhelmed by looking through "Encyclopedia of Window Fashions", but not this book.

I highly recommend this book.It is clear, concise, well organized and has great explanations of each window treatment. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

MCITP Self Paced Training Kit Exam 70-685, Windows 7.
Excellant way to study and take the test exams to prepare for the real Certifcation exams. DVD Training is the best!

Nice Resource For Test Takers
The book 'MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-685): Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (Pro - Certification)' is a nice overview for those looking to get ready for exam 70-685.Content is full and spans 600+ pages.My only gripe with this book is that nearly half the book is appendixes and the content is not presented in an exciting way to the reader.

Having said that, it's a decent purchase and will help get you ready for the exam.

**** RECOMMENDED

Great Tech Support Start
The book was a great way to jump start my Windows 7 Desktop Support knowledge. I have been using the book for about 3 months, and find the information very usefully in every day use. Infomation is presented nicely and feels very fluid.

I feel like I've been cheated by Microsoft
Bear in mind, I have several certifications:
I studied this book, forwards, backwards and sideways.
I understand the content, and tested repeatedly high with the enclosed test prep materials.
There is not one concept or item in this book that I do not understand.
None the less, this book did not prepare me for this exam.
The authors did a good job of covering Windows 7 in the enterprise.
There's just one problem, THIS EXAM WHICH I JUST FAILED is weighted heavily in knowledge of Windows Server 2008 R2.
The case scenarios all have at least 25 variables each, and most, if not all of those variables center around the server O.S.
Microsoft should split this exam into 2 parts. 1 part for Windows 7, and one part for Windows server.
I've never felt so cheated in my life.
--Update--
I went through this book cover to cover a second time, did all the exercises and case scenarios.
Just failed the test a second time.
I wonder if there are any stats on the pass rate for this 70-685?
Between the two failed exams and the cost of this book, I'm out about $275.00
After 17 years, I'm finished with Microsoft Press material of any kind.
The 70-680 Microsoft press book was a disaster with the sheer volume of errors. (18 full pages of errata)
This book has no bearing whatever in the actual exam that MS publishes for the 70-685.
I'll stick with Cisco, Novell and CompTIA from now on.

GREAT
BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION ABILITY. NOT UP ON COMPUTERESE. NOT ABLE TO SOLVE ANYTHING WITH THIS BOOK BUT GOOD BOOK FOR COMPUTER GEEKS. ... Read more

Product Description
* This popular full-color guide is not only $5 less than the current edition, but it is now revised to cover Service Pack 2 changes to Windows XP, including new or updated tutorials on Windows Firewall, Media Player, MovieMaker, popup blocker, and more
* Step-by-step instructions, hundreds of full-color screen shots, and essential task coverage make this the ideal reference for beginning-to-intermediate visual learners
* Windows accounts for more than 90 percent of the OS market ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

"it's getting clearer"
Having had XP for 36 months or more, I felt I didn't really know the "bones" of it.
So, I bought this book..... brilliant.Its all become clearer to me.I can relate easily the terms, explanations to the pictures and then screen.I would recommend it to everyone, just starting, or even those who've skimmed across the system. Good luck!

windows XP
Pictures are very helpful, and the easy 1-2-3 steps to reach goal are excellent. I have had 2 previous books of "teach yourself visually" and they were much better than others; including book from manufacture that comes with new computers. pappoo

Great visual teachingassistance
Teach yourself visually was uncomplicated, clear in it's lessons and well worth buying.Thanks for your speedy delivery.

Good visual reference for visual people
Used this to teach a dingy hairdresser the basics of using a computer. She found the visual references extremely helpful and a good tool when I wasn't readily available to assist her.

Windows XP Manual.....First-Aid for Using This System
If you read through computer and peripheral advertisements, or if you are sent emails by any one of the major suppliers for such items, you will notice that there is a new Vista 7 operating system to upgrade the Vista (current) system.Searching [...] or google or yahoo, I am presented with a short video explaining that Vista 7 will speed response performance in my inquiries.Well, I am quite happy with Windows XP, and would like to continue using this OS (operating system).

Some merchandisers are also equipping new laptops and pcs with Windows XP, so maybe there a lot more people out there that prefer Windows XP than venturing off into Vista "Anything".I have used this manual for several years, to walk through some new techniques and skills that I need, such as copying files, moving files, installing a printer, and among others, adjusting various devices built into the computer system.

The main reason I recommend this manual is because it contains full color photos of the pc screen with whatever is being used; these are graphic presentations based on photos.It also contains step by step pictures of whatever process you plan to experiment with.That may be the major constraint for some people; they are concerned about "experimenting".

Before this manual becomes extinct, make sure to check your shelf for such resources, and "hold on to this manual" if you see it on your bookshelf.Perhaps, down the way, you will purchase a new computer, be it pc or laptop, and it will be equipped with the Vista System; once you feel the confidence of functioning on an XP platform, you, too, may venture to take on Vista 7.Good luck!








... Read more

Product Description
Find in-depth coverage of general networking concepts and basic instruction on Windows Server 2008 installation and management including active directory, DNS, Windows storage, and TCP/IP and IPv4 networking basics in Mastering Windows Server 2008 Networking Foundations. One of three new books by best-selling author Mark Minasi, this guide explains what servers do, how basic networking works (IP basics and DNS/WINS basics), and the fundamentals of the under-the-hood technologies that support staff must understand. Learn how to install Windows Server 2008 and build a simple network, security concepts, and basic Windows Server administration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good book but repetitive
Like his writing but sometimes felt very repetitive. DNS section has been borrowed from his previous books back when he has writen about Windows 2000 server almost ten years, ago.

Another Outstanding Book
I highly recommend Mr. Minasi's Mastering Windows Server series (2000, 2003, and now 2008) to anyone new to networking or Windows Server, or to any IT professional that wishes to set themselves apart from the pack.

All of his books that I have read explain technical concepts in plain language, with some humor as well as plenty of hands on exercises that reinforce the material being presented.

Although I have read Mastering Windows 2000 Server and Mastering Windows Server 2003, I elected to read the Mastering Windows Server 2008 Networking Foundations because I can always use a refresher on this subject matter.And Mr. Minasi's books are where I go to get it.

Kudo for a job welll done!
I'd though I would never meet anyone who is very good of what he does in the IT industry and also knows how to write so good that everyone could understand ... until I met Mark.He is funny like hell, and it shows when he talks, or writes, but don't let that fools you; Mark is very good in what he does.All the books he has written, including this series about W2k8 would help anyone who want to know, and be very good with W2k8 achieve their goals in a clear, down-to-earth ways.And none of his books are only copy-from-the-Microsoft-technet down.Mark and his team does their own labs, and test everything that Microsoft offers in the OS product.For awhile, I'd thought I was the only one who did that.I had a habbit to test everything Microsoft says, although I'd doubt that I would ever use it.For instance, like RIS in W2k or W2k3. But it's quite pleasant surprised that Mark and his team did test everything themselves.Majority of the books' authors out there don't.Quite sad, but it's true!

Anyway, for being in Microsoft area for a long time, I could recognize a very good onem or very best ones, easily, and Mark is a very few best ones for many years.Buy the whole series and you will not be disappointed.

Mastering Windows Server 2008 with the Master
I cannot express my appreciation enough for Mark's writing style.No longer am I fighting sleep and endless distractions while trudging through a technical manual.This is a Must Have for anyone that is in the IT field.Very easy and informative read. This will reside on the shelf as another priceless reference.Mark's books - along with his free forum www.minasi.com - have continued to make "me" an IT hero...

Thank You Mark!

Tim Bolton

Good stuff
This book is very good. It covers, as the title suggests, Networking Foundations. Most of the book is similar to the Windows Server 2003 book by Minasi, however there are sections (which are marked) where Server 2008 new stuff is covered. I've read a lot of server books and most are dry or irrelevant. This book is neither. It has a lot of information that is helpful and even a bit of humour. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book! ... Read more

Product Description
If you’ve been waiting impatiently for the arrival of Windows Server 2008, wait no more! It’s here, and so is Windows Server 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies to help you install it, configure it, network with it, secure it, command it with Windows PowerShell, and more. Services best practices and the cool IIS Web server are covered too.

The eight powerful quick-reference manuals in this one-stop guide cover all the information you need to perform common administrative tasks with Windows Server 2008. You’ll find sure-handed guidance and considerable detail on everything from installation to figuring out why a user can’t gain access to resources on the server. You also see procedures for all common tasks — everything from setting up Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) to promoting your server to a domain controller. Discover how to:

• Use Windows Server virtualization
• Perform a complete PC restore
• Configure server roles and features
• Measure system performance
• Add network clients and protocols
• Keep your server operating at peak performance
• Monitor network interactions with others
• Work with Active Directory RMS
• Use best practices for implementing security
• Implement scripts and cmdlets with PowerShell
• Uncloak viruses masquerading as services

Windows Server 2008 contains so many features that it’s sometimes hard to know which one to install. No problem! Just flip open Windows Server 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies and find your answer in a flash! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

good value
This includes a number of Windows server books and is a good reference as all the "For Dummies" titles are. These people have a great formula and excellent editing I have never been disappointed in any of their books.

This is the Ideal how to for beginners and advanced Techs
Make sure there is a revision for Server 2008 R2 though with all the changes Microsoft has made it is prudent.

Skip This
I buy dummies books because they are a quick read and can have you on the ground quick.This one did not work out.I will not be buying and more multi-volume dummies books.They are self referencing to a point of madness.to complete one section you must refer to multiple previous or future volumechapters for topics.This was done to condense the books size however the information called out is often weak.It will provide you the google key words but not to much more.

I am a web developer who wanted to build a development server, this book was little help. ... Read more

Product Description

• 192 pages of trusted do-it-yourself information show remodelers how to install, replace, repair, and maintain windows and doors.
• Updated photos and illustrations show how doors and windows are key elements of a home's style, overall security, and energy efficiency.
• Doors section covers a variety of interior and garage doors in addition to exterior doors.
• Product information explains how to choose the best for your home.
• Pre-start checklists and Stanley Pro Tips help homeowners get off to a good start and achieve great results.
• Step-by-step instructions cover the first measurements to the final finishing nail, with special callouts for challenging or unusual situations.

Customer Reviews (2)

Good reference book to have
I'm a firm believer in owning reference books/manuals. I received four books from the Stanley series and they've all earned their keep. I've installed a fair number of doors/windows in my life and consider myself pretty good at it. Yet this book contained a few tidbits and tricks that I didn't know. That alone in my opinion is worth the purchase price. Books such as these should be in every homeowner's library.

Useful book
I purchased a bunch of these after purchasing the Stanley Complete Electrical... I'm remodeling my home, so a lot of these tips are very useful. It also serves as a good reference for any DIY'er.

I highly recommend the Stanley Complete series. It pays for itself once youDIY instead of hiring a professional to come to your home... ... Read more

Product Description
If you work in an office, you probably don’t lose much sleep worrying about whether your files are safe if your PC melts down. Company IT departments handle those things for business networks. But how about all those precious photos, address lists, the family genealogy, and everything else that lives on your home network? Windows Home Server can save the day if one of your personal PCs hiccups, and Windows Home Server For Dummies serves up all the stuff you need to know to put it to work.

Forget everything you’ve heard about previous versions of Windows Server; this all-new variation has been designed for people who don’t wear white lab coats or pocket protectors. Woody Leonhard has tested it and it passed with flying colors. If you have a home or small business network, this book shows you how Windows Home Server helps you

• Share files among all the PCs in your home
• Access your files from anywhere
• Make regular backups automatically
• Store files securely
• Play music, TV shows, or movies on your Xbox
• Share multimedia across your network
• Keep your virus protection and system upgrades up to date
• Get regular reports on the overall health of your network

Windows Home Server For Dummies provides sage advice on choosing a version of Windows Home Server, installing it, setting up users and passwords, using remote access, scheduling automatic scans and backups, and having fun with multimedia.   Trust Woody— you’ll sleep better. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

So far, so useless
I may be looking for the wrong help?!?
But - the index and table of contents are 0 for 6 on what I needed.

Excellent Clear "need to know" Information
This book is an excellent resource of information. Whether you want to build your own, or had bought an HP or Acer box, you will be satisfied with the info here. The book is written a side of humor, and is not bloated with useless information.

Great resource
This book is well written, with humorous comments interspersed, so it is about as entertaining as a computer manual can be, while remaining very informative.Windows Home Server is covered very thoroughly, from purchase considerations to post-setup maintenance, troubleshooting, and tips and tricks.This is an excellent reference that is also actually readable.

Home Server for Home User
This book tends to fill in the holes left by more 'in depth' and highly technical books on the market.It explains some of the processes much more simply, not making the assumptions that the reader is a computer geek.It is very readable and does cover all the areas that a typical home user would need to know.

Makes Windows Home Server even easier!
This is a great reference for the beginner and even novice Home Server users. It is laid out in an easy to read/understand fashion by professionals working in the industry. Windows Home Server is definitely different than the other Server based OS's on the market, so even if you are familiar with other server software this manual helps to educate on Windows Home Server.

Get the book, Read the book, buy yourself a Home Server and back your data up confidently! The world is moving quickly towards media streaming, Windows Home Server is a great place to keep everything centralized on your network! Another home run by Woody!
... Read more

Product Description
A manual for Windows 7 desktop technicians and administrators

It is estimated that 90 percent of the world’s computers run Windows. Desktop technicians and administrators need this comprehensive manual to guide them through their daily work with Windows 7. While this Sybex guide is packed with information you’ll need to know for the MCITP certification exam, it is equally valuable in real-world situations you will encounter on the job.

• Covers troubleshooting, hardware and software applications, large-scale desktop environment management, and planning and configuring the desktop infrastructure using Windows 7
• Provides plenty of relevant information for those seeking MCITP certification, including full coverage of the exam objectives for both Desktop Support Technician and Desktop Administrator exams
• Includes a CD with valuable study tools for the MCITP exams including video walkthroughs, flashcards, and two practice exams.

Windows 7 Desktop Support and Administration provides knowledge that will be needed on certification exams and remains a valuable reference for support and administrative personnel on the job.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Windows7
thanksso much
fast deliverygreat product

Good Book!
I have to admit that I am aware of Darril Gibson's work from when I was preparing for several security certification exams, so the bar was already set high. Let me say, he does not disappoint. I really enjoyed reading Chapter 11-Managing Security in Windows 7, as it was clear and concise. I especially liked reading about User Account Control, and how you can tailor the security settings to the appropriate level for your environment. It's not a "dry-read" either, so you won't be using this as a sleep-aid. I would recommend this to everyone who needs to take the MCITP 70-685 and 70-686 certification exams. ... Read more

Product Description

Covers Release Candidate of Windows 7. 

With purchase of this book you will get a free online edition written on final product. See product registration ad in back of book for details.

Microsoft® Windows 7 Unleashed gives IT professionals, serious power users, and true geeks the powerhouse Windows 7 tweaks, hacks, techniques, and insights they need: knowledge that simply can’t be found anywhere else. Top Windows expert Paul McFedries dives deep into Windows 7, returning with the most powerful ways to handle everything from networking to administration, security to scripting.

McFedries begins with advanced customization, covering everything from startup/shutdown to the file system. He introduces new ways to tune Windows 7 performance, police Windows via Group Policies, tweak the Registry, make the most of Windows 7s management tools, and control Windows 7 from the command line. You’ll find thorough coverage of securing Windows 7, including detailed guidance on web and email security and hardening both wireless and wired networks. You’ll also discover better ways to troubleshoot devices, networks, and startup; add Macs to Windows networks; and automate Windows administration with state-of-the-art scripting techniques.

This book is packed with expert tips, tricks, and troubleshooting techniques drawn from McFedries’ unsurpassed Windows experience. If you want maximum value and performance from your Windows 7 PCs, you won’t

find a more valuable resource.

• Customize everything about Windows 7: IE8, startup/shutdown, file systems, the Start menu, Taskbar, and more
• Systematically monitor, tune, and optimize Windows performance–including practical techniques for accelerating startup
• Set up an easy, automated 9-Step maintenance schedule for any Windows 7 PC
• Unleash Windows 7s power user tools, including Group Policies, the Registry, MMC, and the command line
• Secure Windows 7 with security settings: auto-lock, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, parental controls, BitLocker encryption, and more
• Protect your web privacy with Windows 7s new InPrivate Browsing
• Solve problems with Windows 7, startup, networking, and hardware
• Set up reliable Windows 7 networks, and manage them efficiently
• Safely provide remote access and VPN connectivity
• Use Windows 7 as a Web server
• Program the Windows Scripting Host and Windows PowerShell

ON THE WEB:

• Free Online Edition! When Microsoft releases the final product, you can get an updated edition of this book absolutely free!
• All examples and source code presented in this book

$49.99 USA / $59.99 CANz

Customer Reviews (11)

Not great to study for 70-680 certification exam
This book has lots of good information about Windows 7, but does not cover the 70-680 exam objectives very well.The author starts out saying what's wrong with Windows 7 and how he would fix it.This book has some good information about customizing Windows 7 to suit your own needs.It gets into some very good information about configuring startup settings and the Registry.I will keep this book as a good desk reference, but I'm using other materials to study for the 70-680.Unlike other Microsoft study materials, the information in this book is actually useful.

Comprehensive, well indexed information source
This book provides a single source option for many tips/tricks on getting the most out of Windows 7.I'm sure this book has saved me a ton of time - both in searching for specific information and by leveraging tips in the book to speed up everyday tasks.The book is easily understood, logically laid out, and well indexed.

Good,but
Well written book. Much good information, however it just seems to alck that 'something' which would make it special. I fear that I will need another source to polish my Win 7 skills, especially since I skipped Vista. I do feel that it is targeted for too broad of an audience (from newbies to experienced users) and fails to a degree on aiding both groups

underwhelming
I fear that I will have to buy another book on windows 7. This one is both long, and frankly not that detailed about windows 7.

It Was a Poor Choice For Me
I purchased this prior to the release to market version of Windows 7. At that time it was one of the only Windows 7 books available.Although it may prove to be a useful reference, certain critical information is completely missing.

The author assumes your computer already has the correct version of Windows 7 pre-installed on it.There is very little information about the various (somewhat confusing) editions of Windows 7 available to the consumer.There is no discussion about the 32-bit versus the 64-bit versions of the operating system.

Also, the reader will find absolutely no information about installing Windows 7.While that information is certainly available elsewhere, to be a truly comprehensive and useful reference book, it would be nice if the author provided expert advice on what to do if you are installing Windows 7 on a computer previously running XP or Vista. You will not find that information in this book.

According to the author the book should appeal to IT professionals, power users, business users, small business owners, and home users.I think he is optimistic in his assessment.Most IT departments do not want their business users messing with the operating system on their computers, most small business owners just want their computers to work, and the majority of home users just want to know the least they need to know to get their computer to do what they want it to do.That leaves power users and IT professionals as the real target audience. Since I am neither, I can not assess the value of the book for these groups.I am sorry I bought it and can't think of anyone to whom I would recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Little Book!
I am one with little experience in Group Policy and found this book to be a helpful supplement to what I already know.It goes into detail in the right areas.Would recommend to others, especailly those that have some knowledge about Group Policy.

Somewhat Disappointing
I would have liked to have seen more information on (older) Windows 2003 Server and Windows xp. Talks more about Windows 2008 Server and Vista and the new tools. So Great if you have the latest, not so great if you don't. This was my first delve into group policy and it's not clear what works with XP and Windows Server 2003 and what doesn't. Would have been nice to have a section differentiating what still applies to XP and older and what doesn't as opposed to Server 2008/Vista and Newer.

Good book
Just reading the first few pages and I was more comfortable with Group Policies(GP), would recommend for people wanting to learn about GP.

A Must Read!
Out of all the Windows 2008 books I have, this one stands out as the best. William Stanek is a great writer, and has put together a stellar book that should be required reading for every System Administrator!

Should be REQUIRED reading for all IT Pros
William Stanek never ceases to amaze me with how much great info he can pack into his pocket consultants. There's not one that's not worth it's weight in gold and I mean that. His are the only books I've ever read front to back and then gone back in for a second or third read with highlighter in hand. Everyone in IT I work with has at least one of his books if not several and sometimes several copies of the ones they have.

I bought three copies of this and three copies of Active Directory® Administrator's Pocket Consultant (Administrators Pocket Consultant). I kept one of each and gave out the rest in my last staff meeting. There are no other books I will buy for my team, because no other books are as good. I am also grown up enough to admit knowledge I got from his books over the years are what earned me multiple promotions.

What makes this book so good is its relentless focus on what matters and the deep level of technical information William shares. William knows Windows and Microsoft products better than any 10 other tech experts on the planet put together.

No other Group Policy book I've ever read has been as good and what's even better is William does this in less than 320 pages. The 600+ page book I had before this didn't explain half of this even half as well. I'll finish by also saying this book should be used with William's Windows Server 2008 Inside Out. ... Read more

Product Description
Tommy Lynn Sells was one of the worst serial killers in history.A little girl would bring him to justice.The confession from Sells to another murder in this book may bring justice to a wrongfully convicted woman--but he didn't admit responsibility to the authorities, he confessed to the author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

He killed someone I knew!!!
In the seventh grade I attended Southern Middle school with Haley McHone.She was sweet and kept to her self but she loved to help the teachers with little tasks such as, collecting calculators before the start of the next class.My friend was taken away by this sick, twisted, crazy devil.He is not human and could not be to have done the things that he did to my friend and all the others that he killed.I pray for these families that have lost someone at this sadistic killers hands. He will forever rot in hell!!!!

Not for the faint of heart
This is the most graphic of all of the true crime books I have read so far. Sometimes it made me sick. Mr. Sells committed so many murders and they are recounted in the book blow by blow. Other true crime books do this also, but the magnitude of Mr. Sells violence is above anything I have ever read.

Overall a good true crime book, but be prepared for a LOT of graphic descriptions of murders.

Very well researched
I read this book in one day the day I actually received it. It was a short book but very well researched.I was not aware of this serial killer and even looked up more on the content of this book.Some of the crimes were disturbing but I still continued to read the book. The trail part was very boring to me but I did read on.

Subject is Scary but book is not.
I just finished Diane Fanning's "Through the Window."As a long-time reader of true crime books, I have to admit disappointment in this one.
The book reads more like a list of grisly calendar events, than stories of depravity and murder. There are not enough details, not enough descriptive adjectives, and when there are, they seem to be the wrong ones. The pace of the book is frantic.Killing after killing with little explanation or feeling is listed.Little attempt was made to get to know the victims or their circumstances. In fact, there is a greater attempt to evoke sympathy for the killer than for the victims. I kept reading in hopes that something would emerge beyond just reporting, but it did not.

To her credit, Ms. Fanning obviously put a lot of research time into the writing of this book.But the reporting of those crimes is so passionless, as if she were naming spices in the cupboard.

I know Ms. Fanning will probably say that I have an agenda and I do.My agenda is to find and read well-written true crime stories.This one does not fall into that category.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Need A Ride? Jump in My Car.
This book details the crimes,at least some of them and the one that got him caught in a fluff, tabloid type treatment.Not the clinical examination of his life I had hoped for.I had heard of Tommy Lynn Sells via the TV and found his case interesting. The book was instead jumpy at times,hopefully factually accurate and was given a feel from a female author that seemed to be trying to elicit sympathy for a man who was devoid of empathy.It had the potential to be much more under a different focus but was superficial and poorly established.Good, I guess if you enjoy reading the lurid tales of cross country serial killers after all, he did and does exist and is quite real and did all the things the book claims he did and more.I would have liked more biography in order to get a better look at why he did it.It gives you some insight but was clearly rushed. Buy it only because there is nothing else out there about this three named killer. But for the serious student of psychopathy and its dark legion you, as I, will be left craving more of the life of Tommy Lynn Sells and his murderous lifestyle than this book can offer. ... Read more

Product Description
The perfect handbook for those who need to deploy, install, and configure installations, upgrade from previous versions, understand network addresses, manage day-to-day operations, configure storage, manage users and groups, implement security measures, configure mail services, and perform other vital administrative tasks.
Covers the enhanced features and updates of the new version including the Microsoft .NET framework, Active Directory and its new drag and drop object management, Internet Information Server, and the Microsoft Management Console. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

As stated
Seems to be fine so far.I have very limited experience with the nuts-and-bolts of networking so it's been good.

Just what it says
I am a developer who is installing a 'real' network for the first time--up to this point, my partner and I have used an NAS device attached to a router. This is a very good book for getting a Windows Server 2003 box up and running, configuring it as a domain controller, and adding users to the network. It does a nice job explaining essential networking concepts and terms along the way. But it's a Dummies book, so don't expect an in-depth treatment of either networking or WS 2003. In other words, this book won't prepare you for a Microsoft certification exam. But from here, you can easily go into a more detailed treatment, such as Windows Server 2003 Bible. Recommended for networking newbies working on their first WS 2003 installation.

Not Actually a Dummies Book
The worst Dummies book I've ever bought.

That is, I'm sure much of the information is very useful, BUT IT ISN'T _REMOTELY_ A DUMMIES BOOK!!!!

It is clearly aimed, not at "dummies" or rank beginners with Windows Server, but at people upgrading from Windows Server 2000 or even NT Server.That would've been fine, if the title weren't dummies anything but something like "Upgrading to Windows Server 2003", but it isn't.

On the other hand, it wastes time discussing basic networking concepts that any intermediate user already knows, or shouldn't even be thinking of trying to administer a server.Maybe I shouldn't be but, running a small nonprofit without the resources to pay $100/hr. for someone to do it for us, it isn't a matter of choice.

What I needed, and still need, is a book that clearly introduces server concepts to someone who's never used it before, as one might expect a Dummies book should do.

Dummies Review
This is my first experience with the "Dummies" series of books and I am quite pleased. It is complete without being too "techie".I am an IT person in a small reegional hospital and we are changing from a NT 4.0 based server to a 2003 based server and I was concerned about easily changing all of our users over to the new system.I am hoping this book will make the transition easier.
This is my second experience with purchasing from Amazon online and they were pleasent experiences.

Review of Windows Server 2003 for dummies
Have not had a chance to read book yet.
But came on time and price was right. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Quick summary vs how to
replacement window section is very brief, which was surprising since this should be the most read section of a how to book on windows. Instructions include using obscure tools for a beginner such as sill-bevel gauge??? Is this a level? Three sentences instructing you to check the sill, side and jambs are level but no detail on how to do it. Why is this important - your window won't seal properly if it is done wrong. The rest of the book progresses the same.Must be a better how to book.

Better than Expected
Order received when promised.Condition of used book better than expected.Very happy.

Great Book
Bought this book to help my wife and I to teach us how to remove and install new windows and doors. So far from what I have read, this is a great book! Lots of pictures and detailed instructions.

fresh air
This review comes from a certified non-handy guy with minimal practical skills. I was fortunate enough a year ago to discover a fine window guy. As a result, we have excellent Pella window replacements in our 1930 Indiana home.

I bought this book to help me with next steps: specifically, what do do about our crumbling main entrance way and our on-again, off-again internal doors. It all has charm, you understand. The problem is it only works half the time.

Before I make the investment in these next steps, I want to understand my options, what portions of it I might remotely hope to do myself, what I'm in for if I hire an external expert to do the work.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WINDOWS AND DOORS has helped me on every one of those fronts. In addition, it's just a handsome book with lots of good illustrations and well-written text.

We're not talking Dostoyevsky here. You'll need to go elsewhere for great literature. But I doubt the old Russian was much good with windows and doors, anyway.

This book is a keeper.

Weekend carpenter installing a door
This book is one of the Black and Decker series.It concerns doors and windows.It has a lot of pictures.It shows each step of installing a door.It shows which tools to use and when to use them.It shows how to cut and fit the door and trim.I like it when there is a picture with a caption under it which explains what is happening in detail.Often times a two page spread would have 12 pictures with 12 captions.I think my work will look more professional now that I have read the book.I use it for reference at times.I recommend the book. ... Read more