Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (9th Edition)
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • a great overview
  • Gotta agree with the first reviewer
  • This books blows
  • Good Introductory
  • Excellent General Overview of the IT Industry as of 1/06.
Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (9th Edition)
Kenneth C. Laudon , and Jane P. Laudon
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131538411

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a great overview.......2007-09-21

This book gives a wide range of information in different area in information system.
the good thing is that it include example from life where the person can understand the topic.
may some time include extra information that the begginner doesn't need, but overall the book is great.
I recommend it for people who do'n't have any backgroud in IT

1 out of 5 stars Gotta agree with the first reviewer.......2007-03-21

This book leaves me hanging. The book repeatedly talks about leaders needing to be transformational and devise a IS strategy for their organizations -- okay that's great; how about providing some insight. It's one thing to say MIS is a strategic discipline (which this books does) and it's another thing to go out and do it (which this book doesn't describe and hasn't a clue).

The books if full of manager's jargon but and is light on the details. After reading, you'll be able to sound like a manager and probably be able to do little else.

2 out of 5 stars This books blows.......2006-12-22

This book really sucks. Don't get it unless you have to.

5 out of 5 stars Good Introductory.......2006-04-04

This isn't a bad text for an introduction to management in IT. It's not technical and certainly places emphasis on managing IT infrastructures. If you're moving up from being a follower to directing and managing employees and departments, then this book may help to get you a glimpse into it.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent General Overview of the IT Industry as of 1/06........2006-01-18

I have never left a review on Amazon before (I've been a customer since 1997) and had no intention of doing so, when I initially searched this book description for some unrelated information.

However, after reading the previous two reviews related to this book I now feel compelled to give my review. Neither of the previous reviews had anything even remotely substantive regarding the actual material in the book. The only pertinent information the previous two reviewers touched upon concerned a typo. I challenge anyone to show me a 700+ page textbook that doesn't contain at least one typo.

The rest of the review pertains to the reviewer trying to grind an axe with regard to US programmers (which I am not). Maybe if he actually read the book, he would've left a different review. The other review is concerning a vendor/shipping issue.

I give this book 5 stars because I feel it is a good general overview source concerning the Information Technology industry at the time of this posting (1/06).

This book is well written and laid out in a very systematical and logical format, which allows the reader to reference the book "ala carte" style. If I want a refresher on networking or databases relating to the corporate world from a managerial perspective, this is a great source.

If you are looking to learn the latest version of Oracle or become certified in Linux, then I suggest looking elsewhere.
Essentials of Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (6th Edition)
Average customer rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not worth your time.
  • Good for its purpose
  • deluxe RIP OFF
  • Just not worth the cost.
  • This book is a scam
Essentials of Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (6th Edition)
Kenneth C. Laudon , and Jane P. Laudon
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131451448

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Not worth your time........2006-09-27

Basically I had to purchase this for a class. The book is full of acronyms and buzz words with no application. The end of chapter review is great if you just wanted to add new words to your vocabulary and be able to repeat their definitions with little understanding. This is a classic example of a text book gone wrong.

5 out of 5 stars Good for its purpose.......2006-06-14

If you need a management information systems book, this is the book you should be looking for! Its not useful for much else, however, maybe kindling...

1 out of 5 stars deluxe RIP OFF.......2004-12-20

I 'was forced' to buy this book for an MIS course. We all know how textbooks are scams anyway, but this one takes the cake. My college even had the balls to 'bundle' this with an MS Access book so we were stuck with a $170 bundle. All the info I needed to take the course was available on the website webct. If you can find a way to access that site, you don't even need this outrageously expensive book. I got an A in the course and never cracked the book. I just used the info on the website. You should try that route if you can, and forgo purchasing this book.

1 out of 5 stars Just not worth the cost........2004-10-12

This book is compulsory for a class I am in. Do what I did, don't waste your money - borrow from a library..... or find other solutions. This is way too much money for information that can be covered in other sources. The publisher is clearly exploiting the fact that it is used as a textbook to raise the cost outrageously.

1 out of 5 stars This book is a scam.......2004-09-09

My friend used Management Information Sustems: Managing the Digital Firm 8th edition. Now that I received this one I can see that 95% of of the content in the new book is identical to the one my friend has. Oh, right, the authors also added to the title the words "essentials of" Management...

I can believe the publisher let the authors publish this kind of book. A previous review says that the book is almost identical to the previous edition of the same book. Now I am saying that the book is almost identical to a different book writen by the same authors...this is outrageous.

Ah, yes. The cases at the end of the chapters are different
Managing IT as a Business: A Survival Guide for CEOs
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Must Buy if Upgrading from IT Management to CIO
  • A Must-Read for Every CIO
  • Pragmatic and clear.
  • Insightful!
  • A must read for IT professionals developing a career roadmap
Managing IT as a Business: A Survival Guide for CEOs
Mark Lutchen
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471471046

Book Description

With Managing IT as a Business you'll get practical advice on how to unleash the full potential of this critical function so that companies can derive maximum benefit. It offers a proven plan for bridging the gap between CEOs and CIOs that has, until now, impeded their ability to work together in order to craft objectives, establish budget guidelines, and develop metrics for measuring IT value and success. In short, with this book as a guide, business leaders will learn how to manage IT as they would any other functional business unit.

Download Description

Typically, information technology ranks highly among most companies' top five expenditures. Yet IT continues to be one of the least understood and most poorly managed areas in business. While all executives recognize the importance of technology as a means of improving customer service and of making work more efficient, few understand how to leverage IT strategically and how to use it as a driver of business success. Managing IT as a Business provides executives with practical advice on how to unleash the full potential of this critical function so that companies can derive maximum benefit. It offers a proven plan for bridging the gap between CEOs and CIOs that has, until now, impeded their ability to work together in order to craft objectives, establish budget guidelines, and develop metrics for measuring IT value and success. In short, with this book as a guide, business leaders will learn how to manage IT as they would any other functional business unit. Through numerous case studies that outline the lessons other senior executives have learned while maximizing their IT investment.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Must Buy if Upgrading from IT Management to CIO.......2007-08-07

Great help for someone that has just upgraded
from IT Management to a CIO role and needed to
upgrade as well his agenda. Excellent source of inspiration
and perfect guide for a profession that is still
under transformation. Definitely a must have.

The book is focused (and written by) on world class CIO positions,
but I found it equally useful for smaller scale CIOs.
It's exactly there that it lacks some information
on the organization of smaller IT groups ( <20 persons).

If you are a CIO then buy it. If you are an IT manager
you need something else.

5 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Every CIO.......2006-04-01

Excerpt from review on bsmDigest.com:
"Mark Lutchen's groundbreaking book continues to influence technology leaders with its vision for building mature IT organizations. As more CIOs and CEOs grapple with the challenge of applying effective management processes to their increasingly critical technology organizations, this engaging book offers very practical advice for doing it successfully. Drawing on his experience both as an actual CIO managing a large, global IT organizations and as a management consultant working with many large organizations, Lutchen delivers a clear, integrated vision for enlightened IT management."

5 out of 5 stars Pragmatic and clear........2005-06-24

I have only one simple statement - where were you Mark when I started my IT career 17 years ago? Today I would have been a CIO! I highly recommend this book for those starting out their careers in IT as it gives a big picture look to the field. Own it and refer to the clear and relevant graphics in the book.

4 out of 5 stars Insightful!.......2004-06-03

In the fall of 2003, the Harvard Business Review published an article advancing the proposition that "IT doesn't matter." The article's author suggested that because IT was now a commodity, and everyone had it, it no longer conveyed any distinctive competitive advantage and therefore, strategically, did not matter. In fact, at many companies, IT doesn't matter as much as it should - not because it is a commodity that other companies also use, but because most companies don't get every potential benefit from their IT. To advance your business agenda effectively, make IT a real part of the business. Author Mark D. Lutchen shows managers, particularly CEOs and CIOs, why IT is not fully a part of business at the moment, and what it will take to turn IT into a competitive, strategic asset. We recommend this useful, well-written, clearly organized book to anyone whose job involves decisions on IT budgets, organization, investments or strategy.

5 out of 5 stars A must read for IT professionals developing a career roadmap.......2004-03-27

This is a fabulous book for experienced or aspiring IT managers whose goal is to prepare for ascension through the ranks, especially to the CIO level. In simple yet rich language, Mark presents a clear picture of the future of the IT organization and the competencies needed in the CIO and senior team heading up this professional services operation. The examples and case studies are rich with insights. In short, this book is pragmatic and weighty, yet also highly readable and I dare say outright enjoyable. I highly recommend it as a must read for anyone who wants to develop an effective IT career roadmap. Thank you Mark Lutchen.

Joe Santana,
Co-author Manage IT
Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (10th Edition)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (10th Edition)
    Jane Laudon , and Kenneth Laudon
    Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    5. Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (9th Edition) Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (9th Edition)

    ASIN: 0132304619

    Book Description

    For sophmore, junior, senior, and MBA-level MIS and Information Systems courses.

    These authoritative authors continue to define the MIS course by integrating coverage of essential new technologies, their applications, and their impact on managerial decisions.

    Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • An expert's view on unifying information
    • An excellent starting point for tech writers making the move to single sourcing.
    • Content reuse, not Enterprise Content Management...,
    • Review of Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Str
    • A must for Content Management projects
    Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy
    Ann Rockley
    Manufacturer: New Riders Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    5. Designing a Document Strategy Designing a Document Strategy

    ASIN: 0735713065

    Book Description

    Today's businesses are overwhelmed with the need to create more content, faster, cutomized for more customers, and for more media than ever before. Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy provides the concepts, strategies, guidelines, processes, and technological options that will prepare enterprise content managers and authors to meet the increasing demands of creating, managing, and distributing content.

    Author Ann Rockley, along with the Rockley Group team, provides techniques that will help you define your content management requirements, build your vision, design your content architecture, pick the right tools, and overcome the hurdles of managing enterprise content. This book will help you visualize the broad spectrum of enterprise content, the requirements for effectively creating, managing, and delivering content, and the value of developing a unified content strategy for your organization.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars An expert's view on unifying information.......2007-07-26

    Actually implementing a content management solution, even for a small company, is a daunting prospect. Not only do you have to consider a myriad of concrete tasks in order to audit, centralize, and reuse your information. You also have to "sell" a major work-style change to numerous players. Even knowing where to start can be overwhelming, and that's where Ann Rockley's book Managing Enterprise Content comes in.

    Authoritative and experienced, Rockley acknowledges that enterprise content management is not for everyone (a refreshing change from those pushing cookie-cutter solutions). In cases where content management could solve business problems, Rockley makes her case with calm conviction, breaking the subject down into logical chunks. In particular, her chapters on designing metadata (the "information about information" that is key to effective and scalable content management) and workflow (the designation of who does what, when) are lucid and comprehensive.

    Whether your objective is to get a grasp of the subject, sell an implementation to your organization, or just digest what an impending implementation will mean to you, you'll want Rockley's book on your desk.

    4 out of 5 stars An excellent starting point for tech writers making the move to single sourcing........2007-05-25

    I came to this book from a very different direction than many (all?) of the other reviewers. I'm a technical writer ("content developer") researching methods and tools for single-sourcing technical documentation. For my purposes, this book was an excellent starting point in recognizing and understanding the considerations that must be taken into account when migrating to a single-source solution (i.e., one tool and set of practices for developing documentation to be delivered in multiple media), defining a new set of practices, and evaluating an authoring tool. I recommend this book strongly to any tech writer/manager who needs help understanding the basics of single-sourcing.

    4 out of 5 stars Content reuse, not Enterprise Content Management...,.......2006-11-05

    This book's title has probably attracted those interested in Enterprise Content Management. ECM has increasingly become a major buzz in business strategy circles as the information age tidal wave spills over into organizations and floods them with content. We're literally drowning. "Managing Enterprise Content" does not discuss ECM in broad terms, such as structured and unstructured content, email, scanned documents, OCR, ICR, etc. Instead, it focuses on content reuse. To take a simple example, a product brochure, a website, and a press release all include descriptions of a product. Why, the book argues, rewrite that description three separate times for each medium? Why not write it just once, store it in a content management system, and then reuse it over and over again? "Content Modularization" or "Content Reuse" probably describe the goals of this book less confusingly than "Managing Enterprise Content." But, in fairness to the authors, the current title isn't inaccurate, it just lends itself easily to misunderstanding. To reiterate: those looking for a course in Enterprise Content Management conforming to the Association for Information and Image Management's (AIIM) guidelines should look elsewhere.

    Nonetheless, those looking for a strategy to manage distributable content throughout an organization should take a look at "Managing Enterprise Content." The focus remains on implementing a "unified content strategy," which translates essentially to an efficient reuse of content. Here the word "content" has a specific sense relating to verbiage authored for a specific use. Product descriptions, mission and vision statements, disclaimers, compliance and regulatory announcements, anything widely distributable qualifies. How does one efficiently manage the creation and the evolution of such content across an organization? This obviously implies some form of centralization (although this pregnant term gets strategically avoided for obvious reasons). And this further implies a software system. But prior to purchasing an expensive application, the business must align itself process-wise to enable content reuse. Otherwise the costly program will sit and rot. The first three parts of the book (I - III), comprising its first twelve chapters, discuss these necessary preparations and walk the reader through to implementation. This progression mirrors, for good reasons, the project management and software development life cycle processes. First, determine the concept or the "why?" of the project (Chapters 1 & 2). Then perform cost benefit analysis (Chapter 3 discusses ROI for content reuse), analyze and prioritize the current content infrastructure, the "As-Is" (Chapters 4 through 6), look to the future by modeling and designing the elements of the system the "To-Be" (Chapters 7 through 11), and finally implement the reusable content infrastructure (Chapter 12). Evaluation of software tools and technology should come before implementation, but the book instead covers these topics in Part IV (Chapters 13 to 18). So it's that easy to implement a unified content strategy? Well, no, not really.

    Part V, the book's final section, outlines the inevitable issues that face organizational restructuring. Implementation of a unified content strategy will probably necessitate fundamental changes. Roles will get changes, people moved around, departments will get realigned or reorganized. All of this can sap morale or cause anxiety amongst employees. The author is not an authority on such issues, so this section of the book remains somewhat cursory and high-level. Conflict management gets deferred to a website (the book contains an out of date URL, but the book's website[...] has an updated address), and the advice presented here will probably not surprise anyone. Still, managing change remains an important part of any new implementation and this section, though rudimentary, will at least raise awareness.

    Lastly, the appendices contain a grab bag of information. Appendix C, on vendors, has probably suffered from age (these days, a lot can happen in three years), but it may provide some good leads. Appendix B, "Writing for Multiple Media," probably could have appeared in the main body of the book; it contains important details not covered elsewhere.

    Overall, the book does give a plausible outline for implementing the proposed strategy. Some of the chapters may seem overly simplistic or overlong to those experienced with system implementations or business process management. At the very least, "Managing Enterprise Content" may introduce some readers to the concept of enterprise content reuse. That concept remains a challenging one that will likely mean different things to different organizations. So this book does not provide the final word on the subject, nor does it intend to. An organization can only use this book as a blueprint or a guidepost for implementing its own unified content strategy.

    4 out of 5 stars Review of Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Str.......2004-05-21

    Are you overwhelmed with the need to create more content, faster, customized for more customers, and for more media than ever before? Do you consider storing documentation on a server as an effective a content management system? Do you want to learn how content management will empower your organization? The answer to these questions and many more is covered in Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy by Ann Rockley with Pamela Kostur and Steve Manning of The Rockley Group. The Rockley Group is one of the leading providers of content management methodologies.

    Managing Enterprise Content provides concepts, strategies, guidelines, processes, and technical options that will prepare you to meet the increasing demands of creating, managing, and distributing content. It describes techniques that will help you define your content management requirements, build your vision, design your content architecture, select tools, and overcome obstacles of managing enterprise content. It will help you to visualize the spectrum of enterprise content, the requirements for effectively creating, managing, and delivering content, and the value of developing a content strategy for your organization. That¡¦s a lot of information for one person to understand. That¡¦s why the book is written for three audiences: content managers, information architects, and authors. Managing Enterprise Content follows the same methodical approach that Rockley uses to teach content management in seminars and workshops.

    I was expecting the book to jump into the technologies to implement a content management system. But that¡¦s not how Rockley presents content management. She begins with The basis of a unified content strategy and describes how content is created, who creates it, why authors work in isolation, and the consequences of isolation and centralizing content. The solution is to consolidate content in a definitive source, and a process that encourage authors to work collaboratively. The next step is to assess opportunities for content reuse. If you have never heard the term ¡¥reusing content,¡¦ you may know it as single sourcing. You probably already reuse content (i.e. copy and paste), which works well until the information, and everywhere that it appears, must be updated. Content reuse involves using existing content components (e.g. paragraphs, sections, and chapters) to develop new documents. Implementing a unified content strategy is a costly investment: tools, technologies, and training are not cheap. Investment costs are incurred in technology, training and consulting, and lost productivity.

    Examples are given to calculate the cost of authoring tools, content management systems, training and consulting¡Xa content management system is not a plug and play, one size fits all solution. The return on investment is achieved by reduced time to market, reduced cost of product content development, improved accuracy and quality of content, and reduced manufacturing defects. The examples are especially helpful because you will need to create a proposal to convince budget holders and management on the return on investment of a content management solution.

    Are you ready to buy a content management system? Not yet, read further. ¡§Performing a substantive audit: Determining business requirements¡¨ begins with an introduction on how to determine goals that you want a unified content strategy to solve, for example:
    „h Reduce the time to plan, write, review, approve, and publish
    „h Create flexible content that is easily reused to create information products for multiple products and multiple media
    „h Reduce the cost of translation by reusing existing translations.
    „h Make content more accessible; separating content from format makes it possible for content to be displayed automatically in a format appropriate to the disability.
    Rockley describes how to identify opportunities where a unified approach of content management (i.e. planning, design, authoring and revision, version control, access control, publication and delivery to its audiences) is beneficial.

    You are probably wondering how this all fits together, and Rockley explains how. ¡§Design¡¨ describes information modeling and metadata, how to personalize content, how to design a workflow, and how to implement your design.

    An information model is critical for a unified content strategy because it provides a framework for documentation. It's the 80/20 rule: 80% of your effort is planning and analysis, and 20% of your effort is implementing the solution with whatever tools are selected to accomplish the goals the organization has set for itself. The level of detail of your information model depends on the level of reuse you want to achieve.

    Many desktop publishing tools can dynamically publish personalized letters and forms by matching elements such as names and address¡Xa content management system can do the same. I was confused why design is given so much attention. Why not conduct the audit, buy the tools, and worry about design later? You can¡¦t. The design of information, reuse models/maps, meta data and workflow are all tool independent tasks. Regardless of the tools selected, you must first analyse and then design a content or information model so that it can be presented to IT staff and software vendors. Doing this in advance makes it possible for you to ask vendors to respond to a request for proposal and document how their tools can help you satisfy your specific challenges. Analysis provides an opportunity to collect metrics. From your information models, you can identify how much of your content could be reusable and where.

    Educated on how content is used, where and how, you are better prepared to match the tools and technology to the origination¡¦s goals to deliver a unified content management solution. ¡§Tools and technologies¡¨ offers guidelines for evaluating tools. With so many tools and technologies to choose from, selecting the one that best satisfies your goals and budget is a challenge. Your best advantage is to be an educated consumer before you shop around. Rockley recommends that you identify your needs, and criteria for evaluating product options in terms of usability, training provided, supporting documentation provided, technical support, upgrades and enhancements, implementation time, cost, vendor viability, partnerships the vendor has to provide an expanded solution, and references. Where do you being looking?

    Some good sources are conferences where vendors present authoring solutions such as the annual STC conference, electronic mailing lists, technology magazines, Web sites and online discussion boards and newsgroups. A supplement to ¡§Tools and technologies¡¨ is Appendix C, ¡§Vendors,¡¨ which is an overview of products, features and vendors. Appendix D, ¡§Tools Checklist,¡¨ which lists sample questions to ask a vendor. When you have narrowed your list of potential vendors, Rockley suggests that you either contact the vendors and request onsite demonstrations or send vendors an RFP (request for proposal).

    ¡§Tools and technologies¡¨ covers XML because it provides interoperability between applications. XML is not a set of tags that you apply to documents; it is a specification that sets rules for the creation of tag sets that you apply to documents. For instance, if you selected tools first and then designed your content, you might find that some of the content does not behave the way you expect it to. One solution would be to use XSLT to transform the content and move it around where you want it. While this may be an acceptable solution, it¡¦s not. The conversion costs time, money, and resources. There is no need to convert or transform content if it¡¦s modelled in XML from the start.

    Rockley describes strategies for collaborative authoring, how to separate content from format, how to manage change and transition. An example is given to illustrate how the same product description is reused effectively to create a show catalog, brochure, press release and Web site. It¡¦s easy to understand that people find it hard to believe that content somebody else created could possibly meet their needs. After all, Rockley notes, it was written for a different purpose and media, and the author could not have known their customers/audience/requirements. However, if content is written for a different purpose, audience, or media without considering how the content can be reused, it¡¦ won¡¦t work.

    Don¡¦t be optimistic that everybody will be willing to convert to a better way of authoring and managing content. Rockley presents issues to consider when planning your change management strategy such as overcoming resistance from opponents and descriptions of new and modified roles. She recommends creating a role for an enterprise project coordinator and information technologist; a change to existing roles business owners or analysts and information architects; and new skill sets (p. 413-415). Unintentionally overlooked are system administrators to maintain the content management system and to ensure that users adhere to standards.

    Don¡¦t be overly optimistic that everybody will want morph into new roles and change their authoring habits. An XML system is best suited and ideal for a large documentation department for all content authoring or an organization where every author uses the XML authoring tool. A team of ten or fewer will be constrained to balance XML implementation and documentation project duties, and learn how to use the (new) content management system. Even if you assign the complex task of XML implementation and creation of information models, workflows and DTDs to a consultant, the consultant will require guidance from the team. These are only a few of the constraints to overcome to assure a successful unified content strategy that Rockley expertly describes how to overcome.

    Managing Enterprise Content concludes with a checklist for implementing a unified content strategy, suggestions for writing for multiple media, sample questions to ask vendors, a checklist for the tools required to implement a unified content strategy, and the importance of content relationships in version control. Pay close attention to usability. The rollout of a content management system, authoring tools, and authoring standards affects every member of the organization. If it¡¦s not easy to learn, easy to use, easy to support, and easy to maintain, authors will revert to the traditional way of writing and managing content.

    Read Managing Enterprise Content before you invest in a content management system and consulting fees. You will be an educated and informed customer and user when you begin shopping for a content management solution of your own.

    5 out of 5 stars A must for Content Management projects.......2004-02-02

    This book is an absolute must for Content Management projects. It touches all of the important aspects: Technical, functional and process. There is something for all stakeholders in a EMS/CMS project.

    Especially good about this book is that the parts that are not your direct job are still very readable, understandable and interesting. It provides valuable insights in other peoples jobs and reasoning.

    Coming from the technical side and with a lot of experience in setting up systems and also information architecture and DTD design, for me this book contained several new insights and some very helpfull checklists.

    I am in the middel of a CMS project now, but I wish I had read it sooner.
    MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-290): Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment, Second Edition
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Great hands on Tutorial
    • Great product & support CD's
    • Helped A Non-Techy Pass the 70-290 Exam on the First Try
    • Didn't get Serial Key with c.d.
    • Excellent Book
    MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-290): Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment, Second Edition
    Dan Holme , and Orin Thomas
    Manufacturer: Microsoft Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    1. MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291): Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291): Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition
    2. MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Second Edition MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Second Edition
    3. MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition
    4. MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-284): Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-284): Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
    5. MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-299): Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (Pro-Certification) MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-299): Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (Pro-Certification)

    ASIN: 0735622892

    Book Description

    Announcing an all-new MCSA/MCSE Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-290, a core exam for the new Windows Server 2003 certification. This kit packs the tools and features that exam candidates want mostincluding 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 account and resource management in a Windows Server 2003 environment, this official study guide covers topics such as managing physical and logical devices; users, computers, and groups; access and permissions; the server environment; and disaster recovery services.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Great hands on Tutorial.......2007-09-10

    Great hands on tutorial. The book is so big though that you either have great memory, or study on a consistent basis so you'll remember all you has read by the time you get to the end. I got this book for hands on experience, and got the Exam Cram version as a refresher before the test.

    5 out of 5 stars Great product & support CD's.......2007-08-28

    I was very impressed with this training manual for the Microsoft 70-290 exams. Features prac & theory but best of all it includes an evaluation version of Server 2003 which is a must for the practical exercises. Overall extremely happy with this purchase.

    5 out of 5 stars Helped A Non-Techy Pass the 70-290 Exam on the First Try.......2007-08-11

    First of all I am not highly technical. I am a CRM Project Manager and I wanted to take and pass this exam to become and MCP and a MCBSM Profession for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. I do not do any of the outlined Windows Server tasks on a regular basis and had very little knowledge of them before I read this book.

    I also found the certification exam to be very challenging and confusing at times; even more than some of the other Microsoft Certifications Exams the I have taken. That being said I believe this book did a very good job preparing me for the exam.

    I found it to be bearable, which is actually pretty good considering my interest in the topics was limited. I spend roughly 30 hours reading the text and doing the examples from the book and another 15 hours taking the practice tests. In my opinion each of these three components are equally important.

    Overall I don't think I retained much of the content and I would not recommend reading this book if you don't plan to taking the certification exam or using the content on a daily basis. However, if you are planning on taking the exam this probably the best resource because of the content, examples, and practice test cd.

    1 out of 5 stars Didn't get Serial Key with c.d........2007-02-17

    I'm very dissappointed as I didn't get a serial key with my book to install the training edition of Enterprise Server 2003. This has caused me to have to find someone with a valid copy of Enterprise and it hasn't been easy.

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent Book.......2007-01-09

    Is very good book is you planning taking this exam and very helpfully i recomended it
    Managing and Using Information Systems
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Managing and Using Information Systems
    • Adequate read for IT courses
    Managing and Using Information Systems
    Carol S. Saunders , and Keri E. Pearlson
    Manufacturer: Wiley
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    1. Value Driven Management: How to Create and Maximize Value over Time for Organizational Success Value Driven Management: How to Create and Maximize Value over Time for Organizational Success
    2. International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior
    3. Organizations: Behavior, Structure, Processes Organizations: Behavior, Structure, Processes
    4. Superior Customer Value in the New Economy: Concepts and Cases, Second Edition Superior Customer Value in the New Economy: Concepts and Cases, Second Edition
    5. Managers and the Legal Environment: Strategies for the 21st Century Managers and the Legal Environment: Strategies for the 21st Century

    Accessories:
    1. Human-Computer Interaction: Developing Effective Organizational Information Systems Human-Computer Interaction: Developing Effective Organizational Information Systems
    2. Principles of Information Systems Security: Texts and Cases Principles of Information Systems Security: Texts and Cases

    ASIN: 0471715387

    Book Description

    Integrate IT with business strategy
    Now updated and revised, this Third Edition of Managing and Using Information Systems by Pearlson and Saunders arms you with the insights and knowledge you need to become an active participant in information systems decisions. Taking a strategic approach to information systems, the authors show how to manage information as a resource and use information for competitive advantage.

    This brief, yet complete, paperback provides a basic framework for understanding the relationships among business strategy, information systems, and organizational strategies. You'll learn how IT relates to organizational design and business strategy, how to recognize opportunities in the work environment, and how to apply current technologies in innovative ways.

    New Features of the Third Edition
    * New coverage of off-shoring
    * New coverage of IT portfolio management
    * Expanded coverage of management of security
    * Expanded coverage of Supply Chain Management (SCM)
    * Additional cases

    Cases are available with Business Extra Select
    Custom CoursePacks of cases and readings for each chapter are available via Wiley's Business Extra Select program. Go to www.wiley.com/college/bxs for more details.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Managing and Using Information Systems.......2007-02-16

    Book shipped extremely fast and was just as described. Thanks.

    4 out of 5 stars Adequate read for IT courses.......2007-01-20

    I'm reading this in an MBA MIS course. I'm also an IT manager, so I have a little more experience and perception behind what I'm reading.

    No IT book is real life. They're mostly theory. This one does a decent job of integrating theory with recent case studies. It would suffice as an adequate IT training book for anyone who may be managing IT or may encounter those working in the field.
    Managing Information Technology (5th Edition)
    Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    • MIT
    • Good book
    • You've got to be kidding me.
    • This book isn't good
    • USEFUL REFERENCE TOOL
    Managing Information Technology (5th Edition)
    E. Wainright Martin , Carol V. Brown , Daniel W. DeHayes , Jeffrey A. Hoffer , and William C. Perkins
    Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    ASIN: 0131454439

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars MIT.......2007-10-05

    too few visuals. the way the book arrange texts made me feel a bit headache.

    5 out of 5 stars Good book.......2004-05-08

    I think I have learned a lot from the book. Thanks.. It is a good book.

    1 out of 5 stars You've got to be kidding me........2004-01-09

    This is literally the worst textbook I've ever used in my entire academic career. This book is jam-packed with jargon ("utilize"), acronyms (e.g.,"ERP," a term that the book does a poor job defining), and slashes. By slashes I mean, do you know how IT consultants love to use two synonymous words when one would suffice? For example: "I love/like to go jogging/running to the store/market."

    My MIS professor was a moron, however, so it's understandable that he would choose this book. IF YOU ARE A PROFESSOR WHO IS NOT A MORON, DO NOT MAKE YOUR STUDENTS SUFFER THROUGH THIS BOOK. Thanks.

    1 out of 5 stars This book isn't good.......2002-12-15

    Consider the following statement from page 256. Here's some "early lessons" from the "new economy":

    Dot-com startups as well as clicks-and-mortar strategies can be viable for B2B for B2C ecommerce if the applications leverage Internet technologies AND a marketplace strength.

    Aren't you glad you bought the book? You ALSO need a marketplace strength to be successful, not just the Internet stuff. Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it?

    5 out of 5 stars USEFUL REFERENCE TOOL.......2002-02-01

    I am finding this book as an extremely useful reference tool for writing my senior thesis at Rutgers University (NJ) on the Internet and B2B transactions. I find it very easy to read and useful, and some of the case studies are very interesting and helpful. Some of the other buyers don't seem to think the book is worth its price but I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THEM. I believe the book is worth its price.
    A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Sixth Edition, Comprehensive
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Good book, but needs improvement
    • The book can explain you the fundamental of PC.
    • Andrews comes through with flying colors!
    • I was forced to by this book due to class requirements...
    • Good info, poor organization.
    A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Sixth Edition, Comprehensive
    Jean Andrews
    Manufacturer: Course Technology
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    A+A+ | Exams | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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    1. A+ Guide to Managing/ Maintaining Your PC: Lab Manual A+ Guide to Managing/ Maintaining Your PC: Lab Manual
    2. Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition (Networking) Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition (Networking)
    3. A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Fifth Edition Enhanced, Comprehensive A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Fifth Edition Enhanced, Comprehensive
    4. Lab Manual For A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC: Enhanced Lab Manual For A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC: Enhanced
    5. Security+ Guide to Networking Security Fundamentals, Second Edition Security+ Guide to Networking Security Fundamentals, Second Edition

    Accessories:
    1. Deluxe 22 Piece Computer Tool Kit Deluxe 22 Piece Computer Tool Kit
    2. A+ Course Prep Exam Guide A+ Course Prep Exam Guide
    3. A+ Guide to Managing/ Maintaining Your PC: Lab Manual A+ Guide to Managing/ Maintaining Your PC: Lab Manual

    ASIN: 0619217588

    Book Description

    Written by best-selling author and instructor Jean Andrews, this edition maps fully to CompTIA's new 2006 A+ Exam objectives. This full-color guide is designed to be the most complete, step-by-step book available for learning the fundamentals of supporting and troubleshooting computer hardware and software. Video clips are available on the accompanying CD so readers can watch the author bring concepts and technical topics to life via live demonstrations.

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Good book, but needs improvement.......2007-04-05

    I, like so many others, was required to have this book for two of my classes. While it is a very informative, useful book, it is not very well-organized and is very boring. The videos on the CD that comes with it is very helpful to understand a lot of the hands-on stuff. Many of the "Reviewing the Basics" questions at the end of the chapter cover a lot of pointless things that are not necessary to know, and there are always anywhere from 1 - 5 questions that I just absolutely cannot find the answers to. There have also been many things that a few of my PC tech teachers have found in the book that they would like to debate with the author about. Overall, it's still a good book, but you need a LOT of time and a LOT of patience, and you can't be the type that gets bored too easily with reading, to be able to successfully read this book. The only exception to these rules is if you are required by your teacher to have this book for class. :P

    4 out of 5 stars The book can explain you the fundamental of PC........2001-07-16

    The book has 19 chapters and 7 appendixes. Chapters cover introduction to computer software, hardware, multimedia technology, viruses and as well as networking. In the appendixes you will find about ASCII Character Set, ANSI.SYS, The Hexadecimal number system and etc. Briefly this book is really handy one and written about mostly hardware components. When you read you will see it by yourself how handy it is. So i would say if you need basic computer reference then buy the book. Good Luck.

    5 out of 5 stars Andrews comes through with flying colors!.......2001-01-02

    COMPTIA has started to update the A+ Exam and the new exam will be out in the first quarter of 2001. Having a book that gives you the newest objectives is certainly a plus and Jean Andrews has delivered the first book I have seen to cover the newest set of objectives.

    The 1200 page book can be used as a self-study manual or in a classroom setting. Starting off with computer concepts and how software and hardware works gives the technician a great base to build on.

    Andrews then covers the topics of system boards, memory, storage devices and troubleshooting the hardware side. This covers about 40% of the book. Andrews makes sure that the laser printer process and laptops get the needed coverage devoting chapters to each topic.

    The networking sections are excellent and each area is covered with enough information to make sure that you can pass the exam. The software topics of Windows 9.X, NT and 2000 Professional are also given their due with excellent attention to detail.

    With tables, figures, diagrams, review question, key terms, hands-on projects you have every objective covered and the best chance of getting a leg up on the rest of the IT community. The cd-rom included has a 120-day eval of Nuts and Bolts and a discount voucher is also included.

    Again, Jean Andrews is leading the pack in making sure that future technicians are given every opportunity to climb the IT ladder. About the only thing left out is the software practice test, but overall this is an excellent place to start.

    1 out of 5 stars I was forced to by this book due to class requirements..........2000-10-13

    This book is full of redundant sentences. If it wasn't for all the poor writing and organization, it would be about 15 pages long. I have considered burning this book on the writers front door step! Or just boinking her on the head with it. Please buy any other book except this one. I suggest A+ Cert guide by Michael Myers, It rocks.

    Ms.MaddP

    3 out of 5 stars Good info, poor organization........2000-07-19

    I have used "A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC : Comprehensive" to study for A+ certification, to teach from as a textbook, and to develop a course using it as the text. It has strengths and weaknesses.

    The main strength is the ease for which information is accessed.

    By showing the A+ Exam objectives in the front matter and referencing each objective to specific pages as well as referencing the text in the margins, it makes it simple to study each objective individually.

    The weaknesses become apparent when you try to use it as a study text for the A+ Certification Exam.

    Though the exam objectives are referenced and noted on each page, the information is widely dispersed throughout the book. It becomes difficult trying to study while paging through the book to find related information. The A+ Certification Exam is divided into a "Core" exam and a "DOS/Windows" exam. "A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC : Comprehensive" does not use this division.

    To study for A+ you need to study from several sources. I would recommend "A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC : Comprehensive" as an adjunct source but not as a main source of study material.
    MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291): Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Not for the faint of heart
    • Great if you have a home computer lab.
    • Good foundation, but not quite enough to pass the exam
    • Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
    • Test Preparation, but also a lot of Basic Material
    MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291): Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition
    J.C. Mackin , and Ian McLean
    Manufacturer: Microsoft Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    MCSEMCSE | Exams | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
    Microsoft PressMicrosoft Press | Publisher | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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    2. MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Second Edition MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Second Edition
    3. MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition
    4. MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-294): Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure, Second Edition MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-294): Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure, Second Edition
    5. MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-284): Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-284): Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

    ASIN: 0735622884

    Book 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 wanted mostincluding 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.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Not for the faint of heart.......2007-10-10

    Excellent prep for the exam, but you definitely need a multi computer lab environment. W2003 Server(32 and 64bit) will run on an old machines with only 512Mb memory. Useful to also upgrade old servers via W2000 and various service patches, change and kill old domains etc. Trivial problems can sometimes take a long time to resolve, but you learn a lot in the process.

    5 out of 5 stars Great if you have a home computer lab........2007-07-21

    Well, I'm impressed. For starters, I got a valuable education from this book, not to mention a 980 on the exam. This book is a thorough course and will prepare you as much for the real world as it will the exam, but it requires a practice network of at least 2 computers (I recommend 3), and a lot of time - 250 to 300 hours. This isn't the kind of book that you read in bed or on the couch. The book is approx. 25% reading, 75% hands on lab work.

    I give my money to Microsoft reluctantly, especially on products that depend on solid communication skills, but since the book came with a trial version of Server 2003, I plugged my nose and bought it. I expected a litany of typos, endless ambiguity and the "good enough" quality standards that their software has accustomed me to, but that wasn't the case at all. The book was 98% accurate. The practice exam software was an asset, and like I said, it was thorough. It's only shortcoming was in the topic area of "Windows Software Update Service". I should add that I had two years of experience within an Active Directory environment under my belt.

    4 out of 5 stars Good foundation, but not quite enough to pass the exam.......2007-06-23

    This book lays a very good foundation for the 70-291 exam and is thorough in its explanation of DNS, DHCP and RRAS. The section on security was informative as well. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is it does not always cover every topic in depth that is tested in the exam.

    Taking practice tests with the accompanying CD is a must. I have found that these tests are an essential part of the learning process and really prepare you for the real exam. Some of the questions can be difficult because they may not have been fully covered in the book. Make sure you check out the explanations to these questions and get more information on those topics from TechNet on Microsoft's website, it will really help you pass on your first try.

    All in all, I really think the book does a good job in getting you read for the exam.

    5 out of 5 stars Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure.......2007-03-10

    I found this book to be a great resource and a good foundational book. I goes into enough detail to get a good understanding of the principals of Windows 2003 Network Infrastructure. While I am not sure you can pass the MSCSE 70-291 test with just reading this book it is a great foundation to compliment a good purchased sample test.

    5 out of 5 stars Test Preparation, but also a lot of Basic Material.......2006-08-26

    It has taken a while to get this book published. 1230 pages of material takes a lot of time to put together. Obviously the stated aim of this book is to prepare the student to take the exam. However, even if you are not planning on taking the exam, the material covered here is a complete book on Windows Server 2003 Networking. It covers everything from defining TCP/IP to troubleshooting nearly any kind of trouble.

    Of course the main thrust of the book is to pass the test, so there are a lot of small tests throughout the book and then there are three CD's. This includes a 180 day evaluation version of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition. In addition there is a review test that will give you the look and feel of the real test.

    This is by no means light reading for the IT newbie, but it's all you will need to pass the certification test.

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    1. Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy
    2. Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy
    3. Managing the Information Technology Resource: Leadership in the Information Age
    4. MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-431): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance (Pro-Certification)
    5. Modern Systems Analysis and Design (4th Edition) (World Student)
    6. Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs
    7. Multimedia: Making it Work, Seventh Edition
    8. Multiple Streams of Internet Income: How Ordinary People Make Extraordinary Money Online, 2nd Edition
    9. Nurse Practitioner's Business Practice and Legal Guide, Second Edition
    10. Oracle Certified Professional Application Developer Exam Guide (Oracle Press)

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