Microsoft Windows 2000 Core Requirements Training Kit: Exams 70-210, 70-215, 70-216, 70-217 (Paperback)

by Microsoft Corporation (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
This boxed set helps you prepare for the four examinations you must pass to qualify as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) under the Windows 2000 curriculum. You'll find lots of information on Windows 2000 and its networking capabilities in this kit; specifically, it comprises four books (Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Professional, Active Directory Services, and Network Infrastructure Administration) and a CD-ROM (a 120-day evaluation version of Windows 2000 Server).

This kit is among the first Windows 2000 MCSE packages on the market, and the books are rather accurate and detailed; they're written mostly by Microsoft internal documentation staff, so they use a standard formula. Each module begins with a statement of concepts and facts, such as what a log file is, and what each of the three Windows 2000 log files is for. Then, you get how-to information in the form of stepped procedures for viewing log contents. Option tables come next, as well as other material that explains how to deal with nonstandard situations. Finally, carefully scripted exercises allow you to practice your new skills and get predictable results.

Sections on Domain Name Service (DNS), the IPsec protocol, and the management of network protocols are particularly good. As you might expect from a training kit on a product whose main new feature is Active Directory, the coverage of Active Directory services is top-drawer. Concepts, as well as practicalities, get their due. If only the CD-ROM included a copy of Windows 2000 Professional, so that you could set up an experimental network.

The CD-ROM ought to include also an exam simulator; more test-prep material in the bodies of the books themselves would have been nice, too. As they stand, they're fine tutorials and references, but not great test-preparation aids. Each chapter includes review questions that allow a free response instead of a selection from a list of options. The questions will test your knowledge, and answer keys do appear in appendices, but they don't simulate the multiple-choice format of the actual MCSE exams. Read these books for the information they contain, but wait for an Exam Cram or other question repository to get simulation tests. --David Wall

Topics covered: The Microsoft-published objectives of the four required Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) exams; specifically, material on the Windows 2000 Server (70-215), Windows 2000 Professional (70-210), Network Infrastructure Administration (70-216), and Active Directory Services (70-217) exams. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
Four kits in one! Get self-paced, from-the-source information and practice with the skills measured by the core exams for the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification on Windows 2000-all in one box. Covering core Exams 70-210, 70-215, 70-216, and 70-217, these official Microsoft study guides deliver in-depth training in hands-on, learn-by-doing format. Each book also contains 200+ pages of exam-preparation material, along with a testing tool to help assess what you know and where to focus your studies-before taking the actual exams. Work at your own pace through the skill-building lessons and exercises. As you gain practical experience administering the Windows 2000-based desktop, server, and network environments, you're also preparing for MCSE certification. The set includes four Microsoft study guides in print and on CD-ROM; exam preparation, including objective-by-objective review; test-readiness tools; MICROSOFT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NETWORKING, Second Edition," eBook; and a 120-day evaluation version of Windows 2000 Server software. PLUS, LIMITED-TIME OFFER: this kit includes a voucher for a 15% discount on the exam fee at VUE testing centers. Good on all four exams!

Product Details

• Paperback: 4328 pages
• Publisher: Microsoft Press; 2nd edition (September 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735617716
• ISBN-13: 978-0735617711
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.8 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #788,083 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

147 of 152 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but not enough..., August 2, 2000

By	anonymous (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: McSe Training Kit: Microsoft Windows 2000 Core Requirements (IT-Training Kits) (Paperback)

The only reason I bought this Microsoft set was because, at this point in time, it's the only game in town. I've read the Server and Professional books, and am pleased and disappointed. My first thoughts were that these books were very well done. Now, after fighting with errors and omissions, I'm less optimistic.

Error Example: At one point the book says: "By default, permissions assigned to the parent folder are inherited and propagate to subfolders and files contained within the parent folder."

Several sentences later it says: "By default, this option [Allow Inheritable Permissions From Parent To Propagate To This Object] is not selected for folders, which means subfolders do not inherit permissions assigned to their parent folder. Files are assigned this option, which means that files within a folder automatically receive the permissions assigned to their parent folder."

In reality, by default, the option is selected for both files and folders.

Ommision Example: No mention is made regarding Group Policy application order. I had to find it in the Windows 2000 help file. IMO, the entire Group Policy section is not very well done.

A one-stop technical resource for passing the tests? I don't think so. It's going to require a lot of digging in other places. All-in-all, though, it's a pretty decent framework (at this point in time) for getting a grip on one complex OS. It's chock full of useful little tidbits, and it does cover a lot of material. I would probably give it a 4-star rating, except for its meager CD support (only comes with Server demo; no Professional; no tests). All 4 books on CD, though, is nice.

Time will tell if this set pays off. Meanwhile, dig, dig, dig...

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not good enough., December 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: McSe Training Kit: Microsoft Windows 2000 Core Requirements (IT-Training Kits) (Paperback)

Might be useful for people who don't need to complete certification requirements. Lots of errors, ommissions & largely incomplete in terms of the exam materials. I failed the Infrastructure exam based on this coursework & only after buying the Sybex materials, did I find the relevant study material. Seriously, the books are MISSING whole areas which you will NEED to cover for the exam. They're just not enough. Don't bother unless you need a large paperweight.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good but....., March 29, 2001

By	Steven Newman (Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: McSe Training Kit: Microsoft Windows 2000 Core Requirements (IT-Training Kits) (Paperback)

This is a pretty good study resource, but using this alone will not help you get that very much desired certification.

If you really want to pass this exam I recommend that you at the least have 2 PC networked together one with 2000 Server/NT workstation dual-boot and the other one with 2000 Server/2000 Professional dual-boot. That way you can really test thing like replication, RIS, sites and so forth.

Also it is a good move to get the Windows 2000 Resource kit (also available on Amazon), it will help you allot with preparing for the exam and help you in *the real world*.

If you still got cash spare it might be an idea to invest in VMware so you can run multiple OS's on your machine at the same time, allowing you to test NAT, subnetting and the like.

Good Luck on becoming an MCSE!