MCSA/MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment: Exam 70-290 Study Guide and DVD Training System [Paperback]

Thomas W. Shinder (Author), Debra Littlejohn Shinder (Author), Syngress Publishing (Author), Chris Peiris (Author), Laura Hunter (Author), Colin Bowern (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1932266607 | ISBN-13: 978-1932266603 | Publication Date: October 23, 2003 | Edition: 1

MCSA/MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment: Exam 70-290 Study Guide and DVD Training System is a one-of-a-kind integration of text, DVD-quality instructor led training, and Web-based exam simulation and remediation. This system gives you 100% coverage of the official Microsoft 70-290 exam objectives plus test preparation software for the edge you need to pass the exam on your first try.

In June, 2003 Microsoft will launch beta exams for the Windows Server 2003 certification line. Exams will likely go live the following August and September. This launch is a comprehensive revamping of the MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Enginner) track with all new core exams and all new electives. In addition, the MCSA (Microsoft Certified System Administrator) certification will expand its program to include an additional upgrade exam for MCSAs wanting to become MCSEs.

The launch of this new certification track means that all current MCSEs, representing an installed base of approximately 200,000 (source: MCP Magazine) will need to recertify under Windows Server 2003. In addition, any MCP looking to become an MCSE--estimates are about 1.2 million (source: MCP Magazine)--will also have to continue their certifications under the new program.

Many industry experts expect the Windows 2003 certification, and product line as well, to be a more popular track since many organziations are still using NT and plan to skip 2000 and go directly to 2003.

* DVD Provides a "Virtual Classroom": Get the benefits of instructor led training at a fraction of the cost and hassle.
* Guaranteed Coverage of All Exam Objectives: If the topic is listed in Microsoft's Exam 70-290 objectives, it is covered here.
* Fully Integrated Learning: This system includes a study guide, DVD training and Web-based practice exams.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Debra Littlejohn Shinder (MCSE) is a technology consultant, trainer, and writer who has authored a number of books on networking, including Scene of the Cybercrime: Computer Forensics Handbook, published by Syngress Publishing (ISBN: 1-931836-65-5). Thomas W. Shinder M.D. (MVP, MCSE) is a computing industry veteran who has worked as a trainer, writer, and a consultant for Fortune 500 companies including FINA Oil, Lucent Technologies, and Sealand Container Corporation. Tom was a Series Editor of the Syngress/Osborne Series of Windows 2000 Certification Study Guides and is author of the best selling books Configuring ISA Server 2000: Building Firewalls with Windows 2000 (Syngress Publishing, ISBN: 1-928994-29-6) and Dr. Tom Shinder's ISA Server and Beyond (ISBN: 1-931836-66-3). Chris Peiris (MVP) currently lectures on Distributed Component Architectures (.NET, J2EE & CORBA) at Monash University, Caulfield, Victoria, Australia. He also works as an independent consultant for .NET and EAI implementations. He is been awarded the title "Microsoft Most Valuable Professional" (MVP) for his contributions to .NET Technologies. Will Schmied, (BSET, MCSE, CWNA, TICSA, MCSA, Security+, Network+, A+), is the president of Area 51 Partners, Inc., a provider of wired and wireless networking implementation, security and training services to businesses in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 800 pages
• Publisher: Syngress; 1 edition (October 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932266607
• ISBN-13: 978-1932266603
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.2 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,444,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Outdated and Disappointing, May 28, 2004

By 

Almost Passed (Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MCSA/MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment: Exam 70-290 Study Guide and DVD Training System (Paperback)

I purchased this book based on the strength of its recommendations here. Now that I've taken the test, I'm disappointed.

The book appears to be out of date as several topics that were on the exam are NOT covered in the book.

Microsoft has added things on Software Update Services, Distributed File Sharing, and Scripting to the exam that are nowhere to be found in the pages of this 977 page tome.

In addition, I found several things that conflict with other study guides, Microsoft's published materials (MDSN, TechNet), and the Windows Server 2003 help files.

Although the book has a set of practice questions at the end of each chapter, in many cases their "correct" answer was wrong (based on additional research and conversations with other MCSA/MCSE's).

When I wrote Syngress asking for an explanation about the discrepancies (twice), I never received a response.

I'd recommend you look elsewhere if you hope to pass.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best book for the exam, July 5, 2005

By 

Daniel Calbimonte - See all my reviews

This review is from: MCSA/MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment: Exam 70-290 Study Guide and DVD Training System (Paperback)

I was really frustrated because there are no good books for this exam, which is really complicated.

No book will cover all the information required, but definitely the best book is this one.
What is interesting is a section with FAQ in each chapter.
Most of the questions are really nice.

What is missing in this book for the exam ?
- More information about SUS
- More information about AD
- More information about Group Policies
- More information about VB scripts for automation
- It would be nice if the questions were similar than the exam.

Anyway, this one was my favourite book for the exam.
I passed it with 887/1000 and I did not have to much experience on win2k3 servers.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The book is good (Skip the DVD), November 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: MCSA/MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment: Exam 70-290 Study Guide and DVD Training System (Paperback)

The book is written pretty well and is easy to read. The subject matter is appropriate for the book. I feel that I should be able to face the certification test after reading this book and a little practice with the exam simulations. My one problem with this book is the DVD. The DVD feature is one of the main reasons I was swayed to purchase this book instead of others in the category. The DVD leaves a lot to be desired. The DVD is basically the instructor going over the book material while flipping through power point slides. You can get the same information in more detail from the book. If the vendors really wanted to make this a 5 star product they would include the exercises from the book on the DVD. Give us something more than we can get from the book. If you guys just wanted to play with DVD authoring, do it at home! Anyway, that's my 2 cents.