Customer Reviews

MCSE: Systems Management Server 2 Study Guide

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

 

 

The content seems pretty decent in this book. However, the number of test questions and answers that are incorrect, whether typographically or factually, is alarming (e.g., Pg.92, q.3 is typed wrong and then the explanation is wrong too). Also, the descriptions of SQL security(pg.108) tells of a distinction between Mixed and Integrated Security and then doesn't tell you which mode is being described. User connections on pg.110 incorrectly calculates 85 user connections when the data leading up to this states 50 + 20 + 25 = total connections. A technical book needs to be precise and editted stringently. These ambiguities leave doubts in the minds of prospective test takers. Its bad enough that the MCSE exams try to trip you up with wording without the preparation guides further complicating the situation. The fact that this is the only full-fledged study guide I've seen on SMS 2.0 makes it difficult to dissuade people from buying this book. However, I wish the producers of these books would spend the extra time and resources to ensure that the product is more bulletproof. I don't mind a misplaced comma or an "or" where an "of" belongs, but when key facts and test answers are incorrect, it leaves the reader wary of the whole process. I'll get off my soapbox now.

The Mortensen/Heldman SMS book is about as good as any technical reference gets.

The book is generally free of technical and typographical errors; there are some, but they are minor. The writing style is clear, often remarkably so when dealing with complex technical issues. Although it is a lengthy book it is 'fluff free'; the book consistently deals with SMS issues of substance.

If you have no experience with SMS, it would be hard to pass the test based on this book alone. The book will serve you better if you have access to a SMS lab where you can follow the examples. Be aware that the sample questions on the CD were the same as those in the book, although these questions are excellent. I found it necessary to review another source of sample questions before taking the test.

All in all, among the best....

This is a good prep book for the MS Exam (70-086), but you'll still need some hands-on before doing the exam, either a class or in a "semi-production" environment. As always, Sybex/Mortensen has put together a rather thorough review of how to use a Microsoft product to your best advanatage, while helping you avoid common pitfalls (I've used several of Sybex' books). I highly recommend SMS 2.0 by these guys, regardless of how you're going to use it (exam prep. vs. reference for an Site Server install). It's a keeper!

This is the best MS SMS 2.0 book available in the market. I have used Microsoft training kit as well. Comparing these two books, Mortensen has explained architecure in a concised manner along with good lab exercise. Got to have it for anyone wants to learn SMS.