- Great and timely information
- Excellent explanations of new Vista security controls
- Helps you understand and tame UAC
- Partly dated- based on pre-release version of Vista
- Excellent coverage of the unique changes and security controls of Windows Vista
- Provides an understanding and appreciation for the 'dreaded' UAC
- Any security professional working with Vista will benefit from understanding the contents of this book
With Vista, Microsoft has, in fact, introduced a variety of security controls. Not only do the aeroglass interface and some of the other cosmetic changes require some getting used to, but many of the changes in Windows security seem obtrusive and confusing if you do not understand them.
Mark Minasi, a recognized expert and prolific author on Microsoft Windows, seeks to alleviate some of the learning curve with this book. The book was written based on Beta and pre-release versions of Vista in order to get it written and on the shelves before, or at least at the same time as, the official release of Vista. For the most part, this is not an issue, but there are some minor areas like the final "official" name for Windows Integrity Control [WIC] (or is it Mandatory Integrity Control [MIC]?) may not be 100% accurate.
That in no way detracts from the value of this book though. The book is brief, but more than adequately addresses the new and unique aspects of the security controls in Vista. Minasi explains UAC, WIC, Bitlocker, PatchGuard, securing Service and more, all in a way that is detailed enough for security professionals to gain value, but in a manner that is simple enough for common users to understand.
I think this book should be required reading for network and security administrators responsible for Vista systems, and that any user implementing Vista should read this book to understand Vista security.