MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290): Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Core Requirements (Pro-Certification)

I bought this to brush up on 2003 just in case, but mostly for the software that came with.Trial version of server 2003 (so I could compare it side by side with more recent versions).The Readiness Review Suite contains Labs, Practice Tests, eBooks of the Training Kit and eBooks of Microsoft Encyclopedia of Networking & Microsoft Encyclopedia of Security.Great value for money

EXCELLENT

excellent study material

After taking the test, I'm surprised that more people haven't taken the time to point out this book's flaws. I used the MSPress books to study exclusively for the 290 and 291 exams, and did fine on both. After reading this book, I thought this exam would be a piece of cake. After taking some practice tests, I realized that much more material would be required.The book nurses you through subnetting and basic DNS, just like the 291 book does - possibly even at a slower pace. The topics which are really heavily covered on the exams are introduced, but barely explored. How did the author fit so little substance into so many pages?It's especially disappointing after the 291 book, which is right on target with the exam. This books acts as if you've never heard of TCP/IP or DNS. Maybe this is Microsoft's philosophy that you can take any one individual test and become an MCP. But honestly, who takes the 293 alone? It makes no sense to waste half the book explaining things that people preparing for this test should already know.So the short summary is, if you're picking and choosing which MSPress titles to use in your MCSE study, this is the one to skip.By the way, I'm always wary of reviews by bitter test-takers who have just failed and are PO'd. So for the record, I passed.Good luck!

I'm still trying to get through the first book 2 years later. But what's the hurry? I can always start my training tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow...Seriously, though, these books look a lot like the ones I used to study for my first MCSE, on NT4. Full of most of what you need to pass the exam, plus a lot of junk you don't. I think they're an attempt to trick/force you into learning enough to be more than a paper MCSE while soaking up enough info to pass the test.The "knowledge" contained herein is no substitute for real world experience, but is daunting to tackle even for a seasoned professional. If you really know computers, and just want test info, I'd recommend something like the Transcender exams instead.