Product Description
Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Unleashed provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 and Enterprise Project Management (EPM). This book should be used as a reference to guide you through system capabilities and the use of more advanced product features in the context of your business processes. In this book you will find cutting-edge information, including the necessary framework and approach to implement a complex project management software product. Find practical, real-world guidance on how to plan, install, configure, deploy, use, manage, and customize your EPM Implementation. This book is your only in-depth source for Microsoft Office Project Server 2007! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

if the product had arrived....
Well, if the product had arrived on time, I would have a review to make. I ordered this book with express international shipping, because I needed it for a test I'm taking, and guess what? It didn't arrive, and I was told to wait an extra full month to see if it would arrive or not.

One of best book regarding WPS
The one of the two best book regarding WPS.
The other one is Implementing and Administering Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 (Epm Learning)

If you're implementing Project Server, THIS IS THE BOOK
This is actually one of the best books I have seen in support of a product.Not only does it provide in depth information, it is specific to certain 'views' about the product, including technical, business, adoption, etc.If you are implementing Project Server, this will be one of the wisest decisions you could make to purchase this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Apply Your SQL Server DBA Skills to Oracle Database Administration

Use your SQL Server experience to set up and maintain a high-performance Oracle Database environment. Written by a DBA with expertise in both platforms, Oracle Database Administration for Microsoft SQL Server DBAs illustrates each technique with clear explanations, examples, and comparison tables. Get full details on Oracle Database intervals, creation assistants, management techniques, and query tools. High availability, disaster recovery, and security procedures are also extensively covered in this comprehensive Oracle Press guide.

• Install and configure Oracle Database on Windows or Linux systems
• Administer and monitor databases from Oracle Enterprise Manager
• Implement robust security using roles, permissions, and privileges
• Back up and restore databases with Oracle Recovery Manager
• Use the Oracle cost-based optimizer to tune performance
• Write, debug, and execute PL/SQL queries using Oracle SQL Developer
• Maximize availability with Oracle Real Application Clusters
• Build standby and failover servers using Oracle Data Guard

Customer Reviews (1)

Practical and Useful
Working in mixed database environments is a very interesting challenge, both for DBAs and developers. If we already have experience with SQL Server, and need to work with Oracle, our SQL Server experience may be an advantage- we already have a good handle on what an RDBMS should do (backups, restores, etc.). On the other hand, our experience and common patterns with SQL Server may cause us to make mistakes on Oracle, because its internals and best practices are not the same.

I have read a book named "Oracle Database Administration for Microsoft SQL Server DBAs", and I really liked it. The book's goal is to introduce Oracle to SQL Server data professionals, to explain similarities and differences between these two very common RDBMS. This book is filled with practical, real life information, necessary to perform daily activities of a production DBA. The book can really prevent us from missteps when we try to use Oracle as if it were SQL Server. It has the following chapters:

*Oracle Internals - I was especially fascinated by the description of transaction process flow, which is different in Oracle
*Oracle Installation, which also describes a few useful Linux commands, and connectivity
*Database Definitions and Setup (databases and schemas have different meanings)
*DBA Tools
*Database Backup, Restore, and Recovery
*Database Maintenance
*Performance and Tuning
* PL/SQL (which is VERY different from T-SQL)
* High Availability Architecture

Overall, this is a must-read book for any SQL Server professional intending to improve their Oracle skills. ... Read more

Product Description
Use this comprehensive tutorial and reference to increase productivity and write stored procedures using the language with which you're most familiar. The revised content covers new features such as XML integration, Web services, the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR), and security updates, making this book a must for any developer or database administrator transitioning to the new version of SQL Server. You'll learn to develop SQL Server database and data connections, administer SQL Server, and keep databases performing at their peak. In addition, you'll find dozens of specific examples in both a graphical format and as SQL code as well as numerous best practices describing the most effective way to accomplish a given task. A companion Web site provides all of the code examples found in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

I Like This Book
I recently started using SQL Server 2005.I have some programming and database experience, but none with SQL Server.I am very pleased with the book.It provided a quick refresher of basics, and a clear description of the Server tools.It has already helped greatly, pointing out some of the places where SQL Server varies from standard SQL, and additional commands/tools I would not have found for a long time.I am happy with the writing style, and find the book easy to follow.

Excellent reference book for SQL Server
This book is well written, easy to follow and easy to apply the code as presented.I would give it a "5" if it had the code samples for creating SQL for a report that includes multiple fields and a subtotal by grouping and a grand total for the report.While there is some information in this book, it does not assist well in solving this particular problem.

Overall, worth the money for a reference if you are a SQL Developer, DBA, BSA, or an instructor or trainer.

Good Book for Beginner
This is a good book for a beginner. I would have given it 5 stars if it had more examples. I am an intermediate Oracle programmer and needed a book that gives me an Oracle to SQL Server examples. It goes too much into T-SQl for my current job location. Overall once I make the move from Oracle to SQL Server it will become more useful. I will use it as a reference tool.

Can someone please send me the rest of the text!
First off, my biggest complaint is the discrepancies between code listed in the text book, and the sample databases downloaded from the author's web site. If you are providing sample databases for download, please make sure the column names referenced in your SQL statements actually exist in the tables!
I found it very difficult to follow the logical flow of the book.It always seemed like I was getting to a lecture half way thru, wondering if what I missed in the first 10 minutes would help my understanding of what the author is talking about.Tools are often explained, but the author never shows you how to open the tools, or set them as defaults.There is no logical flow from one topic to the next, again, you feel like you're ten minutes late to the lecture.
I would wager that half of my time reading this book is spent on trying to follow the author's train of thought, then applying it to SQL.Perhaps the most common expression I make reading this text is, "WTF?!"I'll definitely be purchasing some other text.
Definitely not for SQL beginners, and if you are advanced, this probably won't help you.

On a side note: This lack of attention to detail and inability to connect to the reader seems to be a "Bible" book theme.I also have a Red Had Linux Bible book that suffers the exact same complaints.At first I thought it was the author, but now that I've got my hands on a second "Bible" publication with the exact same problems, I'll be steering clear of these!

The best book available for the strict DBA
There are really three kinds of database professionals:

-Administrators
-Architects/Designers
-Developers

Now, some people play all three roles or two of the three roles. This book is definitely not the best book for people who are strictly developers as is reflected by some of the reviews at this site. Of course, the book is not intended for that class of database professional (in fact, they are really not database professionals if they are strictly developers, but are more developers who have to have a database for their application).

For those who play the role of the Administrator only - and there are thousands of you out there because I teach many of you in my classes - or a combination of administrator/designer this is the best single book you will find. (That's right, the author of another book on SQL Server is suggesting that his book is not the best single book... my book helps you specifically in preparing for the 70-431 exam and is not intended to have the breadth of coverage of this book.) Some developers just don't realize that most small businesses with an IT staff of less than twenty do not have dedicated database people and this book is for those people in those businesses. They are not going to write a lot of applications, if any, from the ground up, but they must support SQL Server databases that have been developed by others.

They need to understand backups and restorations, data export, data import, data tranformation (ETL), security, performance issues and other administrative tasks. All if this is covered sufficiently in the SQL Server 2005 Bible.

I must say that I have not always been a fan of the "Bible" series, but this book has been great since the SQL Server 2000 level when I started recommending it.

I hope this helps you make your decision. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive administrator’s reference delivers the details you need to successfully deploy, manage, and support Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2. The authors, experts and MVPs in Microsoft operating systems and server technologies, provide easy-to-follow procedures, practical workarounds, and key troubleshooting tactics for everyday, on-the-job results. Delve into system features and capabilities—and get hands-on insights for implementing messaging and collaboration, Internet access, data storage, printing, faxing, support for line-of-business applications, and end-to-end network administration for your small business. This book covers all Small Business Server 2003 R2 components, including Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 R2, Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 technology, Microsoft SQL Server™ 2005, Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004, Microsoft Office Outlook® 2003, and Windows SharePoint® technologies, in a single volume, along with time-saving tools, scripts, and a complete eBook on CD. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

pretty technical
Although a great book stack full of information, the book has all it's information jumbled all over the book. I found it annoying having to find more info on a certain subject buried deep into the book. A good book, but not a book I found easy to read...

SBS Reference Bible
Anyone who is serious about being competent in the SBS space must keep this book nearby as a reference. It is well written by highly respected authors.

Saved Me Hours of Time
I maintain a small business server for a local company. When we recently upgraded to MS SBS I found I needed some help, so I purchased this book. In just the first use it saved me many hours of time and enabled me to set up the Exchange Server to automatically download mail from POP3 Website accounts and store it in the local mailbox. Users are happy, I'm happy (no storage used on the Web server and I don't have to configure Outlook on every computer in the building for the user's POP3 email), and life is good. After that, I read the rest of the book. (OK, I only skimmed parts of it.) I found several other tips that I have since used, like redirecting the user's "My Documents" to a folder on the server. The book also comes with a CD that contains a PDF copy of the book along with numerous Knowledge Base articles, white papers, and other such support documents. I left the hard copy of the book at my home but put the CD onsite so I would have it there in case I need it. All-in-all, this was a great investment and I recommend it to others using MS SBS.

Tremendous store of information on SBS
This book has everything in it. That said, for the neophyte SBS user, it's organization and presentation challenges even the most persistent reader.

Key steps in a procedure are often submerged in the center of paragraphs without any highlighting to indicate the special importance of the content. I would much prefer the use of lead-in paragraphs with bulleted lists of the sequential steps in which a procedure must be accomplished. The action verb in each step should be well high-lighted in bold type.

And, the choice of fonts for the publication makes it difficult to read for those of us with limited vision. Thankfully, the inclusion of the full (PDF) book on CD helps overcome this shortcoming. Still, the only _real_ way to use a book is to flip through it; you can't do that with a PDF.

I think the book's content is remarkably current. Anyone who has used one of these very, very complex software packages knows that the only constant is change. Mr. Russel has helped me understand concepts that persist through the inevitable changes.

It's easy to tell that the preparation of the Administrator's Companion is a labor of love; it will surely become a treasured volume in my library.

Excellent must read for all SBSers out there
This is a great book.Easy to read, full of real world footnotes, that the authors shares with the reader.I like the format, the detail on most topics covered.There are some weaknesses I found, but they are minor complaints when compared to the overall quality of this guide:

1. Very little explanation of Volume Shadow Copy, that its enabled by default is nice, but what partition (or what logic does SBS use when deciding to enable it), no detailed explanation on how it works, how to adjust it, nor how the clients get the Shadow Copy Client.
2. I would have also liked a little more advanced custom installation walk-through, with explanations and justifications for changing pathnames for folders such as "User Shared Folder", "ClientApps", Exchange itself, some SBS compononets.. ... Read more

Product Description

• When used with the MDX query language, SQL Server Analysis Services allows developers to build full-scale database applications to support such business functions as budgeting, forecasting, and market analysis.
• Shows readers how to build data warehouses and multi-dimensional databases, query databases, and use Analysis Services and other components of SQL Server to provide end-to-end solutions
• Revised, updated, and enhanced, the book discusses new features such as improved integration with Office and Excel 2007; query performance enhancements; improvements to aggregation designer, dimension designer, cube and dimension wizards, and cell writeback; extensibility and personalization; data mining; and more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good book
Buyers - be aware, you need this book. Analysis Services is a huge product and it's impossible to cover all aspects of it. But this is a 1000 pages well worth your time and money.
If there was one thing that could be improved about this book it would be adding even more, complete examples. On a few occasions the book says "we'll let you (the reader) explore this functionality". With all examples the book could easily have been over 1500 pages long.

It's OK
I admit I haven't spent a lot of time with it yet, but it hasn't answered some of the questions I have anyway re using MDX with SSAS. I would like more examples too. Hopefully I'l find a use for it eventually.

End-to-End Microsoft BI book for professional consultants
I am a microsoft professional consultant who makes a living working with Microsoft BI toolsets.I find this book of tremendous value because of the contents and because of who wrote it.The authors are part of the SSAS product group as well as http://www.sqlcat.com team (the #1 BI application team that takes on the world's largest and greatest database and Business Intelligent design challenges and delivers great designs and success stories)...this is the best of the best at Microsoft.I read the book end-to-end. I can tell you that the MDX, performance tuning, and scenario chapters alone, are worth the price of the book many times over.This book helped me succeed in my job and go further than other consultants.I would highly recommend this book to "professional" consultants.Beginners who want to learn the fundamentals to MSFT BI would benefit greatly from this best-practices microsoft team. ... Read more

Product Description

The definitive guide to automating SQL Server admnistration with Powershell scripts

If you're a SQL Server database administrator, this book will make your life easier.Windows PowerShell is an administrative scripting tool that allows you to automate many tasks you're probably currently doing by hand. This nuts-and-bolts guide shows you how to create Windows PowerShell scripts to administer almost every aspect of SQL Server.

You'll get a thorough introduction to PowerShell basics and all the PowerShell components that have been integrated into SQL Server 2008, as well as actual administration tasks. The book provides complete scripts that have been tested and proven, saving you hours of effort.

• The new release of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 now includes Windows PowerShell, allowing administrators of large-scale enterprise databases to automate many tasks
• SQL Server 2008 Administration with Windows PowerShell introduces you to PowerShell, covering its components in detail as well as providing basic instruction in using scripts to administer the database
• The book includes numerous examples of SQL tasks that have been automated and also provides completed scripts that you can put to use immediately
• The Companion Web site includes complete code scripts

If you're a database administrator, the scripts and techniques in SQL Server 2008 Administration with Windows PowerShell will save you hours of effort. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Good 1st PowerShell Book for DBAs
I recommend this book to all database administrators who still have not jumped in and executed their first PowerShell command.I know of several DBAs who for one reason or another, keep postponing their exposure to the next generation command line shell.This volume makes a good first PowerShell book for DBAs.It covers the basics of the language with enough examples to get you going and good coverage of what is possible when combined with MS SQL 2008.

The first ten chapters go over specifics of the language, programming syntax, and how to interact with different areas of the operating system.The following eleven chapters demonstrate with code samples, how integrated are MS SQL 2008 and PowerShell.I have found that many of the examples in this book also apply to MS SQL 2005.My favorite chapter is 15 "Building SQL Server Inventory" because the authors provide a working solution to a common problems DBA have when managing many database servers.

To those DBAs who still have not jumped in, do yourself a favor and read this book.

Good book, poor marketing and title
Great content, poor marketing and very poor title!

Very good outline of how powershell works, may I suggest that WROX remove the 50 pages of SQL content and re-label the book as a great beginning tutorial to learning Powershell.
This book is very weak on the how to setup a competent SQL connection to and use it to manipulate SQL server like a DBA would like to do.

This is not a problem with the authorship, they are just doing what they have access to as far as tools from Microsoft. Currently Microsoft only provides a Mini-shell connection, and a modified SQLCMD connection that negates any benefits that powershell brings to working with SQL Server.

This book uses the tools that are available to them from Microsoft which is limited to a mini-shell and SQLCMD.exe type connection to SQL server. These types of connections work well in straight scripting but are very cumbersome, verbose and chatty, when it comes down to writing powershell routines. As such there is not much the authors can do to help the DBA automate SQL task functions in this environment. Given this limited connectivity there is not much you can't accomplish by directly working in SQLCMD.exe, which also limits the desirability of this book to SQL Server professionals.

What most DBA's are looking for is a powershell IDE environment that has direct access to all SMO assembles, where there are commands to call manipulate all the fine details of SQL Server are found.
Currently this book doesn't cover access to all the SMO assemblies because the Microsoft branded tools to do so don't exist. There are free third party snapins that could have been written about to fix this problem but they are not mentioned in this book.

I think Wrox knew about a market for a book and tried to address that need and clearly missed what the customers who were going to buy the book wanted from it.

This book is printed on newsprint quality paper (the pages are tan not bright white) yet this book still costs $60.00 retail very unprofessional and hard to read unless you're in perfect lighting conditions.

It helps you become a pro!
Being a DBA, I am always looking for ways to improve my environments, automate management utilities and monitoring processes. With the help of powershell scripting, I can setup efficient and well-around system architecture for my SQL Server environments. Powershell has better integration with SQL Server, I no longer need to write lengthy batch files, VBScript and T-SQL Code for the missions I am trying to achieve, with simple and straightforward poweshell scripting, I get to complete my tasks faster and effectively.
This book provides step-by-step instructions with clear screenshots, so readers don't get confused with the puzzles between words. Also it provides lots of samples that are ready to be implemented into the system with little customization required to fit into your environments.
I highly recommend this book.

Great refrence book
I am not a SQL admin. But recently, I have to take care of SQL 2008 severs for a small company. This book helped me dramatically.
Whenever I needed something, I just looked it up. I never read the book from the beginning to the end. I just jumped into the section I needed.

The book is well written and the examples are easy to follow. I really highly recommend anybody who wants to admin SQL at ease get this book.

A must have for anyone working with SQL or Servers
I read this book, and I keep it handy because it is a great reference guide.This book not only gives you real world solutions, but it goes through the theories.Anyone working in the IT field knows that theories are what we use to solve problems, not every solutions works.This book has given me some ideas on how to better monitor, and build servers, and I know that this can be used to help out DBA's when they get stumped.I recommend buying this book and using it as reference at the very least, but if you read it in its entirety you will not regret it. ... Read more

Product Description
“A Developer’s Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server explains the concepts and practice of data modeling with a clarity that makes the technology accessible to anyone building databases and data-driven applications.

“Eric Johnson and Joshua Jones combine a deep understanding of the science of data modeling with the art that comes with years of experience. If you’re new to data modeling, or find the need to brush up on its concepts, this book is for you.”
—Peter Varhol, Executive Editor, Redmond Magazine


Model SQL Server Databases That Work Better, Do More, and Evolve More Smoothly

Effective data modeling is essential to ensuring that your databases will perform well, scale well, and evolve to meet changing requirements. However, if you’re modeling databases to run on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 or 2005, theoretical or platform-agnostic data modeling knowledge isn’t enough: models that don’t reflect SQL Server’s unique real-world strengths and weaknesses often lead to disastrous performance.

A Developer’s Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server is a practical, SQL Server-specific guide to data modeling for every developer, architect, and administrator. This book offers you invaluable start-to-finish guidance for designing new databases, redesigning existing SQL Server data models, and migrating databases from other platforms.

You’ll begin with a concise, practical overview of the core data modeling techniques. Next, you’ll walk through requirements gathering and discover how to convert requirements into effective SQL Server logical models. Finally, you’ll systematically transform those logical models into physical models that make the most of SQL Server’s extended functionality. All of this book’s many examples are available for download from a companion Web site.

This book enables you to

• Understand your data model’s physical elements, from storage to referential integrity
• Provide programmability via stored procedures, user-defined functions, triggers, and .NET CLR integration
• Normalize data models, one step at a time
• Gather and interpret requirements more effectively
• Learn an effective methodology for creating logical models
• Overcome modeling problems related to entities, attribute, data types, storage overhead, performance, and relationships
• Create physical models—from establishing naming guidelines through implementing business rules and constraints
• Use SQL Server’s unique indexing capabilities, and overcome their limitations
• Create abstraction layers that enhance security, extensibility, and flexibility

Customer Reviews (3)

Novice level only!
"A Developers Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server" is billed to be for all level of data modelling development, however it is written in a style targeted to beginning novice developers only, and never progresses very far beyond demonstrating the fundamentals of Data Modeling.For novices, it is extremely good resource, explaining highly technical concepts in an easy to understand non-technical language.However, for the experienced developer, it would be best to look elsewhere.

Amazing Book! A must have to become worthy of anything in database design
I am a medical doctor with a passion for software and a special interest in database technologies. I must say that I am not in the category of beginners in database design and modelling. I have about 6+ years of experience in this. I started reading the first page of this book with a lot of skepticism. In fact I had purchased the book along with 3 others from Amazon and I was not really sure of whether I would like reading it...it appeared very basic to me!
But that was only until I started reading Page 1.... believe me this is no exaggeration... I could not put the book down for an entire 8 hours afterwards! I went to bed at 4 AM after I had finished 3/4ths of this lovely work. This masterpiece of a book is truely the fruit of years of experience and immaculate teaching ability on the part of the authors. I can only say one thing.... anyone even remotely intending to get into database design, modelling and implementation with SQL Server.... should get this book and read it!! Believe me you will love it. It is simply too good to be true....

A timely and helpful data modeling guide
This book is a timely and helpful overview of the strategic importance of logical and physical data modeling. It also provides some useful insights into new modeling-related features in SQL Server 2008.

While some aspects of the book are likely to be somewhat controversial (e.g., the use of plural entity and table names [I prefer singular; the authors use plural], and the use of views for logical/physical data independence [I agree with the authors on the role and power of views, but some people prefer other abstraction mechanisms]), I believe the book should be required reading for anyone responsible for data modeling and database design aspects of working with SQL Server. ... Read more

Product Description
The ideal on-the-job reference guide for SQL Server 2008 database administrators

If you manage and administer SQL Server 2008 in the real world, you need this detailed guide at your desk. From planning to disaster recovery, this practical book explores tasks and scenarios that a working SQL Server DBA faces regularly and shows you step by step how to handle them. Topics include installation and configuration, creating databases and tables, optimizing the database server, planning for high availability, and more.

And, if you're preparing for MCTS or MCITP certification in SQL Server 2008 administration, this book is the perfect supplement to your preparation, featuring a CD with practice exams, flashcards, and video walkthroughs of the more difficult administrative tasks

• Delves into Microsoft's SQL Server 2008, a rich set of enterprise-level database services for business-critical applications
• Explores the skills you'll need on the job as a SQL Server 2008 administrator
• Shows you how to implement, maintain, and repair the SQL Server database, including bonus videos on the CD where the authors walks you through the more difficult tasks
• Covers database design, installation and configuration, creating databases and tables, security, backup and high availability, and more
• Supplements your preparation for MCTS and MCITP SQL Server 2008 certification with in-depth coverage of the skill sets required for certification, as defined by Microsoft
• Uses hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios to keep what you're learning grounded in the reality of the workplace

Make sure you're not only prepared for certification, but also for your job as a SQL Server 2008 administrator, with this practical reference!

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well written SQL book
As the book's title implies - this is written with real-world skills in focus, rather than just a focus on passing the exams. After reading the entire book cover-to-cover, I would agree that statement.

This book was an excellent resource for SQL Server 2008 knowledge, and provides helpful and practical information that is useful on the job. The book was also well written and easy to follow.

As for an exam prep book, it falls short of completely preparing you for the 70-432 and 70-450 exams. In order to pass both of these exams, I still needed to study a variety of cram resources and practice tests to prepare for the exams. This is a great book if you need to take these exams, but keep in mind that this should not be your only study resource.

... Read more

Product Description
Get field-tested best practices and proven techniques for designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. Part of the new Best Practices series for IT professionals from Microsoft Press®, this guide is written by leading SharePoint MVPs and Microsoft SharePoint team members who ve worked extensively with real-world deployments and customers. You ll find out how to deploy the software, design your environment, manage content, analyze and view data, perform disaster recovery, monitor performance, and more. You'll learn how to create SharePoint sites that help your organization collaborate, take advantage of business insights, and improve productivity with practical insights from the experts.

Key Book Benefits:

Delivers authoritative, field-tested best practices for working with Microsoft SharePoint solutions Covers the full IT lifecycle, from planning, design, and deployment through operations and support Includes a CD with job aids, utilities, and a fully searchable eBook ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Not the valuable resource I was hoping for
It's become just one more place to look with the hope of finding answers.Quoting its introduction:"This is not a how-to book....[and will not teach you to] to install, configure, or administrate Sharepoint Server 2007..."

A page earlier, the book said:"...if you're responsible for designing, implementing, configuring, or managing a Sharepoint Server 2007 deployment, this book is for you..."

So don't make this your first, second or maybe even third book on Sharepoint.Make it your fourth.It does have some good material on necessary cultural shifts, etc.

So you think you know everything about SharePoint...
This book is great. I spend a lot of my time developing governance plans for SharePoint and underlining problems and security concerns my clients will have. I use this book at least 3 times a week. SharePoint Administrators or Developesr doesn't just mean provide development and administration it means you must understand every single aspect of the application your responsible for.

By the way this doesn't mean you have to know the answer to every question but you must know how to come up with a solution in a timely matter. If you are a SharePoint Consultant buy this book. You will not be sorry. Even with MOSS 2010 right around the corner, organizations are still using MOSS 2003. This book will be a great investment for years to come.

- Carl

A must for the initial design phase
Do not under estimate the amount of up front planning you need to deploy sharepoint.I have not found many resources that adequately guide you through the process.Every installation is different and the standard Microsoft material is to generic to be useful.

This book describes the pitfalls and suggests real life scenarios in which to help better guide you.This book you will give Architects and Designers a good grounding in how the technology should be used and some of its pit falls.It is NOT a step by step how to install Sharepoint guise.In fact I do not think there is one of those even though we would all love to have one.

Excellent Reference Material
Best Practices is an excellent reference material while planning deployment, be it a new farm, search etc. Fantastic book. Use it often for a lot of things.

Best book on MOSS Depth
This book is an essential part of any MOSS professional's toolbox. You will read and re-read this book several times. There is currently nothing like it in the field. It doesn't give hard core answers to your MOSS questions, but will give you plenty to consider in your MOSS projects. I am continually amazed at how much there is to learn about MOSS and this book is a wealth of knowledge. ... Read more

Product Description
Understanding the internals of storage in SQL Server helps database developers and administrators to better create, maintain, and mine information from enterprise data. This practical, hands-on book focuses on the SQL Server 2005 Storage Engine and delves deep into the structures used for storing data, including files, tables, indexes, and data types. Topics also include security details, with coverage of the new SQL Server 2005 security model, and data protection through the backup and restore algorithms. With pragmatic advice, best practices, extensive code samples, and table examples, developers and database administrators will find the guidance they need to better understand how to build powerful, efficient databases. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Inside Microsoft SQL SERVER 2005: The Storage Engine
This is a well written book that contains plenty of insight into how SQL Server works.

Not a fast read, but worth the investment
First note: this book is not a page turner.It is not dry, but packed.It will take a long time to get through, but the book is worth the effort if you are trying to get some in-depth knowledge on SQL Server.

Best SQL Server internals book on the market
This is NOT a book to learn about SQL Server programming.This is for the advanced student of database programming or optimization.Did you ever want to know how SQL Server writes the indexes to disk?How many bytes does that row actually take in memory?Those are the types of questions you can ask in this book and get incredibly detailed answers.

The section on index creation alone is fantastic.You will not find this level of detail in college books on database design and thoery.

I think this is honestly the book I have read from a company that gives so much of their internal information.The format of the disk files, how things happen and why are all included.The writing style is clear without being wordy.She has a lot to tell you and gets about her business.The examples are usually small and to the point.

Less signal more noise
I have attempted to read this book atleast 4 times in the last year. A couple of times I tried reading cover to cover. Other times I jumped into specific chapters. Neither approach worked for me.

I realized the reason is that the book's presentation is very confusing (atleast for me). There are a lot of contents in the book that can be found easily. For example chapter 6 starts with a primer on relational database which is not the goal of the book. Also I found the complete catalog of data types a bit redundant since it can be got from online. Again these only examples. The book is fraught with such redundant material that makes the signal to noise ratio very low.

I expected the book to contain the stuff that cannot be found else where (Sort of like Windows Internal by Mark Russonovich). May be the problem is my expectation. I loved "Database Tuning" by Dennis Shasha et al.

Fantastic
Okay, reviewing this book is going to be quite difficult. I have mixed feelings however everything that I have to say about this book is positive. For one, this is not for the faint of heart of casual reading. This book is there for those who want to learn the gory details of how SQL 2005 works.

I would describe the book like this:
You have a car and it is nice and pretty on the outside, and you can do all sorts of cool things with the buttons on the console and you can play music and other nifty things, such as GPS. Well, on the inside of the car you have no clue how it all ties together and what is going on when you push that button.

Well, imagine this book as a blueprint of how your car's innards work, down to the very last oil spot on the engine.

This book is the best down right down to the memory block detailed book I have seen on SQL 2005. Now, the hard part about this book is that it can be difficult to read, and follow, at times. There are several sections you may have to read over and over again just to start to understand what it even means.

If you are looking for a good hard core book on the SQL engine, this is it for you. I give this book a 5 star rating for content, author knowledge and sheer impressive information.



... Read more

Product Description
Execution plans show you what's going on behind the scenes in SQL Server. They can provide you with a wealth of information on how your queries are being executed by SQL Server, including:• Which indexes are being used, and where no indexes are being used at all.• How the data is being retrieved, and joined, from the tables defi ned in your query.• How aggregations in GROUP BY queries are put together.• The anticipated load and the estimated cost that all these operations place upon the system.Grant Fritchey's book is the only in-depth look at how to improve your SQL query performance through careful design of execution plans. Sample chapters of the ebook have garnered stunning reviews, such as: "All I can say is WOW.This has to be the best reference I have ever seen on Execution Plans in SQL Server.My hats off to Grant Fritchey" Jonathan Kehayias. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Executions Plans for the Taking
I have to start out by saying...finally!As a .NET developer, I am always personally interested in stretching my limits and perfecting my craft.Although there may be a handful of applications that don't require data access, I've never witnessed any that weren't trivial.I work with SQL Server professionally and personally.I've looked at execution plans for a little while and when I really paid attention to them (in SQL 2005), I couldn't believe the potential for correcting bad mistakes.The trouble came when I couldn't find any texts on SQL Server that really made more than a passing reference to execution plans.I set out anew to find something definitive and the timing was right.

Mr. Fritchey's work has demystified so many of the fine points of why SQL Server develops one plan over another.There were more than a few operators that I didn't fully grasp and this reference has finally shed light on those operators.If you've ever wondered what those plans were all about then this text will explain in detail each operator in sample plans generated from sample queries, both simple and complex.Don't worry that you'll dive right into complex selections that look as if they are part of a disgruntled programmer's plot of obfuscation.Mr. Fritchey has chosen to sensibly start with simple queries and explains the plan results.Then he moves into slight query modifications and explains how and why the new plan differs.Eventually, query selections grow in complexity one layer at a time and the plan explanations keep right up in a logical manner.You'll be able to see the results for yourself in the book but I recommend performing the same SQL queries on your own instance to get the best view.The examples are performed on a version of Microsoft's AdventureWorks database, so you need not worry about getting access to those databases as they are provided freely as you likely already know.I've waited a long time for a book to address this niche within SQL Server's great depth and I am pleased with my luck in finding this book!When a book focuses on a specific aspect of a huge technological space, it can make for a great opportunity to learn product features deeply and SQL Server Execution Plans fits this bill.

The book is not large and doesn't weight as much as a small blue whale.That fact is attractive unto itself given the disturbing trend ofkilling as many trees as possible.Hopefully digital editions will mitigate this trend.I really only gave the book 4 stars because of the publisher's lack of attention to detail and standards.Mr. Fritchey's content is fantastic but the quality of the book itself leaves much to be desired.Many of the figures and insets of execution plans are too small to be useful, thus my recommendation of running the queries along with your reading.Since this is one of the only texts to address the subject matter in serious detail, I think the publisher could have made a much better showing.Irrespective of the book's physical qualities, the content is ultimately useful and approachable to boot!

Excellent Book on SQL Server Execution Plans
I found Grant Fritchey's book on Execution Plans. The information is geared towards SQL Server database professionals and administrators with experience. The book is filled with practical experience and lessons learned, the kind of pragmatic information SQL Server professionals can apply immediately.

:{> Andy

excellent resource
Every dba should have a copy of this.It is a fantastic resource for those deep dive analysis of the query execution plans.I have not see anything else that goes into such detail to explain just how sql is actually getting your data.

A Great Introduction To Execution Plans
This book was an easy read on a subject that can be relatively intimidating for a developer with no experience in the area.It is a great introduction to learning how to read SQL Server Execution Plans.There are lots of good examples and screen shots describing how the server is interpreting the commands being executed.

However, one should note that the book is NOT about how the plans will help you to improve your queries.Instead, knowing how to read through the various execution plans will help the reader to understand where problems might exist.

The Bible of SQL Execution Plans
Not a novel, but very easy to read and understand.

I have the Kindle copy and the execution plans pictures are too small for an easy understanding. But it is a must read for any serious DBA. Great on the PC kindle. It would be nice if the code could be easily copied and pasted.

Concise, clear, well laid out, really worthwhile reading. I have been programming SQL for over 20 years... I am still amazed on how little I know. Many interesting insights and worth every cents if you can speed up your sytem based on the recommended suggestions.

Jerome ... Read more

Product Description
Announcing an all-new MCSA/MCSE Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-291, a core exam for the new Windows Server 2003 certification. This kit packs the tools and features that exam candidates want most—including in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and a robust testing suite. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and expertise that you can apply to the job.

Focusing on network infrastructure management for Windows Server 2003, this official study guide covers topics such as implementing, managing, and maintaining IP addressing, name resolution, network security measures, routing and remote access, and monitoring and troubleshooting network infrastructure.

Ace your exam preparation and ramp up quickly on Windows Server 2003 by working at your own pace through the lessons, hands-on exercises, and practice tests. The flexible, best-of-class test engine on CD features 300 practice questions and pre-assessment and post-assessment capabilities. Choose timed or untimed testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives or chapters, and get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers—including pointers back to the book for further study. You also get a 120-day evaluation version of Windows Server 2003 and a 15 percent exam discount voucher—making this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Great
Delivery was quicker than expected. Product was as described. Definitely would recommend to family and friends.

Sole Test Prep Material
I have alot of IT experience, but not with infrastructure, most everything in this book was new to me.I used it as my SOLE study guide, I did not use anything else.I studied *hard* for about a month and a half, reading the book twice (not part 2) and did most of the labs (I skipped some of the rras ones), and made many notecards that I always took with me to review while I had free time.Using the testing CD that comes with it, I only got ~70-80%.On 1/7/10 I got a 780, and was very happy to finish my MCSA.

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291):
70-191 test is 48 questions. I spent a month reading the book and qoing over the test prep and failed by 4 points. ARG!The book is detailed and well put together. I would recommend reading this in conjunction with Test King's question and answer guide as well.
Happy Studying!

Covers the concepts needed to pass
I originally received this book from my company since they are requiring each tech in our company to pass both the 70-290 and the 70-291.Initially looking through the book I was scepticle that it would adequately prepare me.
After 1.5 months studying 2-3 hours daily and using this book as my primary source I passed with an 842.A coworker also used this book and passed with a 905.

Each section seemed to cover the topics adquately and even more the reading of it was not dry and difficult as I expected.Both of us especially focused on each Exam Tip which is frequently emphasized throughout the book.We typed these out into about 15 pages of single spaced notes we used to review serveral times a week.

A note about my work experience.Many of the topics in this book were mostly unfamiliar with me.Concepts such as TCP/IP Troubeshotting and DHCP I use regularly and the chapters about this were more of a review for me.However, I rarely if ever do anything with DNS, IPSEC, Shadow Copies, WSUS, Security Monitor, Replication Monitor, Network Monitor, Routing and Remote Access, etc as part of my normal job.I went into these sections with at best a novice understanding and at time no experience at all before studying.Yet by the time I took the test I scored well in all areas except Routing and Remote Access.
My recommended study steps is...

1.Read the book once through for a general overvue.Highlight anything that is not familiar to you.

2.Read through the book a 2nd time especially focusing on things you are unfamiliar with.Make notecards of every command line command with switches that are discussed in the book.These will be on the exam.

3.Read the Exam tips at least 5-7 times before taking the exam.

4.Google anything that does not seem to be clear from the book or that seems confusing.The only thing I had to do this on was for the NSlookup command.I found a few websites that were great expalining what to use this command for.

5.Set a realistic test date to push yourself as the test nears.Not setting a date (for me) can be a recipe for not being focused and taking it much later than I should.

Good luck with it!

Excellent Book!
I don't know if it's because I've studied IP subnetting in the past, but this book presented it in a way where I was able to make the most sense out of it.
I've used 3 books from Microsoft Press now and have made a decision to stay with these books for my MS certs.
... Read more

Product Description
If you’re curious, but hesitant, about finding your way around Microsoft’s new Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 For Dummies is the book for you. This friendly reference shows you everything you need to know — from installation and deployment to building and running a Windows Server 2008 network.

Server-based networking really is a big deal, and this 100% plain-English guide helps you make the most of it. You’ll find out about Windows Server 2008’s important functions, capabilities and requirements; develop a network implementation plan; take a step-by-step walkthrough of the installation process; and get valuable tips on how to boost your bandwidth beyond belief! Before you know it, you’ll be configuring connections to the Universe, working with active directory, and treating domains and controllers like old pals. Discover how to:

• Build and connect your network
• Install and configure Windows Server 2008
• Set up and manage directory services
• Manage users and groups
• Install and manage print servers
• Secure your network
• Troubleshoot active networks
• Plan for installing Active Directory
• Proclaim and manage your own domain
• Resolve names between TCP/IP and NetBIOS
• Manage shares, permissions, and more
• Develop and implement a regular backup protocol

Windows Server 2008 For Dummies may be easy-going, but it’s simply packed with need-to-know stuff that will send you diving into Windows Server 2008 experience just for the fun of it. So start now! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Do not bother
This is a well written book, but if you are looking to find out more about Server 2008 do not bother. There is more than half of the book dedicated to telling how to set up various networks, explaining those networks, TCP/IP, FAT32 formatting, and telling you the various components of a motherboard and what they do. It will even give you links on where to find out how to do all the things that you want to know about Server 2008 (no joke it is on page 99). This book lacks in explaining the functioning parts of Server 2008 as applied on the network you just set up, except maybe how it is not like 2003, misses out on things that you may find useful and tools that most businesses would use, (not too many people would spend money on a server for personal use).
This book is not for people that know computers or anything about a network as most of the book is dedicated to that, all of the knowledge that is imparted about server 2008 could have been put on 20-30 pages, and if you have never done anything on a computer, installed an OS, replaced a motherboard, installed memory, installed any programs, or just created a shared folder, you may find it very useful. ... Read more

Product Description
Professional SQL Server 2005 Programming shows experienced developers how to master the substantially revamped feature set of the latest release of Microsoft SQL Server. The book begins with a concise overview of the new features of SQL Server that is of interest to experienced developers. This is especially important given the substantial changes to SQL Server with this release. From there, the book quickly moves on to the ?meat? of the title. Beginning-level material has been removed to provide more room for covering new features and more extensive code examples. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Doesn't live up to Title
For a book that is supposed to be geared to programmers pretty proficient in SQL, it doesn't offer anything new. The examples are very basic and it leaves out some of the new features in 2005, such as Common Table Expressions. This would be better as a beginning SQL programming book.

Great book, series
I own several books from this series.They have been fantastic.This one is no exception.

The definitive SQL Server Programming Guide
This is an excellent follow to his book on Professional SQL Server 2000 Programming. If you're going to be doing a lot of true SQL server programming, there is no better guide out there.

Define 'programming'
When working with databases, there's querying, and everything else. A DBA might set up a database; an advanced user might progam stored procedures and triggers, ponder indexing, effectively use cursors, etc. - but if you just want to know how to write a query to accompish a task, this is *not* the right book to help you learn. Check out 'SQL Server 2005 T-SQL Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach' by Sack.

Cash Grab! Stay away - get the 2000 book.
The second topic I looked up I ran across this problem...

Page 353:

He says there are four different isolation levels you can set - that was in SQL Server 2000 - this book is about SQL Server 2005. Where is SET TRANSACTION ISOLATION LEVEL SNAPSHOT?

Chapter 12, 'Transactions and Locks' is almost a cut and paste from his 'Transactions and Locks' chapter in SQL Server 2000 Programming!

Encryption - Let's see - 2 pages, and 3/4 of a page is a copy of an image from BOL.

His 2000 book is better. ... Read more

Product Description

• This comprehensive introduction to SQL Server begins with an overview of database design basics and the SQL query language along with an in-depth look at SQL Server itself
• Progresses on to a clear explanation of how to implement fundamental concepts with the new 2008 version of SQL Server
• Discusses creating and changing tables, managing keys, writing scripts, working with stored procedures, programming with XML, using SQL Server Reporting and Integration Services, and more
• Features updated and new material, including new examples using Microsoft's AdventureWorks sample database

Customer Reviews (5)

Big enough to stop a train, but filled with good bits...
No one will remember tech books as great literature. They're a vast linguistic junk yard, yes, but at least one with a purpose. Although most teachers would flinch until their undies imploded at the thought, one can learn something from even a poorly written book. And look no further for bad writing than tech books. Their rush to market eagerness and probable demographic presumptions likely explain their often appalling syntax and spelling. Of course no one wants to read sloppy prose in any genre, but who really reads tech books for their literary qualities? If such a person exists, a slobbering impresario with a reality show contract likely awaits. The ultimate test for tech books remains utility. Can one read a given book and then produce something decent? If yes, then something of value exists.

Wrox books possess enough bulk to function as doorstops or bridge struts, definitely. And often the author/programmers' grinning or deadpan faces glaring in not extremely appealing black, white and red contrast don't inspire aesthetic spasms. Nonetheless, what they lack in artistic merits they often make up for in technical knowledge. "Beginning Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming" stands as one Wrox book that, for the most part, delivers. Anyone who has found themselves thrown head first into database programming can easily osmose the basics from this tome. It takes a while to read, but the investment pays off in depth of knowledge. Working with databases on any professional level would prove difficult without mastering this book's first twelve chapters. Go ahead and try, but have your resume ready. And though some software developers, particularly of the .NET variety, may now rest content with LINQ, knowledge of SQL and database technology would only enhance their skill sets. This book provides just the right background for such people.

Though the book contains some rough spots, coverage of the main points of T-SQL remains more than adequate. From SELECT, JOIN, CREATE, ALTER, CONSTRAINT, to normalization, views, stored procedures, user defined functions and triggers, this book will help anyone whose boss suddenly orders them in front of SQL Management Studio. Though more coverage of cursors would help beginners who find themselves faced with these monstrosities. And the trigger chapter leaves those murky and dangerous objects, which lurk like methane bubbles beneath cracking ice, still mysterious. The book's final sections provide previews of the "SQL Stack," which includes Integration Services (SSIS), Reporting Services (SSRS) and a dabbling of Database Administration. These provide only a meager tease. Larger books than this one exist on SSIS alone. Once again, this book requires a time investment. An installation of the SQL Server 2008 client also helps (other books cover the server side). But, like any investment, it can pay off when study integrates with practice.

Review Text
This book was purchased in hard copy even though I have access to an Ecopy. It is the exact as we aqre using in class and just as advertised. No torn pages, no markings. I would definitely buy from this seller again.

Proof that Wrox does NOT have editors
Computer books are thrown together so carelessly these days.Look at the table of contents for Chapter 8.Almost all of its topics are to be found on page 260... and page 260 barely has any text!I'm astonished at how pitiful the quality control is on this junk!

SQL Server easy
Although the book is good, the author uses everyday language frequently, which hinders the understanding of readers from countries where English is not spoken as a native language. Also, it ignores the process and the prerequisites for installation.

A great beginner book
This is a great beginner's book on T-SQL programming. I like the Author's writing style and comprehensive coverage of all the topics including Reporting, XML, Integration Services, UDFs, and even some Administration tasks. The stored procedure chapter could have been made into two chapters. Also, I was surprised why more examples were not given for the Try/Catch error. Similarly, there was not much to go with the SSIS. Looks like most of the typos in the book were removed since the 2005 publication. Overall, a great book to get one started.
... Read more

Product Description
With Microsoft's release of Windows Server 2008 and a new generation of certification exams, IT administrators have more reason than ever to certify their expertise in the world's leading server software. Inside, find the full coverage you need to prepare for Exam 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring, one of three specializations in the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification track. You'll find full coverage of all exam objectives, practical exercises, real-world scenarios, challenging review questions, and more.

For Instructors: Teaching supplements are available for this title.

Customer Reviews (23)

Conceptual Book..
All the practice in this book is for a rookie... and in the exam are the real ones....
Try with another book or with testkings

mcts 2008 AD
For the most part the book is good and accurate there are some serious mistakes in the chapter 5 covering sites and replication. This may have been corrected in more recent printings.

Not Even close
Though the information in total may help you expand your understanding of 2008 AD , the trial exams within are not even close to the questions on the
actual MS Cert exam. I know they cannot be exactly the same, but for $35, a little more effort in authenticity would have made this book worthwhile.

Excellent intro to Server 2008
This book is a great beginner study guide for Windows Server 2008 AD. I found it informative, concise, and it contained more than enough step by step tutorials to learn the basics. I have yet to take the exam but I will say I learned much more than I expected.

A good start
I bought this book to help prepare me for the exam. I already had been given free microsoft elearning on microsoft's site through the local employment office with my understanding there was a free exam voucheer. After learning that at this level of training they didn't provide voucheers, only for MCAS, and having spent time studying the training I decided not to have put my time to waste. I bought this book based off of reviews, and I learned a fair deal that was not in the online training from Microsoft.

I went back and bought the Q&A book that you can find on Amazon for this exam, and noticed lots of questions and specifics not covered in this book and also not covered on the online training with Microsoft.

I would recommend this book to get a good understanding of the basics. It was well written for the most part. Although,I would recommend finding another book to fill in the gaps however.Do not use this as your only means of studying for the exam, especially with no previous server admin experience. I wish all pursuing the exam good luck on their tests. 800/1000 here. ... Read more

Product Description
Enhance your search with faceted navigation, result highlighting, fuzzy queries, ranked scoring, and more

• Deploy, embed, and integrate Solr with a host of programming languages
• Implement faceting in e-commerce and other sites to summarize and navigate the results of a text search
• Enhance your search by highlighting search results, offering spell-corrections, auto-suggest, finding "similar" records, boosting records and fields for scoring, phonetic matching
• Informative and practical approach to development with fully working examples of integrating a variety of technologies

In DetailIf you are a developer building a high-traffic web site, you need to have a terrific search engine. Sites like Netflix.com and Zappos.com employ Solr, an open source enterprise search server, which uses and extends the Lucene search library. This is the first book in the market on Solr and it will show you how to optimize your web site for high volume web traffic with full-text search capabilities along with loads of customization options. So, let your users gain a terrific search experience.

This book is a comprehensive reference guide for every feature Solr has to offer. It serves the reader right from initiation to development to deployment. It also comes with complete running examples to demonstrate its use and show how to integrate it with other languages and frameworks.

This book first gives you a quick overview of Solr, and then gradually takes you from basic to advanced features that enhance your search. It starts off by discussing Solr and helping you understand how it fits into your architecture--where all databases and document/web crawlers fall short, and Solr shines. The main part of the book is a thorough exploration of nearly every feature that Solr offers. To keep this interesting and realistic, we use a large open source set of metadata about artists, releases, and tracks courtesy of the MusicBrainz.org project. Using this data as a testing ground for Solr, you will learn how to import this data in various ways from CSV to XML to database access. You will then learn how to search this data in a myriad of ways, including Solr's rich query syntax, "boosting" match scores based on record data and other means, about searching across multiple fields with different boosts, getting facets on the results, auto-complete user queries, spell-correcting searches, highlighting queried text in search results, and so on.

After this thorough tour, we'll demonstrate working examples of integrating a variety of technologies with Solr such as Java, JavaScript, Drupal, Ruby, XSLT, PHP, and Python.

Finally, we'll cover various deployment considerations to include indexing strategies and performance-oriented configuration that will enable you to scale Solr to meet the needs of a high-volume site.

What you will learn from this book?

• Blend structured data with real search features
• Import CSV formatted data, XML, common document formats, and from databases
• Deploy Solr and provide reference to Solr's query syntax from the basics to range queries
• Enhance search results with spell-checking, auto-completing queries, highlighting search results, and more.
• Secure Solr
• Integrate a host of technologies with Solr from the server side to client-side JavaScript, to frameworks like Drupal
• Scale Solr using replication, distributed searches, and tuning

Approach

The book takes a step-by-step tutorial approach with fully working examples in Java. It will show you how to implement a Solr-based search engine on your intranet or web site.

Who this book is written for?

This book is for developers who would like to use Solr for their applications. You only need to have basic programming skills to use Solr. Knowledge of Lucene is certainly a bonus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Sparse reference
This book is more a reference than a "how to" book. The examples are disorganized and buggy.

Shaved 2 weeks off my project
Coming from a PHP Web Development background, I have had little experience using Java on web development projects. Although I am quite familiar with the language, it has been a good 6 years since I really used Java. This book was exactly what I needed to get a powerful search engine up and running for my system. I have an application with 200,000 products that must be searchable. Millions of options and billions of combinations make for a fairly complex system. Solr was the right way to go, but online documentation just didn't cut it. "Solr 1.4 Enterprise Search Server" explained everything I needed to know in a way that was not difficult to understand. Although the book was written before Solr 1.4 was released, the authors did a good job of keeping the content relevant and mention potential hiccups when 1.4 would be released. There is a decent section on implementation with PHP and Ruby.

I'm giving this book 4 stars only because I think the authors could have done a better job explaining the process and best practices for going into a production mode with Solr.

If you are looking to build a fast and accurate search engine for large amounts of data, Solr is the way to go and this book will help you.

Necessary book to start fully using the software
The book is "quick" to read and explore all the need the reader can have to operate a fullu functional installation of the software. Maybe a cd or sample to download could complete better the good work done by the author. A must have in the office.

Getting started wtih Solr - this book's for you!
I give this book a thumbs-up.If you're new to Solr, it's a must-have.If you're in production with Solr, you'll still likely glean some useful tips and tricks. I blogged an extensive review here: [...].

A Good Book that Helped me go from 0 to Production
I bought this book after reading different Solr guides and tutorials.The problem with the guides and tutorials is they did not do a good enough job of explaining what the different Solr terminology was.Faceting, Multiple Cores, etc.

This book started out a bit slow, but was pretty well organized.It showed numerous ways of bringing data into Solr, and numerous ways of getting data out.The publisher lets you download the source code and data on their site, and you can stick that into Solr.

I also like the fact that the book is pretty recent.I could not find anything in the book which had become "deprecated".All in all, the book helped me go from knowing nothing about Solr, to going live in 2-3 weeks which is pretty darn good. ... Read more

Product Description
In-depth guide to all aspects of handling Apple's newest big cat

Whether you manage a large enterprise server or your own Macs at home or in a small office, this book has what you need to understand Apple's new Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server inside and out. Crammed with information, this detailed guide presents best practices and insights that have been field-tested by author Daniel Dilger, a professional administrator and Apple developer. You'll soon learn to deploy, administer, and update Apple's powerful new cat.

• Get to know Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server, Apple's scalable, 64-bit UNIX-based operating system, and the most powerful Mac OS X version yet
• Explains all aspects, both hardware and software
• Shows how to host Web 2.0 applications, crunch tons of data, or centralize the day-to-day activities of a software development team
• Covers installation and configuration, account authentication and authorization, using open directory, using print and file services, managing accounts and deployment, and using Apple Remote Desktop, Enterprise solutions, and command line control
• Explores open source applications such as iChat Theater, Mail, iCal, Podcast Producer, and more

Keep Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server purring with this practical guide.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Inaccurate and misleading
This book seems like an older edition which was given only cursory attention to bring it up to date with 10.6, or was rushed to market for other reasons. Within minutes of picking this book up and reading, I found several, glaring errors, some of which could be explained if the author had never actually used the features in question.

For example, in a feature overview in one of the early, introductory chapters, the book clearly states that Sun's ZFS file system, which was only partially supported on 10.5, is now fully supported as a read-write filesystem in Server 10.6. Too bad that, although Apple announced expanded ZFS support when 10.6 was still on the drawing board, ZFS was, in fact, completely stripped from 10.6 before it shipped. A minor quibble to be sure, but nevertheless, I have to assume that the author wrote that chapter based only on an Apple press announcement, and without actually touching the finished product.

The section on configuring DNS was even more disappointing. The book states that Snow Leopard Server's graphical administration tools do not support setting up forward servers. That is simply not the case, as I was able to complete the task very easily, and entirely in the GUI, by following another guide I found online.

I quickly lost all confidence in this book and the disinformation it provided. I returned it for a refund; I'll be looking for a different OS X Server reference.

Lots of Potatoes, Little Meat
This book cover little beyond the server documentation that's include for free. If your serious about using server, you'll need a book that provides more behind-the scenes detail. This isn't that book. Apple' supplied and on-line documentation covers just about everything this book does.

Best OS X Server book to date
Mac OS X Server has come a very long way in usability, and Daniel Dilger's book makes server configuration approachable.Doing a good job of configuring any server, particularly one exposed to the Internet, is not easy, but Dilger's explanations usually provides not only 'how' but 'why' to do something.

If you're just starting out with OS X Server, this book will be a big help, but it might not be quite enough to get you from opening the box to a fully working configuration.There are plenty of "gotcha's" along the way (and I've stumbled on many of them myself.)(In particular, pay -very close attention- to the chapter on DNS.If you don't get your DNS working -perfectly-, the rest of OS X Server will not work right either.That's where it makes sense to pay for some expertise if you don't have it.)OS X Server's diagnostic messages in the face of configuration errors leave a lot to be desired, and Dilger's book provides some debugging advice but that is not its primary focus.Nor is this a book particularly focused on maintaining a running server.

If you're experienced with earlier versions of Server, there's a lot of new features in Snow Leopard Server; my copy has lots of dog-eared pages for "Oh, I need to try/configure/change that to take advantage of Snow Leopard."

I still think there's room for a book specifically tailored to Small Office/Home Office uses of Mac OS X Server (the Mini Server is a -very attractive- piece of hardware for such an environment.) But of the half-dozen OS X Server (Tiger/Leopard/Snow Leopard) books I own, this is easily the best.

Best Mac OS X Server Book
I've poured through several Mac OS X Server books over the years and this one is the best. Daniel Eran Dilger is an excellent writer. He takes the time to be thorough and explain in coherent detail. IMHO this quality of coherence a first for this sort of book. Example: Find a Mac OS X Server book that gives any justice to WebDAV. There aren't any, except this book. Read the information provided and you'll not only know what you're doing, you'll understand why you're doing it.

The book is full of screenshots and easy to follow procedures. It is hefty at about 950 pages. That's what it takes to adequately cover the subject. The previous 'best' book for Mac OS X Server was 'Essential Mac OS X Panther Server Administration' by Bartosh and Faas. 'Snow Leopard Server (Developer Reference)' is bigger, better and printed on superior paper.

If you'd like to get an idea of Daniel Eran Dilger's writing style and quality, check out his work at RoughlyDrafted Magazine:

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My only major complaint about this book is the bad choice of fonts. Wiley Publishing follow the current trend of using sans-serif fonts for everything. Even Amazon follows the fad. But sorry, bad idea. Long reading passages require serif fonts for ease of reading. It shall ever be thus. Sans-serif fonts look great and read lousy. Why professionals like Wiley go for appearance over readability is beyond comprehension. Check out books by Peachpit Press for comparison.

Meanwhile, one of Wiley's good ideas is their 99¢ Developer Reference app, available at the iTunes Store. With it you can purchase an electronic copy of 'Mac OS X Server Snow Leopard (Developer Reference)' at $20 for when you don't want to lug around the tree version. It has some very nice usability features. ... Read more

Product Description
Get the inside scoop on Hyper-V for Windows Server 2008 R2

Virtualization is a top priority for thousands of companies all over the world. Written by an author team that is part of the Windows virtualization group at Microsoft, Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V will walk you through Hyper-V essentials so you can get you up to speed and down to business with Hyper-V.

Now fully updated for Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V, you will find additional content on new features and capabilities such as Live Migration and support for 64 Logical Processors (LP).

• Teaches how to manage virtual machines with the latest System Center tools such as Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2, Data Protection Manager 2010, and Operations Manager 2007 R2
• Covers all of the new functionalities of Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V, including Live Migration, 64 LP support, Processor Compatibility Mode, enhanced processor functionality support, hot-add and remove of storage, TCP Offload support, and VM Queue support
• Demonstrates key scenarios for Hyper-V, including server consolidation, testing and development, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, and Dynamic IT
• Provides step-by-step instructions and examples

This insiders guide will help you get the most out of your hardware and reduce cost with Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. ... Read more