Best MCTS books/videos?

zrockstar

Hey guys, I am getting ready to start my first server class in September and since I've never studied for a MS cert, I was wondering what to go to titles were for this track? We will be using the official academic course guide and lab, but I wanted a non-MS something or other to supplement. Problem is, ratings are so mixed for all the books on these topics on Amazon. Is there anything that really shines in this series by way of books or videos? Thanks.

Lucas21

I have found these two books very useful. First I started off with this book: Amazon.com: MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-640): Configuring Windows Server 2008 Active Directory (Self-Paced Training Kits) (9780735651937): Dan Holme, Nelson Ruest, Danielle Ruest, Jason Kellington: Books.

It seemed too technical from the very beginning and a bit hard to understand but I also noticed that the practice exercises were very useful. So I read it until I got to AD CS and I found it almost impossible to grasp the concepts. So I tried this other book for AD CS: Amazon.com: MCTS 70-640 Cert Guide: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (9780789747082): Don Poulton: Books.

It was much better at explaining the concepts. So I started over from the first chapter with the 2nd book and it has turned out to be a great decision. So maybe read one book and do the practice exercises in the other depending on if you can afford them both.

As for video, I've only tried CBT Nuggets and they are very useful.

Essendon

The first book that Lucas21 mentioned is the book most people start off with. You MUST supplement it with other resources, such as the Mastering Windows Server 2008 R2 book, the Server 2008 R2 Unleashed and last but not least, TechNet. I cannot recommend TechNet enough, it's from Microsoft themselves, up-to-date, correct and detailed. It may be overwhelming at first, so pick up the book first and then supplement. Be warned though, these self-paced books WILL NOT teach you enough to pass the exams. Ensure you lab the hell out of it too. Good luck!

Vik210

Look for CBT Nuggets.. they are very good and are my starting point most of the time..

Devilry

I am using TrainSignal for 70-640 right now, seems to be pretty good for the general overview... then followup with some books and technet.