Study materials for MCSA beginner

RedGaiter

What are some good books / videos you can use to start studying for MCSA? I just installed server 2012 on my computer, and I'd love to have something to follow along to while I prepare for 70-410

mattsaundersmcp

CBTNuggets is a great video resource, and PluralSite Videos (TrainSignal)

LauraMalave

This is an overview of exams 70-410, 70-411, and 70-412 from Microsoft's Virtual Academy.

Windows Server MCSA Certification Objective Domain Review

asegunlolu

For an absolute beginner, I'll recommend the Microsoft Official Course

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/course.aspx?ID=20410D
https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/course.aspx?ID=20411D
https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/course.aspx?ID=20412D

The reason for this is because they give you a structure to follow and they also include labs at the end of the module which gives you a hands on introduction. Materials like CBTnuggets, TrainSignal, Infinite Skills can then be used to reinforce the knowledge and skills.

But everyone learns differently. If you're the type that don't require structure, go ahead and use any of the video training and get a book to use. We also have hangouts that organized in groups - http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2012-general/101841-anybody-interested-doing-google-hangout-study-sessions-together-410-411-412-a.html

mjnk77

I'm in a Microsoft class at my local community college. The MS academic books that are $130+ each on were horrible. After the first course, we had the instructor look into other books. These are the books we are using for the course:

Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2 Training Guide: MCSA 70-410 (Microsoft Press Training Guide) [Paperback]
Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2 Training Guide: MCSA 70-410 (Microsoft Press Training Guide): Mitch Tulloch: 9780735684331: Amazon.com: Books

Administering Windows Server 2012 R2 Training Guide: MCSA 70-411 (Microsoft Press Training Guide) [Paperback]
Administering Windows Server 2012 R2 Training Guide: MCSA 70-411 (Microsoft Press Training Guide): Orin Thomas: 9780735684690: Amazon.com: Books

Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 R2 Services Training Guide: MCSA 70-412 (Microsoft Press Training Guide) [Paperback]
Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 R2 Services Training Guide: MCSA 70-412 (Microsoft Press Training Guide): Orin Thomas: 9780735684713: Amazon.com: Books

Now, we just started the 411 class, so we didn't really use the 410, but so far we like it better than the MC academic books.

Build a lab that you can do all the labs and exercises in. That is really the key to understanding. Hope that helps.

jak096

mjnk77, I will be taking the 70-410 at a local community college also. Did you purchase the MOAC in paperback or etext? Can't decide which one to get. Reading online is eye straining but I saw that the paperback labs would have different IP addresses/computer names from the etext lab (local vs. online lab). Not sure how that would work out. If this class doesn't fill up it would probably become an online class. Can't PM you, not enough post and no I didn't keep that email when I signed up. I sent the instructor an email asking two questions and he only answered one. Thought you could advise.

mjnk77

I'll send you a PM. Let me know if you don't get it.

Louie1277

Share with the group guys. I need some new study material for the 70-410 ... lol sharing is caring...

jak096

I have just recently started with the Mastering R2 book and look for chapters that relate to the objectives like many others have suggested in the pass and fail post. Also, I use the udemy videos because they were very inexpensive while waiting for my class to start at the local community college.

Louie1277

jak096 wrote: »

I have just recently started with the Mastering R2 book and look for chapters that relate to the objectives like many others have suggested in the pass and fail post. Also, I use the udemy videos because they were very inexpensive while waiting for my class to start at the local community college.

Well I just received the same book "Mastering Windows Server 2012 r2" from Sybex... What chapters did you study for the exam? Since i'm in the process of studying for the 70-410 exam.