Sybex Server 2012 book?

Beany

Morning,

Is this book coming out soon?

If so, do you think it will be a good book to buy? Are Sybex books good?

Thanks

wweboy

I'm guessing your talking about the MCSA one? It just came out on July 1st. I already got my copy from Amazon on 7/2. IT IS THICK you could probably rob someone with it (Not recommended!) I haven't cracked it yet as I'm trying to wrap up my CCNA studies but looking forward to it. Sybex is a great brand and always seems to do a top notch job.

Beany

Thanks for your reply,

does the book make it obvious what bits are for which exam?

i dont really want to go through the whole book in one go. Learn the 70-410 material first and then the next bit

Wagnaard

I've leafed through it, haven't gotten too deeply into it, partially because it is frighteningly huge. But from what I have gleaned it is a good book. I'm kind of going to be studying for the whole MCSA at once, since there might be some overflow on the exams.

Nutsacjac

@Beany

There is a table in the beginning of the book that maps the objectives of each test to the corresponding chapters.

I haven't put much time in reading yet, finishing up my VCP study; it's a big book, over 900 pages and a lot to absorb.

DoubleNNs

I'm hoping the book comes w/ a free pdf copy of the text included in the cd in the back.

Nutsacjac

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It doesn't, actually it comes with no CD at all. You have to register at sybex.com and you get free practice tests, flash cards and video instruction. All of the newer Sybex books I've purchased recently are like that.

DoubleNNs

I really enjoy using the pdf ebooks, especially for large texts like that.
I understand they're trying to cut down on piracy, but it's unfortunate that it's at the convenience of the paying customers as well.

mimir

I purchased this book from Amazon recently, and so far I find it to be fairly well organized. It combines an overview and introduction to core concepts with lab exercises and step-by-step procedures on how to implement the technologies being discussed. They also relate each chapter to the specific exam objectives, and although it's not 100% correlated (sometimes they cover things that aren't mentioned on any exam objectives, and sometimes they don't cover things that are), it seems to get most of it. Still needs to be combined with at least one other resource, probably TechNet, but overall, it seems great for someone who is completely new to Windows Server (e.g., me).

aspiringsoul

I just received the book today. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll post a review after I sit the first exam.

Beany

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does the book make it obvious what material is for what exam?

aspiringsoul

Yes, there are objective mappings at the beginning of the book. There is a table listed for each exam that shows the exam objectives, the percentage of the material on the test (example, Install and configure servers (15-20%, Configure server roles and features 15-20%), and also a reference for which chapter to study to cover the objectives. By looking at the table, I know that I need to read chapters 1, 4, 8, and 16 to cover the "configure servers" objective for the 70-410 exam. Also, at the beginning of each chapter, it provides an overview of the objectives covered for each exam in that chapter. At the end of every chapter, there is a summary followed by questions and answers.

Beany

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oh excellent. thanks for the info

b18c195

$60.00 damm...it might be worth it. Looks like this is only book really out there to study from.EDIT Just ordered

Beany

Got my Sybex book today for £44 incl shipping from amazon.

Looking forward to it.

Can anyone share their experience with this book so far?

horusthesun

I has that book. it speaks to me ... it tells me things... to do things... evil things!!!

I recieved last week.... I am working on Security +

Yeah, Microsoft I are taking a little break ... but like we are so getting back together

jokes ... cheeses full on cheddar

sasnimrod

@=aspiringsoul

I've just started reading this book, but I have to say that I'm finding it pretty difficult finding where in each chapter is relevant to each exam. For example, for the 70-410 exam you need to study Chapter 2 to cover 'Deploy and configure DNS service'. However you still need to study Chapter 2 for the 70-411 exam in order to cover the sections 'Configure DNS zones' and 'Configure DNS records'.

In general I've found the content to be well explained, however I would have preferred if there was something like :- In Chapter 2 to cover the 70-410 exam requirements read from pages 40-55 and 58-60. On second thoughts, maybe I should have taken more attention to what some reviewers said on amazon. I think it's ideal for someone looking to study all the MCSA material and then do all 3 exams in quick succession.

j.petrov

I agree with this book having good content, but also being extremely annoying when you are trying to study for one test at a time. It would have been great had it been sectioned off by test, or if in the beginning of each chapter it stated what pages were for what exam. I switched to the exam ref for the 410 exam...

pjd007

Is there an alternative book then ?

What about this one, anyone used it ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exam-Ref-70-410-Installing-Configuring/dp/0735673160

RobinM

I've spent about 10 hours with this book and I'm going to return it because of the difficulty in trying to just study for 70-410. Material is all over the place, and I don't feel it goes deep enough. Also feels like some parts are missing completely. Some of the reviews on Amazon.com sum up the problem quite well. I think alot of the 5 star reviews there are fakes.

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: MCSA Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-410, 70-411, 70-412, and 70-417

I'm going to try the Microsoft Press Exam Ref 70-410 by Craig Zacker instead. I've previously used Microsoft Press books (plus videos and technet) to pass exams first go.

pjd007

[@RobinM


Think I'm just going to order it as well, if that's the book MS are recommending then surely it'll be good enough to pass the exam !

Wagnaard

Check your local library, there are often e-books available, I just found this one on my town library site. Unfortunately, it was after I purchased it.

MrAgent

I purchased the book as a reference... ive read through most of it and I like it so far. I didnt have any trouble following it.

DoubleNNs

@Wagnaard;

ebooks from a local library? How would you "borrow" it from them?

Plantwiz

@DoubleNNs

Many libraries have an e book lending portion. Check with yours to see if they offer it. Surprisingly my local branch does for as small as it is, but it should be pretty common in the larger areas.

Basically, it would be like going to a store that sells e-readers and lets you read for free while sitting in their store. The library holds an e-lending licenses for 'x' copies and you sign out rights to e books as you would check out a hardcover. You will have a DUE DATE, but I suspect that is the date if vanishes off your device or account rather than you needing to do anything specific unless you have renewed it.

Wagnaard

Also, some you may read in a web browser after signing in using your library card and creating an account with th elibrary. Mine for example, will let you search their book catalog and then display a link to the ebook in the catalog entry, allowing you to read it in your browser.

Obviously, it isn't as nice as having it on an ereader or hardcopy, but it can save a lot of $$$.

alokin123

i have access to this book via safari books and although i cant comment on the book as a whole, the section on IPAM leaves a lot to be desired. Two pages worth most of which is just screen shots on how to install IPAM.

sasnimrod

pjd007 wrote: »

Is there an alternative book then ?

What about this one, anyone used it ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exam-Ref-70-410-Installing-Configuring/dp/0735673160

It's certainly one of the most popular books that focuses on the 70-410 exam. Wasn't entirely convinced about it due to some of the reviews on Amazon. I'm currently reading a book by Mitch Tulloch called 'Training Guide: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012'. In general, I've found the content easily to follow. However the book introduction says that it does not cover all of the 70-410 content that may appear in the exam. I don't know whether Craig Zacker's book covers all of the possible exam content.