THE W2K handbook

I have a number of O'Reilly books and have come to expect a lot from them. However, this one raises the standard. Concepts and tasks are listed alphabetically, providing an encyclopedic approach which makes finding topics a snap and beats looking up 50 references in an index to find the one you want. I only wish more tech manuals were organized this way. Perhaps the idea will catch on.
This is not to leave out Mitch Tulloch's writing which, although concise, is highly readable - a rarity in technical manuals (with the exception of the esteemed Mr. Minasi!). Although this book is not meant as a tutorial, I actually found that the organization helped me in understanding certain topics better. This is because each topic is treated in its entirety rather than scattered here and there throughout the book. As mentioned in an above review, this does lead to some redundancy, but the payoff is worth it.
Although I have discovered a lack of information on a couple of more obscure items, overall the book is very comprehensive with virtually no filler material. Of the four W2K handbooks I have, this is the one that remains as my prime reference. It is simply invaluable.

Other Reviews

• THE W2K handbook
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