Customer Reviews

MCSA/MCSE Managing & Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment Training Guide (Exam 70-290)

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

 

 

The first of a 4 book series leading to MCSA/MCSE certification, this is the best training guide I have ever seen. I have taken the Microsoft recommended course, 2274, as well as read several other books and training guides. I am a MCP, using several resources to reach MCDST certification in route to MCSE certification. This book is amazing! The reference section on how the exam is structured is exactly right. The chapters are well laid out, and track the sections of competency Microsoft tests in the 70-290 exam. That makes it very easy to focus your attention on areas where additional study is necessary. The glossary at the end of each section provides additional study opportunities. In addition, the exercises really give a grasp of the materials. Finally, the Fast Facts section at the end of the book is a great exam review tool. This book will stay on my bookshelf long after certification as a tool to help me be a better system administrator.

I found this training manual to be spot on.

With quiet a few years experience and a 3 years since my last MS Exam, I reviewed the material in this book for 2 days before my exam and nailed it.

A lot of reviews I read had people failing this exam first and second goes, but with this book absolutley no worries.

The only part I don't like are the questions with "The solution provides the required result and both optional results" or "The solution provides the required result and one of the optional results"

To me they are pointless as the MS Exams don't have questions stuctured like that.

Well done to Lee Scales on a fantastic write up.

-Mark

I used this publisher for other tests and did well. I really can't say the same for this book for the 70-290. I have taken the actual test twice and did worse the second time. The second time, the test was 200% harder and longer. Many of the questions were not from any of the material that I read and used. The book says to use their exercises and practice tests but that didn't really help with the second tests at all. I've made a formal complaint to the testing company and to Microsoft but honestly don't think Microsoft cares one way or the other. It's their Certification and they make the rules. Using the FAST FACTS at the end of the book an hour on two before the test will do you absolutely no good at all!!
It's really too much money for what you get and there isn't any assurance that the book and disc included will help you. I think that the book publishers should offer the money back if their material doesn't help you pass the real test.