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Rating: 
Summary: Inadequate at best
Review: I have about two years of hands-on experience managing a Windows Server 2003 domain in a small-business environment. Recently I decided to pursue MCSA Win2k3 certification in order to learn more about the technology and better fulfill my job responsibilities. I bought a 3-pack of Sybex books for exams 70-270, 70-290, and 70-291 (this one).
The book for 70-270 was awesome; I read it cover to cover in 6 days and took the exam on the 7th. I passed with flying colors (score 860 with only 700 needed to pass). The only objections I had with the book were its many terribly-worded sample test questions (both book and CD) that were too vague to answer. However, the content matched the actual exam very well and I had no complaints after passing.
The sample test questions for 70-290 didn't get any better, but this book was also well-written and matched the exam's content --- for the most part. While taking the exam, I noticed a few questions that I *knew* weren't covered in the book. However, I still passed the test with a score of 811 and I didn't make a big deal about the missing content.
Then came exam 70-291. I devoted a total of 16 days to studying this book because it was more technical than the last two (not more difficult, but more detailed). I earned roughly the same scores on the book's practice tests that I had on earlier books (about 87% - 91%), so I sat down at the testing center rather confident that I would pass without any difficulty. WAM. 20 questions out of my 55 were on subjects that were NEVER MENTIONED in this book (these include DNS Forwarding, Aging and Scavenging, ISA Server, and others). I failed this test with a score of about 640. Because the last two books were so great, I was absolutely shocked by this one's shortcomings and I resolved to reread the chapters on DNS and DCHP just to make sure that I hadn't forgotten about some of the details. Sure enough, the information just wasn't there. I purchased sample tests from Self Test Software and retook the exam to earn a score of 760 (not that great, but more than enough to pass).
I am willing to give Sybex the benefit of the doubt by conceding that it is possible -- or even likely -- that Microsoft changed their exam content after this book was published, or that my test questions were not necessarily representative of an average test. However, I still wouldn't recommend this book to anyone studying for exam 70-291, and I decided to purchase a Microsoft Press study guide for my last (elective) exam on Exchange Server 2003.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible Book - Lacking content, very monotone, worthless CD
Review: I took the 70-291 test twice and failed both times (I was 7-points shy from the pass mark the 2nd time). Although I heard the passing rate for 70-291 is somewhat low, I can't help but putting the blame on this book. The other 3 (2 core, 1 elective) Windows 2003 exams were a breeze and on all occasions I studied using Sybex books (I highly reccomend the Sybex 70-290 book), but this book is a different story.The content in the book is good... if you want to know a lot of theory. However, the actual exam places more emphasis on practical knowledge, and some topics on the test were not covered in the book. Also, the practice tests that come on the CD are absolutely worthless. It tests mainly theoretical knowledge. Chapter tests are also lacking - some of the questions are downright dumb and the answers are very brief and cryptic. The structure of the chapters are also confusing; it jumps around a lot (be prepared to see "later in the chapter" a whole lot and it gets annoying after the 1,000th time). I would have liked to see more real-world examples incorporated into the text, and not just maybe 2 or 3 "real world scenarios" that don't actually relate to the technical stuff covered in the chapter. The 70-290 Sybex book (written by a different author) is completely opposite: the real-world scenarios incorporate the meat of the chapter into itself. I just placed an order for the 70-291 book offered by Shinder and I'm hoping that will have better content than this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Great study guide for the exam
Review: I used this book in conjunction with some practice exams that I bought separately and passed the exam on my first try without any problems. This book is great for learning about a lot of the theory and hands-on type of stuff you need to know for the exam, but it is not an exam simulator. That's what practice tests are for. The previous reviewer must not have understood this. I thought this book did a great job of addressing the exam objectives. Like with the other Sybex books, it follows a standard formula with lots of explanations, screenshots, and exercises that are mapped to the exam objectives on the Microsoft web site. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to pass this exam.
Rating:
Summary: Good coverage.
Review: I used this book in preparation for the upgrade exam (since I already have my Win2K cert.) I've used a lot of Sybex books, and now rely on them pretty-much for all of my studying. This one provided solid coverage in direct, straightforward style. I don't like books that beat around the bush, and so this one met my needs well in terms of updating my knowledge of Windows 2000 Server to Server 2003.
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