Customer Reviews

MCITP: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator Study Guide: (Exam 70-647)

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I've worked in IT for a couple of small companies for years, and recently I had a great job opportunity with a bigger company. I am more of a hands on practical knowledge kind of guy; I don't have a masters degree, I have 20+ years of doing the job. This company sent me on 3 interviews and flew me all over the US for them, and I thought for sure I had the job, but they picked someone else because he had his cert... then they called me back and said if I could get my cert in the next 4 weeks, then I had the job. This book was a godsend, it made it really easy for me to follow, and surprisingly taught me more than I thought it would. I would recommend this book to anyone, as it will not only serve as great reference material, but a good study guide as well!

I've already exhaustively studied the Microsoft Press 70-647 kit. I picked up the Sybex book to hopefully add to my knowledge for the 647 exam. I would describe the Sybex book as "light reading" compared to the MS Press kit, and I definitely do not think this book is enough to get you ready for the exam. The MS book is presented in a very dry, technical manner, where the Sybex book is more "conversational" in its approach. There are a fair amount of typos and some other things that should've been caught in editing.

Yes, there were some areas it went into more detail, or did a better job explaining, than the MS kit. So I can say it wasn't a waste by any means, it did help me round out my knowledge. But don't think you can study this book and be ready. It's not bad to have multiple sources to prep for these exams, so for that I'd say give it a read.

I recently received my MCITP Enterprise Administrator Certification by using this book. I was very impressed by the way the book was organized as it was well written and easy to follow. Presuming that you read the sybex series on the MCTS exams, you'll find this book to follow the same format as it's cousins. I couldn't even tell a difference despite the fact that the books have different authors.

I found the companion CD to be really helpful and the bonus questions really helped me prepare for the actual exam. I have just one tip for those of you who are taking the test, the exam doesn't require you to remember the procedure for setting up elements within the Server 2008 OS. That's probally due to the fact that they covered it in the previous exams. It mainly focuses on what you need to apply in various senarios. Like types of Trust, Group Policies, and Redoundancy Options.

All in all, I was very impressed with the entire Sybex Series and highly recommend that you give this book a try if you haven't already read the sybex books.

In many cases, a study guide, regardless of the company which produced it is mainly useful for preparing for the test and once you have passed the test, the book becomes little more than a dust collector. This is not case with Sybex's latest MCITP book. The author has done a fantastic job of not only covering the exam objectives, but have also written a book you will find very useful as a reference source and for providing real-world guidance as well.

Let's be frank, many IT books are written by individuals who are obviously subject matter experts, but write in such a convoluted fashion that it is difficult if not profoundly tedious to read and digest their work

The author and Sybex have definitely started to buck this trend of IT monotony, they have conceived an easy to read and easy to follow book. Without sacrificing the critical and accurate knowledge you will need to make the grade.

They have done a superlative job of presenting complex subjects in an easy to read manner and I for one am grateful. You will be too.

I think one thing we can pretty much all agree on is what a PIA the Microsoft tests can be, and really, the 2008 update for the MCITP is no different. I got this book directly from the publisher and really enjoyed it. Aside from being a decent read, the book does a fantastic job of covering all the objectives. It really does recognize how odd the test is and serves as an excellent review for the subject. I'd recommend this book to anyone getting ready to take the exam looking for an in depth update on the subject.

This comprehensive study guide is for anyone seeking to get their MCITP certification. This book contains the information you need to succeed.

This book is full of typo's and inaccurate information, I wonder if anyone reviewed this before it was published. The information covered is often vague or states that this was covered in previous books. I found myself going out to other references to verify something which I thought was inaccurate and too often it was. I have been taking tests for over 10 years and I am extremely disappointed in Sybex putting out this book and I believe they should consider pulling or fixing it.

The chapters have little substance, but that's just the beginning. Aside from the choppy sentences that almost look like they were written by an ESL student, the Review Questions are simply terrible. They don't actually measure your knowledge and ability to apply the information. They just flat out suck. Steven Johnson might as well ask questions like "What am I thinking?", or perhaps list challenges like "Guess what's in my hand." Either one of these would be more challenging and relevant in preparation for the 70-647 exam than his mindless drivel. Therefore, Mr. Steven Johnson, I award you no points. And may God have mercy on your soul.

Overall, a good value, and cover *most* test objectives (albeit all books are a little long winded). You'll do well with this kit, but if you have any experience in the field (i.e.; you've been doing advanced systems infrastructure design worok for the past 15 years), you'l be VERY disappointed with the final volume: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator. Written by Steven Johnson (whose credentials include no training and working at Radio Shack), this book is full of errors, and comes from a trainer's point of view, with no real world expereince (Steven, if I'm wrong here please correct me, but it doesn't appear you've actually done any advanced design work). Regardless of the content of the 70-647 book, this kit is a good value, and the first four volumes are accurate and cover most of the required details. As a kit, this is very good value.

In the "About the Author" of the book, it states that Steve spends most of his time either writing or flying airplanes. Based on what I have read, I hope Steven Johnson can fly airplanes better than writing. The material in this book is limited but, always gives you an advertisement for another Sybex book (I didn't buy this book to be pitched for others). Many of the items covered are obscure or just plan outdated, such as discussion of NT Servers. There are also too many outright errors in the material and/or review questions. When the book justifies an incorrect answer, you know you're in trouble. This book will not guide a candidate for the 70-647 exams down the proper path and will only confuse the reader. I too am a pilot, and if this book were a flight instruction manual, the plane would never land safely.
I have contributed to a couple of Microsoft exam development cycles as a subject matter expert and am MCITP'd, MCTS'd, MCSE'd, MCSA'd, and just generally MCP'd. I have studied for and have taken numerous Microsoft exams over the last 10 years. My recommendation is to bypass this book on your way to becoming prepared for the 70-647 exam.