The first ten chapters of this book explain the main functions the everyday user needs to work with SharePoint. SharePoint isn’t just one technology, but rather a set of several distinct interlinked technologies. SharePoint Sites represent the locations where people can work together and support different components. This concept is explained in detail and represents a short, concise introduction to SharePoint. Also explained are SharePoint Server 2010, lists, and different tools such as contacts, email, calendar, and the libraries that represent SharePoint’s document management approach. The final chapters explain SharePoint’s workflow, Web pages, personalization, and office integration features, as well as the business solutions that come with SharePoint.

Most descriptions are accompanied by screen shots, allowing readers to compare their own SharePoint implementations with the ones in the book. Getting benefit from this book requires readers to have a running SharePoint installation where they can test the various topics immediately and see the results. Just reading the book without this will not help much; I tried it, but soon stopped and went to my installation. Although the screen shots in the book are helpful and supportive, in reality readers will need to switch between different topics, compare their results with the book, follow the action items, and just experiment.

One final note: the text lacks a glossary explaining the different terms, tools, and components of SharePoint.