What You're Not to Read

When it comes down to it, you really don't have to read any of this book. Look at the pictures, hide a copy of a good mystery novel inside it to read on the subway, or use it to prop up a kitchen-table leg. As long as you buy it, I'm okay with it. (It makes a great gift, by the way.)

If you're going to read this book, you don't need to read the whole thing or to read it in any particular order. The book is organized in a logical manner from beginning to end, but it's not a narrative. Rather, it's modular. You need to read only the portion that applies to a specific project or technique.

If you already have Lion Server installed, you can skip Part I. And you don't have to read Part VI to accomplish any server project. Consider it the chocolate center of a Good Humor bar.

Within most of the parts, the chapters are arranged from more general to more specific. For example, if you're a Windows administrator with experience with Active Directory, you can go right to Chapter 7, which deals specifically with Macs and Microsoft networks.

If you want, you can skip the text next to the Technical Stuff icons. I won't be insulted (well, not much), but I think you'll enjoy them.

Did I mention that Mac OX Lion Server For Dummies makes a great gift? If so, you don't have to read this sentence.

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