Although the typos are numerous, this book is an excellent guide for SharePoint administrators. SharePoint users probably won't want to wade through all the technical details included in this book so it shouldn't be difficult to keep it on the administrator's desk. If you get just one book, get this one!

I should have read all the reviews on this. I thought it was a developer book. But having said that, I thought this book is quite informative to developers as well. There are some very minor typo errors but, as another reviewer said, I like the style of the author in the way he presented and discussed the subjects. I also like the timing of the small (and what I call) a "diversion" section where he mentions other things that may be somewhat related to the topic he was currently discussing.

Overall, I'd recommend this book as a companion book if you are a developer. Very good admin reference! It is probably the best one at the moment.

If you are looking for a book that will actually explain how to install a single server or farm, this is it. The author goes into great detail, including how to set the SQL server permissions. Every SharePoint administrator should have this book. It is more useful than even the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Administrator's Companion.

I come to this as a database developer with 25 years experience and with absolutely no knowledge of SharePoint. I rarely write a review. But on this book, I had to do so.

When I first started to administer and develop in SharePoint, I knew nothing about it. So I got 5 books. I still use one other book (the development book) for the heavy lifting but most of the time I use Mastering Windows SharePoint Services by Callahan.

I have several friends in other organizations that administer SharePoint. The ones who have training and knowledge love it. Those that do not, hate it. This is one way to get that information.

First, Callahan shows in detail how to install and secure SharePoint as he lists the underlying functions such as email, searching, and accounts.

Then, one command at a time he takes us through the process of all the services - lists, libraries, web parts, work spaces, and others.

Next, he demonstrates how granular the rights and privileges can be given. Specific users can see, access, use, or modify exactly what the site director decides while he monitors the activity.

Each step of every example is demonstrated throughout. Then the background information is discussed in depth.

Whether you are new to SharePoint or you are an administrator on it, this book will answer most of your questions.

The best book on SharePoint Services 3.0 and I have read just about every book about SharePoint Services. Bookmark her blog at [...]. Also get Inside Microsoft Windows Services 3.0 by Ted Pattison and Daniel Larson and Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer 2007 Step by Step by Penelope Coventry.

This is the only book on WSS 3.0 that I've found to be complete. It comes at over a thousand pages. No other title even comes close. It's well-written, interesting to read (no mean feat for a tech book!), and most important--it's accurate and relevant. It covers all the base admin stuff in more depth than any other book on the topic I've seen. If you only have budget for one WSS 3.0 book, here's where you should spend it.

After our recent adoption of WSS 3.0 I spent many a weeks in training classes and text books. What I found most difficult was finding a book that focused on WSS 3.0 from network administrators point of view. Most books I read were a 70/30 split with 70% about SharePoint and its webparts and lists and such and only 30% about the Networking side and things to look for in IIS, SQL, and general services that ran with WSS. This book fit the bill perfect and was also enjoyable to read. The author was humorous throughout as well as detailed in her presentation. All points of thought and option were geared from what NetAdmins are more concerned about, network performance / Security and less about how pretty a list can look for an end-user.

Recently I started thinking about Sharepoint for one of my clients. Since I'd never had an opportunity to really delve into it, I watched a couple of Microsoft Videos to get an overview. Then I purchased this book. Aside from an enormous amount of typos, this is an EXCELLENT book. It covers everything I want to know in a very organized and understandable way. I highly recommend it and hope they find an editor who can fix the annoying typos!!!

As a SharePoint instructor I am always on the lookout for additional references that I can recommend to my students and also use to improve my own delivery of a complex topic.

I think it is essential to have a clear understanding of Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) as the foundation of what MS refers to as "SharePoint Products and Technologies". Many people (myself included) dig right into MS Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) without a complete understanding of what is part of WSS what is only available with a MOSS license. This problem is exacerbated if the only SharePoint reference on your bookshelf is a MOSS reference (hint - book titles with SharePoint 2007 or SharePoint Server 2007 in the title are probably MOSS books).

I really like the authors writing style. I find the explanations clear and the style comfortable and accessible.

I highly recommend this book whether you are in a MOSS or WSS only environment.

I have not finished this book yet, but the information I have gleaned so far I nothing short of fantastic! Clear, in depth, easy to understand and drilling to the technical depths is how I would describe this book. I would write more, but I just can't wait to go back to reading.