Customer Reviews

MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294): Microsoft® Windows Server(TM) 2003 Core Requirements, Second Edition

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was my sole study guide for the MCSE Server 2003 based certification path, and I was not disappointed. The format is clear and easy to read. The books do a fantastic job of outlining WHY you are learning something, not just WHAT you need to know to pass the exam. I think this is what sets MS Press books apart from the competition: the book itself is structured to the best LEARNING format, and NOT to just passing the exam. I came away from these books with a much greater appreciation for Microsoft's Server and AD technologies (I come from a Linux background since 1995 and I'm the first to knock MS), and these books will be on your reference shelf for years to come -- or at least until the next version of Server ships.

It took me since August, 2005 until August, 2006 to obtain my MCSE. These books are BIG. You'll find yourself re-reading chapters multiple times. First to get the content, then to do the practice questions and end of lesson/end of chapter questions, then finally to review the end of lesson/end of chapter summaries right before writing the exam. But don't be discouraged. The knowledge that these books impart will allow you to THINK through the exam questions, rather than just basing it on memorization techiques.

If you're going to do your MCSE and really want to LEARN, then get these texts. If you just want to pass the exams and never work on Servers, then look elsewhere.

MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit includes 4 books and a CD. Each book focuses on a particular exam: Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, and 70-294. Together the books are some 4000 pages. While Microsoft has improved the format by including deeper, more focused coverage of exam objectives, case studies and troubleshooting scenarios, there still are many wasted pages and this could have easily been printed with 3000 pages or less, saving a few trees and making the books easier to work with. After wading through an exam, I still felt I needed something more as a final prep. I purchased Stanek's "MCSE Core Exams in a Nutshell" for this purpose. Stanek packs 2X the detail into 800 pages, making it a terrific value. For 70-292 and 70-296 upgrades, he also provides a roadmap through the guide to make upgrading easier. On the MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit CD, there's 300 practice questions per exam, with a customizable test engine. The CD also has a120-day evaluation version of Windows Server 2003. The 15 percent exam discount voucher is good toward all four exams (but check the expiration date as its a limited time offer). Overall, MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit is a good choice.

I've belonged to the Unix world since 1993, working with low level stuff as kernel, device drivers, virus, assembly, C, etc.. and now I'm trying to learn Windows a bit and have enough conditions to take all tests (290, 291, 293, 294). No problems. This a very good kit about MS Windows 2003, well written, well organized and deserve 5 stars.

Dan Holme worried with all details for us and provided a clear text about MS Windows 2003. Stay calm. It's very easy to take the

exam.

Alex (Sao Paulo - Brazil)

I am very pleased with the layout and content in these books. A year ago I took the 70-291 Exam and failed. I had used the Exam Cram 2 books to study, and they did not prepare me in ANY way for the scnenario based testing that Microsoft has moved to. Basically the questions on the Exam Cram tests are no longer than 1 sentence questions with multiple choice answers. Microsoft has moved to scenario questions. You have to read a paragraph then answer questions and generally solve problems with issues in the scenario. In other words, you really have to know your stuff to pass these tests. These books prepare you for the new exam format, and almost 25% of the book is dedicated to example test questions, which are exactly the same type you will find on the exams....

Having been in the industry for several years, most IT books are dry, boring, sleep reading. The layout in this set is easy to read and comprehend. The examples are practical and useful. Only drawback to this series is the explanation of the pictorial network configuration errors.

A lot of the hard back books from microsoft come with a 180 day trial version of the operating system that you are trying to learn. This box set comes with one to play with as well. That means you have 180 days to play with this box set. Then your trial version of Server 2003 will expire. If you don't buy the box set, which will cost you more, then you get four trial versions. It's a dilema. Save money on this box set and have 180 days to practice or pay quite a bit more and have two years to practice. Other than that the books are great. Good luck with the exam...

Sofar this Purchase is a great investment to my Career Future.

All I can say is these books are excellent. This package is all you'll need to pass your MCSE cert.. I highly recommend it...it's very reasonably priced considering the gain in salary you'll expect as a qualified MCSE.

This product is a great add-ons for those undertaking the course.

This is a great series just make sure you get the latest version, this one only deals with SP1.