MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294): Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003 Core Requirements, Second Edition

  Author:    J.C. MacKin, Ian McLean, Dan Holme, Orin Thomas, Craig Zacker, Holme
  ISBN:    0735622906
  Sales Rank:    6540
  Published:    2006-06-14
  Publisher:    Microsoft Press
  # Pages:    4000
  Binding:    Paperback
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 24 reviews
  Used Offers:    6 from $117.86
  Amazon Price:    $125.99
  (Data above last updated:  2008-12-04 09:32:00 EST)
  
  
Sort customer reviews by:
  
Show All Reviews on Page      Hide All Reviews on Page
   
  
MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294): Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003 Core Requirements, Second Edition
  
Get in-depth training and practice with the skills measured by the core exams for MCSE certification for Windows Server 2003all in one box! Covering Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, and 70-294, these four, all-new Microsoft study guides pack the tools and features that exam candidates want mostincluding in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective reviews; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and a robust testing suite. They also provide real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and experience that you can apply to the job.
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 27 of 27                 
  
  
Review
Date
Review
Rating(5 High)
Review
Helpful
to:
Customer Review Reviewer
Info
Permanent
Link
Reader Reviews Below Sorted by Newest First
07-30-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great way to buy these books
Reviewer Permalink
If your going MCSE this book pack is the best way to go. While the discount vouchers are lower then what I can normally get searching online the books themselves are great. Get it from the people that made the teset. This is hands on practical learning complete with a demo good for half a year!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 09:34:26 EST)
05-24-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  These Are Great
Reviewer Permalink
I don't know how I'll fare on the exams, but these books are easy to understand, well laid out, and thorough. If you follow the exercises, you can't help but learn the material well.

Microsoft is finally getting it right. These "Blue Books" used to really suck before. My skepticism has been put to rest.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-31 09:56:07 EST)
05-23-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  MCSE study material
Reviewer Permalink
arrived very quickly & in great condition - many thanks!!
Also heaps cheaper than buying here in NZ.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-31 09:56:07 EST)
03-26-08 3 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Good but out dated
Reviewer Permalink
This is a great series just make sure you get the latest version, this one only deals with SP1.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-23 04:42:25 EST)
12-26-07 2 0\3
(Hide Review...)  Not what was ordered and no replacement availiable...
Reviewer Permalink
I ordered this book set and another book at the same time, from Amazon, and got free shipping. This book set came NEW as advertised. However it came with (1) 290 book, (1) 291 book (0) 293 books, and (2) 294 books. A mis-packaged set. I returned it only to find out I couldn't get a replacement - Amazon is out of stock. Now I can place a new order, from someone else, and pay $14.00 more for the same item. Not the bargain I was looking for. Amazon's response was in effect 'Oh well.' Even though I assume the mis-packaged set was not on purpose, the outcome is the same as the old 'bait and switch.' It would have been acceptable to say they would ship it when they received new stock, but that wasn't even offered.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 08:59:42 EST)
12-25-07 2 1\4
(Hide Review...)  Not what was ordered and no replacement availiable...
Reviewer Permalink
I ordered this book set and another book at the same time, from Amazon, and got free shipping. This book set came NEW as advertised. However it came with (1) 290 book, (1) 291 book (0) 293 books, and (2) 294 books. A mis-packaged set. I returned it only to find out I couldn't get a replacement - Amazon is out of stock. Now I can place a new order, from someone else, and pay $14.00 more for the same item. Not the bargain I was looking for. Amazon's response was in effect 'Oh well.' Even though I assume the mis-packaged set was not on purpose, the outcome is the same as the old 'bait and switch.' It would have been acceptable to say they would ship it when they received new stock, but that wasn't even offered.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-15 08:17:32 EST)
12-13-07 1 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Books Are Good, Practice Exams are Utterly Error-Riddled.
Reviewer Permalink
Read the books: they're easy to read and explanatory.

If you're hoping on practice exams buy from another publisher. The ones provided my Measure Up are full of errors. The font size they use is tiny and not resizeable.

When asked about the errata for the practice exam I was told by Measure Up to just look up microsoft kb articles to check the validity of the answer -- when I said I shouldn't need to look up the questions to be able to trust their validity the customer service agent basically told me I'd only need to do that if I was knowledgeable.

I'd really stay away from this if you want it for the practice exams.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-26 09:29:59 EST)
10-19-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Books are great!!! Shipping sucked!!!
Reviewer Permalink
The books are very informative. However, I gave this product four stars because Amazon shipped the book set in a large box and it got all banged up. Luckily the CD was still whole.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-25 13:21:32 EST)
09-27-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good info for a cheap price
Reviewer Permalink
This series covers all of what I need to know for MCSE. It comes with a nice price. Well worth it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-19 08:36:31 EST)
09-02-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  This can teach old dogs new tricks
Reviewer Permalink
This is a one of a kind Self Pace training course that has taugh this old dog new trick... I am well pleased with the results and indepth and detail of the material...

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-28 08:38:29 EST)
07-29-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good Product ! excellent training material
Reviewer Permalink
This kit is a must for everybody who is intrested in getting certified for the first 4 core exams of the MCSE certificate.

Foreigners outside of USA, please keep in mind that your package may be opened by customs en therefore its resealed and its possible that your package will get damaged (like i had). Books & CDs where in good condition but the box which keeps that books in place was damaged.

Besides that this kit will give you a voucher for 15& of discount on all 4 exams which are valid till 2010.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-03 21:59:30 EST)
06-27-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Excellent Condition
Reviewer Permalink
The study guides I ordered came to me in excellent condition and I paid half the retail cost. I couldn't be happier.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-29 16:34:15 EST)
05-24-07 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  MCSE Here I Come. :0)
Reviewer Permalink
Sofar this Purchase is a great investment to my Career Future.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-11 01:15:17 EST)
05-14-07 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  A must for self study MCSE
Reviewer Permalink
All I can say is these books are excellent. This package is all you'll need to pass your MCSE cert.. I highly recommend it...it's very reasonably priced considering the gain in salary you'll expect as a qualified MCSE.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-11 01:15:17 EST)
05-13-07 4 3\3
(Hide Review...)  Comprehensive and Self Sufficient
Reviewer Permalink
This product is a great add-ons for those undertaking the course.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-11 01:15:17 EST)
03-12-07 4 3\3
(Hide Review...)  Well worth the money!
Reviewer Permalink
Having been in the industry for several years, most IT books are dry, boring, sleep reading. The layout in this set is easy to read and comprehend. The examples are practical and useful. Only drawback to this series is the explanation of the pictorial network configuration errors.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-11 01:15:17 EST)
02-02-07 5 3\6
(Hide Review...)  Great Buy
Reviewer Permalink
You can almost recoup the cost of these book with the exam discount coupons inside. The trial software is also a +.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-11 01:15:17 EST)
01-23-07 4 10\11
(Hide Review...)  Good with caveats
Reviewer Permalink
MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit includes 4 books and a CD. Each book focuses on a particular exam: Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, and 70-294. Together the books are some 4000 pages. While Microsoft has improved the format by including deeper, more focused coverage of exam objectives, case studies and troubleshooting scenarios, there still are many wasted pages and this could have easily been printed with 3000 pages or less, saving a few trees and making the books easier to work with. After wading through an exam, I still felt I needed something more as a final prep. I purchased Stanek's "MCSE Core Exams in a Nutshell" for this purpose. Stanek packs 2X the detail into 800 pages, making it a terrific value. For 70-292 and 70-296 upgrades, he also provides a roadmap through the guide to make upgrading easier. On the MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit CD, there's 300 practice questions per exam, with a customizable test engine. The CD also has a120-day evaluation version of Windows Server 2003. The 15 percent exam discount voucher is good toward all four exams (but check the expiration date as its a limited time offer). Overall, MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit is a good choice.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-06-26 08:38:58 EST)
01-22-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good with caveats
Reviewer Permalink
MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit includes 4 books and a CD. Each book focuses on a particular exam: Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, and 70-294. Together the books are some 4000 pages. While Microsoft has improved the format by including deeper, more focused coverage of exam objectives, case studies and troubleshooting scenarios, there still are many wasted pages and this could have easily been printed with 3000 pages or less, saving a few trees and making the books easier to work with. After wading through an exam, I still felt I needed something more as a final prep. I purchased Stanek's "MCSE Core Exams in a Nutshell" for this purpose. Stanek packs 2X the detail into 800 pages, making it a terrific value. For 70-292 and 70-296 upgrades, he also provides a roadmap through the guide to make upgrading easier. On the MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit CD, there's 300 practice questions per exam, with a customizable test engine. The CD also has a120-day evaluation version of Windows Server 2003. The 15 percent exam discount voucher is good toward all four exams (but check the expiration date as its a limited time offer). Overall, MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit is a good choice.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-02-02 14:31:18 EST)
01-09-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  MCSE Training Kit Great for MCSE Exams
Reviewer Permalink
I am very pleased with the layout and content in these books. A year ago I took the 70-291 Exam and failed. I had used the Exam Cram 2 books to study, and they did not prepare me in ANY way for the scnenario based testing that Microsoft has moved to. Basically the questions on the Exam Cram tests are no longer than 1 sentence questions with multiple choice answers. Microsoft has moved to scenario questions. You have to read a paragraph then answer questions and generally solve problems with issues in the scenario. In other words, you really have to know your stuff to pass these tests. These books prepare you for the new exam format, and almost 25% of the book is dedicated to example test questions, which are exactly the same type you will find on the exams....
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-23 06:35:09 EST)
01-09-07 5 1\3
(Hide Review...)  Fast and relaiable
Reviewer Permalink
The shipment came really fast and I used standard shipping. All the books were in excellent condition. Unfortunately I don't really need them anymore. I have looked them over, and they are all very useful. THis is a definite buy
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-23 06:35:09 EST)
12-10-06 4 2\3
(Hide Review...)  Just one thing of note...
Reviewer Permalink
A lot of the hard back books from microsoft come with a 180 day trial version of the operating system that you are trying to learn. This box set comes with one to play with as well. That means you have 180 days to play with this box set. Then your trial version of Server 2003 will expire. If you don't buy the box set, which will cost you more, then you get four trial versions. It's a dilema. Save money on this box set and have 180 days to practice or pay quite a bit more and have two years to practice. Other than that the books are great. Good luck with the exam...
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-10 06:55:20 EST)
11-04-06 5 2\3
(Hide Review...)  good !
Reviewer Permalink
I am satisfied wiht your book.

Thank you for fast delivery.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-12-10 14:36:25 EST)
07-22-06 5 0\2
(Hide Review...)  great certification tool!!!
Reviewer Permalink
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
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-08-07 11:39:13 EST)
07-18-06 5 4\4
(Hide Review...)  Working on your MCSE? Then get this set of books
Reviewer Permalink
This was my sole study guide for the MCSE Server 2003 based certification path, and I was not disappointed. The format is clear and easy to read. The books do a fantastic job of outlining WHY you are learning something, not just WHAT you need to know to pass the exam. I think this is what sets MS Press books apart from the competition: the book itself is structured to the best LEARNING format, and NOT to just passing the exam. I came away from these books with a much greater appreciation for Microsoft's Server and AD technologies (I come from a Linux background since 1995 and I'm the first to knock MS), and these books will be on your reference shelf for years to come -- or at least until the next version of Server ships.

It took me since August, 2005 until August, 2006 to obtain my MCSE. These books are BIG. You'll find yourself re-reading chapters multiple times. First to get the content, then to do the practice questions and end of lesson/end of chapter questions, then finally to review the end of lesson/end of chapter summaries right before writing the exam. But don't be discouraged. The knowledge that these books impart will allow you to THINK through the exam questions, rather than just basing it on memorization techiques.

If you're going to do your MCSE and really want to LEARN, then get these texts. If you just want to pass the exams and never work on Servers, then look elsewhere.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-11-05 07:13:29 EST)
07-10-06 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Well Done.
Reviewer Permalink
I've belonged to the Unix world since 1993, working with low level stuff as kernel, device drivers, virus, assembly, C, etc.. and now I'm trying to learn Windows a bit and have enough conditions to take all tests (290, 291, 293, 294). No problems. This a very good kit about MS Windows 2003, well written, well organized and deserve 5 stars.

Dan Holme worried with all details for us and provided a clear text about MS Windows 2003. Stay calm. It's very easy to take the
exam.

Alex (Sao Paulo - Brazil)
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-19 06:49:00 EST)
06-08-06 4 2\3
(Hide Review...)  Pretty Good
Reviewer Permalink
I would recommend that anyone buying this looks at the publication date as a lot of errata has been corrected in the most recent editions. Orin Thomas has a very useful forum http://www.certtutor.net/
I originally bought this set because it offered a discount on the exams, if anyone out there is like me, then you won't get through all the material in time to use the discount on all exams. After all, the point is to know this stuff well. So far I have the CCNA and A+ certifications, I think that the key for these is to take lots of practice questions after reading the book. It's just a very time consuming process.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-11 07:11:59 EST)
  
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 27 of 27                 
  
  
  
  
  
  

Because the data used to generate this site come from outside sources, VeryWellSaid.com cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the data.
Search VeryWellSaid™
Google
Web VeryWellSaid™
New subjects are added every week.
View Subjects Below by:
* Top Selling
 (click category name, left)
* Top-Rated Top Sellers
 (click 'Top Rated', right)
In the news...  
Dubai\UAE Top Rated
Influenza\Bird Flu Top Rated
Iraq Top Rated
Supreme Court Top Rated
All Books Top Rated
Arts Top Rated
Photography Top Rated
Digital Photography Top Rated
Digital Cameras Top Rated
Biography Top Rated
Business Top Rated
Management Top Rated
Marketing Top Rated
Sales Top Rated
Stocks Top Rated
Bonds Top Rated
Real Estate Top Rated
Trading Top Rated
Commodities Trading Top Rated
Time Management Top Rated
Starting A Business Top Rated
Children's Top Rated
Comics Top Rated
Computers Top Rated
PC Top Rated
Mac Top Rated
Programming Top Rated
Design Patterns Top Rated
.Net Top Rated
C# Top Rated
Vb.Net Top Rated
Asp.Net Top Rated
Java Top Rated
Python Top Rated
PHP Top Rated
Perl Top Rated
Javascript Top Rated
Ajax Top Rated
CSS Top Rated
Open Source Top Rated
SQL Top Rated
Databases Top Rated
Oracle Top Rated
MySql Top Rated
Sql Server Top Rated
IIS Top Rated
Apache Top Rated
Linux Top Rated
Windows Server Top Rated
Project Management Top Rated
HTML Top Rated
UML Top Rated
IT Certifications Top Rated
Cisco Certifications Top Rated
MCSE Top Rated
MCSD Top Rated
Cooking Top Rated
Italian Cooking Top Rated
Vegetarian Cooking Top Rated
Wine Top Rated
Engineering Top Rated
Entertainment Top Rated
Health Top Rated
Nutrition Top Rated
Dieting Top Rated
Sex Top Rated
History Top Rated
Military History Top Rated
British History Top Rated
Middle East History Top Rated
Land Battles Top Rated
Naval Warfare Top Rated
Air Warfare Top Rated
9/11 Top Rated
Terrorism Top Rated
Home Top Rated
Mortgage\Home Equity Loan Top Rated
Cars Top Rated
Car Buying Top Rated
Sports Cars Top Rated
Cat Top Rated
Humor Top Rated
Horror Top Rated
Law Top Rated
IP Law Top Rated
Legal History Top Rated
Fiction Top Rated
Oprah's Book Club Top Rated
Medicine Top Rated
Cancer Top Rated
Stroke Top Rated
Heart Disease Top Rated
Fertility Top Rated
Diabetes Top Rated
Pharmacology Top Rated
Back Problems Top Rated
Menopause Top Rated
Thyroid Top Rated
Pain Top Rated
Organic Chemistry Top Rated
Immune System Top Rated
Mystery Top Rated
Nonfiction Top Rated
Outdoors Top Rated
Running Top Rated
Radio Control Models Top Rated
Guns Top Rated
Parenting Top Rated
Divorce Top Rated
Professional Top Rated
Reference Top Rated
Religion Top Rated
Romance Top Rated
Science Top Rated
Physics Top Rated
Chemistry Top Rated
Astronomy Top Rated
Psychology Top Rated
Science Fiction Top Rated
Sports Top Rated
Teens Top Rated
Travel Top Rated
USA Top Rated
Europe Top Rated
France Top Rated
Italy Top Rated
England Top Rated
China Top Rated
All Books Arts Biography Click Here For An A-Z Index Of All 213 Best-Seller Subjects Business Children's Comics
Computers Cooking Engineering Entertainment Health History Home Horror Humor Law Fiction Medicine Mystery
Nonfiction Outdoors Parenting Professional Reference Religion Romance Science Sci-Fi Sports Teens Travel
In Association with Amazon.com

Cache miss
(not cached)