Server 2008 Book recommendations

neathneathneath

Hi,

I've recently got my MCSA 2003 and now dipping my toe in the Server 2008 world.

I'm reading the book "Windows server 2008 Inside Out" by William R Stanek (MS Press) but find it heavy weather although informative. More of a reference book rather than an exam-orientated book I think.

I've no immediate plans on doing any further exams at present but having got my MCSA I'm looking at the 70-648 option (upgrading your MCSA to Server 2008 route).

I like the Exam Cram books and there are three available for the Server 2008 Route.

I also like the look of the Syngress book:
The Real MCTS/MCITP Exam 70-648 Prep Kit

I'm not sure whether to get the 70-648 book geared towards the upgrade exam or the set of 3 Exam Cram Books, as money is an issue at present.

My gut feeling is to get the "The Real MCTS/MCITP Exam 70-648 Prep Kit" book

Any ideas please?

alokin123

The examcram books aren't too crash hot for the 2008 exam series. Some typos when dealing with some crucial subjects. The 70-640 exam cram book is quite good and the best of the lot.

MS Press has a 70-648/649 upgrade book:

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-648 and 70-649): Transitioning your MCSA/MCSE to Windows Server 2008 Technology Specialist

If you like syngress you might be interested in their exam prep e-learning and exams:

Syngress Certification: Crush Your MCTS/MCITP Certification Exams

They have a few specials going on at the moment.

CBT Nuggets as well if you can

dfosbenner

The MS Press stuff is very good. 8/10 in most cases. These, plus hands on of course. I also heard real good stuff about "Windows Server 2008 Inside Out" by William Stanek. I have it on order.

danclarke

As I've said in other threads, my opinion is that the MS Press book is much better than the Syngress book - which is inconsistent and badly edited. In places, the standard of English makes it almost unreadable - and occasionally when it tries to describe lab exercises (for example) it just gets its facts wrong.

neathneathneath

Thanks for the replies, I'm still in a bit of a dilemma as to buying an upgrade book geared towards the 70-648 or standard server 2008 books 70-640/70-642.

e.g.

Upgrade Books(70-64
MS Press has a 70-648/649 upgrade book:
MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-648 and 70-649):
Transitioning your MCSA/MCSE to Windows Server 2008 Technology Specialist

Syngress book:
The Real MCTS/MCITP Exam 70-648 Prep Kit

Server 2008 individual books:

MCTS 70-642 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure,
Configuring (Exam Cram (Que)) (Paperback)

MCTS 70-640 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory,
Configuring (Exam Cram (Que)) (Paperback)

I've read some poor reviews of the Syngress book and also a bad review of the MS Press Book. I'm not a 100% fan of these training kits, although I have used them for most of my previous exams but find them VERY hard going. I'm looking ideally for an upgrade book (70-64 rather than paying for several books. In practice, I've always ended up with some MS press and some other books which are easier on the brain

Any comments from anyone on the 70-648 route welcomed.......

bencairney

neathneathneath wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, I'm still in a bit of a dilemma as to buying an upgrade book geared towards the 70-648 or standard server 2008 books 70-640/70-642.

e.g.

Upgrade Books(70-64
MS Press has a 70-648/649 upgrade book:
MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-648 and 70-649):
Transitioning your MCSA/MCSE to Windows Server 2008 Technology Specialist

Syngress book:
The Real MCTS/MCITP Exam 70-648 Prep Kit

Server 2008 individual books:

MCTS 70-642 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure,
Configuring (Exam Cram (Que)) (Paperback)

MCTS 70-640 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory,
Configuring (Exam Cram (Que)) (Paperback)

I've read some poor reviews of the Syngress book and also a bad review of the MS Press Book. I'm not a 100% fan of these training kits, although I have used them for most of my previous exams but find them VERY hard going. I'm looking ideally for an upgrade book (70-64 rather than paying for several books. In practice, I've always ended up with some MS press and some other books which are easier on the brain

Any comments from anyone on the 70-648 route welcomed.......

I'm using the MS Press 648/649 book which I have found to be good. It seems to cover everything you should need for the exam. I also have the AD resource kit which is a great additonal source of info. I generally use the exam cram books for a review after studying for the exam but I wouldn't rely on them as a primary source.

My primary study material is the CBT Nuggets 648 videos which are great but quite expensive.

neathneathneath

Thanks for all the replies.

I've bitten the bullet and ordered:
MS Press 70-648/649 upgrade book:
MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-648 and 70-649): Transitioning your MCSA/MCSE to Windows Server 2008 Technology Specialist

Although I like the Exam Cram books I've weighed up the pro and cons and this has won the day. Exam Cram came a close second for sentimental reasons