Customer Reviews

MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-646): Server Administrator Core Requirements (PRO-Certification)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this set a couple months ago. I'm just finishing studying for the 2008 AD Config test (70-640).

As others have mentioned, there are several errors in the book. There is an errata posted on the Microsoft site that lists a couple dozen errors and I found about that many more myself that were not listed.

One nice thing is that You are encouraged to set up a virtual lab environment. Unfortunately, it doesn't really tell you how to do that, logical points to make snapshots, etc. Some of the labs rely on exercises from previous labs, and there's no chart for which virtual machines will or will not be needed later on. End requirements for the VMs that will be reused are not given, so you may find yourself rebuilding a VM or adding disk later. It may be helpful to read the "Before you begin" sections for all of the chapters before you start building VMs so that you're not surprised.

One lab instructs you to set up a SQL 2005 server. The software is not provided for this and no instruction is given. The lab can be accomplished in other ways, but clear information is not provided.

I wish the labs had a little more detail in them. It's pretty easy to do something just a little bit wrong and have it not work and not know why. Since they build on each other an early mistake can end up forcing you to rebuild one or more VMs in later labs. It would be nice if they provided a script to quickly build the machines used in a chapter to the "before you begin" state, so that you could start at say chapter 17 without having to work through 15 and 16 first.

On the positive side, good coverage of the material and the labs provided valuable hands-on experience. There were a lot of errors, but nothing that I feel really impacted my understanding of the material. There is a PDF version of the book on the CD, and a MeasureUp exam-sim with over 200 questions that helps you check your knowledge and locate your weak areas. The MeasureUp also provides links to information and white-papers on the Microsoft site to explain concepts in the exam, providing very useful additional study materials.

Recently i puchased the Microsoft training kit 70-640 for mcitp cert. After completing the program and passing the included practice tests I was able to answer a little more than half of the questions on the real exam.
I contacted the publisher about the pass for sure or get a refund policy. They told me that the new server 2008 r2 was the kit I needed. and they could not refund my purchase price even after admitting the traning kit was no longer userful for the 70-640 exam currently being given.
All of the info in this book and more is available for free on the internet. My advice is to purchase the actual test from one of the many companies that provide testing engines if you want to pass for sure

I was a bit weary about a self study course but this is very good. I passed my Active Directory cert due only to this. Buyer was excellent as well.

The books are slightly outdated for what the exams test on. I've passed the 70-642 with ease and the others seem easy(I am already an MCSA), but for someone who has never taken a Microsoft exam before, definitely get this set and another set of books.

Out of date for the current 70-642 exam that tests on Windows Server 2008 R2. As its the Self-Paced Training Kit for passing the exam, this book is no longer relevant.

This is a great resource. I would have liked a separate workbook/textbook format similar to what they used in the MCSE books but even with the combined format it is clear and easy to use.

These books will offer any student a great start in earning their MCITP in Server 2008 administration. The books are organized so they follow the exam objectives, and offer lots of practice tests and hands-on exercises. These exams come (along with other study materials) on a CD you can take with you to work or to class. Beyond the study materials though, there are tips for taking tests, and the book was written by experienced authors who are MCITPs themselves. It's not just a book about the objectives, it's written my experienced test takers too.

What I like about these types of book sets is that I can work at my own pace.When I feel like I'm ready, I then use the practice tests to assess my knowledge. This set has over 900 practice and review questions on the CD, and it offers customizable testing options. This lets me opt for an untimed practice exam, which is perfect, because if I don't know the answer I can look it up. This is also helpful as a reinforcement tool. I'm also happy to get an exam discount voucher.

If you're studying for this particular MCITP, I highly suggest this book set!

I Just can say that the book is very helpfull... because of them I achieve my cerification. And I'm very happy with that.

Best Regards

Sergio Maziano

I am almost done wrapping up the first book in this series. It seems to have a good amount of information with some filler of course. Seems to be pretty thorough in the topics covered. We'll see how it actually prepares me for the test.

Item is exactly what I ordered (time to renew my certifications), order was shipped promptly and was the lowest price I could find!

Matt