Amazon.com Review
IBM's competitor in the database server wars is DB2, and an IBM certification that proves your skill with that database is valuable in any IBM shop.
DB2 Fundamentals Certification for Dummies does a lot to prepare its readers for the DB2 Family Fundamentals (512) exam, explaining much of what IBM expects successful certification candidates to know and understand about DB2 version 7.1. The truth be told, this book focuses almost exclusively on the Windows NT/2000 implementation of the DB2 server and the Windows version of the DB2 client. Evaluation copies of both of these appear on the book's companion CD-ROM. You can indeed pick up all the concepts on the Fundamentals exam by studying the Microsoft environment exclusively, but more coverage of other operating systems would fit well into this book.
In any case, the three authors do a praiseworthy job of describing the purpose and operation of DB2 components, combining clarifying text with procedures in an appropriate mix. They've made some strange decisions. For example, they include a super-basic tutorial on how to free RAM when installing software but relegate a Structured Query Language (SQL) tutorial to the book's aft end. All the material is here, though, and the proficiency tests that open each chapter are good for gauging your level of preparedness in specific areas of DB2. --David Wall
Topics covered: IBM DB2 7.1 client and server, with emphasis on the Windows platform. The DB2 product line, installation of components, the Control Center, database design, security, concurrency, and Structured Query Language (SQL) all get attention.
From the Back Cover
"This book is tops! It's the fastest, easiest way to study." Janet Perna, IBM Software
Dummies Test Engine, DB2 UDB v7.1 evaluation copy, and more on 2 CD-ROMs
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Here's the DB2 Fundamentals exam test-prep guide you've been waiting for - a For Dummies book-and-software package that actually makes studying fun. Prepared by IBM insiders and packed with proven tips and practice exams, it's all you need to get up to speed on DB2 techniques - and pass the test! all this on 2 bonus CD-ROMs IBM(r) DB2(r) Universal Database Workgroup Edition, v7.1, for Windows(r) Operating Environments, evaluation copy IBM(r) DB2(r) OLAP Starter Kit v7.1, for Windows(r) Operating Environments, evaluation copy Dummies Test Engine, our exclusive, fully customizable test-prep software featuring hundreds of sample questions PC with Pentium II or faster running Windows NT SP5 or later (Windows 2000 recommended); 64MB of RAM (128 recommended); 300MB HD space available. See the About the CD appendix for details and complete system requirements.
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