While waiting....

On this job to come through I figure I should pick up a MS cert. I starting towards the MCSA today. I am going to pick up this book Amazon.com: MCSE Core Required Exams in a Nutshell: The required 70: 290, 291, 293 and 294 Exams (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly)) (9780596102289): William R. Stanek: Books
and this book Amazon.com: MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Environment Management and Maintenance Study Guide: Exam 70-290 (9780782144482): Lisa Donald, James Chellis: Books
and a few VMs and the interwebz, anyone think this is enough. I have plenty of time right now
so I am going to try to get the 290 done in a few weeks (early april) then 291 and 680. Anyone have any other suggestions (I have read the faqs)?
and this book Amazon.com: MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Environment Management and Maintenance Study Guide: Exam 70-290 (9780782144482): Lisa Donald, James Chellis: Books
and a few VMs and the interwebz, anyone think this is enough. I have plenty of time right now

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I replied.
I was able to find a eval disc at the library and I also picked up the MCSE core book. It seems to have good rating on Amazon. That along with the sybex books, labing and some notes here SHOULD(?) be enough. At any rate I want to put in about 4-5 weeks for each of these test (290, 291, and 680). Of course I have factored in possibly failing and have allocated time for that as well but as long as I get it all done before June 30th I will be happy. So without further BSing, this will start day 1 of my 290 studies.
Not to get ahead of myself but comparing 290 and 291 what is the difference in level of difficulty? 5 out of 10 vs 6 out of 10? more? less? I have heard 291 being called the beast by some but hopefully it won't beat me up to bad...
290 has it's own challenges but is at least contained to a server, as opposed to network infrastructure. Much easier for hands on study.
Dude I am freaking broke lol. I will be using book++ (ya dig?) lol. But I mean I understand ipsec from the CCNA:S and I hope that will carry over pretty well. I have the Sybex book for 291 (290 is on its way) and I have the MCSE in a nutshell. I hope that will be enough (along with many hours of studying).
I totally forgot to call you yesterday. I am going to send you a PM.