Windows 2000 Security Little Black Book: The Hands-On Reference Guide for Establishing a Secure Windows 2000 Network

Rating:
Summary: A very comprehensive overview of Windows 2K security
Review: A must-have for windows 2000 administrators and security personel.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Win 2K security overview
Review: This book is a must-have for system administrators and security professionals.

Rating:
Summary: Empty, Unorganized, and Stale
Review: This book suffers from lack of organization, content, and insight, seemingly copied from a Microsoft Website lesson, assumes far too much without authority and delivers too little. We tried contacting the author, Ian McLean, but his email address bounced. Then we found his website does not answer and even the name server email address bounced. Perhaps he received too many negative emails.

As an example, the use of Active Directory best requires a DC installation. But the author fails to mention this which can be disastrous and lead the inexperienced reader on an endless quest. This sort of problem is rampant throughout. He writes in a rambling dialog guised as decent reference to the layperson but usually without a reference point. Even experienced Network Administrators would have problems following his chaotic, amateurish chapters.

There are far too many omissions in the book, far too many inaccuracies. But the main problem is trying to follow what he's written in some kind of decent order. This is not a reference, but a mess. I was quite surprised at how badly written it actually is.

Robert Jennings
Computer Science Editor
The Oregon Herald

Rating:
Summary: A very comprehensive overview of Windows 2K security
Review: Well to start, I really like this book, PERIOD. I am a MCSE, MCT. We are using NT 4, and most likely be evaluating Windows 2000. I have already used w2k for months, home lab, will be teaching w2k, implementing w2k. I need quick, precise info on w2k security. I am taking the w2k security design beta/real exam as well. I am also taking the w2k betas (including the w2k Security Design 70-220 in about 2 hrs). I also plan to teach the MOC for w2k Security as well as become "expert" on security issues as well as implementation in w2k.

Its best if you have w2k adv server set up, parent/child domain but while waiting this book will get you up to speed in a hurry. At work we are using buzz words like public key, VPN, Radius server as well as doing this. Also smart cards and certificate services which I wish I read his book before I took the betas but I will be ready when the real exams come out. With this book I get to read about w2k security and there are quick little exercises to demo the w2k security features. Oh yes the price of the book is quite reasonable. So get the book, become an expert on w2k security. The review is a bit rambling but in 70 min or so I am taking the w2k Security Design beta, a "neat" way to spend 3-4 hrs on a Saturday morning.