Reviews for Windows Server 2008 Resource Kit Book/CD/DVD Package (PRO - Resource Kit)

1. Massive Technical Resource

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, July 12rd, 2009

   This resource kit, all 4,400 pages of it, is squarely aimed at the solutions designer/ technical architect who needs a really comprehensive `deep dive' reference on their desk. Perhaps best bought for a small team of people each taking a separate specialisation. I certainly hit information overload trying to tackle the whole lot.
   Books are for browsing and picking up ideas. If you need find something specific then searching the accompanying eBooks is a better approach. Much of the content here is available on the Microsoft web site or in separate books. However the ability to have nearly everything you may ever need concerning Windows 2008 to immediately hand is the reason why you would purchase such a big kit.
   
   Six books covering
   
   1. Active directory
   2. Internet Information Services (IIS)
   3. PowerShell Scripting Guide
   4. Windows Administration
   5. Security
   6. Network Access Protection (NAP)
   
   With further eBooks on TCPIP as well as numerous tools, files and scripts. That NAP gets a whole book to itself says this is a kit for those intent on implementing the new features of Windows 2008 rather an just doing an upgrade from Windows 2003.
   
   Only downside is that the kit was launched April 2008, or over a year ago as I write. It was therefore out before Windows 2008 R2 and Windows 7. As a result is now a little dated, as does not cover enhancements such as Direct Access or BranchCache. This is just a comment on how quickly Microsoft has added functionality to Windows 2008, rather than a criticism of the resource kit.
   This resource kit would be valuable to those designing or working in enterprise environments 2008, especially secure environments, where a high level of automation and understanding is required.