This morning I stared into the eyes of the Beast...

genXrcistgenXrcist Member Posts: 531
.... and in the end the Beast was left purring at my feet. :)

Scored an 810, my 2nd 800+ MS score, whoo hoo!!! It feels so much better to pass when it means a new cert. is earned too!

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and help! The study notes were awesome Wedge. :)

I'd also like to add to everyone who is still working on this exam; The real Beast is the studying itself. The test itself wasn't hard but that's only because I worked hard to understand the concepts involved. My recommendation is to research/read/learn DNS/DHCP from multiple sources until you find a viewpoint that makes sense to you.

Tomorrow night I start class for the 70-291 exam (paid for by the State of MN) so I figure working on the 70-293 next is appropriate. Good luck to everyone and I'll see you on the 70-293 forum!
1) CCNP Goal: by August 2012

Comments

  • aquageekaquageek Member Posts: 152
    The real Beast is the studying itself

    You said it all right there.

    Congratulations Gen! and a nice score too!
    You are the systems administrator for a large enterprise that has decided to place computers in the lobby for access to public company information. On Tuesday morning Rooslan storms into your office screaming, "what the hell is this? In the last question I was the systems administrator. Now I am only a "Backup Operator"? This **** is crazy!"
  • Johnny JohnsonJohnny Johnson Member Posts: 241 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Congratulations, Gen! What were your study resources?
    Next up: 100-101 ICND1 :study:

    Keep the Son in your eyes!
  • NetAdmin2436NetAdmin2436 Member Posts: 1,076
    Congrats!
    WIP: CCENT/CCNA (.....probably)
  • aquageekaquageek Member Posts: 152
    Congratulations, Gen! What were your study resources?

    I know you were asking him but I just passed recently and figured you might be interested in what I used. MSPress and TestOut. TestOut really helped ALOT.
    You are the systems administrator for a large enterprise that has decided to place computers in the lobby for access to public company information. On Tuesday morning Rooslan storms into your office screaming, "what the hell is this? In the last question I was the systems administrator. Now I am only a "Backup Operator"? This **** is crazy!"
  • Big JizayBig Jizay Member Posts: 269
    Hey Congratulations Gen!! :D

    What a nice score too! And congrats on becoming MCSA!! icon_cheers.gif

    I'll see you in the 293 forum!
    The only thing that can stop you is you

    Currently studying for 70-293
  • SlowhandSlowhand Mod Posts: 5,161 Mod
    Congrats on taming that Beast, and good luck with it's big brother (70-293). :D

    Free Microsoft Training: Microsoft Learn
    Free PowerShell Resources: Top PowerShell Blogs
    Free DevOps/Azure Resources: Visual Studio Dev Essentials

    Let it never be said that I didn't do the very least I could do.
  • motogpmanmotogpman Member Posts: 412
    Congrats on the pass!!!! So what is that now, 3-4 of us in March, with just a couple people following up right behind in April. At this rate, we should all be finishing up around the same time and at least adding to the experience/questions/sources. TO those finishing up this one, see you in the 293 forums.
    -WIP- (70-294 and 297)

    Once MCSE 2k3 completed:

    WGU: BS in IT, Design/Management

    Finish MCITP:EA, CCNA, PMP by end of 2012

    After that, take a much needed vacation!!!!!
  • genXrcistgenXrcist Member Posts: 531
    Congratulations, Gen! What were your study resources?

    I used the Sybex 70-291 book as my primary resource. I've been using all Sybex since I started studying/earning certifications last Sept. and they've done me well thus far. In it I read the DNS chapter x3, DHCP x2, IPSec x2 and RRAS x2. But, before I read IPSec/DNS I watched the CBT Nugget videos by James Conrad. Good primer in my opinion but the guy went way too fast for the info to really sink in for me. Once I watched the videos, then read the chapter, then watched the video again and finally ready the chapter again... I finally felt like I had it down.

    For lab I ran my Server 2003 Std box to implement a Dcpromo, installed DNS & DHCP, ran network monitor and setup RRAS. This was also nice for getting a feel for where the different settings are located. I think it's silly for MS to test on stuff like this because if you know the general area of where to find something, you can always find it. Having tab content memorized isn't that useful in the real world, imo.

    As for Subnetting/routing, I used the knowledge I gained studying for my CCNA. I didn't really put any additional effort into these areas.

    Topping all that off though I read some Technet articles, this article (DNS Stub Zones in Windows Server 2003) on WindowsNetworking.com and reading through the 291 forum posts, including Wedge's awesome notes!

    In addition I used Transcender this time, for the first time ever. The class I'm in paid for it so I thought I would give it a try. Perhaps it's just me or maybe it's because I've never used these before but I didn't find them all that helpful. In fact, it was more discouraging than anything as those tests are far more difficicult than the exam. If you want to know the material at a far deeper level than what it takes to pass the exam, it's great. But for exam prep, I didn't value it as much as my Sybex practice exams. Needless to say I won't be paying for that product in the future, at least for MS exams anyway.

    So there you have it! I feel like I've got a firm enough foundation now to tackle the 70-293! It even feels different to study for the MCSE! I look at my new Sybex book which says 'MCSE' on it instead of 'MCSA/MCSE' & I grin. Minor difference I know but hey, I like it. :)

    Thank you to everyone for the congrats, it''s much appreciated!!! And I agree, we should start contributing. They say the best way to learn something is to teach it. :)

    Adios for now!
    1) CCNP Goal: by August 2012
  • Johnny JohnsonJohnny Johnson Member Posts: 241 ■■■□□□□□□□
    aquageek wrote: »
    I know you were asking him but I just passed recently and figured you might be interested in what I used. MSPress and TestOut. TestOut really helped ALOT.

    Thanks aquageek! I've never used TestOut before. I may have to check them out.
    Next up: 100-101 ICND1 :study:

    Keep the Son in your eyes!
  • Johnny JohnsonJohnny Johnson Member Posts: 241 ■■■□□□□□□□
    And to Gen, thank you for the detailed reply! I appreciate it! :) You're right about contributing. That's what's so awesome about Techexams! I've found this site extremely useful!
    Next up: 100-101 ICND1 :study:

    Keep the Son in your eyes!
  • dynamikdynamik Banned Posts: 12,312 ■■■■■■■■■□
    Nice job icon_thumright.gif

    Good luck with 293!
Sign In or Register to comment.