MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647): Windows Server® 2008 Enterprise Administrator Core Requirements

Put this 3000-page training kit together with Stanek's 1500-page Windows Server 2008 Inside Out book and you have everything you need for the exams. One-stop shopping at its best. Stanek's book has the authoritative details, the nitty gritty, the tips and real world advice. This training kit puts you on the training path to Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, and 70-647, maps out the objectives and gives you practice and review. Whenever I had a question or wanted more information one or the other came to the rescue. My only question is how come this kit is $229 for 3000 pages while a book like Inside Out is only $59 for 1500 pages. Surely Microsoft should bundle a print copy of Windows Server 2008 Inside Out at NO EXTRA COST with this expensive training kit to give a complete offering. Other than that, I think this is a good buy.

For those who are experienced Windows IT folks you already know. For those who are just starting out. This is where you begin your Window's IT certification training.

It's what we expected, a set of books with the latest about ITP coming from Microsoft.

A good book for learning about Windows Server 2008!

It is reasonably easy to read and presents topics in an understandable format. As with any book, it is impossible to ask questions or get a subject presented differently.

As a professional trainer (Microsoft certified), I warn students that no one source of information will cover all the material that Microsoft tests you on. This book is no exception. The Quick Check questions and end of Lesson questions are very week compared to what Microsoft will test you on. The CD with practice exams was not available, so I cannot comment on the level of questions present. From past experience, the CD's practice questions are equally week.

Pros:

* A well written book for general learning.
* Comes with a CD containing an e-book for when carrying the book around is not practical
* Contains minimal errors

Cons:

* Not sufficient as a sole learning source for taking the 70-647 exam!
* Week questions as compared to the exam

In Summary, I would recremend this book for general learning and with a supplement for those planing on taking the 70-647 exam

If you've used MS Press before, you will experience more of the same in this book. I read the book, used the practice tests, and bought the Self-Test software. I snuck by with a 752 to earn my Enterprise Administrator. The book (and test) focuses on design, and gives you some very nice real-world advice on how to design complex Microsoft-based Networks. It even gives you some managerial advice, which actually gives you a nice sense of pride as you read the book and know what a great certification you're about to earn.

There's no magic to taking MS Exams - my formula for every exam in the Enterprise Admin track was:

1. Read a book. Don't stress over nailing every concept. I used the MS Press books. Just read it leisurely to learn.
2. Go through the practice test CD in the book. Be able to score 80% consistently.
3. Buy a second practice test (I like Self-Test). Be able to score 80% consistently.

For the practice tests, focus on the incorrect answers as much as the correct answers. Know WHY an answer is right/wrong. I don't even use the real cert mode on the tests, I just use the practice mode and learn why the answer is what it is.

Good luck! You'll like the book if you've made it this far.