Prepares reader to develop desktop applications with Microsoft VB6 and to pass the new MCSD exam #70-176. Covers these key skill areas: deriving the physical design, creating user services, creating and managing COM components, creating data services, testing the solution, deploying the application, and maintaining and supporting the application. Provides exclusive tear-out Cram Sheet with tips, acronyms, and memory joggers (mnemonics) to improve recall immediately before the exam.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Aimed at the Visual Basic (VB) 6 developer seeking to become a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Exam Cram is a strong tool to use in preparing for exam 70-176 from Microsoft, which measures skills for VB application desktop development.
The best thing about this book is its in-depth coverage of the Microsoft certification testing process. Sections cover both the requirements for various levels of certification and the format of the VB tests. Microsoft is moving to a different testing format, called adaptive testing (in which test questions adapt to the skill level of the test taker, similar to today's GRE). The author gives the reader some excellent advice on taking both fixed-length (old-style) and the newer adaptive test questions.
Besides nuts-and-bolts coverage of the test format itself, MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Exam Cram also provides a quick yet thorough tour of VB essentials, from basic data types and program statements to working with forms and controls, including basic ActiveX and COM development. Each section also provides sample test questions, along with excellent detailed explanations of which answers are correct and why. Of course, as the author notes, the best preparation for this test is actual experience with VB development, but this worthy guide can give you a quick refresher on central VB language and features.
With its concise format and insider's perspective on the Microsoft test format, MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Exam Cram is a great choice for any reader preparing to earn the MSCD credential with VB. --Richard Dragan
Topics covered: Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) exam 70-176 testing preparation, adaptive and fixed-length tests, Visual Basic 6 data types and arrays, forms and controls, collections, Win32 API basics, ActiveX and DCOM, error handling, ADO, online help, debugging, and deployment.
About the Author
Michael D. MacDonald (Whitinsville, MA) is an independent computer consultant working in Internet and client/server development. He has developed in languages from Fortran to APL, Assembler to Visual Basic, PowerBuilder to C++. Michael is a recognized industry expert in client/server and Internet development, and a widely published author, instructor, and public speaker.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ideal for passing MCSD 70-176,
By
This review is from: MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Exam Cram (Exam: 70-176) (Paperback)
I just passed 70-176 (Visual Basic desktop), thanks mainly to this book, with a score of 942/1000. I have about 2 years' professional VB and the book was ideal for me. I knew the concepts and practice of VB but the exam has a habit of querying you on details ("Do you use 'Find' or 'Seek' with an ADORecordset?") and trying to trip you up. Yes, there are a few technical errors in this book, and when using it you should consult the author's errata page (http://www.netway.com/~mmacdonald/vb6_desktop_errata.htm). Make no mistake: this book is not there to teach you VB (plenty of good books out there for that), it is for one reason: to help you pass the 70-176 exam. It has plenty of worked examples and the division of material amongst chapters is logical. It will give you an idea of what to expect from the (often tricky) Microsoft exam, and includes a full practice test (with answers *and explanations*). In fact, I found the questions harder in the book than on the real exam! The author has a friendly, jocular style which makes you feel like he's on your side! I recommend you read this book thorougly, and use it along with MSDN, writing simple programs in the VB IDE and your professional VB experience, then you will have no trouble with the exam.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Filled with errors and advocates cheating,
By A Customer
This review is from: MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Exam Cram (Exam: 70-176) (Paperback)
I bought the book based on the reviews placed here in Amazon. As a developer with plenty of experience in VB(6) I figured it would be good enough to help me "get an idea" of whats on the test. I didn't think the technical errors that other people mentioned would be a big problem and that I would spot them right away.If you are considering the book along the same line of thought that I had, pass it by. Do not buy it. Even though I was warned, I was completely amazed by the amount of technical inaccuracies spread throughout the book. Common properties are mislabled, important methods left out, and some of the info given on ADO is simply false. The book did little to shed any light on what was actually the focus of exam topics, so it provided no help in that department either. The book is much more focused on getting people just learning VB for the first time up to speed. Finally, the author suggests that people preparing to take the exam 'look on the internet and search for braindumps made by people who previously took the exam'. I was quite shocked to see this as using these braindumps are considered cheating by MicroSoft. In other words, the book suggests using illicit material provided by people who break the NDA agreement on taking the exam. If you are an experienced developer, look elsewhere.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Shaking my Head,
This review is from: MCSD Visual Basic 6 Desktop Exam Cram (Exam: 70-176) (Paperback)
I'm shocked, really. After reading the Exam Cram for the Distributed Exam, I was amazed at the accuracy of Exam Cram material. But this Desktop book is a waste, and beyond that, it will hurt you in the long run. Too many errors. Errors in the practice exam at the end. Discrepancies between what the practice exam says, and what the author says in corresponding chapters. Beyond that, it's hard to follow. Try the Exam Prep instead...
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