very comprehensive. One for the desktop of W2K admins.

Microsoft publication on how to automate W2K admin tasks using scripting techniques

Most all the samples in the book are shown using VBScript, in addition to VB and C++. Chapter 10, "Active Directory Administration using Windows Script" has many examples of administration tasks. It also provides information on how to use WSH to automatically load the ActiveDS type library, and thus avoid having to do a bunch of CONST statements in VBScript.

well written. it is essential. or at least very valuable.

lives up to its title

covers analysis, tuning, optimization, automation, enhancement, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Windows

takes the reader through the basics of scripting all the way up to advanced topics such as Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI) and Windows Managment Instrumentation (WMI). Teaches the Windows administrator to quickly write complex scripts without requiring any expertise in programming. Explains commands and keywords, using Shell Scripting, KiXtart, and Windows Script Host (WSH) as the example scripting tools, while providing examples to illustrate functions. Illustrates how to use scripting to perform user and group management, backups and scheduling, and make key security and registry changes

Having this book right next to your machine gets you background data on key W2K features, and detailed step-by-step instructions for W2K protection and system management. It contains informative illustrations, tables, tips and techniques for W2K configuration. The CD includes all example projects from the book, code for managing the Windows 2000 Directory, and command line scripts that can be adapted by readers for their own use. 744 pages Book + CD-ROM edition (July 27, 2000)

After the Resource Kits, the Admin Companions are next most useful books from Microsoft.