Microsoft SQL Server Training: Hands-On, Self-Paced Training for Microsoft SQL Server Version 6.5

Rating:
Summary: Good value for money
Review: Before I picked up this package I hadn't touched SQL Server or SQL in any depth at all. In about four weeks with the help of this guide I got through the exam (OK maybe I overdid the studying a bit!). But I couln't rely on this material alone. I found 'Inside SQL Server 6.5' by Ron Soukup excellent for fleshing out a topic where the self-paced material was a little light (he has a brilliant in depth discussion of cursors), and the Transcender exams in conjunction with Books online covered just about everything. Three further observations I would make, first that a very small amount of the material in the chapters stated as required for exam 70-027 although very interesting was not necessary, second that if you are studying for 70-027 the software requirements can be fulfilled with NT4 Workstation and SQL Server 6.5 Workstation versions (same as the one that comes with Visual Studio 97), and not necessarily the "server" versions mentioned on the box, and finally I found the accompanying CD a bit dated, compared with what you get with Microsoft's "Mastering VB5". Overall I would say good value for money.

Rating:
Summary: This kit was made for beginners to understand the basics
Review: I found the two books to be lacking in subject depth. Many times there would be a statement of fact which I knew meant nothing, but instead of following the statement of inference with the underlying facts the author would just go merrily on his way with the next subject. This collection of two books and a CD was worth about $19.95 instead of the $160 required to find out it's uslessness. If I could get my money back I would and if someone other than the authors immediate family had written in a review I would have never bought this kit. I think Microsoft Press should either rewrite this kit or take it off the market.

Rating:
Summary: Very good intro for the clueless
Review: I had never touched SQL Server before looking at these books and I barely even new what it was. But this training got me up to a competent level where I can administer the server and write SQL code. It's not super detailed so I'm not sure if it would suit the advanced user who's trying to be an expert. It is very good for the beginner to intermediate user.