MCSA 2008 Study Materials (Sybex v MS Press)

j.petrov

I'm getting ready to buy some materials to get the MCSA:2008 certification. I've been looking at the books available, and was wondering if I could get some thoughts on the books I have been looking at. The first one is called: MCTS: Windows Server 2008 R2 Complete Study Guide (Exams 70-640, 70-642 and 70-643) by William Panek. Its the all in one Sybex book. The other book(s) I have been looking at is the MS Press set: MCITP Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator: Training Kit 3-Pack: Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-646.

I don't have any windows server experience, so from that standpoint I am wondering which book(s) might be better. I will be setting up a virtual lab and using some videos as well, either CBT or signal train.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Uhtred

Lots of users of this forum have opinions about which books are better. This is mostly based on personal experience and how that particular person related to the book. My advice would be to preview some of the books online first to see which ones you like the look of.

Examples of 70-640:

Mcts 70 640 Exam Cram Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuring.9780789737915.35938

http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/69/04709484/0470948469-123.pdf

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-640): Configuring Windows Server® 2008 ... - Google Books

I found that the MS press books worked for me. Other people have found them dry and hard to learn from.

Vik210

Uhtred wrote: »

I found that the MS press books worked for me. Other people have found them dry and hard to learn from.

Thats true. I do find them dry and boring at times but I always prefer books from vendors.

crrussell3

I have always preferred the MSPress to Sybex or Exam Cram.

You can also use these for free:

70-640 - Active Directory 70-640 Free Course - YouTube
70-642 - 70-642 11 hour free training course all on you tube - YouTube

Plus the stickies have tons of great links and Technet will always be your best friend in the end. No matter what book (software etc) you end up going with, make sure its updated for R2 and download the errata list!

earweed

The MS Press books were best for me but I did the MCITP:EA route. The 646 test has the testlets like the 647 and I found the scenario sections in those books to be helpful.

j.petrov

seems like so far everyone prefers the MS Press books. Are they updated to R2?

Keener

j.petrov wrote: »

seems like so far everyone prefers the MS Press books. Are they updated to R2?

While I cannot chime in on using the MS Press books, I can say that they are updated to 2008 R2. My kit for 640, 642 and 646 are sitting on my desk at home until next week after I pass the SSCP exam on Friday.

Here is a link to the kit on Amazon where I got it for $85. Amazon.com: MCITP Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator: Training Kit 3-Pack: Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-646 (9780735663282): Dan Holme, Nelson Ruest, Danielle Ruest, Tony Northrup, J.C. Mackin, Ian McLean, Orin Thomas, Jason Kellington: Books

You could also just search for MCITP Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator at some other sites. Publication date is September 23, 2011 and will have the big '2' in the upper right corner.

Good Luck.

pumbaa_g

Use the MCTS Study Guides with some reference from Windows 2008 R2 Unleashed and Technet that should be good enough. My personal experience has been good with these but I usually combine them with some Video Trainings.
MCTS Study Guides are updated, be careful while purchasing and ensure you have the second edition which has R2 Updates. As with most MS Exams be prepared with latest R2 features as these will form a majority of the questions.