I haven't seen any mention of trandumper?

[allan3606]

http://www.trandumper.net/default.asp?show=home

A testing program, that allows you to input your questions AND answers. The researched and right answers. Not a single line answer, but one that, if you wish, will throughly cover all aspects of the questions.
Or whatever form you wish.

Check it out, see what you think.

allan

 

[allan3606]

I forgot to mention the great price. zip, nada, zero, nothing! You do have to signup, that'll cost you some time, but no loose change.

 

[Wishdiak]

allan3606,

I've used Trandumper, and what it really does is provide a simulated test using properly formatted braindumps.

Personally, I am against using braindump material because a) studying the questions and answers does not necessarily teach the underlying concepts, b) missing and/or incorrect answers, and c) MISSING and/or INCORRECT ANSWERS.

I doubt that I could stress this enough. I've seen many friends fail both Microsoft and CompTIA exams due to depending on test preparation material that is seriously flawed.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[allan3606]

Wishdiak,

I agree that using questionable, questions/answers is not a safe way to study.
And with the new forms of questions, you really need a modern practice software, that can emulate those questions.
I still use a top rated practice test, such as Transcender or MeasureUp, for my final preparations before taking the test. They along with others, now faded into history, have stood me in good stead, since the days of Novell 3, and MS 4.

During the initial study, and getting used to the new Op Sys, I try to speed up my understanding and learning, as much as possible. By having a method, by which I can zero in on a topic, creating questions, and indepth answers, I can get the most from my study materials.
Once I jump on one of the well known, and highly regarded practice tests, I can get the most from it.
Even with the most highly rated practice test, you still must KNOW the material, or you are just memorizing the questions/answers, not learning.
Or at least that is my opinion.

Of course, before ever looking at a practice test, I would install the Op Sys (multiple times), from scratch. And install each and every feature. Additionally, if I can find descriptions of known problems and solutions, I do my best to recreate them, and then resolve them. This is assuming I am not already employed and supporting the OP Sys in question.

There are few absolutes, that apply to everyone. We all have our own learning styles, which we should and hopefully will discover along the way to certification. And utimately employment and the responsibility of maintaining a Network.

Thats my two cents worth. Oh, I have also learned, sometimes the hard way, keep your options open, as well as your eyes and ears. Something better is likly to come along, be ready for it.

Thanks for listening,
Allan Kemp

 

[Wishdiak]

allan3606,

I agree that there is no substitute for hands-on experience. Not only installing the OS and it's optional components, but configuring, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery are necessary to truly mastering an OS.

We do all have individual learning styles, and the next Big Thing may be something to watch for, but without good test-prep material that is compatible with it (as in the case of Trandumper, the only compatible material that I've seen is TestKing and derivative braindumps), the material is still questionable at best, regardless of the front end.

Even so, there may be those among us who swear by (rather than at) braindumps. If this works for them, then it works. I've just seen too many people rely on braindumps only to fail the same exam 2, 3, or even 4 times.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[allan3606]

Wishdiak,

I am replying only to pass on ideas of possible study methods and for people still new to studying certs.
I have already agreed, concerning Questionable study materials.
I mention again learning styles. With the ultimate goal to be certified and comfortably employed. Comfort in knowing you understand enough about how the system works, to learn what goes wrong, when it does.
The Trandumper program allows you to use your own questions, gained from reading and hopefully working with the system.
It is an inexpensive tool to help you on your way, but not the only way. And not the only tool to get your goal.
If you discourage people from using whatever aids, they may need, to get to a point, where they may understand enough of the material to finally grasp the basic concepts needed to really learn. And then effectively use a program such as Transcender and others, to continue to raise their understanding, to the point of passing cert tests, and ultimately getting a job.
We may lose, along the way, people who could have become good techs and more.
With the certs you have obtained, I know you have not been one to get discouraged, while preparing for a test.
We should continue to make new and would be techs aware of just how far they can go with certain study material, and what they really, need to know to be an asset, on an IT team.
Thanks you listening.

allank

 

[Wishdiak]

allan3606,

For the most part, I agree with you. I can't predict what a person will do while preparing for an exam, and using Trandumper with good questions and answers is a valid method to prepare.

I've also seen stubborn colleagues spend a week trying to cram braindump material into their heads, using Trandumper or otherwise, only to come out of the exam complaining that they didn't see any of the questions from the braindump on the exam, and then schedule the exam again, hoping for better luck.

A mix of test-prep materials, as well as actually going through the steps to learn the granular detail of configuring things, is the best method to prepare to pass an exam.

Good luck with your endeavors, and as long as you don't rely exclusively on braindump questions, you should be fine.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com