The 70-620 exam was my first attempt at a microsoft certification. I succedeed, basically only preparing for it with this book.
Of course, a PC running windows vista is necessary in order to gain some hands on experience, although not all of the suggested practices (if any) are really necessary.
The really odd thing about this preparation kit is the fact that the included exam practice software does not run under vista (in my case, vista ultimate x64). I simply used a virtual machine running xp, but still, this annoyance is quite bizarre, to say the least.

If you want a fast track to get at least one certification, this is for you. Quick concise and easy to follow.

Note, the subject is a bit dry.

This book is all you will need to pass this test. The book comes with a CD full of practice questions, which are very similar to the test. The book even comes with a %15 off voucher for the exam....so it basically pays for itself.

Excellent training book covering the necessary information to pass the Microsoft certification or for general knowledge of Windows Vista. The book is great, despite having a few typos and some technical errors. The practice test are very helpful, but full of technical mistakes, such as asking for one thing, but the answer being the opposite of what was requested.

This is a review for the 70-620 book. I took the classes 5115 and 5116 from Microsoft. These classes alone would not have been enough to pass the 70-620 test. I don't know if the book alone would have been enough to pass either. I found the book well written enough. There were a few typos and I've seen lots of other reviews saying how the information in the book was inaccurate, however I did not find this to be the case. I spent every free moment I had studying the book and was through it in about 1 week. Give your self plenty of time to go through the book and do all the practice stuff. The practice tests were "ok" at best. Here is where I found inaccurate information. The tests clearly need some updating because they were marking answers wrong that I know were correct. All in all it was a good study guide. I honestly don't think that I could have passed the 70-620 test with out it, but I'm not sure if this was my *only* source if I would have passed the test. Good luck!

I have been in the industry for awhile now, but never bothered getting any of my certs. Also I didn't have any hands on with Vista before getting this book.

I was reading a smaller white/red/black book that helps you study for the 70-620. Went halfway through it before I received this one in the mail and it didn't really help me very well. This book had a lot more information.

The book itself has some typos and 1 of the questions says what "can't" this do, and when you put the stuff it can't do it marks it wrong and marks the answers of what it "can" do. I apologize but I don't remember the exact question.

Also the prep test wouldn't install on the Vista Business I was running. I had to use it on my XP machine.

I didn't do any of the exercises. I just read an average of 1 chapter per day and did the practice tests on the CD. I passed my test with a 907. I learned quite a bit from reading this book and it was the reason I passed my test. My co-workers made a big deal of the exam and how hard it was, but I found the test was very easy and this book prepared me for it.

I recommend this for anyone who wants to pass the exam.

Better than par compared to MS training books I've used before. The book is very readable and teaches all the skills you need.

Good book. Must say I really started to like Vista after reading all that it can do. Thumbs up.. Good prep for the 70-620 test. But be sure to read some other material and do the labs.

G

I've only read through 4 chapters so far and it's left me confused and aggravated because I'm reading things in the book that I think are wrong and have to take the time to research these inaccuracies online- and thats wasting my time and irritating. It's like going to a Doctor and not being able to trust his advice and needing a second opinion for everything.

Also, this book seems like a training manual to be a minimum wage tech for an electronics megastore as many of the scenarios place you in this less than admirable, albeit hypothetical, role. I'm not sure why the authors would choose to place their readers in such a role when the same duties are faced by experienced network administrators as well.

I bought this because there wasn't much out there covering the topic at the time. I don't know if it's the authors fault or perhaps MS Press forcing the book out before being thoroughly proofed, but I will definitely look for other options before I purchase another book by these "Three Amigos" of authoring again . . .

This book was purchased as a gift for my son, who is studying to take this exam. He said that it was "very good". So much for a young man's feedback.

This self-help book helped me a lot in preparing me for the MCITP exams. Having a busy time at work and no time at all to go to a learning partner, the book guided me through the learning objectives of the exam.

One of the better written MS Press books. Very clear and easy to understand, if you have a copy of Vista do the labs with it. The practice tests on the CD are close to the real thing so allot yourself time to do them. The test I took recently (and passed) had 8 Sims so be sure you can physically do a job at hand rather than "multiple-guess" the answers. Overall a good book for taking and passing your MCTS test.

If you read the chapters, perform the practice labs, and work out the answers to the review questions (CD is helpful for this); you'll pass, no troubles. All 70-620 objectives are covered as thoroughly as needed.

I even purchased access to sample test questions from MeasureUp, but found the samples from this book to be significantly more relevent to the actual exam.

After reading all of the MCSE 2003 MS Press books I found this to be an incredibly easy read. In fact, it took about a day and half to go through the entire thing. I liked the layout, actual page numbers is quite a breakthrough. While there is a lot more to Vista than this book covers, it (and a few years experience) was enough to pass the 70-620 exam with over 900.

This is a good book to learn the in's and out's of Windows Vista. Some typo errors, not too bad. Good for the beginner and novice, a little TOO basic for IT guys/gals.

Easy read, and PDF file of complete book on the CD is a plus. Test software is pretty good except for one issue...it does not work with Vista...I find that mildly amusing. OK with XP though.

Well, i'm very satisfied with the content of the book, it does a great job of explaining each new feature in Vista.

I've passed the exam with this book as my only reference.

It did have type erros and some notes where wrong in between chapters like other reviewers said, but in the long term it is a great study guide for passing the exam and learning almost everything there is to manage your vista installation.

Just read the book, make the practices in chapters, make the final tests on cd..

and you will be certified :).
(don't forget to play around with it... a lot ;-) )

I found this book to be a great starting point for those IT professionals looking to become familiar with Microsoft's latest operating system - Vista.

This book was *not* written for the end user community. It strictly focuses on exam material and supporting Vista as an IT professional. It does an excellent job on introducing all the different flavors of Vista. In addition I feel it did a good job explaining all of the new features.

Prior to reading this book I felt lost when working on Vista; since I have completed the book and lessons, I feel totally comfortable working in the Vista environment.

Not too many cons here: I did feel the book at certain points failed to fully distinguish between what features where in each edition. For example, Chapter 12 discusses creating a Complete PC Restore and leaves the reader with the opinion that all editions of Vista supports it when only Business and Ultimate do. The other big con was the book did not come with an evaluation copy of Vista like previous MS Press training kits.

Overall, if you support Vista and want to get to know it better and/or you are planning on taking the 70-620 exam, then get this book!

If you've read other MS Press books, then this is no different. The book is very straight forward on the features of Vista and what is required for you to know on the Microsoft test. The included practice test on the CD-ROM is HIGHLY recommended. All I can say is that the practice test is very close to the actual test and covers the book really well. If you can nail the practice test, then you should have no problems passing the actual test.
I did pass the 70-620 exam because of this book.

Read the book once. Did 2 quick reviews and pass the exam a week and a half after starting with the book

This book will prepare you very well for the exam. The authors made a very good job. This book + some time using Vista are the only 2 sources you need to pass the test.

I used this book to study for the 70-620 exam and passed. This book was my primary study tool; the only other things I used to study were practice exams that I found online. The reason I did not give it 5-stars, however, was because of the CD. The CD contains practice exams on it, and after I went through a whole practice exam, it just crashes when I have it grade it. I tried it again a few days later, and again, the software crashed as it was time for it to grade. Maybe it was just conflicting with something on my computer, but I figured I'd let it be known in case its not only me.

The book covers enough detail for this exam (its main purpose). I found the book concise and to the point. I was able to pass using this as my main study tool. If you have passed the 70-270 exam you find this easy reading, as this exam is closer to the MCDST 70-271. i.e.

+ no requiremnts for automated installs
+ AD or group policy etc

Basically it is an easy read if your familiar with the previous XP exams.

The book itself is wonderful. Easy to understand and the practice tests at the end of the chapters are great. Only problem I had was the shipping method. When the post office delivered my books, the box was mangled and some of the pages of the book were ripped and bent. UPS would have probably been a better shipping method.

I used this book to pass my Vista 70-620 exam yesterday - good book that was clear, well-written, and well-organized. Although there were a lot of typos. There are corrections/an errata list on the Microsoft Press site for some but not all the mistakes.

Each chapter is broken up into lessons covering objective sub-topics. To really get the full benefit from this book, be sure to actually DO and following along with the practices offered in each lesson and do the chapter end reviews, and it will really help the info sink in.

I was recommended the MS press kit books when I started studying for my MCSE and I am very thankful I took the advice.
Each book in the series (this one included) serves as an excellent resource for a thorough understanding of the concepts presented and technologies involved.
It also covers specifics, provides tips and enough details that it is helpful for knowing how to apply the knowledge in the "real" world (as opposed to the somewhat warped MS testing view.)
The only downside is that if you're looking for a reference book expecting very granular coverage of specific technologies covered, you will be somewhat disappointed.

If you are simply prepping for the test, this book (as well as the rest of the MS press series) is an excellent tool for that. Every objective required for the test (and more) is covered thoroughly enough that this should be the only resource that you need. There are very good labs in each section that if you go through, will give you a solid understanding of the theory and the practice. If you are looking for a cram type book, this isn't it. If you are looking to actually know the information and want to learn it rather than just cram your way through the test then this is the book for you.

Three nice things related to testing with the book. There is a 15% off the test voucher in the back that just about pays for the book. On the CD that comes with it is an excellent set of practice tests using the measure up engine. The questions are written by the authors and are in general, more difficult than the actual exam questions. If you can honestly get 70+ percent on the prep questions, you should be fine on the test. There is also an electronic copy of the book on the CD which is very handy to keep on screen while going through labs or testing in study mode. Using search in a PDF is a lot easier than reading through an index and flipping through pages.

All in all, a very good book for the intended audience.

I had no problems passing the exam after reading through this book and going through the practice cd that comes with it. I would suggest downloading a evaluation copy of Vista to help you along but it isn't necessary, because this book covers practically everything that is on that exam. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because this book is obviously a newer edition and still has some kinks to work out. You will come across typos and some incorrect spelling, but nothing that would make you do poorly on the test. The pictures in the book are not in color, which I think would be something for them to consider in future editions. The simple manner in which they explain things makes this book quite easy to read... especially important for someone like me who has to reread technical documents over and over before I understand what it is I am reading about. Get this book...study hard...and you will pass.

This is the only book I read before taking the 70-620 exam and passed easily. Also, great info on User Access Controls.

I recommend. Some conflicting data between information posted on MS site and this book as well as conflicting data contained between chapters.
The lessons and practical exams were okay but nothing in detail, you'll need to ensure you have a few computer configurations to (desktop and laptop) complete all lessons. Some lessons couldn't be completed or started in a virtual enviroment, a physical computer will be needed. I would like to have seen more questions per chapter with more detailed explainations.

Warning! I just got this book, and only after pulling it out of the package do I see that there is NO Vista OS software on the enclosed CD. The online image of the front cover clearly shows text in the upper right hand corner that reads "Evaluation Software Inside! Windows Vista Enterprise Edition". This made me think there was a temporary student edition OS disk inside. However, when I got the REAL book, that text is changed and states "Practice tests on CD!". On page xxiv of the book the CD contents are listed, and sure enough, there is no OS software at all. Thus, I could read the book but not practice on the software (?). I have alerted Amazon customer service (10/26/07)that they need to change their online image, as this error could be construed as deception, and they have been very helpful in expediting the return process. I believe the error was probably caused by MS Press, not Amazon. I am not the only one who fell for this, see the other reviews. But now, what book do I buy to get Vista certified? I have customers with Vista troubles right now that need help.

Es verdaderamnte confiable comprar por amazon, pense que iba hace mas complejo pero fue lo contrario, el producto llegó excelente.
recomiendo ampliamente las comprar online por este site.

in think amazon made a mistake.
the reviews that should appear here should be for exchange 2007 cert 70-236 and not for the 70-620 which is for vista. None the-less good job amazon.

This is a good book for learning. Easy for understanding and reading of new MS_OS. All sections are considered practically.

I cannot speak as to the quality of this book's content because I just received it this morning. However, I based my decision to purchase it becuase the graphic of the front cover shows "Evalauation software included." Be advised this is not the case; the enclosed CD contains practice exams, etc., etc. You will still need to find a copy of Vista in order to work through examples in this book. The ISBN of my book is 0-7356-2390-2. I am disappointed since the eval software was the main reason I purchased this title.

Covers all you need to know about Vista, at a basic level, but the 70-620 test is completely different than most of the stuff that the book points out as focal points for the examination. I would estimate that about 50% of the stuff in this book is relevant to the test, but 100% relevant to the real world. The flaw is in the examinations not the book!

I used this book and only this book to pass the 620 Exam. First off, it's a first edition book and there are some errors in the book (words ran together, capital letters in the middle of words) and using the measureUP! software I found at least 5 questions that marked me as wrong but they were correct.

However, this should NOT stop you from passing the 620 Exam, this book goes into enough detail so you can pass the exam.

Another reviewer wrote that it's not for the I.T. Pro....and it's NOT. This is for the test, the test is titled "Configuring Windows Vista Client."

If you want to learn the kernel debugger, use Group Policies, learn how to setup an image of Vista, this is NOT the book for you and the title CLEARLY states that.

However, this book is good for passing 70-620 and I passed it in two weeks with an 815. I would have given the book five stars but being a first edition and having some errors, it will need to be fixed.

Overall: Buy this book if you want to become MCTS certified, or you are looking to get your MCSE before the tracks expire (for 2003). This test counts towards the client portion of the MCSE.

I bought this book 48 hours ago. I passed the MCTS 70-620 Configuring Vista Client exam today! Enough Said. Use the CD-ROM practice test. The exam questions were very very similar to the CD-ROM questions. Beyond having Vista Ultimate installed on my PC and laptop I had no previous Vista experience. Buy this book, study, and you will pass the test.

I never used Vista until reading this book and within 2 weeks I passed the exam with a 884. If you want more active dir. information I think that the 70-622 and 70-623 covers more of that but not sure and the books arent even out yet.
THANKS ORIN

I am an MCSE on NT 4.0, was an early adopter on Windows 2000 Pro, XP Pro and Vista. Of all the Microsoft client operating systems I've used, Vista is by far the most confusing. I decided to study for the 70-620 test to get a better understanding of Vista and learn some of the new features without going through the trial and error process.

So far this is a really easy to read book with good examples and labs. This is a great book for people that want to get their hands wet with Vista and / or take the 70-620 test. It is apparent that Vista is much more complex than previous Microsoft client operating Systems, and this book more than does the job of showing you the new features, how to use them and some nice real life examples. I would say it is Part 1 of the Vista learning experience.

If you want to learn about how the new security features work, how user account control works, how to configure parental controls, power schemes and the like, this book is for you. If you want to learn how to debug the BSOD, how to roll out images or how the OS interacts on the Domain level this isn't the book for you, but I bet you could pick up a couple of good nuggets anyway. At the very least this is a great foundational book.

There are a couple of typos / mistakes. It is pretty early in the product lifecycle. Not as bad as my second edition "Cisco Secure PIX Firewalls" book with incorrect configs.

Most MS Press books are terse, dry but full of good information. This title is quite the opposite -- written more as a chat with instructor. Sadly the information presented here is certainly not at the level it needs to be so that professionals in the field could learn anything. At best, this volume may be interesting to those just starting in the field or interested in helping their families support Vista. If you are a more seasoned pro that knows how to use the kernel debugger -- this book will be a total waste of time. At times it got so bad that it felt like the author was insulting the reader's intelligence. In an apparent attempt to make more complicated subjects easy to understand the author provides explanations that are downright inaccurate. Adding to this is a number of places where the authors are providing flat out wrong information. For example on p. 56 this book says "Windows XP Professional 64 bit edition. It is only possible to upgrade to the 64 bit Business, Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista from Windows XP Professional 64 bit". A quick check of the Microsoft KB (932795) and the Resource Kit lead to this "Windows XP Professional x64 users can purchase an upgrade license for the 64-bit version of Windows Vista. However, they must perform a clean installation of the operating system."


While I cannot speak about this book as a study aid for the 70-620 exam, it is most definitely not useful if you're looking to really learn Configuring Vista. Until better options show up -- buy the Resource Kit.

Most MS Press books are terse, dry but full of good information. This title is quite the opposite -- written more as a chat with instructor. Sadly the information presented here is certainly not at the level it needs to be so that professionals in the field could learn anything. At best, this volume may be interesting to those just starting in the field or interested in helping their families support Vista. If you are a more seasoned pro that knows how to use the kernel debugger -- this book will be a total waste of time. At times it got so bad that it felt like the author was insulting the reader's intelligence. In an apparent attempt to make more complicated subjects easy to understand the author provides explanations that are downright inaccurate. While I cannot speak about this book as a study aid for the 70-620 exam, it is most definitely not useful if you're looking to really learn Configuring Vista. Until better options show up -- buy the Resource Kit.