I had to use this book for a class. It has many mistakes and the quizzes at the end of the chapters ask questions that weren't even covered. Everyone in my class including the instructor agreed that this was not a good book. It either barely discusses or doesn't even cover things that the quizzes ask you about. I am going to find another book to study from before I even think about taking the test. The labs were terrible also, some of them couldn't even be completed as set up by the book. I wouldn't even waste my money on this.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through this book. As a moderately experienced SQL Server developer, I find the book useful as an exam prep beause it briefly reviews and previews the information, although it relies on the reader already being somewhat familiar with the subject.

For example, the text explanations and code snippets are good, but there are very few screenshots or other figures.

Don't get this book if you don't already have some experience with SQL Server.

Do get this book as a review or summary of what you'll presumably need to know for the exam.

Conrad

Many examples in this book can not be compleated with the "Evaluation Software" the is included with the book. Chapters 14, and 15 both reference features not included in this version of the software.

The book has been reading very nicely and I believe that I have learned a lot from it but I have become very frustrated with the way the not all the examples/practice areas can be accessed with the limitations of the included software

I bought this book because I had the opportunity to take a training course by one of the co-authors, Mike Hotek. Mike is an awesome teacher as well as writer. This book had very clear practical examples ranging from how to create a table to replication and database mirroring. I found that if you want to learn the just-above-the-basics of SQL 2005, this book is for you. Even if you don't know anything about SQL 2005, this book will give you an insight on how to get started.

The chapters are organized quite well, starting with how to install SQL 2005 and moving on to creating basic objects.

I would recommend this book for several reasons:
1) A great reference on basic SQL syntax as well as the main functions of SQL 2005
2) A great learning tool for the exam.
3) Easy to read and understand.

Great job on this one. I have already purchased the 443 and 444 books and am eager to read into those as well.

Good book to have and I like the packaging.

No regrets for this business

This is a very good book on sql server 2005. It is focused on the exam 70-431 but contains a lot of information that everyone should know about sql server 2005.

The book is full of examples, and presents the arguments in a very pratical way, there is not a lot of theory, but there is a lot of precious information, and everything is presented in a very comprehensible way.

Suggested for everyone that works with sql server 2005

SQL Server 2005 Technology Specialist ...As the Certificate suggest after clearing Exam 70-431,you shall be one. This book is excellant guide and has excellant structure. You need to have basic knowledge about databases and its position in the project to be able to absorb all information. I completed by certification in January this year and than I got job in Feburary.I read this book three time before i appeared for exam just because to be able to pass exam you need to some minute details. It all helps at End... I nailed the interview when the interver tried getting technical and when he asked how many indexes one can create on a table I answered by telling exactly how many Non Clus and Clust index can be created and what is the size of index page :). I am working as DBA now. For all those new comers ...I suggest clear this exam and start hunting job as there are good chance you'll get one.

I bought this book for the sole purpose of passing this test. Well, I passed the test with using the practice tests and spending a lot of time with this book. I didn't buy any type of testing software that a lot of people are getting. I had bought the Sybex version before the Microsoft book, but it had too many mistakes. I also found the other book to cover a lot more than what you need for the certification. I have 9 years of SQL Server experience, but I was pretty worried about taking my first certification test. I think this book is perfect for preparing you for the test. In my opinion, the XML chapter could have been a lot smaller and then they could have expanded on the Mirroring chapter.

I used this book in addition to Tom Carpenter's 70-431 prep book and this is a good book. I feel that the book by Tom Carpenter is a better reference, but there is no question that both books will help prepare your for the exam. If I were you, I would use both books that way you will have the lite and sometimes detached coverage (you might say fact-based) that is in this book and the real-world type coverage that is in the McGraw-Hill book.

I installed the evaluation edition of SQL Server that came with the book. Then I went through the book, read every page, did every sample test and more than half of the practice items (many were redundant).

Then I went to take the test and I was shocked. Many, many questions were not covered by the material in this book! I have a very good memory, and read the book while laid off so it only took me two weeks to get through it, so my memory is not the issue here. Microsoft produced a book and represents it's purpose as prep for the test, but it doesn't cover all the material the test does!

Most of the questions were covered so it is possible to pass from this book, but I couldn't.

One particularly galling question on the exam involved a port number that was not in the book, I checked.

Needless to say, I am disappointed. I hope that if I need another certification the kit is more representative of the exam content.

I'm only up to page 244 - but I got to say it's a very, very good book. Good size font. Easy to read, it just flows. Theory broken up into short lessons, followed by practice tasks.

I used to freak out at SQL Server 2005 software. Using this book has faded those fears away.

I received the book in new condition with all the training CD's in about 4 days (save more than going buying local)

I have been working with SQL Server since version 4.2. Since then, there have been a lot of books written, but few of this quality. The principal author has a gift for clear and succinct writing that only comes from knowing a topic well. Time and time again I marveled at how few words he used to explain complex technical topics. I recommend this book highly not only for those seeking certification, but also for those who wish to learn how to implement and maintain SQL Server 2005. Money well spent.

I liked the feature in the electronic document (PDF) to be able to have the document read to you in the Microsoft Sam voice....

I like the topics they are covering. However as mentioned, some of the coverage seems a little light. Hey a book can only be so big.

One annoyance was the example on page 175, the subquery is incorrect as it should be 'Select EmployeeId', not 'Select AddressId'. No wonder someone was confused.

SQL Server 2005 is a big subject. This book takes a good stab at it.

This book is an absolute must for IT people who are migrating to SQL Server 2005 and who are seeking certification. Topics are logically laid out and well explained. The CD's that come with the book are great tools to prep for the cert test.

I don't know what edtion this is, but the first edition has lots of mistakes in them. When I came accross the index chapter I kept banging my head against the wall since the example didn't make sense, sure enough, it was a typo...
Go online and find the list of typos in this book. The link is on the CD what comes with the book.
I found it easy to read though.

I don't know what edtion this is, but the first edition has lots of mistakes in them. When I came accross the index chapter I kept banging my head against the wall since the example didn't make sense, sure enough, it was a typo...
Go online and find the list of typos in this book. The link is on the CD what comes with the book.
I found it easy to read though.

I believe the worst what a Exam preparation book can do to you is not containing all the topics needed to pass the exam. The book does contain all topics but there is something else why I was not able to give more then 3 points for the book and that is the fact that the examples in the - specially code examples for XML and SQL - are wwwwwaaaaayyy to complicated to understand that them. Also there will be no code examples that complicated at the exam either. When you are new to XML as I was then there is no way that you understand the examples. I got an additional book to learn the XML basics and after I was done I went back to the code examples and I still couldn't figure them out.

I passed the exam already and if you decide to work with this book you can rely on the fact that you covered all the topics you will see in the exam but do not get hung up on the complicated SQL and XML examples in the book. You do not understand them as me and you still can easily pass the exam

This is an outstanding technical book. It covers many areas of a very rich and complex product, and covers almost all of these areas well. The writing style and presentation is excellent. It will be useful to DBA's whether or not they go for the Microsoft certification.

I am a SQL Server developer and instructor for Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2005 certification courses.

I purchased the book about nine months ago, and read it straight through over a 2-3 month period. Then I used the Transcender practice exam to reveal my weak areas, while constantly referring and re-reading sections of the text. In all, I read almost all chapters at least three times.

I passed the MCTS exam with a high grade, but thanks only in part to the practice exam that comes with this text. The text's one weakness is that the practice questions are not at all like those on the real cert exam; they are more like flash-card type questions. Even the Transcender exam was not up to their usual standards, but it is much better than what is included with the book.

The quality of the book itself, however, aside from the practice questions, is excellent. Highly recommended.

I have just passed exam. I have almost learned everything covedred in this book but when I took practise test in the book, it is asking lot of topics which were not covered. Comparing with exam questions, it definitely helps to pass provided all the chapters has to be practised as I have got lot of simulation questions in the actual exam which needs one to actually do the all steps during exam for a given scenario.
But you don't need to expect some of the 295 / 150 questions in the practise test to show up in the exam.

I bought the book on Oct. 2006, thought I might take the certification test, there are a lot of details steps such as setup database mails, but no coverage on Report service, integration service or analyst services.

Study this book and buy Transender and you will find at hard to fail the exam.

Not especially well written and contains many errors, including some questions at the end of each lesson. All the errors were very frustrating and really slowed down my speed in getting through the material.

This book may not have everything you need to master SQL databases, but it will definitely serve as a reference for those getting started or building on some basic knowledge. As far as the test preparation goes, I don't know because I haven't taken it yet. But I always recommend preparing with materials published by the test's creators.

Not especially well written and contains many errors, including some questions at the end of each lesson. Just another botched Microsoft product.

I think this book is great at explaining the exam objectives (haven't taken the exam yet, so that's just a guess) but gets a little too heavy in some parts. Example, the xml lessons start way too advanced for anyone that has not experimented with it previously. I like the flow, development chapters first and slow progression into admin functions.

Even more so than the previous versions of MS self study kits, this one heavily relies on readers to research things on their own. Also double check the "correct" answers in the practice exams they are not always so correct.

It's a good quality book with a good ratio of high level and very detail info. Not too many typos, almost none in the examples of SQL statements. I'd recommend it.

It's a good quality book with a good ratio of high level and very detail info. Not too many typos, almost none in the examples of SQL statements. I'd recommend it.

Very good book. Detailed chapters. Things to remember are highlighted. End of chapter questions were highlighted. For those who are experienced with SQL 2000, you will find most of this book redundant, as most of the stuff comes from SQL 2000. But it does a good job explaining new technologies i.e. Service Broker, Contract/Queue, Partitioning etc.

For those who want to sit for the 70-431 exam, i suggest getting brain dump for this exam (free) or buy a testking cram. I passed on 12/19 with 947. Yeehaa!

Since I've been working more and more with sql, I'm hoping to take Exam 70-431 early next year. This was recommended to me and it's a pretty good kit.

I just passed 70-431. I'm a DBA w/ experience on SQL 2005 and SQL 2000. This book and the accompanying CD were the only tools I used to study. I read the book cover to cover, although I skipped the actual practices. (I would only recommend skipping the practices if you have a lot of real world experience with the product.) Then I moved on to the practice tests on CD, and had pretty mediocre passing scores on three practice tests in certification mode (45 questions, answers scored at end). Finally, I used the practice test in study mode, where you could review your answers as you went to drill down into areas that I needed more work on. Having the accompanying practice test (295 questions) makes this kit a great value. I felt as though I learned a lot during all of this and wasn't just "studying for the test". One word on the test format itself -- there were plenty of simulations to do -- everything was not multiple choice.

I got to say that I am not enjoying this book. I am on chapter 4 and I am really finding it hard. This is not to say that I am new to computers. I have my MCSE. But this book, well I would just have done thing a bit differently. I know it is to prep one for the exam. But if you are totally new to SQL server (like me). Then you will need some more help from a friend or another book. I needed a step by step guide on installing the SQL demo database and getting things running on my computer. If they did the first chapter with this information then I would be a happy man. With this all going, I would then enjoy the learning of this great software and work with the workshops in the book. I am in this case putting this book aside and looking for a solution to some basic questions before picking it up again. For someone that has used SQL 2000, then you will find this the greatest book out their. But beginners to SQL, be aware. You will need a hand up to get your teeth into it.

pretty good book. learn more from this book than I knew at first.

I am so wait this book from USA but afetr i read ch2 there some mistake in p58 where is the read-only filegroup ..
it seem good book but its not colored, i like colored books

I've been working with SQL2000 for a few years (but no MS Cert), but really interested in getting my MSTS cert in SQL2005. I've started this kit/book, and so far seems to be a pretty good system overall. Good hands-on excercises, and if you have the resources to do so, be sure to set up a good test/play system to work with during this course. I don't really care for the practice test software that is in this kit (and no, not just because I missed a couple questions!), and have always used Transcender exams for material like this. Just seems a little awkward, and even though I've tried a couple of times, I've found it difficult to test just on certain subjects, such as Chapters 1 & 3 for example. The software would generate a test with a few items covered in later material - - but then again, this testing software was new to me. With that said, I'll will probably get the Transcender to suppliment this kit.

This is one of the best Microsoft Press Training kits that I have seen. It has good overall coverage of the administrative features of SQL Server 2005 in addition to covering the exam objectives. It also has some useful dynamic management view (DMV) queries. It has a good lesson on how table partitioning works, which is very useful. Overall, a very valuable book.

Taking the test which this study guide is focus to is a very important step before give any content's feedback (i'm still preparing myself for the test) But i will give my 1st impression about the book anyway.

Pros:
Very well organized book. Chapters and content are divided in small chunks of information (lessons). For busy people (like me) or those which like to do self study at own pace this is a big aid.

I like the writing style also. Not boring, not too technical altought you should have a previous SQL 2000 background if you want to take full advantage of this book.

I did like chapter 11, the backup and restore processes. This is a must for every SQL admin. and it is well covered. The same for the Maintenance Plan and Job topics (Ch 14)

The 15% off in the test price is a good bonus. You should consider this if you're in a low budget.


Cons or critics:
The test engine is an added value but... i don't know ... after taking a few custom tests ... i am not pretty sure about their content's difficulty. I mean, IMO, questions seems too easy for me. I've took a lot of Microsoft tests before (i'm MCSA) and i've never seen easy questions like these in most of them. You must read a lot and think well before mark an answer and i don't feel that when i'm taking this book's test engine. Do not misunderstand what i'm saying, a free Test Engine is a nice bonus, i just want to give a non parcial review. I'm a customer too and we must rely in good study sources to avoid test failures.

Chapter 5: just a brief T-SQL review; use a Sybex SQL 2000 Design book for better preparation or buy the Ben Forta book instead (ISBN: 0672325675), you won't regret and it will help you a lot.

Chapter 12: hey! what happened with the pics here? ... too much words and just a few pics for this topic. Fragmentation concepts are easier to understand when you see how they works; here's when drawings and pics enter into action.

Final comment.
Currently, this is the only book for this test in the market. Sybex and the others are still in press, so there are not much choices either but overall, is a good election anyway; easy to read and very well organized. Find a good PC or laptop, VMWARE or Virtual PC and that's all you need for your study track (SQL 2005 evaluation version is included)

Need extra info? Try SQL 2005 Stanek pocket book ...

UPDATED 7/26/2006:
I already have the new Sybex book for this test. And 'till now, what i've read so far ... i've not found it better than Solid's book. Some Sybex chapters are just a re impression of their old 70-228 book. I keep you informed ...

Taking the test which this study guide is focus to is a very important step before give any content's feedback (i'm still preparing myself for the test) But i will give my 1st impression about the book anyway.

Pros:
Very well organized book. Chapters and content are divided in small chunks of information (lessons). For busy people (like me) or those which like to do self study at own pace this is a big aid.

I like the writing style also. Not boring, not too technical altought you should have a previous SQL 2000 background if you want to take full advantage of this book.

I did like chapter 11, the backup and restore processes. This is a must for every SQL admin. and it is well covered. The same for the Maintenance Plan and Job topics (Ch 14)

The 15% off in the test price is a good bonus. You should consider this if you're in a low budget.


Cons or critics:
The test engine is an added value but... i don't know ... after taking a few custom tests ... i am not pretty sure about their content's difficulty. I mean, IMO, questions seems too easy for me. I've took a lot of Microsoft tests before (i'm MCSA) and i've never seen easy questions like these in most of them. You must read a lot and think well before mark an answer and i don't feel that when i'm taking this book's test engine. Do not misunderstand what i'm saying, a free Test Engine is a nice bonus, i just want to give a non parcial review. I'm a customer too and we must rely in good study sources to avoid test failures.

Chapter 5: just a brief T-SQL review; use a Sybex SQL 2000 Design book for better preparation or buy the Ben Forta book instead (ISBN: 0672325675), you won't regret and it will help you a lot.

Chapter 12: hey! what happened with the pics here? ... too much words and just a few pics for this topic. Fragmentation concepts are easier to understand when you see how they works; here's when drawings and pics enter into action.

Final comment.
Currently, this is the only book for this test in the market. Sybex and the others are still in press, so there are not much choices either but overall, is a good election anyway; easy to read and very well organized. Find a good PC or laptop, VMWARE or Virtual PC and that's all you need for your study track (SQL 2005 evaluation version is included)

Need extra info? Try SQL 2005 Stanek pocket book ...

These 2 extras alone is worth more than the price of this book: First, there is the 15% discount on MCP exams. This translates to about $15. Then, there is the practice test software with 295 questions which is very similar to other commercial practice tests (cost at least $59). NOTE: I bought this book from other site because this book was already available there a week earlier than here at Amazon. The price of this book in Amazon is about $8 lower.

This is a hard bound book (I'm very impressed of the cover design). The papers are white and of high quality.

The contents are organized by exam objectives (there is also a card you can tear from the book that outlines the exam objectives and tells you what chapter and lesson you will find the objective discussed in the book). Every lesson has its summary and review questions. Reading some lessons and browsing through the pages of the book, I believe this is a comprehensive study guide for this exam and is, by itself, sufficient to prepare you to pass the exam.