Customer Reviews

MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Network Security Administration Study Guide (70-299)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Although the book has a 2004 copyright, much of the info is dated. Tables are referred to as for Server 2003, but the tables were obviously made for Server 2000 and simply copied into this book. Table 3.1 is a perfect example, referenced as the command line switches for the mbsacli.exe command, yet the table is titled HFNetChk Switches (the authors couldn't be bothered to do anything except copy/paste this info in). This is a common thread throughout this book, obviously NOT written for 2003, but a slightly updated (making references to 2003) security book for Server 2000.

Amazingly lazy effort. Some of the data, like basic security concepts, are universal (the definition of a "threat" is the same, regardless of OS) but after that this book is... well, saying it's a "retread" is being nice.

The screenshots in this book even still refer to Windows 2000. Chapter 3 has a very nice "System Properties" screenshot that says "Windows 2000, Service Pack 3". Going by that, it's not even completely up to date on Windows 2000.

If you're looking for basic security concepts, this book should be alright... but there are better options (like anything Security+ related). Unfortunately, this was my first Sybex book... and will probably be my last.

As mentioned in the previous review, most of the text and diagrams reference Windows 2000, despite the book being titled for Server 2003. After using Sybex books to pass the core requirements for my MCSA cert, I was eager to use this one for my elective requirement. However, the book is written in a very non-technical manner; the text as well as the review questions are vague and even incorrect at times. I have found a few obviously incorrect statements / questions that will be submitted to Sybex as errata. For once I'm glad I purchased the Microsoft Press book on this subject.

Just took the 70-299 exam and failed. Only the 2nd time I have failed a certification exam ever. (first time was my fault, this time it was the material). The exam material is far beyond what this book covers. Buy a newer version.

Use this for my MCSE but you need to have a really good reference book to go with it to have all the information you need for the exam. The Microsoft Training Kit is a better investment.

Great book for obtaining a foundation of Windows networking.
Make sure you have a real life network to practice on in order to derive the full benefit from the book.