Preparing for 70-271 Book wise

I'm sure this topic has been beat to death but im curious what book everyone is using to take this exam with? I'm looking at buy the Microsoft Press book to help me prepare for this test. ANy suggustions on other books or perhaps on this book? This book book comes with 3 CD's as well but im not quite sure whats on them. I already have my A+ and took some cisco cources in college but never took the cisco test. How hard can I expect this test to be? Plus im a little confused on MS Certs, so if I take this test and pass I will be MCP Certified, if I take this test + 70-272 I will be MCDST certified??

Thanks

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bighornsheep

I used Sybex MCDST, mainly because it was cheaper than the one from MS Press. But also because Sybex gives PDA flashcards on their CD, which I enjoy very much.

If you take any microsoft exam with the exception of network essentials, you will get the certification of MCP....certified in whatever exam you took.

In this case, yes if you take 70-271, you wil have MCP. And then when you pass 70-272, you will have MCDST, they will mail you another welcome kit with another certificate and wallet card etc.....

If you take 70-291,70-290,and 70-270 (using MCDST as elective), you will get your MCSA, Microsoft Certified System Administrator on Windows 2003 Server.

dan87951

Thanks..

Looks like either way I have to take the 70-270 exam if I want my MSCA. Should I do that exam first before doing the 70-271?

bighornsheep

yes, if you want your MCSA, eventually you will have to take 70-270.

70-270 will cover pretty much the two exams in MCDST plus a few extra objectives.

perhaps you might want to get your MCDST first...and then think about which exam to do for your MCSA.

janmike

dan87951, are you presently employed in a deskside/phone support position or want that type of job? If so, do the MCDST. I used the Microsoft self-paced kits and the SelfTest practice exams.

If this isn't your plan or purpose, get the MCSA.

Good luck!

dan87951

Just graduated with a bachlors degree in computer science having a hard time finding work so I figured I would get cought up on some certs. Help Desk or Network Administrator i really dont care as long as its paying bills.

bighornsheep

if you dont have much experience. You should go for your MCDST first, it's hard to find an entry level job with system administration, even if you have MCSA.

dan87951

I have some experience worked for a computer shop at school reparing PC/Building than did my internship for a large company setting up there cisco routers/switches and running cable to punch down blocks. Michigan just sucks for IT right now. IBM just layed off over 200 people in chicago area so we are fighting for jobs with them...

rcoop

I used the Sybex MCDST book which covers both exams for a resonable price. The only thing I didn't like (as I did think the writing was good and I also enjoyed the eFlashcards) was that the two sample exams covered both exams... rather than one for 70-271 and the other for just 70-272. The book is layed out where 271 is chapters 1 - 5, and 272 is chapters 6 - 10, so it lends itself to studying for one, then the other, but the test exams covered all topics, so it was hard to know when I was ready for 271, without also being ready for 272.

Good luck,
Rcoop

cuering

rcoop wrote:

I used the Sybex MCDST book which covers both exams for a resonable price. The only thing I didn't like (as I did think the writing was good and I also enjoyed the eFlashcards) was that the two sample exams covered both exams... rather than one for 70-271 and the other for just 70-272. The book is layed out where 271 is chapters 1 - 5, and 272 is chapters 6 - 10, so it lends itself to studying for one, then the other, but the test exams covered all topics, so it was hard to know when I was ready for 271, without also being ready for 272.

Good luck,
Rcoop

where to buy this book?

Danman32

Pretty much anywhere technical books are sold. Example: Amazon.

dan87951

Just an update I bought the Microsoft book and it looks to be good so far. I got mine from amazon think it ran 35 bux or so plus shipping.

rcoop

cuering wrote:

where to buy this book?

If you'll pay for shipping, I'll give you mine

You should also see about Microsoft's free online learning for the MCDST topics. Although, not really enough information to maybe pass the exam, you get a good idea of the objectives covered by them.

Take Care,
RCoop

dan87951

definitely take a look at the free online training im doing that with my book review comes to be a nice review to help remember all the information a little better..

stup4

I'm using the Sybex book and it seems pretty good.

However i've spotted at least two mistakes in the book so far,

'Log Files to Troubleshoot Installations'

Its Setupact.log that records actions taken during setup, not Setupapt.log

And....book believes you can upgrade Windows 95 directly to XP.