need advice before i start MCP, eventually MCSE 1

[audiotherapy]

hello folks,

I recently passed my CCNP exam, and would like to focus on some MS side cert.

would it be better to go w/ 2003 track or stick w/ 2000?(can u mix and match?)

also which books do u guys recommend? any good sites?

thanks.

 

[Overclocker]

My personal feeling is that 2K is going to be around for a while, and I'm currently on the 2K MCSE track. There is an "upgrade" track you can take to go from MCSE 2K to MCSE 2003, and that my plan. That way I'll be MCSE 2K/2003.

I've beem reading the Mike Meyers series of books for the MCSE 2K core exams. He explains things in a way that easy to understand.

I'm not currently in the IT field, but trying to break into it.

Overclocker
(A+, Net+, MCP/Win2K)

 

[IsThisOneTaken2]

Start with the client OS exams: 70-210 and 70-270. They're the same for both cert tracks.

Do some research in the region where you live.

And, like Overclocker, if you decide to go with 2000 initially, you can take the upgrade exam.

I feel instructor-led training at a good training center is the best way to prepare for the exams and for the work, and transcender exams the only practice exams you'll need.

 

[vasquea1]

if you have not started my vote is for MCSE 2003

 

[mRgEE]

I would like some recommendations as to books for the MCSE. I will be taking the 2003 route. There seem to be loads out there, all with similar ratings. What are peoples thoughts?

 

[mRgEE]

has anyone used the following:-

MCSA: Windows® Server 2003 Core Requirements (70-270, 70-290, 70-291) By Michael Chacon; James Chellis; Lisa Donald; Suzan Rupp; Matthew Sheltz

from Sybex (

http://www.sybex.com)

Looks ok - anyone any thoughts?

 

[butkus]

I recently completed my MCSE (2000) and used the books from the Microsoft Press. In my opinion they cover the material the best (no shortcuts to test answers) you actually have to learn it in practice. I used Trancsender for the testing simulation (and didn't pass a single one) I found them to be tougher than the actual tests. My only complaint about the MS press (and i guess all the other materials out there), is that they "expect" the IT industry to use just MS stuff in every (their servers) situation.

Example:
Need a network router - build a Win2K server / DHCP - Win2K server / DNS - build several Win2K servers / DHCP relay agent - Win2K.

The list goes on and on (no wonder the are the market leader in Server NOS sales (you need a server for everything).

Not exactly realistic is it? Anyway - once you get used to the MS way of building a network infrastructure, its pretty easy. I went 2000 because of its huge install base, and plan to upgrade to 2003 in the next 6 months or so.

BTW - if you can wrap your head around Active Directory in 2000, then the 2003 stuff will be a breeze.

Good luck

Butkus
MCSE

 

[Smallboy3uk]

Hi,

I have my 70-210, i used the newriders msce set of book, along with testking pdf's to prepare.


Regards

Si.

Win2k MCP

 

[jtb]

don't give in to the dark side. don't use braindumps...

and besides it's easier to learn how to do it right than to memorize questions and answers...

JTB
Senior Infrastructure Specialist
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)

 

[Xemus]

I used Sybex when I was taking the exams. They worked fairly well and had alot more information than the Microsoft book I was using also (Microsoft Official Cirriculum).
The thing that helps the most is actually playing with the things they are talking about. If you can get a few older computers and build a test domain, set up the servers the way they want them and play with the configurations, you'll get a much better understanding of how things work and know what the questions are asking.
Regarding the 2k/2k3 question: 2K is going to be here for a while longer. Not too many companies have upgraded yet (they just paid for the NT upgrade, noone has the money!). If you haven't started any exams yet tho, you might consider the 2K3 version. Alot of the concepts are the same, they just moved a few things in 2K3, so either way it's not to hard to figure out where stuff is.

Good luck with the tests!

http://www.closedsocket.com