This title is also available as a free eBook on the Microsoft Download Center. It is offered for sale in print format as a convenience. Get a head start evaluating Windows Server 2012 R2 - with technical insights from a Microsoft MVP and members of the Windows Server product team. Based on final Windows Server 2012 R2 release-to-manufacturing (RTM) software, this guide introduces new features and capabilities, with scenario-based advice on how the platform can meet the needs of your business. Get the high-level overview you need to begin preparing your deployment now. Coverage
While free, it was not worth my time. If you want to learn a lot about Server 2012 R2, find another book. This is not because the author is a bad author (maybe a sell-out, but not a bad author). It's because this is largely a long advertisement rather than a book about Server 2012 R2.
The big disappointment is that I thought I'd learn a lot about Server 2012 R2. Instead, I ONLY learned what's new since prior releases (it focuses on what changed from Server 2012... yes from 2012 to 2012 R2... very narrow knowledge). This left HUGE gaps in overall knowledge. Their target seemed to be to increase sales of Server 2012 R2 but clearly NOT to give strong knowledge. For example, I wanted more knowledge about Active Directory. What I got was ONLY that which was new since Server 2012 (in some cases, since 2008). I learned very little.
To the degree that I can detect them, I will not buy these types of marketing books again. It's very disappointing. There are many others that will likely give a lot more.
It's a very good book for those familiar with the operating system and want to have a quick look at what's new in the latest version. It doesn't dive deep into the technical side.