Customer Reviews

MCSE: Exchange Server 2003 Implementation and Management Study Guide (70-284)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Sybex MCSE 70-284 book has enough information about Exchange Server 2003 to make you an expert, and it equips you with more than enough details about the product for the test. However, to pass the exam you will also need to know a good bit about Exchange and how it relates to various LAN/WAN scenarios that assume you have a strong networking background. This information can be picked up by taking the other MCSA/E core exams beforehand, or by gaining 1+ years of experience as an Exchange admin. 70-284 is the last test you would take if you're going for the MCSA or MCSE.

If you have a clear understanding of the Microsoft core technologies but are new to Exchange this book is about as good as it gets in my opinion. Bear in mind that the technical scope and depth of Exchange Server 2003 is substantial and therefore hard to understand easily in a clear manner without the correct training material.

To begin with I was pleasantly surprised at the logical way the book was laid out. The best part was the way concepts were explained in a clear and complete manner. Of course there were many concepts below my level which too were explained serving to give me a new perspective into an old understanding which has proven to be valuable also.

As I worked through this book, which I found really easy to do, I experienced light bulbs lighting up all over the place and dots being connected everywhere. I had a great experience with this book. It has taken me a lot further along the way.

I would have given the book a 5 star rating, but I do not know if it covers all of the test material.

Going forward, I will look for other training material by these same authors.

You always here people saying that they already know enough about subjects before taking an exam, this book will prove people wrong and make it easy to take the exam. The material is very clear and easy to follow.

I would seriously recommend this book to anyone who wants to pass the 70-284 exam. Unlike the other book by Microsoft Publishing, this book is very easy too read, and has lots of illustrations and good practice questions. The Microsoft book is way too focused on very small details, like menu items and shell commands, and it does not provide a comprehensive look at the subject as a whole. I spent a week reading the first 3 chapters with all the boring stuff about coexistence with Exchange 5.5 and all the theory, then closed the book put it back on the shelf for good. Besides, the lab practices on the MS book don't follow any specific order, so you'll end up re-imaging and setting up your Virtual Machines a dozen times.

This book, on the other hand, allows you to look at the Exchange infrastructure from above so you can grasp the whole idea of messaging systems, the role that Exchange plays in this market, and its installation and maintenance in the physical world. However, it is definitely not enough for the exam. Reading this book, watching TestOut videos, and using my previous experience with Exchange, I passed the exam with the score of 840/1000 (the minimum is 700), but unlike the other Microsoft exams, I had to use all the 3 hours given, and review all questions 3 times before I clicked Finish. Later when I checked the Microsoft book, I found out that most of the exam questions are covered.

So if you're studying alone and you want to be totally confident before giving the exam, this is what I recommend you to do: 1. Set up 2 VMs on your PC/Mac, or if you have more than one computer, create a small home network to play around with; 2. Read the Sybex book thoroughly and do all the tests, experiment with your network as you read; 3. Scan through the Microsoft book and review all the material that the Sybex book has missed, do the exercises; 4. If you can get hold of a video course, spend a day or two going through the videos as well; 5. Register for the exam and spend another 2 or 3 days doing the MeasureUp tests that are included on the CD inside the Microsoft book.

Good Luck!

I read these book, worked every exercise and even supplemented this with training from the [...] and it wasn't enough to get to exam passing level. I ended up using the Microsoft Press book which was much more accutate to the actual exam, and provided more real world exercises that I run into now.

This books covers 70-80% of the exam, i have not taken it, but i took the Te..Ou.. videos and those had more info on some topics.

It's a great book to read and learn exchange, the topics are well described, but some do need better in depth knowledge to really understand the backgroud of exchange.

I must support another reviewer saying that you must have a good understanding about windows 2003 core tech.. since i have read those, i had a pleasently great and simple reading this book.
But, i will also go with the cbt nugg.. videos and practice, before taking the exam.

This is my first exchange book and i'm confident that with the other 2 video courses and practice.. i will pass the exam. Just remember, this is the last exam you would take for a MCSA or MCSE certification.

Compared to the blue book, it's not a bible.. but the only book i need (with my practice).

The book is well structured and organized. Topics are introduced in a easy-to-understand fashion and they are explained and broken down step by step so the reader can easily understand.

The Q&A section after each chapter really test your knowledge on each chapter and not the mention the bonus exams questions and flash cards on the CD, which will put you in exam mode - you still need additional Q&A materials though.

Overall, I can't complain, this book will serve you well in preparing for the 70-284 exam.

Of course you should use other cross-ref materials (text, video etc.) for enhancement, clarification, etc. It's also good to have a primary 'video reference' (such as CB* N*gg*ts or T*stO*T to use side by side with this book.

Overall I think this book is well written. It will get you well prepared for the Exchange exam.