MCSA/MCSE SELF PACED

Got me through the exam, what more can you ask for from an exam prep book!, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book about 2 years ago and passed my 70-270 exam with around 85% ... no complaints there. The book gave me everything I needed to pass the exam and its not as if I studied it over and over again. I read through various chapters for a few weeks and then read pretty much the whole thing the week before my exam and that was it, so although it is quite bulky you dont need to worry about memorising every single line..

Lifeless & very badly written, 08 Sep 2008
In contrast to the other reviewers, I found this the most dull and badly written computer book I have ever read. It can never have been proof-read. It is full of careless errors - there are even some in the answers to the questions. The book leaves gaps in your understanding all over the place, and doesn't flow. The aim seems to be learning by committing disjointed facts to memory, rather than imparting understanding. This is not a dull subject if it is taught by enthusiasts, but the authors of this book do not seem to have the spark of life within them. I give it one star for the included CDs, and for giving an idea of what's expected in the exam.

Very useful, but not the whole story, 30 May 2008
This book is a well presented, well organised guide to the 70-270 exam syllabus. It isn't too basic, it assumes that you have some working experience already, which is the correct line to take in my opinion.

My main gripe with the book is that when you go from 'Part 1 - Learn at your own pace' to 'Part 2 - Prepare for the exam', it has questions on things that aren't covered in the first part. So don't go thinking that this book is fully comprehensive, it's not. Given the size of it, maybe there just wasn't enough room for the fine detail!

MCSA 70-270: Implementing WinXP, 11 Jan 2008
I received this book as part of my course, and i have found it a great help, especially the practise test CD and the Service Pack 2 installation CD which came with mine (That may not come with other copies, im not sure as mine as i say was sent to me via my education facility). This book is definately worth buying if you are studying the MCSA/MCSE or even just brushing up on parts of your knowledge if already in the field of network engineering/administration. In short I find this book much better than then MCSA for dummies i bought before receiving my course package

A great book!!, 09 Mar 2006
I have to say that this book is just great. I have passed the XP exam and I used this book as my main reference (I have used other books but they weren't as good). The chapters are well organized, clear and useful. It contains lots of practical lab work that are useful both for the exam and the real world. This book also comes with a 15% discount voucher (time limited), a CD which contains exam style questions and videos (plus more useful stuff), and a trial version of Windows XP operating system.
I felt the authors actually knew what they were talking about and provided useful exam tips throughout.

The book is huge with lots of useful information. I will use it as a great reference guide now that the exams have finished.

I strongly recommend this book and I believe it is money well spent.

MCSA/MCSE SELF PACED

Got me through the exam, what more can you ask for from an exam prep book!, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book about 2 years ago and passed my 70-270 exam with around 85% ... no complaints there. The book gave me everything I needed to pass the exam and its not as if I studied it over and over again. I read through various chapters for a few weeks and then read pretty much the whole thing the week before my exam and that was it, so although it is quite bulky you dont need to worry about memorising every single line..

Lifeless & very badly written, 08 Sep 2008
In contrast to the other reviewers, I found this the most dull and badly written computer book I have ever read. It can never have been proof-read. It is full of careless errors - there are even some in the answers to the questions. The book leaves gaps in your understanding all over the place, and doesn't flow. The aim seems to be learning by committing disjointed facts to memory, rather than imparting understanding. This is not a dull subject if it is taught by enthusiasts, but the authors of this book do not seem to have the spark of life within them. I give it one star for the included CDs, and for giving an idea of what's expected in the exam.

Very useful, but not the whole story, 30 May 2008
This book is a well presented, well organised guide to the 70-270 exam syllabus. It isn't too basic, it assumes that you have some working experience already, which is the correct line to take in my opinion.

My main gripe with the book is that when you go from 'Part 1 - Learn at your own pace' to 'Part 2 - Prepare for the exam', it has questions on things that aren't covered in the first part. So don't go thinking that this book is fully comprehensive, it's not. Given the size of it, maybe there just wasn't enough room for the fine detail!

MCSA 70-270: Implementing WinXP, 11 Jan 2008
I received this book as part of my course, and i have found it a great help, especially the practise test CD and the Service Pack 2 installation CD which came with mine (That may not come with other copies, im not sure as mine as i say was sent to me via my education facility). This book is definately worth buying if you are studying the MCSA/MCSE or even just brushing up on parts of your knowledge if already in the field of network engineering/administration. In short I find this book much better than then MCSA for dummies i bought before receiving my course package

A great book!!, 09 Mar 2006
I have to say that this book is just great. I have passed the XP exam and I used this book as my main reference (I have used other books but they weren't as good). The chapters are well organized, clear and useful. It contains lots of practical lab work that are useful both for the exam and the real world. This book also comes with a 15% discount voucher (time limited), a CD which contains exam style questions and videos (plus more useful stuff), and a trial version of Windows XP operating system.
I felt the authors actually knew what they were talking about and provided useful exam tips throughout.

The book is huge with lots of useful information. I will use it as a great reference guide now that the exams have finished.

I strongly recommend this book and I believe it is money well spent.

The only book for 70-290!, 21 Jan 2008
This is by far the best book for the 70-290 exam.
It comes with software that will allow you to take practice exams just like the real thing and is structured in such a way that you can test what you've learnt after each chapter.
I got 94% because of it!

Get this book before you get any others.
Dan

Plenty of content, 07 Sep 2007
Bit overly technical in places and not much entertainment included, but certainly had everything needed to easily pass the exam.

A Very effective training guide and long-term reference book, 24 Mar 2007
What an fine book and a pleasure to work through.

Having previously used Microsoft training materials for MCSE on NT4, I approached this book with a little anxiety but that soon evaporated.

The authors seem to be be good both at W2k3 and at training with a result that they effectively teach you "how it works" not just "how to work it".

Concepts are developed in a logical order and technical terms are defined precisely if a little concisely. For example, when discussing the attributes the different types of security and distribution groups, the detail is expressed in very few words. Nevertheless the words are worth meditating upon.

The practical exercises have been beautifully crafted to both generate understanding and to make the information memorable. One "trick" is an exercise that produces a configuration that, quite honestly, seems a bit odd. A supplementary exercise introduces another tool or feature that you use to alter the configuration to what you find not odd. It teaches you two features, shows their relationship and it sticks in the mind.

The book's authority is enhanced by the rarity of errors. I only noticed one important subject error which was related to the way Group policy controls Terminal Services Devices.

The book's recommendation to have a Gig of unallocated space is perfectly fine for the exercises on dynamic disks. However. If you want to do the WSUS practical work, make sure you have 12GB of free space.

The times suggested for each lesson were rather on the short side (for me). I regularly spent two or three times more.

Learning was a pleasure through this book and has made me competent in using W2k3 server as well as passing the exam.

Fantastic Resorce, 13 Mar 2007
This book is for lack of a better word, Excellent! the book is really well written and i feel is aimed at the right level. This book in is more practical than theory. The books split into two main sections which is lessons and revision for the exam. The lessons are split into three sections theory, practical Then reinforcement questions. The book all the way holds your hand through each example and doesn't really drop you in the deep end at all which is good. There is an exception and that's the first chapter which isn't in the exam and is there to teach you about the different flavours of server 2003. The questions at the end of that chapter throws you off and make you feel like you've learnt nothing. but since its not in the exam don't stress about it.

The book says that its aimed for someone who has been working with server 2003 18 months. This in my opinion is wrong because you cant have been working with server 2003 successfully without reading the book first.The level that the book is aimed at is for the person who is confident in working with computers. If you can install drivers,OS,configure the folder options,dabbled in networking computers together and aren't afraid of the dos command line and know what bat files then this is your level. This book is lessons and not references so you might not go back to it once you have read it. One thing i find great is this book is self contained and from my opinion is all the reading you will need for the exam.
be warned though this review is only for this book in the series the other books that i have read are the same format but are aimed at a completely different level and some of the have a lot more theory than practicals!

Now to get the full use of this book and follow its examples and allow you to explore some of the elements in the book you will need
2 computers (1 if you use virtual pc's but for complexity 2 is good)
1 comp of which with Xp pro, NOT xp home or media edition!
computer you will run 2003 needs 2 hard disks
Both computers have to have network cards and cat5 cable connecting them
1 Internet connection for verifying server 2003 and installing the updates
1 printer

You can use just one computer with 2 hard disks but the list above is if you are lucky enough to have that stuff lying about.

MCSA/MCSE SPTK 70-291

Got me through the exam, what more can you ask for from an exam prep book!, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book about 2 years ago and passed my 70-270 exam with around 85% ... no complaints there. The book gave me everything I needed to pass the exam and its not as if I studied it over and over again. I read through various chapters for a few weeks and then read pretty much the whole thing the week before my exam and that was it, so although it is quite bulky you dont need to worry about memorising every single line..

Lifeless & very badly written, 08 Sep 2008
In contrast to the other reviewers, I found this the most dull and badly written computer book I have ever read. It can never have been proof-read. It is full of careless errors - there are even some in the answers to the questions. The book leaves gaps in your understanding all over the place, and doesn't flow. The aim seems to be learning by committing disjointed facts to memory, rather than imparting understanding. This is not a dull subject if it is taught by enthusiasts, but the authors of this book do not seem to have the spark of life within them. I give it one star for the included CDs, and for giving an idea of what's expected in the exam.

Very useful, but not the whole story, 30 May 2008
This book is a well presented, well organised guide to the 70-270 exam syllabus. It isn't too basic, it assumes that you have some working experience already, which is the correct line to take in my opinion.

My main gripe with the book is that when you go from 'Part 1 - Learn at your own pace' to 'Part 2 - Prepare for the exam', it has questions on things that aren't covered in the first part. So don't go thinking that this book is fully comprehensive, it's not. Given the size of it, maybe there just wasn't enough room for the fine detail!

MCSA 70-270: Implementing WinXP, 11 Jan 2008
I received this book as part of my course, and i have found it a great help, especially the practise test CD and the Service Pack 2 installation CD which came with mine (That may not come with other copies, im not sure as mine as i say was sent to me via my education facility). This book is definately worth buying if you are studying the MCSA/MCSE or even just brushing up on parts of your knowledge if already in the field of network engineering/administration. In short I find this book much better than then MCSA for dummies i bought before receiving my course package

A great book!!, 09 Mar 2006
I have to say that this book is just great. I have passed the XP exam and I used this book as my main reference (I have used other books but they weren't as good). The chapters are well organized, clear and useful. It contains lots of practical lab work that are useful both for the exam and the real world. This book also comes with a 15% discount voucher (time limited), a CD which contains exam style questions and videos (plus more useful stuff), and a trial version of Windows XP operating system.
I felt the authors actually knew what they were talking about and provided useful exam tips throughout.

The book is huge with lots of useful information. I will use it as a great reference guide now that the exams have finished.

I strongly recommend this book and I believe it is money well spent.

The only book for 70-290!, 21 Jan 2008
This is by far the best book for the 70-290 exam.
It comes with software that will allow you to take practice exams just like the real thing and is structured in such a way that you can test what you've learnt after each chapter.
I got 94% because of it!

Get this book before you get any others.
Dan

Plenty of content, 07 Sep 2007
Bit overly technical in places and not much entertainment included, but certainly had everything needed to easily pass the exam.

A Very effective training guide and long-term reference book, 24 Mar 2007
What an fine book and a pleasure to work through.

Having previously used Microsoft training materials for MCSE on NT4, I approached this book with a little anxiety but that soon evaporated.

The authors seem to be be good both at W2k3 and at training with a result that they effectively teach you "how it works" not just "how to work it".

Concepts are developed in a logical order and technical terms are defined precisely if a little concisely. For example, when discussing the attributes the different types of security and distribution groups, the detail is expressed in very few words. Nevertheless the words are worth meditating upon.

The practical exercises have been beautifully crafted to both generate understanding and to make the information memorable. One "trick" is an exercise that produces a configuration that, quite honestly, seems a bit odd. A supplementary exercise introduces another tool or feature that you use to alter the configuration to what you find not odd. It teaches you two features, shows their relationship and it sticks in the mind.

The book's authority is enhanced by the rarity of errors. I only noticed one important subject error which was related to the way Group policy controls Terminal Services Devices.

The book's recommendation to have a Gig of unallocated space is perfectly fine for the exercises on dynamic disks. However. If you want to do the WSUS practical work, make sure you have 12GB of free space.

The times suggested for each lesson were rather on the short side (for me). I regularly spent two or three times more.

Learning was a pleasure through this book and has made me competent in using W2k3 server as well as passing the exam.

Fantastic Resorce, 13 Mar 2007
This book is for lack of a better word, Excellent! the book is really well written and i feel is aimed at the right level. This book in is more practical than theory. The books split into two main sections which is lessons and revision for the exam. The lessons are split into three sections theory, practical Then reinforcement questions. The book all the way holds your hand through each example and doesn't really drop you in the deep end at all which is good. There is an exception and that's the first chapter which isn't in the exam and is there to teach you about the different flavours of server 2003. The questions at the end of that chapter throws you off and make you feel like you've learnt nothing. but since its not in the exam don't stress about it.

The book says that its aimed for someone who has been working with server 2003 18 months. This in my opinion is wrong because you cant have been working with server 2003 successfully without reading the book first.The level that the book is aimed at is for the person who is confident in working with computers. If you can install drivers,OS,configure the folder options,dabbled in networking computers together and aren't afraid of the dos command line and know what bat files then this is your level. This book is lessons and not references so you might not go back to it once you have read it. One thing i find great is this book is self contained and from my opinion is all the reading you will need for the exam.
be warned though this review is only for this book in the series the other books that i have read are the same format but are aimed at a completely different level and some of the have a lot more theory than practicals!

Now to get the full use of this book and follow its examples and allow you to explore some of the elements in the book you will need
2 computers (1 if you use virtual pc's but for complexity 2 is good)
1 comp of which with Xp pro, NOT xp home or media edition!
computer you will run 2003 needs 2 hard disks
Both computers have to have network cards and cat5 cable connecting them
1 Internet connection for verifying server 2003 and installing the updates
1 printer

You can use just one computer with 2 hard disks but the list above is if you are lucky enough to have that stuff lying about.

Excellent Reference, 20 Oct 2008
This review is for the 70-291 book not for 70-284, as for some reason reviews for the 70-284 book have ended up here.

The 70-291 book was a very good study guide and reference book, I would recommend it to anyone taking this the 70-291 exam. Everything is covered very well and it certainly should help get you through the exam. However, please don't expect to use this book as a sole study guide, you do need additional study material. While this book covers pretty much everything, a book on its own is not sufficient to pass the exam.

The only downside of this book is some of the practices are setup where you need to have a connection to two separate phone lines. I didn't have two phone lines so pretty much had gloss over these practices, but because I had additional study material I was still able to cover everything to a good degree.

Fails to achieve its purpose, 02 Oct 2008
I've used a number of MS Press books to help me study for my Server 2003 MCSA and this is by far the worst. The worst of all worlds, this book is long and wordy without being instructive. It tends to repeat basic information several times before taking you through various options on the screens relating to configuring whatever option its talking about. There is no background explanation for things, no context, just confusion. Study books should either be detailed and in-depth or short and snappy, this is neither.

I haven't the funds to buy all of the books going, but I've borrowed a copy of the Syngress book for this exam and it explains things a lot better.

As for those people complaining that the workshop exercises are too involved, that's the nature of the subject. How can you practice network configuration and troubleshooting without a network?

good content if you have a couple of spare computers and isp acounts, 17 Jan 2008
Content of the book is good and really in depth and comes with a 180 day evaluation version of Server 2003 but to complete some of the exercises and Labs in the book, you could do with a couple of spare pc's, phone lines, and isp accounts. Some of these exercise can be replicated using Virtual PC software (with a few minor adjustments), but the Routing & Remote Access and NAT sections are a bit more difficult to complete unless you have the necessary resources.

For example the start of Chapter 10...
" Before you begin
to complete this chapter, you must have
- networked two computers, named Computer 1 & Computer2, each running server 2003...
- a separate phone line available to each computer (recommended)
- two internet service provider accounts, or one account that can be legally be used to connect two separate computers to the Internet simultaneously..."

Inaccuracies in the book, 17 Nov 2006
I will expand further un the review below and add that its pretty obvious to me that they did not actually do some of their practice sessions themselves.
Example: They have an entire section of one chapter on creating a service account for Exchange 2003 and a practice on how to change the Exchange services to log on using this. When you follow their instructions, you get errors logged and teh services refuse to start this is because since Exchange 2000 you have not been able to use anything but the local system account to log on. That is by design.
There are many more completely glaring omissions and inaccuracuies in this book.

Incorrect information within book, 30 Aug 2006
Many parts of the book proved useful. However some topic's within this book are incorrect, i have since researched on Microsoft's website and on more than one occasion the book conflicts with answers from the website! with the website ultimately being correct.
If you are aiming to take the 70-284 exam i would not recommend this book

All-new, all-in-one exam prep, practice, and review for the skills measured by MCP Exam 70-284 - and on the job. Announcing an all-new MCSA/MCSE Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-284, an elective for the new Microsoft Wind

Got me through the exam, what more can you ask for from an exam prep book!, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book about 2 years ago and passed my 70-270 exam with around 85% ... no complaints there. The book gave me everything I needed to pass the exam and its not as if I studied it over and over again. I read through various chapters for a few weeks and then read pretty much the whole thing the week before my exam and that was it, so although it is quite bulky you dont need to worry about memorising every single line..

Lifeless & very badly written, 08 Sep 2008
In contrast to the other reviewers, I found this the most dull and badly written computer book I have ever read. It can never have been proof-read. It is full of careless errors - there are even some in the answers to the questions. The book leaves gaps in your understanding all over the place, and doesn't flow. The aim seems to be learning by committing disjointed facts to memory, rather than imparting understanding. This is not a dull subject if it is taught by enthusiasts, but the authors of this book do not seem to have the spark of life within them. I give it one star for the included CDs, and for giving an idea of what's expected in the exam.

Very useful, but not the whole story, 30 May 2008
This book is a well presented, well organised guide to the 70-270 exam syllabus. It isn't too basic, it assumes that you have some working experience already, which is the correct line to take in my opinion.

My main gripe with the book is that when you go from 'Part 1 - Learn at your own pace' to 'Part 2 - Prepare for the exam', it has questions on things that aren't covered in the first part. So don't go thinking that this book is fully comprehensive, it's not. Given the size of it, maybe there just wasn't enough room for the fine detail!

MCSA 70-270: Implementing WinXP, 11 Jan 2008
I received this book as part of my course, and i have found it a great help, especially the practise test CD and the Service Pack 2 installation CD which came with mine (That may not come with other copies, im not sure as mine as i say was sent to me via my education facility). This book is definately worth buying if you are studying the MCSA/MCSE or even just brushing up on parts of your knowledge if already in the field of network engineering/administration. In short I find this book much better than then MCSA for dummies i bought before receiving my course package

A great book!!, 09 Mar 2006
I have to say that this book is just great. I have passed the XP exam and I used this book as my main reference (I have used other books but they weren't as good). The chapters are well organized, clear and useful. It contains lots of practical lab work that are useful both for the exam and the real world. This book also comes with a 15% discount voucher (time limited), a CD which contains exam style questions and videos (plus more useful stuff), and a trial version of Windows XP operating system.
I felt the authors actually knew what they were talking about and provided useful exam tips throughout.

The book is huge with lots of useful information. I will use it as a great reference guide now that the exams have finished.

I strongly recommend this book and I believe it is money well spent.

The only book for 70-290!, 21 Jan 2008
This is by far the best book for the 70-290 exam.
It comes with software that will allow you to take practice exams just like the real thing and is structured in such a way that you can test what you've learnt after each chapter.
I got 94% because of it!

Get this book before you get any others.
Dan

Plenty of content, 07 Sep 2007
Bit overly technical in places and not much entertainment included, but certainly had everything needed to easily pass the exam.

A Very effective training guide and long-term reference book, 24 Mar 2007
What an fine book and a pleasure to work through.

Having previously used Microsoft training materials for MCSE on NT4, I approached this book with a little anxiety but that soon evaporated.

The authors seem to be be good both at W2k3 and at training with a result that they effectively teach you "how it works" not just "how to work it".

Concepts are developed in a logical order and technical terms are defined precisely if a little concisely. For example, when discussing the attributes the different types of security and distribution groups, the detail is expressed in very few words. Nevertheless the words are worth meditating upon.

The practical exercises have been beautifully crafted to both generate understanding and to make the information memorable. One "trick" is an exercise that produces a configuration that, quite honestly, seems a bit odd. A supplementary exercise introduces another tool or feature that you use to alter the configuration to what you find not odd. It teaches you two features, shows their relationship and it sticks in the mind.

The book's authority is enhanced by the rarity of errors. I only noticed one important subject error which was related to the way Group policy controls Terminal Services Devices.

The book's recommendation to have a Gig of unallocated space is perfectly fine for the exercises on dynamic disks. However. If you want to do the WSUS practical work, make sure you have 12GB of free space.

The times suggested for each lesson were rather on the short side (for me). I regularly spent two or three times more.

Learning was a pleasure through this book and has made me competent in using W2k3 server as well as passing the exam.

Fantastic Resorce, 13 Mar 2007
This book is for lack of a better word, Excellent! the book is really well written and i feel is aimed at the right level. This book in is more practical than theory. The books split into two main sections which is lessons and revision for the exam. The lessons are split into three sections theory, practical Then reinforcement questions. The book all the way holds your hand through each example and doesn't really drop you in the deep end at all which is good. There is an exception and that's the first chapter which isn't in the exam and is there to teach you about the different flavours of server 2003. The questions at the end of that chapter throws you off and make you feel like you've learnt nothing. but since its not in the exam don't stress about it.

The book says that its aimed for someone who has been working with server 2003 18 months. This in my opinion is wrong because you cant have been working with server 2003 successfully without reading the book first.The level that the book is aimed at is for the person who is confident in working with computers. If you can install drivers,OS,configure the folder options,dabbled in networking computers together and aren't afraid of the dos command line and know what bat files then this is your level. This book is lessons and not references so you might not go back to it once you have read it. One thing i find great is this book is self contained and from my opinion is all the reading you will need for the exam.
be warned though this review is only for this book in the series the other books that i have read are the same format but are aimed at a completely different level and some of the have a lot more theory than practicals!

Now to get the full use of this book and follow its examples and allow you to explore some of the elements in the book you will need
2 computers (1 if you use virtual pc's but for complexity 2 is good)
1 comp of which with Xp pro, NOT xp home or media edition!
computer you will run 2003 needs 2 hard disks
Both computers have to have network cards and cat5 cable connecting them
1 Internet connection for verifying server 2003 and installing the updates
1 printer

You can use just one computer with 2 hard disks but the list above is if you are lucky enough to have that stuff lying about.

Excellent Reference, 20 Oct 2008
This review is for the 70-291 book not for 70-284, as for some reason reviews for the 70-284 book have ended up here.

The 70-291 book was a very good study guide and reference book, I would recommend it to anyone taking this the 70-291 exam. Everything is covered very well and it certainly should help get you through the exam. However, please don't expect to use this book as a sole study guide, you do need additional study material. While this book covers pretty much everything, a book on its own is not sufficient to pass the exam.

The only downside of this book is some of the practices are setup where you need to have a connection to two separate phone lines. I didn't have two phone lines so pretty much had gloss over these practices, but because I had additional study material I was still able to cover everything to a good degree.

Fails to achieve its purpose, 02 Oct 2008
I've used a number of MS Press books to help me study for my Server 2003 MCSA and this is by far the worst. The worst of all worlds, this book is long and wordy without being instructive. It tends to repeat basic information several times before taking you through various options on the screens relating to configuring whatever option its talking about. There is no background explanation for things, no context, just confusion. Study books should either be detailed and in-depth or short and snappy, this is neither.

I haven't the funds to buy all of the books going, but I've borrowed a copy of the Syngress book for this exam and it explains things a lot better.

As for those people complaining that the workshop exercises are too involved, that's the nature of the subject. How can you practice network configuration and troubleshooting without a network?

good content if you have a couple of spare computers and isp acounts, 17 Jan 2008
Content of the book is good and really in depth and comes with a 180 day evaluation version of Server 2003 but to complete some of the exercises and Labs in the book, you could do with a couple of spare pc's, phone lines, and isp accounts. Some of these exercise can be replicated using Virtual PC software (with a few minor adjustments), but the Routing & Remote Access and NAT sections are a bit more difficult to complete unless you have the necessary resources.

For example the start of Chapter 10...
" Before you begin
to complete this chapter, you must have
- networked two computers, named Computer 1 & Computer2, each running server 2003...
- a separate phone line available to each computer (recommended)
- two internet service provider accounts, or one account that can be legally be used to connect two separate computers to the Internet simultaneously..."

Inaccuracies in the book, 17 Nov 2006
I will expand further un the review below and add that its pretty obvious to me that they did not actually do some of their practice sessions themselves.
Example: They have an entire section of one chapter on creating a service account for Exchange 2003 and a practice on how to change the Exchange services to log on using this. When you follow their instructions, you get errors logged and teh services refuse to start this is because since Exchange 2000 you have not been able to use anything but the local system account to log on. That is by design.
There are many more completely glaring omissions and inaccuracuies in this book.

Incorrect information within book, 30 Aug 2006
Many parts of the book proved useful. However some topic's within this book are incorrect, i have since researched on Microsoft's website and on more than one occasion the book conflicts with answers from the website! with the website ultimately being correct.
If you are aiming to take the 70-284 exam i would not recommend this book


Excellent Reference, 20 Oct 2008
This review is for the 70-291 book not for 70-284, as for some reason reviews for the 70-284 book have ended up here.

The 70-291 book was a very good study guide and reference book, I would recommend it to anyone taking this the 70-291 exam. Everything is covered very well and it certainly should help get you through the exam. However, please don't expect to use this book as a sole study guide, you do need additional study material. While this book covers pretty much everything, a book on its own is not sufficient to pass the exam.

The only downside of this book is some of the practices are setup where you need to have a connection to two separate phone lines. I didn't have two phone lines so pretty much had gloss over these practices, but because I had additional study material I was still able to cover everything to a good degree.

Fails to achieve its purpose, 02 Oct 2008
I've used a number of MS Press books to help me study for my Server 2003 MCSA and this is by far the worst. The worst of all worlds, this book is long and wordy without being instructive. It tends to repeat basic information several times before taking you through various options on the screens relating to configuring whatever option its talking about. There is no background explanation for things, no context, just confusion. Study books should either be detailed and in-depth or short and snappy, this is neither.

I haven't the funds to buy all of the books going, but I've borrowed a copy of the Syngress book for this exam and it explains things a lot better.

As for those people complaining that the workshop exercises are too involved, that's the nature of the subject. How can you practice network configuration and troubleshooting without a network?

good content if you have a couple of spare computers and isp acounts, 17 Jan 2008
Content of the book is good and really in depth and comes with a 180 day evaluation version of Server 2003 but to complete some of the exercises and Labs in the book, you could do with a couple of spare pc's, phone lines, and isp accounts. Some of these exercise can be replicated using Virtual PC software (with a few minor adjustments), but the Routing & Remote Access and NAT sections are a bit more difficult to complete unless you have the necessary resources.

For example the start of Chapter 10...
" Before you begin
to complete this chapter, you must have
- networked two computers, named Computer 1 & Computer2, each running server 2003...
- a separate phone line available to each computer (recommended)
- two internet service provider accounts, or one account that can be legally be used to connect two separate computers to the Internet simultaneously..."

Inaccuracies in the book, 17 Nov 2006
I will expand further un the review below and add that its pretty obvious to me that they did not actually do some of their practice sessions themselves.
Example: They have an entire section of one chapter on creating a service account for Exchange 2003 and a practice on how to change the Exchange services to log on using this. When you follow their instructions, you get errors logged and teh services refuse to start this is because since Exchange 2000 you have not been able to use anything but the local system account to log on. That is by design.
There are many more completely glaring omissions and inaccuracuies in this book.

Incorrect information within book, 30 Aug 2006
Many parts of the book proved useful. However some topic's within this book are incorrect, i have since researched on Microsoft's website and on more than one occasion the book conflicts with answers from the website! with the website ultimately being correct.
If you are aiming to take the 70-284 exam i would not recommend this book

Got me through the exam, what more can you ask for from an exam prep book!, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book about 2 years ago and passed my 70-270 exam with around 85% ... no complaints there. The book gave me everything I needed to pass the exam and its not as if I studied it over and over again. I read through various chapters for a few weeks and then read pretty much the whole thing the week before my exam and that was it, so although it is quite bulky you dont need to worry about memorising every single line..

Lifeless & very badly written, 08 Sep 2008
In contrast to the other reviewers, I found this the most dull and badly written computer book I have ever read. It can never have been proof-read. It is full of careless errors - there are even some in the answers to the questions. The book leaves gaps in your understanding all over the place, and doesn't flow. The aim seems to be learning by committing disjointed facts to memory, rather than imparting understanding. This is not a dull subject if it is taught by enthusiasts, but the authors of this book do not seem to have the spark of life within them. I give it one star for the included CDs, and for giving an idea of what's expected in the exam.

Very useful, but not the whole story, 30 May 2008
This book is a well presented, well organised guide to the 70-270 exam syllabus. It isn't too basic, it assumes that you have some working experience already, which is the correct line to take in my opinion.

My main gripe with the book is that when you go from 'Part 1 - Learn at your own pace' to 'Part 2 - Prepare for the exam', it has questions on things that aren't covered in the first part. So don't go thinking that this book is fully comprehensive, it's not. Given the size of it, maybe there just wasn't enough room for the fine detail!

MCSA 70-270: Implementing WinXP, 11 Jan 2008
I received this book as part of my course, and i have found it a great help, especially the practise test CD and the Service Pack 2 installation CD which came with mine (That may not come with other copies, im not sure as mine as i say was sent to me via my education facility). This book is definately worth buying if you are studying the MCSA/MCSE or even just brushing up on parts of your knowledge if already in the field of network engineering/administration. In short I find this book much better than then MCSA for dummies i bought before receiving my course package

A great book!!, 09 Mar 2006
I have to say that this book is just great. I have passed the XP exam and I used this book as my main reference (I have used other books but they weren't as good). The chapters are well organized, clear and useful. It contains lots of practical lab work that are useful both for the exam and the real world. This book also comes with a 15% discount voucher (time limited), a CD which contains exam style questions and videos (plus more useful stuff), and a trial version of Windows XP operating system.
I felt the authors actually knew what they were talking about and provided useful exam tips throughout.

The book is huge with lots of useful information. I will use it as a great reference guide now that the exams have finished.

I strongly recommend this book and I believe it is money well spent.

The only book for 70-290!, 21 Jan 2008
This is by far the best book for the 70-290 exam.
It comes with software that will allow you to take practice exams just like the real thing and is structured in such a way that you can test what you've learnt after each chapter.
I got 94% because of it!

Get this book before you get any others.
Dan

Plenty of content, 07 Sep 2007
Bit overly technical in places and not much entertainment included, but certainly had everything needed to easily pass the exam.

A Very effective training guide and long-term reference book, 24 Mar 2007
What an fine book and a pleasure to work through.

Having previously used Microsoft training materials for MCSE on NT4, I approached this book with a little anxiety but that soon evaporated.

The authors seem to be be good both at W2k3 and at training with a result that they effectively teach you "how it works" not just "how to work it".

Concepts are developed in a logical order and technical terms are defined precisely if a little concisely. For example, when discussing the attributes the different types of security and distribution groups, the detail is expressed in very few words. Nevertheless the words are worth meditating upon.

The practical exercises have been beautifully crafted to both generate understanding and to make the information memorable. One "trick" is an exercise that produces a configuration that, quite honestly, seems a bit odd. A supplementary exercise introduces another tool or feature that you use to alter the configuration to what you find not odd. It teaches you two features, shows their relationship and it sticks in the mind.

The book's authority is enhanced by the rarity of errors. I only noticed one important subject error which was related to the way Group policy controls Terminal Services Devices.

The book's recommendation to have a Gig of unallocated space is perfectly fine for the exercises on dynamic disks. However. If you want to do the WSUS practical work, make sure you have 12GB of free space.

The times suggested for each lesson were rather on the short side (for me). I regularly spent two or three times more.

Learning was a pleasure through this book and has made me competent in using W2k3 server as well as passing the exam.

Fantastic Resorce, 13 Mar 2007
This book is for lack of a better word, Excellent! the book is really well written and i feel is aimed at the right level. This book in is more practical than theory. The books split into two main sections which is lessons and revision for the exam. The lessons are split into three sections theory, practical Then reinforcement questions. The book all the way holds your hand through each example and doesn't really drop you in the deep end at all which is good. There is an exception and that's the first chapter which isn't in the exam and is there to teach you about the different flavours of server 2003. The questions at the end of that chapter throws you off and make you feel like you've learnt nothing. but since its not in the exam don't stress about it.

The book says that its aimed for someone who has been working with server 2003 18 months. This in my opinion is wrong because you cant have been working with server 2003 successfully without reading the book first.The level that the book is aimed at is for the person who is confident in working with computers. If you can install drivers,OS,configure the folder options,dabbled in networking computers together and aren't afraid of the dos command line and know what bat files then this is your level. This book is lessons and not references so you might not go back to it once you have read it. One thing i find great is this book is self contained and from my opinion is all the reading you will need for the exam.
be warned though this review is only for this book in the series the other books that i have read are the same format but are aimed at a completely different level and some of the have a lot more theory than practicals!

Now to get the full use of this book and follow its examples and allow you to explore some of the elements in the book you will need
2 computers (1 if you use virtual pc's but for complexity 2 is good)
1 comp of which with Xp pro, NOT xp home or media edition!
computer you will run 2003 needs 2 hard disks
Both computers have to have network cards and cat5 cable connecting them
1 Internet connection for verifying server 2003 and installing the updates
1 printer

You can use just one computer with 2 hard disks but the list above is if you are lucky enough to have that stuff lying about.

Excellent Reference, 20 Oct 2008
This review is for the 70-291 book not for 70-284, as for some reason reviews for the 70-284 book have ended up here.

The 70-291 book was a very good study guide and reference book, I would recommend it to anyone taking this the 70-291 exam. Everything is covered very well and it certainly should help get you through the exam. However, please don't expect to use this book as a sole study guide, you do need additional study material. While this book covers pretty much everything, a book on its own is not sufficient to pass the exam.

The only downside of this book is some of the practices are setup where you need to have a connection to two separate phone lines. I didn't have two phone lines so pretty much had gloss over these practices, but because I had additional study material I was still able to cover everything to a good degree.

Fails to achieve its purpose, 02 Oct 2008
I've used a number of MS Press books to help me study for my Server 2003 MCSA and this is by far the worst. The worst of all worlds, this book is long and wordy without being instructive. It tends to repeat basic information several times before taking you through various options on the screens relating to configuring whatever option its talking about. There is no background explanation for things, no context, just confusion. Study books should either be detailed and in-depth or short and snappy, this is neither.

I haven't the funds to buy all of the books going, but I've borrowed a copy of the Syngress book for this exam and it explains things a lot better.

As for those people complaining that the workshop exercises are too involved, that's the nature of the subject. How can you practice network configuration and troubleshooting without a network?

good content if you have a couple of spare computers and isp acounts, 17 Jan 2008
Content of the book is good and really in depth and comes with a 180 day evaluation version of Server 2003 but to complete some of the exercises and Labs in the book, you could do with a couple of spare pc's, phone lines, and isp accounts. Some of these exercise can be replicated using Virtual PC software (with a few minor adjustments), but the Routing & Remote Access and NAT sections are a bit more difficult to complete unless you have the necessary resources.

For example the start of Chapter 10...
" Before you begin
to complete this chapter, you must have
- networked two computers, named Computer 1 & Computer2, each running server 2003...
- a separate phone line available to each computer (recommended)
- two internet service provider accounts, or one account that can be legally be used to connect two separate computers to the Internet simultaneously..."

Inaccuracies in the book, 17 Nov 2006
I will expand further un the review below and add that its pretty obvious to me that they did not actually do some of their practice sessions themselves.
Example: They have an entire section of one chapter on creating a service account for Exchange 2003 and a practice on how to change the Exchange services to log on using this. When you follow their instructions, you get errors logged and teh services refuse to start this is because since Exchange 2000 you have not been able to use anything but the local system account to log on. That is by design.
There are many more completely glaring omissions and inaccuracuies in this book.

Incorrect information within book, 30 Aug 2006
Many parts of the book proved useful. However some topic's within this book are incorrect, i have since researched on Microsoft's website and on more than one occasion the book conflicts with answers from the website! with the website ultimately being correct.
If you are aiming to take the 70-284 exam i would not recommend this book


Excellent Reference, 20 Oct 2008
This review is for the 70-291 book not for 70-284, as for some reason reviews for the 70-284 book have ended up here.

The 70-291 book was a very good study guide and reference book, I would recommend it to anyone taking this the 70-291 exam. Everything is covered very well and it certainly should help get you through the exam. However, please don't expect to use this book as a sole study guide, you do need additional study material. While this book covers pretty much everything, a book on its own is not sufficient to pass the exam.

The only downside of this book is some of the practices are setup where you need to have a connection to two separate phone lines. I didn't have two phone lines so pretty much had gloss over these practices, but because I had additional study material I was still able to cover everything to a good degree.

Fails to achieve its purpose, 02 Oct 2008
I've used a number of MS Press books to help me study for my Server 2003 MCSA and this is by far the worst. The worst of all worlds, this book is long and wordy without being instructive. It tends to repeat basic information several times before taking you through various options on the screens relating to configuring whatever option its talking about. There is no background explanation for things, no context, just confusion. Study books should either be detailed and in-depth or short and snappy, this is neither.

I haven't the funds to buy all of the books going, but I've borrowed a copy of the Syngress book for this exam and it explains things a lot better.

As for those people complaining that the workshop exercises are too involved, that's the nature of the subject. How can you practice network configuration and troubleshooting without a network?

good content if you have a couple of spare computers and isp acounts, 17 Jan 2008
Content of the book is good and really in depth and comes with a 180 day evaluation version of Server 2003 but to complete some of the exercises and Labs in the book, you could do with a couple of spare pc's, phone lines, and isp accounts. Some of these exercise can be replicated using Virtual PC software (with a few minor adjustments), but the Routing & Remote Access and NAT sections are a bit more difficult to complete unless you have the necessary resources.

For example the start of Chapter 10...
" Before you begin
to complete this chapter, you must have
- networked two computers, named Computer 1 & Computer2, each running server 2003...
- a separate phone line available to each computer (recommended)
- two internet service provider accounts, or one account that can be legally be used to connect two separate computers to the Internet simultaneously..."

Inaccuracies in the book, 17 Nov 2006
I will expand further un the review below and add that its pretty obvious to me that they did not actually do some of their practice sessions themselves.
Example: They have an entire section of one chapter on creating a service account for Exchange 2003 and a practice on how to change the Exchange services to log on using this. When you follow their instructions, you get errors logged and teh services refuse to start this is because since Exchange 2000 you have not been able to use anything but the local system account to log on. That is by design.
There are many more completely glaring omissions and inaccuracuies in this book.

Incorrect information within book, 30 Aug 2006
Many parts of the book proved useful. However some topic's within this book are incorrect, i have since researched on Microsoft's website and on more than one occasion the book conflicts with answers from the website! with the website ultimately being correct.
If you are aiming to take the 70-284 exam i would not recommend this book


Lacking content and out of date, 04 Oct 2007
I've used the Exam Cram series to pass XP and Server 2003 exams, I know this book back to front but it's not enough to pass the Infrastructure exam. The whole section on Update Services is out of date refering to SUS not WSUS, the book was published June 2006, SUS being phased out then and was unavailable by December 2006.

Announcing an all−new MCSA/MCSE Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70−299 one of two core exams for the MCSE: Security specialization and an elective for MCSA and MCSE. This kit packs the tools and features e

Got me through the exam, what more can you ask for from an exam prep book!, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book about 2 years ago and passed my 70-270 exam with around 85% ... no complaints there. The book gave me everything I needed to pass the exam and its not as if I studied it over and over again. I read through various chapters for a few weeks and then read pretty much the whole thing the week before my exam and that was it, so although it is quite bulky you dont need to worry about memorising every single line..

Lifeless & very badly written, 08 Sep 2008
In contrast to the other reviewers, I found this the most dull and badly written computer book I have ever read. It can never have been proof-read. It is full of careless errors - there are even some in the answers to the questions. The book leaves gaps in your understanding all over the place, and doesn't flow. The aim seems to be learning by committing disjointed facts to memory, rather than imparting understanding. This is not a dull subject if it is taught by enthusiasts, but the authors of this book do not seem to have the spark of life within them. I give it one star for the included CDs, and for giving an idea of what's expected in the exam.

Very useful, but not the whole story, 30 May 2008
This book is a well presented, well organised guide to the 70-270 exam syllabus. It isn't too basic, it assumes that you have some working experience already, which is the correct line to take in my opinion.

My main gripe with the book is that when you go from 'Part 1 - Learn at your own pace' to 'Part 2 - Prepare for the exam', it has questions on things that aren't covered in the first part. So don't go thinking that this book is fully comprehensive, it's not. Given the size of it, maybe there just wasn't enough room for the fine detail!

MCSA 70-270: Implementing WinXP, 11 Jan 2008
I received this book as part of my course, and i have found it a great help, especially the practise test CD and the Service Pack 2 installation CD which came with mine (That may not come with other copies, im not sure as mine as i say was sent to me via my education facility). This book is definately worth buying if you are studying the MCSA/MCSE or even just brushing up on parts of your knowledge if already in the field of network engineering/administration. In short I find this book much better than then MCSA for dummies i bought before receiving my course package

A great book!!, 09 Mar 2006
I have to say that this book is just great. I have passed the XP exam and I used this book as my main reference (I have used other books but they weren't as good). The chapters are well organized, clear and useful. It contains lots of practical lab work that are useful both for the exam and the real world. This book also comes with a 15% discount voucher (time limited), a CD which contains exam style questions and videos (plus more useful stuff), and a trial version of Windows XP operating system.
I felt the authors actually knew what they were talking about and provided useful exam tips throughout.

The book is huge with lots of useful information. I will use it as a great reference guide now that the exams have finished.

I strongly recommend this book and I believe it is money well spent.

The only book for 70-290!, 21 Jan 2008
This is by far the best book for the 70-290 exam.
It comes with software that will allow you to take practice exams just like the real thing and is structured in such a way that you can test what you've learnt after each chapter.
I got 94% because of it!

Get this book before you get any others.
Dan

Plenty of content, 07 Sep 2007
Bit overly technical in places and not much entertainment included, but certainly had everything needed to easily pass the exam.

A Very effective training guide and long-term reference book, 24 Mar 2007
What an fine book and a pleasure to work through.

Having previously used Microsoft training materials for MCSE on NT4, I approached this book with a little anxiety but that soon evaporated.

The authors seem to be be good both at W2k3 and at training with a result that they effectively teach you "how it works" not just "how to work it".

Concepts are developed in a logical order and technical terms are defined precisely if a little concisely. For example, when discussing the attributes the different types of security and distribution groups, the detail is expressed in very few words. Nevertheless the words are worth meditating upon.

The practical exercises have been beautifully crafted to both generate understanding and to make the information memorable. One "trick" is an exercise that produces a configuration that, quite honestly, seems a bit odd. A supplementary exercise introduces another tool or feature that you use to alter the configuration to what you find not odd. It teaches you two features, shows their relationship and it sticks in the mind.

The book's authority is enhanced by the rarity of errors. I only noticed one important subject error which was related to the way Group policy controls Terminal Services Devices.

The book's recommendation to have a Gig of unallocated space is perfectly fine for the exercises on dynamic disks. However. If you want to do the WSUS practical work, make sure you have 12GB of free space.

The times suggested for each lesson were rather on the short side (for me). I regularly spent two or three times more.

Learning was a pleasure through this book and has made me competent in using W2k3 server as well as passing the exam.

Fantastic Resorce, 13 Mar 2007
This book is for lack of a better word, Excellent! the book is really well written and i feel is aimed at the right level. This book in is more practical than theory. The books split into two main sections which is lessons and revision for the exam. The lessons are split into three sections theory, practical Then reinforcement questions. The book all the way holds your hand through each example and doesn't really drop you in the deep end at all which is good. There is an exception and that's the first chapter which isn't in the exam and is there to teach you about the different flavours of server 2003. The questions at the end of that chapter throws you off and make you feel like you've learnt nothing. but since its not in the exam don't stress about it.

The book says that its aimed for someone who has been working with server 2003 18 months. This in my opinion is wrong because you cant have been working with server 2003 successfully without reading the book first.The level that the book is aimed at is for the person who is confident in working with computers. If you can install drivers,OS,configure the folder options,dabbled in networking computers together and aren't afraid of the dos command line and know what bat files then this is your level. This book is lessons and not references so you might not go back to it once you have read it. One thing i find great is this book is self contained and from my opinion is all the reading you will need for the exam.
be warned though this review is only for this book in the series the other books that i have read are the same format but are aimed at a completely different level and some of the have a lot more theory than practicals!

Now to get the full use of this book and follow its examples and allow you to explore some of the elements in the book you will need
2 computers (1 if you use virtual pc's but for complexity 2 is good)
1 comp of which with Xp pro, NOT xp home or media edition!
computer you will run 2003 needs 2 hard disks
Both computers have to have network cards and cat5 cable connecting them
1 Internet connection for verifying server 2003 and installing the updates
1 printer

You can use just one computer with 2 hard disks but the list above is if you are lucky enough to have that stuff lying about.

Excellent Reference, 20 Oct 2008
This review is for the 70-291 book not for 70-284, as for some reason reviews for the 70-284 book have ended up here.

The 70-291 book was a very good study guide and reference book, I would recommend it to anyone taking this the 70-291 exam. Everything is covered very well and it certainly should help get you through the exam. However, please don't expect to use this book as a sole study guide, you do need additional study material. While this book covers pretty much everything, a book on its own is not sufficient to pass the exam.

The only downside of this book is some of the practices are setup where you need to have a connection to two separate phone lines. I didn't have two phone lines so pretty much had gloss over these practices, but because I had additional study material I was still able to cover everything to a good degree.

Fails to achieve its purpose, 02 Oct 2008
I've used a number of MS Press books to help me study for my Server 2003 MCSA and this is by far the worst. The worst of all worlds, this book is long and wordy without being instructive. It tends to repeat basic information several times before taking you through various options on the screens relating to configuring whatever option its talking about. There is no background explanation for things, no context, just confusion. Study books should either be detailed and in-depth or short and snappy, this is neither.

I haven't the funds to buy all of the books going, but I've borrowed a copy of the Syngress book for this exam and it explains things a lot better.

As for those people complaining that the workshop exercises are too involved, that's the nature of the subject. How can you practice network configuration and troubleshooting without a network?

good content if you have a couple of spare computers and isp acounts, 17 Jan 2008
Content of the book is good and really in depth and comes with a 180 day evaluation version of Server 2003 but to complete some of the exercises and Labs in the book, you could do with a couple of spare pc's, phone lines, and isp accounts. Some of these exercise can be replicated using Virtual PC software (with a few minor adjustments), but the Routing & Remote Access and NAT sections are a bit more difficult to complete unless you have the necessary resources.

For example the start of Chapter 10...
" Before you begin
to complete this chapter, you must have
- networked two computers, named Computer 1 & Computer2, each running server 2003...
- a separate phone line available to each computer (recommended)
- two internet service provider accounts, or one account that can be legally be used to connect two separate computers to the Internet simultaneously..."

Inaccuracies in the book, 17 Nov 2006
I will expand further un the review below and add that its pretty obvious to me that they did not actually do some of their practice sessions themselves.
Example: They have an entire section of one chapter on creating a service account for Exchange 2003 and a practice on how to change the Exchange services to log on using this. When you follow their instructions, you get errors logged and teh services refuse to start this is because since Exchange 2000 you have not been able to use anything but the local system account to log on. That is by design.
There are many more completely glaring omissions and inaccuracuies in this book.

Incorrect information within book, 30 Aug 2006
Many parts of the book proved useful. However some topic's within this book are incorrect, i have since researched on Microsoft's website and on more than one occasion the book conflicts with answers from the website! with the website ultimately being correct.
If you are aiming to take the 70-284 exam i would not recommend this book


Excellent Reference, 20 Oct 2008
This review is for the 70-291 book not for 70-284, as for some reason reviews for the 70-284 book have ended up here.

The 70-291 book was a very good study guide and reference book, I would recommend it to anyone taking this the 70-291 exam. Everything is covered very well and it certainly should help get you through the exam. However, please don't expect to use this book as a sole study guide, you do need additional study material. While this book covers pretty much everything, a book on its own is not sufficient to pass the exam.

The only downside of this book is some of the practices are setup where you need to have a connection to two separate phone lines. I didn't have two phone lines so pretty much had gloss over these practices, but because I had additional study material I was still able to cover everything to a good degree.

Fails to achieve its purpose, 02 Oct 2008
I've used a number of MS Press books to help me study for my Server 2003 MCSA and this is by far the worst. The worst of all worlds, this book is long and wordy without being instructive. It tends to repeat basic information several times before taking you through various options on the screens relating to configuring whatever option its talking about. There is no background explanation for things, no context, just confusion. Study books should either be detailed and in-depth or short and snappy, this is neither.

I haven't the funds to buy all of the books going, but I've borrowed a copy of the Syngress book for this exam and it explains things a lot better.

As for those people complaining that the workshop exercises are too involved, that's the nature of the subject. How can you practice network configuration and troubleshooting without a network?

good content if you have a couple of spare computers and isp acounts, 17 Jan 2008
Content of the book is good and really in depth and comes with a 180 day evaluation version of Server 2003 but to complete some of the exercises and Labs in the book, you could do with a couple of spare pc's, phone lines, and isp accounts. Some of these exercise can be replicated using Virtual PC software (with a few minor adjustments), but the Routing & Remote Access and NAT sections are a bit more difficult to complete unless you have the necessary resources.

For example the start of Chapter 10...
" Before you begin
to complete this chapter, you must have
- networked two computers, named Computer 1 & Computer2, each running server 2003...
- a separate phone line available to each computer (recommended)
- two internet service provider accounts, or one account that can be legally be used to connect two separate computers to the Internet simultaneously..."

Inaccuracies in the book, 17 Nov 2006
I will expand further un the review below and add that its pretty obvious to me that they did not actually do some of their practice sessions themselves.
Example: They have an entire section of one chapter on creating a service account for Exchange 2003 and a practice on how to change the Exchange services to log on using this. When you follow their instructions, you get errors logged and teh services refuse to start this is because since Exchange 2000 you have not been able to use anything but the local system account to log on. That is by design.
There are many more completely glaring omissions and inaccuracuies in this book.

Incorrect information within book, 30 Aug 2006
Many parts of the book proved useful. However some topic's within this book are incorrect, i have since researched on Microsoft's website and on more than one occasion the book conflicts with answers from the website! with the website ultimately being correct.
If you are aiming to take the 70-284 exam i would not recommend this book


Lacking content and out of date, 04 Oct 2007
I've used the Exam Cram series to pass XP and Server 2003 exams, I know this book back to front but it's not enough to pass the Infrastructure exam. The whole section on Update Services is out of date refering to SUS not WSUS, the book was published June 2006, SUS being phased out then and was unavailable by December 2006.

Nice one MS, 24 Nov 2004
If you are new to SQL Server then this book is an absolute god send, I can see how it will be useful as a reference for more experienced administrators but if like me, youve been thrown in at the deepend then you couldnt go wrong with this one. It covers all the questions you would ask yourself about sql server in order to get going and get a feel for what it can do, just trust me and buy this book. If you join this with the Design title then you are well on your way to achieving those ms mcdba quals or just impressing your md with all the new cool things you can do =)

not enough coverage for 228, 03 Oct 2004
Hi just a tip for those about to take 228, using this book as a sole source won't be enough. I was lucky enough to have an old SQL 7 book which I read to gain T-SQl programming info. Many of the questions required T-SQl statements know how. I feel that this book alone would not have got me through. I passed with a score of 919 thanks to an old sql 7 book that was on its way to the bin until I saved it!

(Nearly) everything you need to know, 14 Jun 2004
It got me a pass first time, so there isn't really any higher recommendation.

The worked examples are very good - make sure you have a copy of SQL Server to get the greatest value from this book.

Don't skip the example questions as these contain a lot of good information not included in the main text.

However, don't be upset if you fail - the exam is obviously aimed at those with some experience. No book can give you experience.

This is all you need, 04 Dec 2003
This book is all you need to prepare for 70-228 exam. Layout is good, labs are easy to follow, testing software is included. Don't look anywhere else.

Passed 1st time.

Passed the exam first time..., 29 Oct 2003
Great book, covered all of the objectives that needed to be covered, read it in about 5 days on and off, took the exam straight after and passed. Would recommend.

Got me through the exam, what more can you ask for from an exam prep book!, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book about 2 years ago and passed my 70-270 exam with around 85% ... no complaints there. The book gave me everything I needed to pass the exam and its not as if I studied it over and over again. I read through various chapters for a few weeks and then read pretty much the whole thing the week before my exam and that was it, so although it is quite bulky you dont need to worry about memorising every single line..

Lifeless & very badly written, 08 Sep 2008
In contrast to the other reviewers, I found this the most dull and badly written computer book I have ever read. It can never have been proof-read. It is full of careless errors - there are even some in the answers to the questions. The book leaves gaps in your understanding all over the place, and doesn't flow. The aim seems to be learning by committing disjointed facts to memory, rather than imparting understanding. This is not a dull subject if it is taught by enthusiasts, but the authors of this book do not seem to have the spark of life within them. I give it one star for the included CDs, and for giving an idea of what's expected in the exam.

Very useful, but not the whole story, 30 May 2008
This book is a well presented, well organised guide to the 70-270 exam syllabus. It isn't too basic, it assumes that you have some working experience already, which is the correct line to take in my opinion.

My main gripe with the book is that when you go from 'Part 1 - Learn at your own pace' to 'Part 2 - Prepare for the exam', it has questions on things that aren't covered in the first part. So don't go thinking that this book is fully comprehensive, it's not. Given the size of it, maybe there just wasn't enough room for the fine detail!

MCSA 70-270: Implementing WinXP, 11 Jan 2008
I received this book as part of my course, and i have found it a great help, especially the practise test CD and the Service Pack 2 installation CD which came with mine (That may not come with other copies, im not sure as mine as i say was sent to me via my education facility). This book is definately worth buying if you are studying the MCSA/MCSE or even just brushing up on parts of your knowledge if already in the field of network engineering/administration. In short I find this book much better than then MCSA for dummies i bought before receiving my course package

A great book!!, 09 Mar 2006
I have to say that this book is just great. I have passed the XP exam and I used this book as my main reference (I have used other books but they weren't as good). The chapters are well organized, clear and useful. It contains lots of practical lab work that are useful both for the exam and the real world. This book also comes with a 15% discount voucher (time limited), a CD which contains exam style questions and videos (plus more useful stuff), and a trial version of Windows XP operating system.
I felt the authors actually knew what they were talking about and provided useful exam tips throughout.

The book is huge with lots of useful information. I will use it as a great reference guide now that the exams have finished.

I strongly recommend this book and I believe it is money well spent.

The only book for 70-290!, 21 Jan 2008
This is by far the best book for the 70-290 exam.
It comes with software that will allow you to take practice exams just like the real thing and is structured in such a way that you can test what you've learnt after each chapter.
I got 94% because of it!

Get this book before you get any others.
Dan

Plenty of content, 07 Sep 2007
Bit overly technical in places and not much entertainment included, but certainly had everything needed to easily pass the exam.

A Very effective training guide and long-term reference book, 24 Mar 2007
What an fine book and a pleasure to work through.

Having previously used Microsoft training materials for MCSE on NT4, I approached this book with a little anxiety but that soon evaporated.

The authors seem to be be good both at W2k3 and at training with a result that they effectively teach you "how it works" not just "how to work it".

Concepts are developed in a logical order and technical terms are defined precisely if a little concisely. For example, when discussing the attributes the different types of security and distribution groups, the detail is expressed in very few words. Nevertheless the words are worth meditating upon.

The practical exercises have been beautifully crafted to both generate understanding and to make the information memorable. One "trick" is an exercise that produces a configuration that, quite honestly, seems a bit odd. A supplementary exercise introduces another tool or feature that you use to alter the configuration to what you find not odd. It teaches you two features, shows their