Very quick service, got exactly what I was expecting. Item was received in excellent condition.

This book covers the former Windows codename "Longhorn" server operating system now in BETA release and subject to change. It describes what Microsoft believes to be the value of the various changes it has made to the operating system. The material does not go into much technical depth. The author mentions that a follow-on book will be published to match the final release version of the software. Kind of a light read, snacky sort of book, despite its heft.

I purchased this book when it was the only Windows 2008 book available. I used it along with many downloaded Step-By-Step Guides and Whitepapers from Microsoft to prepare for and pass the 70-649 Upgrade exam.

The first time I read through this book I hated it. The only thing that keep me going was the fact that there wans't any other books out there. What I hated was the less than serious tone to the book. Of course, I don't beleive that it was originally ment to be published. I admit that I'm more criticle than most, since I spent 15 years writing course curriculm.

But my opion of the book did a complete 180 on the second read. By that time I was numb to the "what was supose to be funning" parts. I was able to just ignor them instead of letting it get on my nerves. Also by this time I had read all of that downloaded stuff. I could see that some of the book was simple cut-n-paste from the downloaded stuff, but there was plenty of original stuff, and very usfull insights. Considering how ealy in the development cycle it was written, this book is extreamly complete and well organized.

Even though, there are now plenty of other Widows 2008 books to choose from, I feel that this book could still be very usfull as a first read. As the title says, its an introduction to Windows 2008.

The book got us through the initial install of a Core Server implimentaion. Couldn't have done it without it.

I ordered this book, because it was the cheapest Windows Server 2008 book that was available before Server 2008 was released. It is a good introduction to Server 2008. I'd recommend this to MCSE's who want to refresh their skills, but I don't recommend it for 'Dummies'. This book is well written and has a lot of 'From the Experts' comments by members of the Server 2008 Longhorn development team. There are good comparisons between Server 2008, Server 2003 and 2000 Server too. One thing bad about this book is that it's written about the Beta 3 release of Server 2003, not the final version. When the final release comes out, I'll probably need other study materials to help pass the new certification exams. The final version should be released soon. If you are planning on studying for the certification exams, you might want to hold out for books specifically geared towards the 70-640, 642, 643, 646 or 647 exams. This book is still a good reference a very in depth introduction to Server 2008.

I ordered this book, because it was the cheapest Windows Server 2008 book that was available before Server 2008 was released. It is a good introduction to Server 2008. I'd recommend this to MCSE's who want to refresh their skills, but I don't recommend it for 'Dummies'. This book is well written and has a lot of 'From the Experts' comments by members of the Server 2008 Longhorn development team. There are good comparisons between Server 2008, Server 2003 and 2000 Server too. One thing bad about this book is that it's written about the Beta 3 release of Server 2003, not the final version. When the final release comes out, I'll probably need other study materials to help pass the new certification exams. The final version should be released soon. If you are planning on studying for the certification exams, you might want to hold out for books specifically geared towards the 70-640, 642, 643, 646 or 647 exams. This book is still a good reference a very in depth introduction to Server 2008.