Book Reviews
Passing Exam 70-290 the Syngress Way
This book released last year is designed to help IT pros prepare to pass the new Windows Server 2003 networking certification exam.
This book released last year is designed to help IT pros prepare to pass
the new Windows Server 2003 networking certification exam. The author's
easy-to-follow writing style and the feel of this book is a perfect choice
for those with limited Windows networking experience. The authors have
what it takes to explain difficult topics and do so in a very easy to
read and understand format.
This book offers comprehensive coverage of Windows Server 2003 administration.
The authors are thorough with their explanations and detail, and are not
afraid to consume pages at the publisher's expense. They truly have the
reader in mind. In fact, the book weighs in at almost 1,000 pages and
includes a DVD with recorded instructor reviews of each chapter in an
abbreviated format. If it wasn't for the plentiful exercises, review,
and labs, this book would compare in size to many of the other self-study
guides available.
Unfortunately, the included DVD with instructor review doesn't really
add much value. In my review of the DVD, all that I observed was a female
instructor reading the displayed slides. And not everyone has a DVD drive
just yet! Although the investment in time and resources would have been
much greater, substantial value could have been added by using live lab
systems and demonstrations. Be sure and practice everything you read and
hear in your own lab.
The inline Notes, Exam Warnings, and Test Day Tips are right on target.
There is a unique balance where the authors have laid out and formatted
each page for clarity and flow.
This book is technically accurate on all topics and won't lead you astray.
Although there are a few typographical errors in some of the exercises,
and small grammatical errors throughout the text, this book is still very
strong in many respects. And although this book is almost 1,000 pages,
the inline chapter labs with explicit step-by-step labs add lots of value
for the new MCSA or MCSE candidate.
For the Windows 2003 MCSA/MCSE candidate, this book meets all the requirements
of a self-study guide. It includes gobs of resources that the self-study
candidate will need to be successful.
If you need a 70-290 self-study guide, you'll have to decide for yourself
if you like the author's elaborate writing style, and what works best
for you. I would recommend for your money that you also check out similar
Sybex and Microsoft Press guides.
About the Author
Andy Barkl, MCT/MCITP/MCSA, A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA has been studying technology for 30 years. Of the last 15 years, he has spent much of his time parting the knowledge and experience he has gained through IT exams, over 300, to help others be prepared and successful. He teaches classes in Phoenix, Ariz. where he has lived most of his life. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].