Customer Reviews

Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Database Implementation Online Training Kit: McSe Training for Exam 70-029 (It-Online Training Kit)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hello Fellow Travellers,

Just recently purchased SQL 7.0 Design On-line training kit. If you don't like to read thick tomes, then this is for you. I was expecting a book with a cd, but the book is actually the Readiness review for 70-29. Everything is on the CD. It is a audio/video/text training kit for SQL. I really didn't know what to expect when I purchased it. It is a hands-held approach to SQL 7.0 Design. The MS Press Interactive training. It has lesson plans, little quizes for each lesson and you can read along as the pleasant voices tell you the lesson. It allows to do hands-on during the lessons. I like it.

I think it is good supplement to the SQL 7.0 Design training kit that comes with the SQL 7.0 eval. You need to install and get some real hands-on still. The On-line recommends at least 1 year of relational db exp in order to fully benefit the lessons. I doubt that the people who purchase these books really have any exp (like myself) Only bad thing is the price. I don't really like the readiness review books. So, for a cd seems a bit pricey with the readiness book. And No SQL eval software. Marketing gimmick I don't like.

The Online was a nice review from SQL 70-29 design training kit. I learn much better when I can see, hear, and read at the same time. However, it is an OVERVIEW of the test subjects. Not a Manual how to pass the test. I don't think any of the training kits were ever meant to be that way. I passed 70-28 sql admin using training kit, hands-on, BOL (this is the best resource for SQL) and Transcenders. 900/1000. I plan to do the same with 70-29 and 70-19. This works for me, but...

my mcse+i mct ccna ccda

This is a fun and engaging way to learn SQL Server 7, but if you're taking the MS exam, I would definitely recommend following up with a more detail-oriented book and a practice test. If you're new to databases, read a general database-design book (such as Database Design for Mere Mortals by Hernandez) before using this training kit. Hands-on practice with SQL 7 is necessary as well.

The simulations on the CD are a great concept, but some are too easy. In many exercises, you are loading pre-written scripts. This is convenient; but in order to become truly familiarized with the syntax, you need lots of practice actually typing out the code.

For those who just want to achieve MCDBA and if only score is relevant to you, here is my score 897/1000 for (70-029) and 920/1000 for (70-028).

Look at my review on SQL Server 7.0 System Administration Online Training Kit (70-028). I hold the same opinion for this (70-029) training kit.

Yes, there are still mistakes, and not enough coverage of the subject material. I can never stress enough; you still need to have the 'Inside MS SQL Server 7.0', 'Books Online' (comes with the 120 days evaluation SQL Server 7.0 software with this kit) and actual code implementation experience. You need more time to prepare and expose yourself to this particular course. Time is the essence. This examination can be a long one, more difficult than others, but nothing is difficult if you have the determination to succeed.

This book is an excellent starting point for those who wish to tackle the 70-029 exam. However, don't expect to pass it without additional resources. I recommend "Professional Sql Server 7.0 Programming" by Robert Vieira. I also suggest the Transender practice tests and lots of practice with the product.

However, this book is great for beginners. It is well written, easy to understand with numerous examples that clarify the topics. Four thumbs up!

The On-line training cd-rom is excellent and parallels the trai-ning material and content you receive in the Microsoft 70-029 class. I used it as a review both before and after taking the class. Each topic has a pre-assessment and quiz which help in assessing your knowledge. The book and cd-rom sample questions are the same and do not adequately prepare you for the exam. The exam is very, very difficult and will require supplemental study from the on-line books in addition to this training material.

I've got my DBA, this one being the last exam, using this material and Fast Tracks, SQL Server 7 DataBase Design.

I gave this material four stars, not five, of two reasons:

1. No separate test engine that could be used separately. You had to follow the rigid study path. Some 400-questions and I extracted the ones I got wrong the first time and made up my own test engine, using TranDumper.

There are no possibilites for making up a crunch file of incorrect answers, a facility TranDumper has.

2. No comprehensive glossary. This is a common complaint, not explaining every abbreviation used in the text or in the electronic material.

Otherwise, a neat enjoyable package... you have to be able to use the software, and Books On Line(BOL). BOL is in an .CHM (Compiled HtlM)-file and with dumps and selfmade questions and URL-s directly to SQLBOL.CHM from TranDumper, ...

I truly recommend everything Microsoft Press does in terms of Online Training Kits. They're well worth the money and they save you time. They are real lessons with interactive portions. There are lectures with graphics, so you need sound. There are interactive portions and tests along the way. You see, hear, do and get immediate feedback.

Of course, if your goal is to pass the exam, you have to then go beyond this book. I didn't find any exam questions taken from this material. Actually, all the exam questions were unique and some were way out there in left field. It was as if the exam creators were testing whether one has actually worked with the software, SQL Server, and therefore is familiar with esoteric features.

After my experience getting certified in SQL Server, I would encourage everybody to begin with the Microsoft Press Online Training Kits. Microsoft spent real money creating these great lessons, more than any author spent creating a book to help prepare for the exam. But it's only a start, a good start.

I wrote the exam, using this book as a primary guide, and failed.

The exam was a shock, used language I had never heard of before (e.g. 'surrogate primary keys'), and the questions were of a practical, 'exercise' nature.

Without use of practice tests, this book is dismally insufficient.

Make sure you know what 'OLTP' and 'DECISION-SUPPORT' mean. Perhaps I'm an ignoramus, but I don't remember these terms being highlighted in the book.

jp

I used this product, in conjunction with Books Online and the Transcender practice exams, as my primary study resources for preparation in taking the real exam (which I passed on the first try). Prior to buying this product, I didn't have a strong background in SQL Server, so don't let the suggested prerequisites for the test scare you off.

This is a good product, and covers most, although not all, of the areas you will need for the real test (it played an essential role in my passing of the test); use of the Transcender practice exams will point out the areas of deficiency, and Books Online contains the info necessary to fill the gaps.

Good book for an overview but I found it lacking when taking the 70-029 test.