I was looking for a general review to remind myself of what I currently know and what I do not know. This book fits the agenda I had in mind. Easy to read without the minutia, more of an outline covering all the facets of the 4 exams.

I really got to sit down and read through this thing... I red a chapter or two and found it to be concise and worthwhile. Not its fault, but its current job is holding my coffee table down.

I really got to sit down and read through this thing... I red a chapter or two and found it to be concise and worthwhile. Not its fault, but its current job is holding my coffee table down.

This is a very well written book with a lot of very important information in it. I believe that it is the only MCSA/MCSE resource I have come across yet that has a section on WSUS which is lightly tested on 70-290. I used this book as my sole study literature for the 70-290 and passed with a score of 828. Of course I did use testing software, but this was the major source. I found the material for that test to be spot on. Just a few weeks ago I used this book for my final review after studying for the 70-291 (failing with a 678, one question in DNS would have done it) and again found it to be very useful. However, with the depth of the testing done for the 70-291 it is difficult to say this book is sufficient even for a final review of the 70-291. It is true that the book covers the most essential concepts for topics such as DNS, but my experience from my test and from discussing with others (some of whom had taken the test multiple times before passing) is that this test focuses much more on the advanced points of DNS than it does on the essentials. It is simply assumed that you have mastered the fundamentals and I believe the book, as "the notes you should have taken," should focus more on those advanced topics and only outline the basics.

Final verdict: four stars.

70-290: An excellent pretest, final review.

70-291: Adequate to very good in all topics except DNS. I highly recommend Windows Server 2003 Help and Support as well as TechNet for some of the finer points on this. I also highly suggest supplementing lots of labs on WSUS for this test as well. *I passed my 70-291 and there was even more WSUS on the it the second time.*

70-293: Very good review. I do have to disagree with the author's observation that the 293 is the hardest of the core exams. It was certainly easier in my opinion than the 291. The material covered was essential and the final test/labs were very in line with the test.

I will complete my review once I ave taken the 70-294 exam. But I must say that the 70-294 section is the most enjoyable for me. It seems to cover all the details I need to understand concerning FSMOs, GC servers and other highly technical areas of the AD and AD design.

This is a very well written book with a lot of very important information in it. I believe that it is the only MCSA/MCSE resource I have come across yet that has a section on WSUS which is lightly tested on 70-290. I used this book as my sole study literature for the 70-290 and passed with a score of 828. Of course I did use testing software, but this was the major source. I found the material for that test to be spot on. Just a few weeks ago I used this book for my final review after studying for the 70-291 (failing with a 678, one question in DNS would have done it) and again found it to be very useful. However, with the depth of the testing done for the 70-291 it is difficult to say this book is sufficient even for a final review of the 70-291. It is true that the book covers the most essential concepts for topics such as DNS, but my experience from my test and from discussing with others (some of whom had taken the test multiple times before passing) is that this test focuses much more on the advanced points of DNS than it does on the essentials. It is simply assumed that you have mastered the fundamentals and I believe the book, as "the notes you should have taken," should focus more on those advanced topics and only outline the basics.

Final verdict: four stars.

70-290: An excellent pretest, final review.

70-291: Adequate to very good in all topics except DNS. I highly recommend Windows Server 2003 Help and Support as well as TechNet for some of the finer points on this. I also highly suggest supplementing lots of labs on WSUS for this test as well. *I passed my 70-291 and there was even more WSUS on the it the second time.*

I will edit my review upon completion of the other tests.

This is a very well written book with a lot of very important information in it. I believe that it is the only MCSA/MCSE resource I have come across yet that has a section on WSUS which is lightly tested on 70-290. I used this book as my sole study literature for the 70-290 and passed with a score of 828. Of course I did use testing software, but this was the major source. I found the material for that test to be spot on. Just a few weeks ago I used this book for my final review after studying for the 70-291 (failing with a 678, one question in DNS would have done it) and again found it to be very useful. However, with the depth of the testing done for the 70-291 it is difficult to say this book is sufficient even for a final review of the 70-291. It is true that the book covers the most essential concepts for topics such as DNS, but my experience from my test and from discussing with others (some of whom had taken the test multiple times before passing) is that this test focuses much more on the advanced points of DNS than it does on the essentials. It is simply assumed that you have mastered the fundamentals and I believe the book, as "the notes you should have taken," should focus more on those advanced topics and only outline the basics.

Final verdict: four stars.

70-290: An excellent pretest, final review.

70-291: Adequate to very good in all topics except DNS. I highly recommend Windows Server 2003 Help and Support as well as TechNet for some of the finer points on this. I also highly suggest supplementing lots of labs on WSUS for this test as well.

I will edit my review upon completion of the other tests.

This is a very well written book with a lot of very important information in it. I believe that it is the only MCSA/MCSE resource I have come across yet that has a section on WSUS which is lightly tested on 70-290. I used this book as my sole study literature for the 70-290 and passed with a score of 828. Of course I did use testing software, but this was the major source. I found the material for that test to be spot on. Just a few weeks ago I used this book for my final review after studying for the 70-291 (failing with a 678, one question in DNS would have done it) and again found it to be very useful. However, with the depth of the testing done for the 70-291 it is difficult to say this book is sufficient even for a final review of the 70-291. It is true that the book covers the most essential concepts for topics such as DNS, but my experience from my test and from discussing with others (some of whom had taken the test multiple times before passing) is that this test focuses much more on the advanced points of DNS than it does on the essentials. It is simply assumed that you have mastered the fundamentals and I believe the book, as "the notes you should have taken," should focus more on those advanced topics and only outline the basics.

Final verdict: four stars.

70-290: An excellent pretest, final review.

70-291: Adequate to very good in all topics except DNS. I highly recommend Windows Server 2003 Help and Support as well as TechNet for some of the finer points on this. I also highly suggest supplementing lots of labs on WSUS for this test as well. *I passed my 70-291 and there was even more WSUS on the it the second time.*

70-293: Very good review. I do have to disagree with the author's observation that the 293 is the hardest of the core exams. It was certainly easier in my opinion than the 291. The material covered was essential and the final test/labs were very in line with the test.

70-294: This book certainly covers the 290 and 294 the best. I read the MOAC book, used the included test prep software and reviewed with this book and passed. It was all I needed. The coverage it gives for this test is very practical and easy to read and under stand.

I believe this is a very good boook to help you pass the tests and will serve you well as a refresher for any technical interviews.

This book explains everything dealing with Server 2003, it's a great investment, if you're trying to obtain your certifications, this is a great guide to use. It provides explanations and details of key components needed to know for the tests. Also, there are practice tests at the end of each study guide within the book!

It's truly worth the money!!

This book is poor. The editing is horrible with lots of confusing language.

As a technical trainer, I'm always looking for more information. Once again, Stanek has come through with a book that's chock-full of good information. Perhaps it could have been bettered by the addition of more screen shots, but then that would have made the book thicker. And, remember, this book is a review-type book. If you've already studied standard texts dealing with the core exams, then this book is a good after-read. His Hightligter's section is a great idea!

As a technical trainer, I'm always looking for more information. Once again, Stanek has come through with a book that's chock-full of good information. Perhaps it could have been bettered by the addition of more screen shots, but then that would have made the book thicker. And, remember, this book is a review-type book. If you've already studied standard texts dealing with the core exams, then this book is a good after-read. His Hightligter's section is a great idea!

The book has very up-to-date information and has been a beneficial study guide and learning tool. The book has improved my chances in passing the certification test as well as understanding the concepts. It will also serve as a beneficial resource in the future.

'MCSE Core Required Exams in a Nutshell' by William R Stanek is an essential resource for anyone that is going to take any of the following Microsoft certification exams: 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294

Providing clear instruction, plenty of examples, and a solid basis, this book will not only give you the heads up that you need to be successful in getting your certification, no doubt this will help you EXCEL at any or all of these examinations!!

I highly recommend this book to help with your preparation, if you pick it up you will NOT be disappointed.

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Are you looking to complete your Microsoft Certification? If you are, then this book is for you! Author William R Stanek, has done an outstanding job of writing a 3rd edition of a book that helps IT professionals complete their Microsoft Certification.

Stanek, begins with an overview of Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (Exam: 70-290). Then, the author provides a study guide for Exam: 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment. Next, he helps you prepare and practice for Exam 70-290. The author continues with an overview of Implementing, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (Exam: 70-291). Then, the author provides a study guide for Exam: 70-291: Implementing, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. Next, he helps you prepare and practice for Exam 70-291: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. The author continues with an overview of Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (Exam: 70-293). Then, the author provides a study guide for Exam: 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. Next, he helps you prepare and practice for Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. The author continues with an overview of Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (Exam: 70-294). Then, the author provides a study guide for Exam: 70-294: Planning, Implementing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure. Finally, the author helps you prepare and practice for Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure.

This most excellent book provides the core knowledge to prepare you for the current certification exams, which include performance-based testing through simulation. More importantly, this book is meant to be used as part of your final preparation, and not as your only preparation for the exams.

William Stanek's MCSE Core Required Exams is the best training resource I've found for helping me to study for my exams. I swear this book packs in more than the 4 book set I bought previous to this (and stopped using in favor of this). In his pocket consultants, Stanek has proven he has a gift for getting to the point and being concise while at the same time being comprehensive. This book is not different. This is the single most useful training guide I've ever purchased. Excellent as a reference as well as a study guide. I can't recommend this highly enough. Every network administrator should own at least one copy of this book.

great certification tool!!!
but u will need also transcenders for exam preparation. contact me on my gmail account (certstuff). i will send u a list of transcenders i can sell u, 10$ each one. thnks

This is definitely a better book compared to others available. Although I haven't made it all the way through this book yet, I'd like to say that it's taught me a lot. I've been using computers and managing Windows Servers since the days of Windows for Workgroups. Just goes to show even though you use an operating system daily there are still many things you can learn about it. With the excellent content and practice tests, this book is a GREAT buy! I would definitely recommend it.

This is an excellent reference. If you are studying to be an MCSA or MCSE certification , then this is the book you need. One thing I always loved about the author is that he delves into the technologies clearly and concisely and gives practical how-tos. Unlike some of the Microsoft materials out there, this book is actually readable and does not feel like a bland technical manual.

The book covers everything need for exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293 and 70-294. And the difference between this book and other certification books out there is in the details. Stanek truly knows Windows and he knows what's on the exams and what is needed to prepare. The book as an excellent source for information even for those not studying for certification and I would suggest that all Network Administrators obtain a copy, no matter what you think your skill level is. It's very useful, and like all Stanek's books, straight to the point.

I've been an admin for 12 years but I don't have my MCSE. Something always comes up at work every time I try to take a class or prepare for the exam. This year I decided I decided to go for it and not let anything stop me. I looked at a bunch of certification books. Previously I borrowed a multibook set from a friend but just didn't like the format or materials. I found this book on just a few days ago while looking through the certification books in the stacks. I've had good luck with Stanek's other books, so I picked it up almost immediately. Plus it cost 1/4th what the boxed set cost and seemed to have as much useful materials.

I haven't read the book cover to cover yet, but I have read the EXAM 70-290 materials. I must say I'm impressed with the amount of information and useful details packed into the pages. (I've found the same to be true with other books by Stanek). The writing style is clear and concise, and I like how the author lays out a road map for becoming certified and taking the exams one by one. The book covers EXAM 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment, EXAM 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, EXAM 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, and EXAM 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure. Plus for those upgrading from Windows 2000 certification it provides a roadmap and callouts to point out the objectives for 70-292 and 70-296. Highly recommended.