BOOK REVIEWS

Linux System Administration
Black Book Coriolis

Dee-Ann LeBlanc has written a very comprehensive guide to Linux
administration, covering most of the advanced maintenance techniques need to support a large number of users, it is well written, clear and concise with plenty of samples for those who live by example. Recommended for IT students and users of existing Linux or UNIX systems that want to break into IT support services. The author has paid particular attention to kernel maintenance and security, both of which are often glanced at by other Linux or UNIX books.

6/10

C++ Black Book
Coriolis

On first impressions, the cost of this book would probably make you put it back on the shelf, but don't let that put you off. It has been written for anyone from C++ beginners to those of you who have managed to get past the "Hello World" stage of programming. Covering the usual topics of basic C, through classes, multiple inheritance, pointers and memory management. There are over 500 examples to practice with, all of which can be found on the packaged CD-ROM, however for those who need to understand the theoretical side of object orientation a little more before getting your hands dirty, it would be wise to put this one back on the shelf.

4/10

Cisco Router Configuration
(Second Edition)
Cisco Press

If you want to get anywhere in the networking world, you need to do it with Cisco, or at least be aware of their equipment, and if you are aiming for the highly prized Cisco certifications then this book would be an ideal stepping-stone to the basics of routers, routing and routed protocols (naturally using the Cisco Internetworking Operating System). However, before attempting to proceed with this book it is advisable to get clued-up on the ISO 7 Layer Model beforehand, as this is a major element within networking and internetworking. This is a straight-to-the-point guide at an very affordable price.

8/10

Windows 2000 Professional Expert
Companion Microsoft Press

It's not always necessary to be a Micro$oft basher, but this time it is
justified because this book simply consists of wishy-washy banter that has been covered many times over in other books, also published by Microshaft Press. This bound collection of pulp has intention of providing the reader with the blindingly dynamic complexity of the darker side of Windows 2000 Professional. However, upon delving deeper into the often more intricate and essential elements, such as the registry and security certificates, one discovers that the author has struggled desperately to adequately describe the purpose of the task at hand, providing the reader with a vague sense of disorientation. Nothing good about this one, apart from wiping your arse with it that is!

0/10