I bought this book back in April to help me learn Windows Server 2008. At first I was somewhat overwhelmed as this is a monster book at nearly 1500 pages. I hung in there and read through Chapters 1, 2 and 3. Those chapters introduce new features, provide advice for planning and give specific instructions for installing Windows Server 2008. They are so well organized and so well presented that I felt better about making the move to Windows Server 2008.

In the acknowledgements, William states he has been working with Windows Server 2008 for six years (since 2002). After reading almost every chapter and page in the book over the past 4 months, it is clear that he knows Windows inside and out --- and probably better than anyone else in IT.

With what I learned from this book, I was able to help plan the migration of our network and directory services to Windows Server 2008. My manager selected me to perform the migration in our test lab. This was such a success I was selected to lead the deployment team, and our deployment is proceeding without a hitch!

The book is so packed with useful information I feel I got my money's worth and then some. I've bought several of Stanek's books in the past and they've never let me down. His writing style is top notch --- clear, concise and no nonsense.

I like this book, but what's with the draft-mode printing? The text is so light compared to my other "Inside Out" books, I wonder if this is Microsoft's way of trying to save some money by printing in what looks like draft mode? I study late at night by a lamp, and I have to strain sometimes to continue reading hours at a time with this light print.

My other issue is the ebook, the font doesn't really resemble the book. It seems like the book is printed in Times New Roman (I could be wrong), but the ebook is printed in...something else that's not too easy on the eyes.

However, the content is excellent, and other than the printing of the book and ebook, I'm glad I made this purchase.

Stanek's Windows Server 2008 Inside Out is the definitive resource for network administrators who are deploying and using Windows Server 2008. I've never found a single server book that tells you everything you will ever need to know about any edition of Windows Server, but this one comes close and it digs in much deeper into the most relevant topics than any other Windows Server 2008 book I've used.

I have my MCSE, CCNE, CompTIA Security+ certifications, and I have enjoyed reading Stanek's books for years. He writes everything in friendly easy to understand language, so that you don't get lost in computer jargon. He also has a very organized and very clear style and his details are never off topic. He truly understands Windows and his sense of what's important and what's not makes it possible to read the whole book and get the most information out of it.

I feel that Windows Server 2008 Inside Out is the greatest book for me. I have tried many others and can find more answers in this than any other.

My copy of this book has so many highlights, dog ears, and sticky notes it looks like a porcupine. I'm definitely glad I have it. You will be too.

On a different note, the book is so big it's difficult to lug around. I bought a second copy so I have one at home without having to lug my work copy home.

This manual is awesome for all your WinSvr08 needs and it's all delivered in William Stanek's extremely friendly, to-the-point prose. No stand-up routines and asides to wade through to get what you need, but with clarity and intelligence throughout that keeps you reading. Yes, even though it's a computer manual.

Throughout, you'll be rewarded with tons of practical tips and how-tos that make such a difference. For example, I've been using Windows since before WinNT, and I got a bunch of excellent tips in the very first chapters!

WinSvr08's a whole new os, and while the obviously new features are covered, there are major improvements and tweaks to almost everything, and this is a Really Great Guide for pointing out the new way of doing things (even for those things you think you know already.)

If you're going to get one book on WinSvr08, get this one. It's accessible so you can get what you need quickly if you're looking for specific help, while having substantial depth to make a more comprehensive reading of it rewarding. Certainly do recommend it.

Stanek once again is able to take technical topics and make them understandable. I have been running WinServer08 since beta one, and this book is an excellent reference for those of us already familiar with the Windows operating systems and newcomers alike.

It's written like all Stanek's others to deliver what I needed. It's so good I read the first few chapters straight through.

I have enjoyed reading Stanek's books for years. My understanding always has increased while reading his books. He understands practical IT in the real world and writes from experience and with a goal to increase our understanding.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone upgrading from previous versions and any current administrators.