DB2 9 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Advanced Database Administration Certification: Certification Study Guide [Paperback]

Roger E. Sanders (Author), Dwaine R Snow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1583470808 | ISBN-13: 978-1583470800 | Edition: 1 Stg

Database administrators versed in DB2 wanting to learn more about advanced database administration activities and students wishing to gain knowledge to help them pass the DB2 9 UDB Advanced DBA certification exam will find this exhaustive reference invaluable. Written by two individuals who were part of the team that developed the certification exam, this comprehensive study guide prepares the student for challenging questions on database design; data partitioning and clustering; high availability diagnostics; performance and scalability; security and encryption; connectivity and networking; and much more. Providing sample questions in each chapter, a complete practice test modeled after the actual exam, and an extensive answer key providing full explanations for each correct answer, readers will find this to be a key resource in stimulating the learning process.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Roger E. Sanders is the president of his own database design company and is the author of 15 books on DB2. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dwaine R. Snow is a senior product manager responsible for charting the features and functions in the new releases of DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows, and is the author of seven books on DB2. He lives in Maple Glen, Pennsylvania. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 650 pages
• Publisher: Mc Press; 1 Stg edition (November 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583470808
• ISBN-13: 978-1583470800
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 1.8 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,138,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > Computers & Technology > Certification > Linux

More About the Author

Roger E. Sanders is the President of Roger Sanders Enterprises, Inc. and a Principal Solutions Architect (Director) with EMC Corporation. He has been working with DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows since it was first introduced on the IBM PC (as part of OS/2 1.3 Extended Edition) and is the author of twenty-two books on relational database technology (twenty-one books are on DB2 and one book is on ODBC). For the past nine years, Roger has authored the Distributed DBA column in IBM Data Management Magazine (formerly DB2 Magazine) and, over a fourteen year period, he has written numerous tutorials and articles for IBM's developerWorks website as well as for publications like Certification Magazine and IDUG Solutions Journal (the official magazine of the International DB2 User's Group). In 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Roger was recognized as an IBM Champion for his contributions to the IBM Data Management community; in 2010 he was recognized as an IBM developerWorks Contributing Author, in 2011 he was recognized as an IBM developerWorks Professional Author, and in 2012 he was recognized as an IBM developerWorks Master Author, Level 2 (for his contributions to IBM's developerWorks web site). He lives in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina (population 39,042).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Home Run June 8, 2009

By R. Bond

Format:Paperback

It's not surprising that this book is extremely well written and informative considering the two authors. Roger Sanders is "the" DB2 author we all admire and Dwaine Snow has long been considered an "expert to the experts" so the collaboration of these two virtually guaranteed a success. Despite this being a Certification Study Guide (a slot that it fits very well indeed), the information this book contains goes well beyond what would simply prepare someone to pass the cert. It is an excellent foundational work for any DB2 DBA and should be considered required reading for those of us who work with the product daily.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me pass the 734 February 11, 2010

By Theseus Augustus

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read this book cover to cover. I took all the chapter sample tests, and the Appendix test. Then I re-read the book. I took the 734 exam today and passed 96% (only missed 2 out of 51 questions). Clearly this book works.

The sample exam questions are so close to the actual test questions that, if you understand why a sample question is correct in this book, take all the sample questions and do well, I don't think it is possible to fail the 734.

I say this with several caveats. First, the book is filled with typos and a few serious factual errors. You should have your laptop open as you go through the book and read the DB2 9 and 9.5 Information Center to verify details. Second, the book completely glosses over some DB2 features such as the Administration Server, some details on DPF, or how to use db2pd effectively. Again, check the Internet and IBM Information Center for more information to fill out those gaps.

The Index and Table of Contents could be much better.

I would have liked the Appendix sample test to have had different questions than those used in the Chapter sample tests. At some point obviously the reader begins to memorize the test questions which skews the results for the final sample test, reducing its effectiveness as an assessment tool.

This is NOT a generic reference for how to be an effective DBA. This is a certification guide and will only help you pass the 734 test. The 734 is NOT a comprehensive test of what it takes to be a DB2 LUW DBA. In my opinion, IBM needs to develop a more detailed certification roadmap for DB2 database administrators. In particular there should be a separate certification exam for DPF/Data Warehouse/Balanced Infosphere administration.

You should consider passing the 734 only the beginning of wisdom. Follow this up with your own independent reading in the IBM Information Center and Redbooks.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars This book got me to pass the 734 exam on first try January 28, 2010

By Torrey Johnson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are trying to get your Advanced DB2 certification then I highly recommend getting this book. Not only did this book help me pass my 734 exam the first time, I also use it as a guide book for on the job references. It's not a book to go to for a bunch of examples, but it will guide you to the right answers. Buy this book, you won't be let down.