As a network administrator, I've seen my fair share of Cisco Routers. But I've never really had any formal training regarding the Cisco IOS. So, I've been forced to learn as I go, searching Google for advice regarding the problem I'm having or the configuration I want to change on the various routers I've worked on over the years.

If only Cisco Routers for the Desperate had been on my bookshelf a few years ago! It would have definitely saved me many hours of searching for configuration help on my Cisco routers. In this book Michael Lucas gives a straightforward and quick lesson on setting up and configuring Cisco Routers.

Lucas writes the book for someone who's not necessarily an IT person, but instead has found themselves "in charge" of the network at their organization. He uses simple and conversational language to walk through unpacking and plugging in the router, dealing with basic interface configuration, basic troubleshooting, and even some BGP and HSRP configuration.

In addition to the conversational style Lucas writes in, he also keeps things short and concise. He makes sure to cover the basics of his topic, but he doesn't go into excessive detail. He writes for his intended audience and doesn't stray from that.

I would strongly recommend this book for both IT Professionals looking to get started with Cisco routers, as well as anyone who has to deal with a Cisco router from time to time but doesn't have the time or technological know-how to tackle a more in-depth book on the subject.