MCSA in Server 2003

Pdog · 30 Mar 2006 at 15:28

Lo Peeps,

I currently have an MCP in XP, so I won't need to take the Core OS Client exam. I've decided to go down the messaging route. So the exams I will need to study for are 70-290, 20-291 and 70-284.

I will more than likely be self studying so my employer will be paying for my books. I just wanted to know what books and materials other people have used in order to prepare for the exams. The books I am considering are the Microsoft press ones and I wondered what peoples opinions are of them

Thanks

oddjob62 · 30 Mar 2006 at 16:27

My choice would be Sybex books and the Testking sample test questions.

Pdog · 30 Mar 2006 at 17:51

Cheers Oddjob,

Will check these out, anyone else?

Sone · 30 Mar 2006 at 20:47

testking is bad, unless the only thing your after is the MCSA certificate.

I would read through both the sybex and microsoft books, do ALL of the labs in them as you will need it for the simulation questions in the exam (Although my simulation questions were very easy)

oddjob62 · 30 Mar 2006 at 21:52

Sone said:
testking is bad, unless the only thing your after is the MCSA certificate.

Well if you've got no experience and MCSA/E isn't much more than a piece of paper anyway.

CoXeY · 31 Mar 2006 at 13:45

The MS Press books are very good (well IMO anyway).

How was the XP exam? I'm wading my way through the 70-290 - 70-294 box set and have heard that they're a doddle compared to the XP exam?!

Dan.

Pdog · 31 Mar 2006 at 14:08

CoXeY said:
The MS Press books are very good (well IMO anyway).

How was the XP exam? I'm wading my way through the 70-290 - 70-294 box set and have heard that they're a doddle compared to the XP exam?!

Dan.

The XP exam was ok I just made sure I was comfortable with every topic in that exam. The book I used to study with was not the latest version, as it didn't cover any wireless network connection topics and I did get some questions in my exam relating to this. I was fortunate enough to know the answers though.

I've just checked the Sybex books for the 70-290 and 70-291 and there is a later revision out for both these exams. I currently own the Sybex 70-290 buts its the older version. I am going to purchase both these books again.

I always recommend taking some test questions before taking the exam as Microsoft have a certain way of asking questions.

Where did you hear that the 70-290 and 70-294 are a doddle compared to the 70-270?

Edit just an update I still haven't decided between the Sybex range of Books or MS press ones. Although looking at the books for the 70-290, the Sybex has been updated (January 2006) Covering RC2 and XP SP2 where as the MS Press one hasn't as it was released in August 2003.

Decisions, Decisons, Decisions