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Title: Windows Nt 4.0: Installation & Configuration Handbook by Jim Boyce, Dan Balter, Kevin Jones, Michael Marchuk, Richard Neff, Robert Parker, Sue Plumley, Michael D. Reilly, Chris Turkstra, Brian Underdahl ISBN: 0-7897-0818-3 Publisher: Que Pub. Date: July, 1996 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $44.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 2.67 (3 reviews)
Rating: 1
Summary: Weak, Verbose, Outdated
Comment: This book is roughly 800 pages ostensibly about the installation and configuration of Windows NT 4.0. Well, it isn't. The publisher -- QUE -- true to form, has pumped it up with useless verbage about unrelated topics so that of the 800 pages only 160 are even dedicated to installing Windows NT. I was hoping to find information useful to multi-OS installations. This sub-topic was given about 2 pages which just indicated that the boot manager should solve all of your problems.
So what you have here is a fat book which is mostly filler. The brief collection of pages that were on-topic were hopelessly weak and over-simplified. Also, this book was published in 1996 and is now hopelessly outdated as regards developments in networking and distributed computing environments.
Do not buy this book unless you need kindling. I threw mine out. Forty bucks down the drain.
Rating: 5
Summary: A very good coverage installing and configuring WinNT4.
Comment: When Microsoft launched Windows 95 they set in train a massive
hardware upgrade as users discovered that run in the MS
lexicon does not mean the same thing as the definition in Webster
or Oxford. Those with a penchant for conspiracy theories will,
no doubt, have made up their respective minds that it was all
a plot to make Windows users NT-ready. Ready availability of affordable
Pentium processors and the falling cost of memory have made NT attractive
to PC users who have networked older equipment with modern Pentium-equipped
systems to share peripherals within the home or office.
NT is a powerful system with many features and options. One cannot simply load it in the same, casual way as DOS. Planning is needed to determine the best configuration for a particular setup. Fine tuning is not just an optional activity for enthusiasts; it is mandatory if the system is to work effectively (or at all).
This book is about installation and configuration and is, as the title says, a handbook. It is written for experienced users who want to appreciate the issues involved in the installation and configuration of NT as a server or on a workstation. It is divided into logical parts; installation, administration, adding hardware, managing and tuning sub-systems, networking and communications, configuring Internet services, and customising a system.
Even though twelve authors have each written separate chapters, the style and language is consistent throughout. They have managed to write in a way that avoids technical jargon, but does not give the impression of talking down to their readers. Anyone wanting to put NT to serious use for a local network or comms server (BBS or Internet) may want more specific resources, but this is a good launching place.
For some the Handbook may be all they need, but those who require more technical information will (unless already expert) benefit from the good foundation Jim Boyce and his team have provided.
None of the authors is employed by MS, so there is no hesitation in mentioning OS/2 or using other dirty words. Configuring NT to live with other operating systems is explained along with installation over a previous version of NT or other existing operating system.
Adding and modifying hardware is an ongoing task with most server setups; the authors deal specifically with multimedia devices (sound cards etc.), modems, and printers and fonts.
Readers who have no experience of network or system administration will find the discussion of administration issues clear and helpful. An introductory chapter describes the fundamentals of system administration. Following chapters talk about how servers are administered and resources shared, controlling users, and the all-important registry maintenance.
A section on networking and communications has chapters on optimising NT in various environments, including Novell and UNIX, and the use of remote access services. For those who intend using NT to run Internet services there are chapters on using Internet programs, setting up an Internet server, installing Windows messaging, TCP/IP, and implementing a firewall.
Sub-systems such as memory, file systems, data security, and hardware configuration have to be managed and require fine tuning. A section covers what the authors call "critical sub-systems." I found the discussion well presented and easy to follow.
Some companion CDs are best employed as coasters for the ubiquitous coffee mug. In this case the publishers have provided a very useful collection that can save hours of on-line time. The CD contains a formidable array of drivers, system tuning tools, Internet client/server tools, 32-bit graphics, e-mail enhancers, and other utilities.
A well-designed and well-written handbook, this title is well worth looking at by anyone with a serious interest in NT, either by way of assessing its suitability for a particular task, or as a manual for new installers. It does what the title says, provides the information needed for installation and configuration. It does that well and comprehensively, and comes with a library of utilities and system tools.
Reviewed by Major Keary
Rating: 2
Summary: Not Recommended
Comment: Very light weight. No new information, simply defines terms and offers little advise
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