Rating: 
Summary: What a disappointment!
Review: The content of the book doesn't match its title. By no means it is "the complete reference" to SQL Server 2000. It merely touches SQL 2000 functions here and there. For Internet/Web functions, for example, it only gives a tiny portion to mention XML, totally ignoring SQL Server 2000's other web functions, such as ASP and ISAPI. If you are looking for a reference book on SQL server 2000, stay with Microsoft IT Professional books. The bottom line is: it is misleading to claim to be "the complete reference" of SQL server 2000 while the book merely touches some (not all) surface of SQL server 2000.
Rating: 
Summary: Barely useful!
Review: This book has barely more information than the online manuals provided with SQL Server 2000. There's lots of topics, but not covered in depth-- just like the online manuals. There's a big picture on almost every page, and the book is written verbosely. Less than half of the book is actually useful. The other half is filled with useless adjectives (like 'actually' in the previous sentence) and pointless analogies or anecdotes. Phewww! What stinks? This book!
Rating:
Summary: Barely useful!
Review: This book has barely more information than the online manuals provided with SQL Server 2000. There's lots of topics, but not covered in depth-- just like the online manuals. There's a big picture on almost every page, and the book is written verbosely. Less than half of the book is actually useful. The other half is filled with useless adjectives (like 'actually' in the previous sentence) and pointless analogies or anecdotes. Phewww! What stinks? This book!
Rating: 
Summary: For a beginer like me ...... It's OK! ;)
Review: This book is comprehensive and informative. The writing is mostly clear and accessible. You have to be pretty determined to make it through this book. The author covers a lot of ground and I did not find it to be particularly engaging. I coaxed myself through by reading chapters from the section on system administration in parallel with the earlier chapters on SQL language, syntax, and queries that were pretty dry. I didn't want to skip anything.I rated this book 3 stars. I have read a lot of SQL Server books since 1998 and my expectations have risen. This isn't a bad book but it is among the dullest treatments I have encountered. Is this a good book for beginners? Yes. Many readers want a one-volume source and this one meets that need. If you want to learn SQL Server this book offers the basic education you need. A few sections will make no sense to a beginner. They made little sense to me and I'm not a beginner anymore. But if you keep at it by the end you will have a good general understanding and ability with SQL Server 2000.
Rating:
Summary: Not There.
Review: This is a great book. Information is organized and flows very well. With an MCP in Data Warehousing, this book provided me a really good view of "SQL Server Land". Others have been critical about the depth of content, but the author makes it very clear that some topics are too big for this type of book, with over 900 pages- it's provides plenty. In addition, the author interjects humor that makes reading more pleasurable. This is the best SQL Server book I have read yet!
Rating: 
Summary: Not a complete reference, but a comprehensive overview
Review: This is a great book. Information is organized and flows very well. With an MCP in Data Warehousing, this book provided me a really good view of "SQL Server Land". Others have been critical about the depth of content, but the author makes it very clear that some topics are too big for this type of book, with over 900 pages- it's provides plenty. In addition, the author interjects humor that makes reading more pleasurable. This is the best SQL Server book I have read yet!
Rating:
Summary: Thumb up
Review: Very informitave and concise details. I have serveral on my shelf, but use this one from now on. Overall 5 star.
Rating:
Summary: Thumb up
Review: Very informitave and concise details. I have serveral on my shelf, but use this one from now on. Overall 5 star.
| 
