MCSE : The Core Exams in a Nutshell (Paperback)

by Michael Moncur (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
MCSE: The Core Exams in a Nutshell scores lots of points through its recognition of key facts about the "core four": there's lots of overlap among the exams. Rather than repeat the same information in multiple sections (or multiple volumes, as is becoming standard), Michael Moncur devotes a section of the book to what's unique in each exam, referring to other sections as needed.

Each portion of the book starts with an overview of the exam and a list of the chapters' objectives. The chapters conclude with a list of tasks to perform, a complete sample test, and a sort of condensed statement of key facts, suitable for last-minute cramming.

The author touches on all the topics that Microsoft mentions in its various Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE) exam specifications. However, readers should be warned that coverage in MCSE: The Core Exams in a Nutshell is less elementary than that of many other MCSE texts. You'll find hardly any step-by-step procedures, for one thing. If you're an experienced Windows NT hand and you have the ability to do a lot of experimenting with the procedures described, this book will be all you need. For anyone below an expert level, you may want to supplement this book with a text that wades through the exam material at a less breakneck pace.

Product Description
Microsoft's MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) program is a rigorous testing and certification program for Windows NT system and network administrators. To achieve certification, one must pass four required exams and two elective exams. MCSE: The Core Exams in a Nutshell is a comprehensive study guide that covers the required exams for MCSE certification:

• Networking Essentials
• Windows NT Workstation
• Windows NT Server
• Windows 95 (you must choose either the NT Workstation or Windows 95 exam)

This detailed reference is for administrators with Windows NT experience or experience administering a different platform, such as UNIX, who want to learn what is necessary to pass the required exam portion of the MCSE certification. Each chapter covers one exam and includes a summary of the key areas covered by the exam, a description of the format and difficulty of each exam with tips for passing it, definitions of key terms, and sample test questions and answers. While no book is a substitute for real-world experience, this book will help you codify your knowledge and prepare for the exams.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly; 1 edition (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565923766
• ISBN-13: 978-1565923768
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,876,195 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, August 15, 2000

By	Novus Focus - See all my reviews

This review is from: MCSE The Core Exams In a Nutshell (Paperback)

This book and the "Elective Exams in a Nutshell" were the primary references I used for getting my MCSE (NT 4.0). There is about 70 pages on each exam to study. Some books take 400 pages to deliver the exact same information.

The beginner will probably want additional references along with this book though. (because it is so compact the beginner might have trouble with it if they don't have other references)

I passed all of my exams on the first try with very little studying because of this book. It is absolutely the best source of information for passing the exams (not to mention one of the cheapest). I found it much better then the Trancender Exams which are so popular (and expensive I might add).

(note: this book will be out of date very soon though and you should probably look for a newer edition)

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Review Book, January 17, 2000

By	R. Krause (Tempe, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After studying much larger study guides, I used this as a final review. For each section being around 40 pages, it covers alot in so few pages quite well. I have uncovered a few errors, such as in one place they say that the /d flag sets the temporary directory while installing windows nt, which is wrong, there is no /d flag. The correct flag is /t though in all other sections it is stated as being the correct /t. But, if you know your stuff like you should before even attempting the real test, the few errors should pop out at you, like they did for me. I also the highlighters section was pretty cool: 4-5 pages cramming all the high points. For it's size and cost, I feel you really can't go wrong picking it up as your final review.

A+,Network+,MCP

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommendation from a beginner, January 5, 2000

By	Jeremy T. Carr (Kodiak, AK) - See all my reviews

I am currently studying at home to get my MCP+I. It is very well written and designed for the student with little computer knowledge, who is just knocking at the door of the IT field. But, after completing the 1400 pages of course work for exam 070-067 NT Server and 070-073 NT Workstation, I felt lost and not even close to being ready to take the exams. I ordered this book because it was both cheap and highly recommended. I passed both of my exams on the first try. I received a score of 866 on Server and 833 on Workstation. This book is awesome as a cram session book and a pocket guide for the field. I highly recommend this book to anyone studying for the exams and for the those who are already in the IT field.