MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Implementation, Management, and Maintenance Study Guide (70-291) [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

James Chellis (Author), Paul E. Robichaux (Author), Mathew Sheltz (Author), Michael Chacon (Author), Matt Sheltz (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Significant changes have been made to the MCSA and MCSE programs in order to provide a clear career path for IT professionals supporting Windows Server 2003. Sybex, winner of "Best Study Guides" in CertCities.com 2002 Readers' Choice Awards, offers MCSA and MCSE candidates this completely updated edition to help prepare for core exam 70-291, Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. With more in-depth coverage, real-world scenarios, and new practice questions that better simulate those found on the actual exam, this guide gives you the training and confidence you need to succeed. The accompanying CD includes an advanced testing engine with hundreds of sample exam questions, electronic flashcards for PC, Pocket PCs, and Palm handhelds, along with the entire book in PDF.

From the Back Cover

Here's the book you need to prepare for Exam 70-291, Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. This Study Guide provides: In-depth coverage of every exam objective Practical information on managing and maintaining a Windows Server 2003 environment Hundreds of challenging practice questions, in the book and on the CD Leading-edge exam preparation software, including a test engine, electronic flashcards, and simulation software

Authoritative coverage of all exam objectives, including: Implementing, managing, and maintaining IP addressing Implementing, managing, and maintaining name resolution Implementing, managing, and maintaining network security Implementing, managing, and maintaining routing and remote access Maintaining a network infrastructure

Featured on the CD The enclosed CD is packed with vital preparation tools and materials, beginning with the Sybex test engine for exam 70-291. Loaded with hundreds of practice questions, it lets you test yourself chapter by chapter and review your score by objectives area. You’ll also find electronic flashcards for PCs, Pocket PCs, and Palm handhelds, two bonus exams that will help you prepare for the test, WinSim 2003 product simulation software, and a fully searchable electronic version of the book.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 736 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons (August 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0782142613
• ISBN-13: 978-0782142617
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,089,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Inadequate at best, October 16, 2004

By	Josh Church (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Implementation, Management, and Maintenance Study Guide (70-291) (Hardcover)

I have about two years of hands-on experience managing a Windows Server 2003 domain in a small-business environment. Recently I decided to pursue MCSA Win2k3 certification in order to learn more about the technology and better fulfill my job responsibilities. I bought a 3-pack of Sybex books for exams 70-270, 70-290, and 70-291 (this one).

The book for 70-270 was awesome; I read it cover to cover in 6 days and took the exam on the 7th. I passed with flying colors (score 860 with only 700 needed to pass). The only objections I had with the book were its many terribly-worded sample test questions (both book and CD) that were too vague to answer. However, the content matched the actual exam very well and I had no complaints after passing.

The sample test questions for 70-290 didn't get any better, but this book was also well-written and matched the exam's content --- for the most part. While taking the exam, I noticed a few questions that I *knew* weren't covered in the book. However, I still passed the test with a score of 811 and I didn't make a big deal about the missing content.

Then came exam 70-291. I devoted a total of 16 days to studying this book because it was more technical than the last two (not more difficult, but more detailed). I earned roughly the same scores on the book's practice tests that I had on earlier books (about 87% - 91%), so I sat down at the testing center rather confident that I would pass without any difficulty. WAM. 20 questions out of my 55 were on subjects that were NEVER MENTIONED in this book (these include DNS Forwarding, Aging and Scavenging, ISA Server, and others). I failed this test with a score of about 640. Because the last two books were so great, I was absolutely shocked by this one's shortcomings and I resolved to reread the chapters on DNS and DCHP just to make sure that I hadn't forgotten about some of the details. Sure enough, the information just wasn't there. I purchased sample tests from Self Test Software and retook the exam to earn a score of 760 (not that great, but more than enough to pass).

I am willing to give Sybex the benefit of the doubt by conceding that it is possible -- or even likely -- that Microsoft changed their exam content after this book was published, or that my test questions were not necessarily representative of an average test. However, I still wouldn't recommend this book to anyone studying for exam 70-291, and I decided to purchase a Microsoft Press study guide for my last (elective) exam on Exchange Server 2003.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great study guide for the exam, December 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Implementation, Management, and Maintenance Study Guide (70-291) (Hardcover)

I used this book in conjunction with some practice exams that I bought separately and passed the exam on my first try without any problems. This book is great for learning about a lot of the theory and hands-on type of stuff you need to know for the exam, but it is not an exam simulator. That's what practice tests are for. The previous reviewer must not have understood this. I thought this book did a great job of addressing the exam objectives. Like with the other Sybex books, it follows a standard formula with lots of explanations, screenshots, and exercises that are mapped to the exam objectives on the Microsoft web site. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to pass this exam.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars too wordy, November 9, 2006

By	Angry Reader (Ind) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Implementation, Management, and Maintenance Study Guide: Exam 70-291 (Paperback)

A ton of info, but the writing is hard to read.. They use six paragraphs to describe things that can be explained in two.. It's as if the author is trying to impress the reader with what they know rather than just discussing the material that needs to be learned..