I just picked up these books, and was truely impressed. Not only do they provide me with the background, as well as the hands on needed, they come with some excellent tools on the CD includeing an invaluable network simulator and an evaluation version of the Windows 2003 OS.

What I truley like about these titles is that they don't leave you hanging. Far too often, a book does not go as in depth as necessary. Not these book. Each topic is reinforced with hands on exercises, so you can practice what you learn. A tremendous resource for anybody, beginner to experience, if you ask me.