Customer Reviews

Windows 7 Desktop Support and Administration: Real World Skills for MCITP Certification and Beyond (Exams 70-685 and 70-686)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to admit that I am aware of Darril Gibson's work from when I was preparing for several security certification exams, so the bar was already set high. Let me say, he does not disappoint. I really enjoyed reading Chapter 11-Managing Security in Windows 7, as it was clear and concise. I especially liked reading about User Account Control, and how you can tailor the security settings to the appropriate level for your environment. It's not a "dry-read" either, so you won't be using this as a sleep-aid. I would recommend this to everyone who needs to take the MCITP 70-685 and 70-686 certification exams.

The author has an innate ability to break out complex and often boring topics and make them interesting to the end reader. His writing style, combined with the exercises throughout this text, ensure complete understanding of each topic. Many times labs or exercises have a tendency to be a step by step mundane process. After reading the text, you will be drawn in to complete each exercise to reinforce what was delivered.

Highly recommend this text to anyone seeking certification on Windows 7!

I just took my exam yesterday and they changed the format of the exam from how it has been in the past. This book is out of date for this exam and does not focus on the necessary material to pass this exam. It is a good read if you want to learn more about the topic, but will not prepare you for the 70-686. I do not normally write reviews like these, but I would have liked to know this when I invested the time into reading this book. Do not buy this book if it is the only tool you use to pass the 70-686.

I'm not completely done reading the book yet but have already learned a lot from it. I find DG's style and presentation to be excellent in that he keeps the reader interested and, as the subtitle suggests, presents the tasks and exercises as real world skills.
I've read the other reviews (good and bad) and tend to agree with some points in all of them. Most of the bad points to this book that were noted were that this book doesn't prepare the reader for the test "by itself" and this is true of any book. I'm not planning to use only this book but also the MS Press book and the Professor Messor videos and several other videos I've heard good things about that are free on youtube. Microsoft Technet articles are also a very good source of information and I plan on using them.
I especially like that the exercises presented are well thought out and thorough. It is highly recommended that anyone planning to take either or both of these tests do these exercises (at least those that they have equipment capable of performing) and understand all the proper commands and switches.
I'd also like to add that anyone planning to take these tests should make themselves familiar with Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2 and using these server systems in conjunction with Windows 7. Even if it's only in a virtual environment which a lot of us are limited to.
In closing I've found this book to be an excellent study resource.

I enjoyed this book, and I used it as a secondary study guide for my MCITP certification. It approached the test in a new way, with a more real-world approach, which allowed me to further my studies in a unique way. My suggestion to anyone who is interested in becoming an MCITP is to get several books. I started with some Microsoft Self-Paced books, and then a set with labs and a lab manual, and finally, I read this one. Like I said, it was a nice addition to my studies and offered a fresh perspective.

Since no book can completely cover everything that's on an exam, consider several. This is one worth considering.

I bought this book based upon my great experience with Darril's Security+ book.

This book was written in the same easy to read fashion that allows you to fully understand the material.

Only things I found missing were end of chapter exams.

I liked that the cd contains a complete copy of the book on PDF.
Flash cards were adequate.

Now the big negative!

This book did not prepare me for my 70-686 exam. I only passed the 686 exam because I read the Don Poulton 70-680 book and did lots of exams from Don and Preplogic, plus lots of labs at home and on Microsoft's technet (they have virtual labs you can use for free.

This book would be great for the 70-680 as it covers just enough material for the 70-680, but does not cover the material needed for the 70-686 exam (i have take and passed both).

read this for 680 not 686.

I purchased this volume based on reviews stating it was a quality book. Additionally I had used Gibsons Security+ guide so I was familiar with his presentation style (excellent) as well as knowledge (excellent in the other book) and used it to pass Security+ with a stellar score. After failing the 70-685 exam yesterday I have to wonder why this book is getting great reviews. I will allow that I didn't devote as much study time to the book as I probably should have. However, I'm figuring that the people who've read it haven't actually used it as a test taking tool.

While the information presented is both useful and informative, a lot of it apparently isn't addressed on the test. For example the book touches on group policy here and there as it applies to the curriculum that is being covered, yet when presented with group policy questions on the test (which from my rough estimate was 40-50% of the questions I experienced) I felt completely lost. As I was taking the test I could tell this was a fruitless endeavor and felt like I was stuck afloat in a merciless sea.

The problems I see with the material:
-The test covers group policy settings in depth in some places yet the book glosses over them as if you need only know overall group policy theory rather than specific details.
-The book doesn't highlight the importance of the troubleshooting of applications and/or networking the Microsoft way.

What this book is good for:
-Mobile with Windows 7

The additional materials are for the most part useless. The Sybex software practice test threw me a 78% score when I went through it (50 questions, like the exam), yet I scored a 589 at the test. The Flash cards are useful for remember the names of things that you have to know, however I only found this useful for 5 or less questions on the test. This really throws you a false sense of preparedness for this test.

I plan to go through this again and contrast it to an MS Press book to see what was wrong. If it turns out to be me I will update the review appropriately.

I just got done failing my 70-686 exam. The contents of this book does not even begin to come close to what is on the test. I am so upset, I studied this book for 8 months, read it no less than 4 times, had every pertinent thing highlighted; along with my practical on-the-job experience as a PC/Network technician, I got a 342. I was so lost during the test, there was so much I didn't know that was not even mentioned in the book. Not only have I wasted the money on this book, my exam fee, and need I mention the 8 months I spent diligently studying this book, and now I am forced to purchase another book, and spend $150 for my next attempt. This book really only teaches you the fundamentals of 7. Do not waste your money and time as I have done. I am purchasing an actual Microsoft book to pass the Microsoft exam.

This gets Boring. Yes the product arrived in time safe and well just as they have over the last 5 years!!!

thanks so much
fast delivery great product