Rating: 
Summary: Good to learn the product. Insufficient for the test.
Review: I took and passed my MCP (70-210), but I got the Exam Cram to go with it. This book helped my learn the product, but was sorely lacking in the test area.Overall, I would recommed this book for anyone wanting to get the MCSE, but only as a starting point.
Rating:
Summary: Good to learn the product. Insufficient for the test.
Review: I took and passed my MCP (70-210), but I got the Exam Cram to go with it. This book helped my learn the product, but was sorely lacking in the test area. Overall, I would recommed this book for anyone wanting to get the MCSE, but only as a starting point.
Rating: 
Summary: Horrible books, but absolutely necessary!
Review: I used a number of study guides for the MSCE core exams, those I purchased and those I borrowed. After each exam I reviewed the materials agin to try to find out where those often obscure and arcane test questions came from only to discover that the answers were ALL in these books. Either the questions were developed from these books, or the books were developed from the exams, but it is an exact one-to-one match. Unfortunately, despite the MS Press laudable but incomplete attempt to be user friendly, these things are horrible to plow through and difficult to stay awake reading. You must have a W2K network at your fingertips at all times to make sense of the exercises. There is no warning of what among the immense volume of material is the more important (i.e., likely to show up on the exam). Its all just shoveled out in the same dry, boring manner and left to the reader to sort out. Hint - the more obscure, the more unimportant seeming, the smaller the detail, the more likely it is to be important to passing the exam.
I rate these with 5 stars, not because they are good, but because they are necessary.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible books, but absolutely necessary!
Review: I used a number of study guides for the MSCE core exams, those I purchased and those I borrowed. After each exam I reviewed the materials agin to try to find out where those often obscure and arcane test questions came from only to discover that the answers were ALL in these books. Either the questions were developed from these books, or the books were developed from the exams, but it is an exact one-to-one match. Unfortunately, despite the MS Press laudable but incomplete attempt to be user friendly, these things are horrible to plow through and difficult to stay awake reading. You must have a W2K network at your fingertips at all times to make sense of the exercises. There is no warning of what among the immense volume of material is the more important (i.e., likely to show up on the exam). Its all just shoveled out in the same dry, boring manner and left to the reader to sort out. Hint - the more obscure, the more unimportant seeming, the smaller the detail, the more likely it is to be important to passing the exam.
I rate these with 5 stars, not because they are good, but because they are necessary.
Rating:
Summary: Very good, but still not enough
Review: It is the second time I go for the MCSE Core Requirements Training Kit books, as I did with my MCSE on NT4. I think I've made the right choice, but still it's not enough for the tests. These books explain the studing material very good, and actually gives you the knowledge neccesary to control Windows 2000, and not like other books I've seen that teaches you how only to pass the test. Hence, I intend to prepare for the test by using another book, a test prep book which is good for this cause. Supplying some test simulation programs could only be a benefit for all. I give it 4 stars: Worth to buy, but you'll need a bit more to securely pass the test.
Rating:
Summary: MCSE 2000 here I come!
Review: MCSE 2000 is Microsoft's newest certification track as the MCSE 4 exams are retiring at the end of the year. Exams 70-210, 70-215, 70-216 and 70-217 are the four Core exams you must pass and Microsoft Press is has put together a training kit that should make it a little easier to do this. Book 1, Windows 2000 Professional, is 700 pages filled with lessons that will have learning everything from installation to configuration to administration of the 2000 Professional package. Hands-on exercises make it easier to grasp some of the more complex topics. In Book 2, Windows 2000 Server, you have over 1,000 pages dedicated to the learning of topics like installation, configuration, file systems, active directory services, administration, routing, security, monitoring and optimizing. Again there are several hands-on exercises for you to practice what you learn. With Book 3, Network Infrastructure Administration, the 425 page manual has you working with the designing of a network, implementing TCP/IP and NWLINK, monitoring activity, taking care of the HOST File, DNS, DNCP, WINS, RAS, NAT and security. Finally Book 4, Active Directory Services, is 700 pages filled with exercises to help you understand topics like administration and tools for ADS, implementation of ADS, user and group account administration, sharing, securing and administration of folders, active directory, network resources and policies. Also included is 2 cd-roms, one with a 120 day evaluation of 2000 server and the other a course supplemental files. Overall Microsoft has put together a package for under $200.00 that may rival may formalized training programs out there.
Rating: 
Summary: Not good enough.
Review: Might be useful for people who don't need to complete certification requirements. Lots of errors, ommissions & largely incomplete in terms of the exam materials. I failed the Infrastructure exam based on this coursework & only after buying the Sybex materials, did I find the relevant study material. Seriously, the books are MISSING whole areas which you will NEED to cover for the exam. They're just not enough. Don't bother unless you need a large paperweight.
Rating: 
Summary: Read the Book, Study the Book then Flunk the Test
Review: Not very well written. Other Microsoft Press books that I have bought in the past were much better. It seems that it is the main point of these books to confuse you on basic concepts, then not tell you anything that you really need to know to certify. I think MS is starting to hire writers rather that computer specialist to author their books. I passed my test but it is a good thing that I did not rely solely on this "official" study guide.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but not enough...
Review: The only reason I bought this Microsoft set was because, at this point in time, it's the only game in town. I've read the Server and Professional books, and am pleased and disappointed. My first thoughts were that these books were very well done. Now, after fighting with errors and omissions, I'm less optimistic. Error Example: At one point the book says: "By default, permissions assigned to the parent folder are inherited and propagate to subfolders and files contained within the parent folder." Several sentences later it says: "By default, this option [Allow Inheritable Permissions From Parent To Propagate To This Object] is not selected for folders, which means subfolders do not inherit permissions assigned to their parent folder. Files are assigned this option, which means that files within a folder automatically receive the permissions assigned to their parent folder." In reality, by default, the option is selected for both files and folders. Ommision Example: No mention is made regarding Group Policy application order. I had to find it in the Windows 2000 help file. IMO, the entire Group Policy section is not very well done. A one-stop technical resource for passing the tests? I don't think so. It's going to require a lot of digging in other places. All-in-all, though, it's a pretty decent framework (at this point in time) for getting a grip on one complex OS. It's chock full of useful little tidbits, and it does cover a lot of material. I would probably give it a 4-star rating, except for its meager CD support (only comes with Server demo; no Professional; no tests). All 4 books on CD, though, is nice. Time will tell if this set pays off. Meanwhile, dig, dig, dig...
Rating:
Summary: something is missed !
Review: the only thing which came to my thoughts is : for a person like me in germany , how can i buy this book & can i get the same book but in german language ? if yes then lemme know !
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