MCSA 2012 study books

jlin39

Hi Guys,

I'm wondering if anyone have order this study reference exam bundle from Amazon:

Cert Prep Pack: MCSA Windows Server 2012 (Exam Ref 70-410, 70-411, 70-412): Ian McLean, Jason Kellington, Kurt Dillard: 9780735673861: Amazon.com: Books

I'm thinking about working it, what do you think?

Thanks,
Jerry

mikedisd2

I considered buying the bundle today but just went with the 70-410 book incase they turn out to be rubbish. I've used some MS Press books in the past which resulted in me failing exams multiple times because they didn't suit my comprehension style (I zonk out fairly easily).

aaronchristenson

If I were not doing the upgrade exams I would by them as a set. I am reading the book for 70-417 right now and I think that it is ok so far. It did not come with the practice exam that the old blue training kits came with. I am kind of disappointed in that.

Saundie

mikedisd2 wrote: »

I considered buying the bundle today but just went with the 70-410 book incase they turn out to be rubbish. I've used some MS Press books in the past which resulted in me failing exams multiple times because they didn't suit my comprehension style (I zonk out fairly easily).

I made the same decision, though it was more the fact that the bundle won't ship for 4+ months that informed that choice. I ended up getting the 70-410 book in electronic format from O'Reilly, using the 50% discount offer for Microsoft Certified Professionals. Doing so has the advantage of getting updates for the book as they're published, and immediate access to the book. If I had ordered the paper edition, I would have to wait until the end of December for it to ship.

sthomas

aaronchristenson wrote: »

If I were not doing the upgrade exams I would by them as a set. I am reading the book for 70-417 right now and I think that it is ok so far. It did not come with the practice exam that the old blue training kits came with. I am kind of disappointed in that.

Is it just me or does the 70-417 book seem kinda short? I know since this is an upgrade exam you are expected to know all of the basics and are studying for the new features but still.

Cookie0879

I'm currently reading Exam Ref 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server® 2012, but i must say that the number of errors I have found in the first chapter alone is ... worrying (correct expression?)

The errata list is here: Exam Ref 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server® 2012 Unconfirmed Errata

On the other hand, being able to find all these errors is building my confidence in understanding the material, and realising that I'm taking in what I'm reading.

Anyone else reading this book?

it2b

aaronchristenson wrote: »

If I were not doing the upgrade exams I would by them as a set. I am reading the book for 70-417 right now and I think that it is ok so far. It did not come with the practice exam that the old blue training kits came with. I am kind of disappointed in that.

I just received the Exam Ref 70-410 book and am disappointed with the lack of practice exercises in it . It's less than 400 pages too. Don't know how reliable a resource this will be.

I also bough the "Training Guide: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012" which does have lots of exercises. But it claims not to be geared towards exam prep, while it "may help". There are lots of things in it such as creating images which won't be needed for the 70-410.

So I am using both of these books along with the CBT nuggets course for 70-410 to prep.