The Accidental Administrator: Cisco ASA Security Appliance: A Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

There is a newer version of this book, based on ASA software version 9.x. Look for Cisco ASA for Accidental Administrators (ISBN 0983660751.)  The Accidental Administrator: Cisco ASA Step-by-Step Configuration Guide is packed with 56 easy-to-follow hands-on exercises to help you build a working firewall configuration from scratch.  Based on software version 8.3(1), it's the most straight-forward approach to learning how to configure the Cisco ASA Security Appliance, filled with practical tips and secrets learned from years of teaching and consulting on the ASA.
There is no time wasted on boring theory. The essentials are covered in chapters on installing, backups and restores, remote administration, VPNs, DMZs, usernames, transparent mode, static NAT, port address translation, access lists, DHCP, password recovery, logon banners, AAA (authentication, authorization, and accounting), filtering content, and more. Here's what you'll find:

• How to backup and restore software images and configurations
• How to configure four different types of VPNs
• The secrets to successfully building and implementing access-lists

All this information is presented in a straightforward style that you can understand and use right away. The idea is for you to be able to sit down with your ASA and build a working configuration in a matter of minutes. Of course, some of the more advanced configs may take a little longer, but even so, you'll be able to "get it done" in a minimal amount of time!