The thing about Windows XP Professional is, users love it. It has a slick interface and it behaves far more intelligently and predictably than some of its predecessors. The new system of software registration aside, Windows XP surely is the most highly acclaimed Microsoft operating system since Windows 95. Which means you--you being the system administrator, or organizational computing guru by some other title--have to know how to make it go and how to make the changes that users and bosses will inevitably require. Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows XP Professional provides you with the procedures you need to get jobs done in a hurry, plus a considerable amount of background information that will help you comprehend what's really going on. The authors' work can't be called all-encompassingly deep, but it is solid and well researched, and will answer most administrators' questions most of the time.
The formula used here is pretty standard, and generally effective. The writer will open his discussion of a subject--virtual private networks (VPNs), say, or performance logging--with some background information, then proceed to relate one or more procedures (stepped, but not too lavishly illustrated). Concluding prose explains variations upon the procedure, or how the subject at hand interacts with some other Windows feature. One particularly nice feature of this book (and of others in this series): The question-and-answer pages at the end of each chapter. These aren't put in as afterthoughts and are a good way to gain valuable nuggets of knowledge about Windows XP. --David Wall
Microsoft Windows XP for power users and administrators. Particularly nice coverage goes to installation of the operating system, configuration of networks--including virtual private networks (VPNs) and dial-up network connections--and disaster-preparedness utilities like IntelliMirror and restore points. This book ships with a quiz CD for those readers with exams in their future.
Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows XP Professional is a comprehensive guide for systems administrators and network responsible for deploying Windows XP Professional across the network. Designed to compete directly with books such as Mastering Windows 2000 Professional by Mark Minasi, it is comprehensive in scope, covering how to plan for, install, configure, and troubleshoot all of the user and administrative services that will be included with XP.
“When I first saw Windows XP in the early beta versions, I was astonished by the number of additions and improvements that Microsoft had incorporated into it. Windows XP is the most feature-rich and useful desktop operating system yet. Because Windows XP includes so many new and useful features, the prospect of mastering it may appear daunting. However, many will find that using Windows XP will make using a computer more enjoyable, and that mastering XP is more a matter of play, rather than work. To put it simply: XP rocks. I found both myself and the other contributors with whom I worked on this book sharing a common enthusiasm for the product. It is our hope that we also communicate this enthusiasm to you, and that you will find this book informative and enjoyable.”
About the Author
Martin Grasdal (MCSE+I, MCT, CNE, CNI, CTT, A+), Director of Cramsession Content at Brainbuzz.com, has worked in the computer industry for over eight years. His training and networking experience covers a broad range of products, including NetWare, Lotus Notes, Windows NT and 2000, Exchange Server, IIS, and Proxy Server. Martin also works actively as a consultant. His recent consulting experience includes contract work for Microsoft as a Technical Contributor to the MCP Program on projects related to server technologies. Martin lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with his wife Cathy and their two sons.
Norris L. Johnson, Jr. (MCSE, MCT, CTT, A+, Network +) is a technology trainer and owner of a consulting company in the Seattle-Tacoma area. His consultancies have included deployments and security planning for local firms and public agencies, as well as providing services to other local computer firms in need of problem solving and solutions for their clients. He specializes in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 issues, providing planning and implementation and integration services. In addition to consulting work, Norris trains extensively in the AATP program at Highline Community College’s Federal Way, WA campus, and has taught in the vocational education arena at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, WA. Norris holds a Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University. He is deeply appreciative of the guidance and support offered by his parents and wife Cindy during the years of transition and education to make the career change that has been so wonderful to be involved in.