Rating: 
Summary: Oracle 9i dilema
Review: I've just started trying to get my OCP -- the problem right now is that there is a path to go to either 8i or 9i. I've decided to go with 9i as I feel the "shelf life" will be longer. You can take either the 1z0-001 (8i) or 1z0-007 (9i) to qualify for 9i PL/SQL. I just took the 1z0-007 and did not pass, partially because there was a lot more 9i specific info on the test than I expected (merges, join, natural join statements, top n analysis) I gave the book and materials 5 stars, because the issue for me is with the lack of book material out there for 9i OCP yet (and frankly, I feel the courses are overpriced). At this point, I am going to buy OCP Oracle9i Database by Daniel Benjamin and then retake the test in 30 days. Hope this helps anyone with the same dilema.
Rating: 
Summary: Be careful
Review: If you are expecting to use the Oracle software included on the CD-ROM, forget it unless you are running Windows NT. The software won't work on other Windows versions (even though the CD-ROM says "Windows 95/98/NT4/2000" on its face). SYBEX contends that the reference to other versions of Windows is only for the digital format of the text itself. I found it very difficult to absorb the material without practicing on the software itself. If you want to pass your OCP, I suggest that you find another course. Don't waste your money on this one. Also, there are a number of errors in the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Sufficient source for passing 8i exam track
Review: If you want to pass all the exams at one attempt, this is all you need. I am now an OCP and ALL I used were these books. The Performance tuning exam was the only one I failed simply because I grew overconfident and did not review all the material (Part of the study material must be read from the Network administration material). However, be wary of the tests. The OCP tests are much tougher than what you find on the study guides, however, all you need to do to overcome this is to make sure you understand the whole purpose of the part of the database you are studying ather than just the answers to the questions. If you are searching for material to pass the Oracle 8i DBA exams, look no further.
Rating:
Summary: Kit contains ALL you need to pass all 5 exams
Review: just read all these books, play with database and you'll pass (but just with a little bit higher result than passing score). so if you want to pass with garantee read oracle reference in addition
Rating:
Summary: Better Than Oracle Press?
Review: Most definatly. This DBA certification guide comes with three books. 1). PL/SQL 2). DBA ADMIN / DB BACKUP AND RECOVERY 3). DB PER TUNING / NET8 ADMIN This makes handling easier and thereby increasing the books durabuility. The books' binding is far superior to the oracle press books and the reference material has more diagrams and displays more of the Oracle GUI than Oracle Press. The text is easier to read and all the exams are covered in the text, as opposed to Oracle Press where the last exam (network Admin) is only on CD...and if you are like me, reading off a monitor is a lot harder than reading a hard copy. The information is laid out in an easy to read format and the chapters are kept short and completes all the objectives in which the OCP exams are based. The are review questions at the end of each chapter with a full practice exam of 50 - 60 questions after ever unit, giving you the best way to guage your knowledge before sitting the exam. A word of warning though, DO NOT expect to pass the Backup and Recovery exam by only using the associated section. This section looks as though it was written in a huge rush, or by somebody learning about the technoloy themselves as they went. When it comes to the 8i Backup and Recovery exam, do yourself a favour and invest in the 8i B&R Exam Cram by Debbie Wong. Overall, and dismissing the B&R section (Which is a pity becasue the Perf Tun section is OUTSTANDING) I recommend this collection of books to any aspiring Oracle DBA.
Rating: 
Summary: Adequate
Review: My complaint is about the tests inlcuded in the CDROM. Technically, they can be buggy and don't quite work logically.
For example, if you are studying for the performance exam and you try to use their 'random test' option, it will mix questions from the networking exam which are on the same cd. The tests themselves really are not a true simulation of the exams. They are close enough but if you really want to ace the exams , I would try buying exam simulations directly from Oracle's preferred test provider on the Oracle site. An associate bought these exams and found that in some cases, questions were word for word on the actual exam.
Rating:
Summary: 3 stars because it's no worse.
Review: Regarding the "SQL and PL/SQL" book:
Although it contains a *few* mistakes, the "SQL and PL/SQL" book is very good. I give that book five stars. It's loaded. Some new material appears in the end-of-chapter quizzes which is OK because it brings distinctions to light. The quizzes of this book really make one think. The other four units (compiled into two volumes) have an unforgivable amount of mistakes in the form of misinformation, typos, syntax errors, and contradictions. Like most test-prep products, these were thrown together in fire drill fashion. I passed, but not on these alone: I dug through Oracle literature, the data dictionary, and other materials to verify or correct things, and it took time. FYI: I also found interesting things in the Oracle manuals (available online for free) that is not in these books, and it helped on the exams.
Rating:
Summary: 3 stars because it's no worse.
Review: Regarding the "SQL and PL/SQL" book:
Although it contains a *few* mistakes, the "SQL and PL/SQL" book is very good. I give that book five stars. It's loaded. Some new material appears in the end-of-chapter quizzes which is OK because it brings distinctions to light. The quizzes of this book really make one think. The other four units (compiled into two volumes) have an unforgivable amount of mistakes in the form of misinformation, typos, syntax errors, and contradictions. Like most test-prep products, these were thrown together in fire drill fashion. I passed, but not on these alone: I dug through Oracle literature, the data dictionary, and other materials to verify or correct things, and it took time. FYI: I also found interesting things in the Oracle manuals (available online for free) that is not in these books, and it helped on the exams.
Rating:
Summary: Good for what they are
Review: Remember that these books are study guides. Certainly the books cover the necessary amount of topics for the exams. I would recommend getting sample questions, as the sample questions in the book are too easy compared to the real thing. Overall, well written and structured, I haven't used any other study material (bar sample questions) for the exams and am passing comfortably. Good purchase. Note: When you buy, the CD for the Perf. Tuning book may not work - all test links point to the one test. You should ensure that this is not the case in your copy, as fixing it one week before the exam is not possible (as Sybex are ignorant and unable to admit fault, but will replace eventually).
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and excellent Oracle resources
Review: Shortly, these books are absolutely outstanding and excellent. The books provides dozens of very usefull and practical examples. Moreover, some of the samples after modification can be used in my live server and working well over 1/2 year. I used these books to obtain my OCDBA 8i and key resources to troubleshoot my live server. I hope that Sybex will release the same quality of books for Oracle 9i.
| 
