Preping for first exam...70-642

Tackle

Hello all,

I've been trolling around here for awhile and there are some very informative posts around.

Anyway, I graduated with an Associates in Network admin in June, and have been working at an IT firm since then (first IT job). To stay a MS partner they need me to pass an exam by December. I've never studied or took an exam like this before. My boss told me I should take 70-642 because it will be most beneficial for my future career, so thats what I have been studying with Test Out. I'm in the DNS section right now and struggling.

Any tips for a newcomer to the world of Windows Server 2008 and Microsoft exams? I bought a server for home and have Server 2k8 running on ESXi, but I haven't setup any roles yet...I need to very soon. Or am I way over my head with this cert? I'm only dealing with servers an hour a day, the rest is user problems.

Thanks

earweed

The testout/labsim is good but you should supplement that with a book. Use either the MS Press Training Kit or the Sybex as either will probably be enough for you.
Amazon.com: MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-642 (9780470261699): William Panek, Tylor Wentworth, James Chellis: Books
http://www.amazon.com/MCTS-Self-Paced-Training-70-642-PRO-Certification/dp/0735625123/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287012854&sr=1-4

If you use the MS Press book and plan to go the whole way toward the MCITP:SA/EA then it's cheaper to get the whole set of books. Also note that MS is starting to put Server 2008 R2 on the exams so you may want to lab using Server 2008 R2.

marcels

The CBT Nugget videos are also good. I use the MS Press Training books, CBT Nuggets and sometimes the TestOut CBTs.

But I find the best way to learn is to setup a virtual lab and complete all the MS Press lessons then have a play.

BlueEyedSamurai

LucasMN - I am currently studying for this exam and am scheduled to take it on 11/1. I have been using the MCTS - Self Paced Training Kit (Amazon.com: MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-642): Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure (PRO-Certification) (PRO-Certification) (9780735625129): Tony Northrup, JC Mackin: Books) as well as Networking and Network Access Protection (NAP) (Amazon.com: Windows Server 2008 Networking and Network Access Protection (NAP) (9780735624221): Joseph Davies, Tony Northrup: Books) and the CBT Nuggets video series.

I strongly suggest the Training Kit book and the CBT Nuggets videos. Practice the examples in the book and watch the videos multiple times. I have read and then reread the book at least three times and have watched the videos multiple times each. I've never felt more ready for an exam as I am now.

Good luck.

-Samurai