Customer Reviews

MCSA All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies

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The way this book is organized would normally make it a great study tool. The book is divided up by the tests needed to get MCSA certified.
However, I found that the sections just don't go into enough detail. When I took some 3rd party paractice tests I was asked questions that pertained to material that wasn't covered by this book. Plus, the pratice quiz that's on the CD has some errors.
I would only reccomend this as a supplemental study guide.

If you are like me, you already have your A+ certification and are looking to pursue the MCSA certifications, this book is definitely the book for you. Gilster and Simmons have created a book that summarizes the essential knowledge for the 5 tests you need to pass to achieve that goal. Each test is covered in its own separate "book" so that you don't have to separate the information from one test from all of the others. Not sure that you shouldn't also look at Gilster's and Simmon's more detailed books on each test, but for those needing a bit more information, the other books would be a good idea.

I have used books by Ron Gilster to successfully prepare for a number of certification exams in the past couple of years. I also have a couple of Curt Simmons' Windows guides as well and have found them to be very to the point and informative.

So, it was a real treat to find an MCSA study guide by these outstanding writers. It was even more of a treat to read. Each of the "books" in the book covers one of the Microsoft or CompTIA exams required to complete the MCSA certification.

Like all of Ron's and Curt's books, this one is informative, to the point, easy to read, and entertaining all at the same time - something that cannot be said for the other "all=-in-one" books available.

Plus I'm sure this book will serve as a valuable reference long after I'm certified.

Easy to read. Would make a great reference. Definately will NOT get you through the MCSA exams. The book questions and CD questions are NOTHING like the real questions MS throws at you. You will need other sources for realistic practice questions and to fill in the gaps left by this all-in-one.
Book Covers the required 70-210, 215, 218 exams AND Network+ and Server+ exams. However, for MCSA, the one MS elective has to be one MS course OR two CompTIA courses: the A+ exam and EITHER the Network+ OR the Server+ exams, so this book will not cut it for a single source as it implies. MIGHT work if you already are A+ certified.

This is an excellent "starter" guide. Although you will need other sources (and be careful where you spend you hard earned cash - do a good few searches here before you part with it!). The writing style is "light" but that does not detract from the information imparted. This book, a substantial text and the great value Exam Cram 2's for each subject and you are there. Don't skimp on the resources, after all your trying to build a career, arn't you?