Amanda Murphy (2) (1976–)

The one thing I really, really dislike about Wrox books is the fact that they show the authors right on the cover. Not only does it give you a feeling that you're reading one of those "self-help" books that couldn't find a better cover than the author's mug, but you're subjected to see real, live computer scientists, and some of those folks can be a challenge on the eye.

I must admit, though, that I am biased towards computer books. I only seem to like good ones, either from publishers I show more trust, or from authors I trust. Call me crazy, but I think that a lot of people learn better when they are at the same time entertained, and Beginning SharePoint 2007 is not a bit entertaining, unless you find dry, clinical explanations entertaining.

Granted, the book itself is informative if you're trying to start fiddling with SharePoint 2007, but you know what else is just as informative? MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network), which is free, and available on the internet. The only difference, I would imagine, is that MSDN is written to a slight higher skill level. With this Wrox book, I felt like I was reading a less-insulting Dummies book.

But again, I'm biased.

If you're looking for some material about SharePoint, this might be a good place to start. Of course, you'll probably find a higher quality of writing if your book has a wombat on the cover, and not just a computer programmer that looks like one. show less