MCSA/MCSE 70-290 Exam Cram : Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment (2nd Edition) (ISBN 0789736179) Book Reviews 1-9 Sorted By Most Recent, at VeryWellSaid.com

Passed with this as my main study guide

I used the Exam Cram series to pass my SQL tests some years back. I'm finally starting to update my MCSE and purchased the exam crams for 290 and 291 (I haven't opened the 291 book yet). There are a handful of typos and mistakes (AGUDLP is referenced once in the wrong order) but nothing you'd miss if you have used the product before. The key is what others have said -- its a cram guide for the test, not a book on Windows 2003. If you have experience with the product, this will help you pass. If you are new to Windows 2003, you'll need more than this book.

For example, command-line utilities like csvde, ldifde, dsget, dsquery and the like are covered along with descriptions of when to use them and what they do. Instead of printing out every switch and usage for each utility, it simply shows you how to get help (dsget /?). If you don't take a moment to check the syntax or don't understand concepts like piping ("dsquery user -name Tim* | dsget user -title") you might miss a question or two.

Features I never use like Volume Shadow Copy and NTBackup (thankfully backup isn't part of my duties) were covered well enough and where the book fell short on a subject I just supplemented the material with a quick google query. Thankfully there wasn't much of that.

The book does have gaps -- the two tests at the end of the book asked questions that weren't even covered in the book (again, quick google query to the rescue). The book includes a link to online tests which were only valid for 14 days or something like that but it did cover items the book didn't. I do recommend at least taking one of the online tests to prepare you for the actual test as it will teach you to look for key words to limit choices for right answers (volume instead of disk, etc...). Neither of these resources prepared me for the simulations when I took the test, but that's to be expected. Its a cram guide, not a class.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-30 10:07:15 EST)

07-01-08

(NA)

Passed with this as my main study guide

I used the Exam Cram series to pass my SQL tests some years back. I'm finally starting to update my MCSE and purchased the exam crams for 290 and 291 (I haven't opened the 291 book yet). There are a handful of typos and mistakes (AGUDLP is referenced once in the wrong order) but nothing you'd miss if you have used the product before. The key is what a lot of others have said -- its a cram guide, not a book on Windows 2003. If you have experience with the product, this will help you. If you haven't used Windows 2003, get something else.

A good example is the coverage of command line utilities. Csvde, ldifde, dsget, dsquery and the like are covered along with descriptions of when to use them and what they do. It also states how to get help on the syntax (dsget /?) for example. If you've never looked at the syntax or don't understand concepts like piping (dsquery user -name Tim* | dsget user -title) you're going to have some issues with the test.

Chapters on features I never use like Volume Shadow Copy and NTBackup (we're a CommVault shop and thankfully backup isn't part of my duties) were covered well enough and where the book fell short on a subject I just supplemented the material with a quick google query. Thankfully there wasn't much of that.

The book did have gaps -- the two tests at the end of the book asked questions that weren't even covered in the book (again, quick google query to the rescue). I used the [...] web access included with the book. I think the key was only valid for 14 days or something like that but it did cover some items the book didn't. I do recommend at least taking one of the measure up tests to prepare you for the actual test. It will teach you to look for key words (volume instead of disk, etc...). Neither of these resources prepared me for the simulations when I took the test, but that's to be expected. Its a cram guide, not a class.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-01 17:31:26 EST)

04-03-08

(NA)

Not a good resource

This book is not a good resource for studying for 70-290. It covers a lot of material but leaves out all of the little details that are on the actual test. Unless you already know server VERY well and are just brushing up on a few general topics this book will not help you pass the test.

The sample questions and practice tests are nothing like the Microsoft test. The book's questions are short and simple. The actual test is made up of scenarios and trick 'gotcha' type questions.

The book assumes you have too much background to be useful to a beginner. It is too general and simplistic for someone with experience. Not really sure who (if anyone) would benefit from this book.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-01 17:31:26 EST)

12-31-07

(NA)

Great Book for MCSE

this book is direct and too the point. Will prepare you to pass the exam and has a many tips and info.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-04 04:42:29 EST)

12-12-07

(NA)

Another good study guide but...

I'd combine it with other resources available. Personally I used this in conjunction with MS Press book on 70-290 and the Sybex book. Using all 3 you can;t go wrong. Exam Cram is good up to a point, do all the quizzes at the end of each chapter, it'll help reinforce what you should've learned from the first two. I used this one last to round off my learning. Can't say enough about study study study. It'll pay off in the end.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-01 09:43:59 EST)

09-10-07

(NA)

Great for cramming

If you've never worked on a Windows 2003 Sever computer, then I would not recommend starting with this book. You'll pass the test but not know what to do in real life situation. Get this book only if you've had hands on experience, or have studied other material that's tutorial oriented before.

The last minute cram sheet in the front is an awesome summary. You are not likely to find a summary like this anywhere else.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-01 09:43:59 EST)

07-16-07

1\1

For those that have worked with Servers ( 2 + years)

Like the review above, this book is for those that need just the facts and information given to you. Unfortunately, the MS exams dont ask you questions like that , but rather in scenarios. If you need quick reference to specific answers, this a great way to go for the price. If you need scenario-type questions, this isn't the way to go.

At first I used this as my main text, then realized I needed more info. This book would make a great addition to your studies, but definitely shouldnt be used as the main entree, unless you are a professional in servers and IT.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-11 03:23:55 EST)

04-26-07

1\1

Good Study Guide for 70-290

ExamCRAM 2 for the MS 70-290 test has been an excellent resource. It is well organized and has good illustrations. The questions at the end of the chapters are very helpful. The book has been an excellent supplement to the other study materials I have been using. I haven't taken the 70-290 test yet but feel confident that this book will be a key to getting a passing score.

This book works well for people who have passed the 70-270 exam, but is not for beginners. It is best used as a final review to make sure you have covered all of the important material before the exam.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-17 08:16:21 EST)

03-22-07

4\7

The Facts, Just the Facts, and Given Fast