This book is disjointed and odd in its construction. When looking for certain topics in either the definition of terms section or the index, one finds that nothing is very straight forward. A concept is introduced in one chapter, then talked about in depth in another. Sometimes these summaries and introductions aren't referenced in the index.

Other than that, this is a good intro to the Windows Server 2003 OS. The course that I took built upon this book was also a good introduction. As ... (show more)

This book is disjointed and odd in its construction. When looking for certain topics in either the definition of terms section or the index, one finds that nothing is very straight forward. A concept is introduced in one chapter, then talked about in depth in another. Sometimes these summaries and introductions aren't referenced in the index.

Other than that, this is a good intro to the Windows Server 2003 OS. The course that I took built upon this book was also a good introduction. As long as you already have a familiarity with Windows operating systems, then you will get along fine with this text. (show less)

For a person as brilliant as Kenneth Miller, it is extremely disappointing to see him resort to the ultimate cop out argument regarding god. He is willing to apply his scientific mind to every single subject in the natural world, but when it comes to analyzing the evidence for the existence of god, he resorts to the good ol' special pleading fallacy. Disappointingly, he goes so far as to explicitly state that god and his nature are inherently unknowable, right after eviscerating "intel... (show more)

For a person as brilliant as Kenneth Miller, it is extremely disappointing to see him resort to the ultimate cop out argument regarding god. He is willing to apply his scientific mind to every single subject in the natural world, but when it comes to analyzing the evidence for the existence of god, he resorts to the good ol' special pleading fallacy. Disappointingly, he goes so far as to explicitly state that god and his nature are inherently unknowable, right after eviscerating "intelligent design" for making the very same argument.

That quarrel aside, Dr. Miller does an excellent job of laying out the case for evolution. He relies upon his professional knowledge of the subject in order to convey the information in a manner accessible to the the average person. (Anyone doubting this should check out his lecture videos on YouTube.)

What is most exceptional about this book, though, is that Dr. Miller takes the "science" of "intelligent design" seriously. He takes it seriously and analyzes it in terms of science. He gives it a trip around the block, so to speak, and finds that the wheels have fallen off. Not only that, but there is a bomb inside intended to destroy the very foundation of science in America. He lays bare the ultimate goal of the Discovery Institute and the entire "intelligent design" movement: the destruction of "materialistic science" so that it can be replaced with theology.

Anyone compelled to reject evolution on faith grounds should therefore read this book. You won't have your feminine sensibilities offended by the "strident" language of someone like Richard Dawkins. You'll have only the amicable words of a fellow christian trying to save your "scientific soul." If you are even slightly inspired by ID arguments like "irreducible complexity," read this. (show less)