Which study guides does microsoft deem illegal? 3

[acefactor717]

I am currently enrolled in a MCSE 2003 program and I was wondering what study guides does Microsoft deem to be illegal?
If anyone knows please post in here so I know which ones I can use.

 

[Wishdiak]

acefactor717,

I'm not aware of Microsoft considering any study guides to be illegal, unless you refer to Microsoft's federal lawsuit against TestKing. The suit claims copyright infringement by TestKing.

http://certcities.com/editorial/news/story.asp?EditorialsID=1085

Although this may seem like a backhanded endorsement of Testking as a study guide that possibly contains actual exam questions, this does not mean that TestKing's answers to those questions are correct.

I'd avoid TestKing altogether and work on learning the material rather than memorizing the questions.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[Juandaman81]

I agree with Wishdiak, try learnkey (aaron spurlock) or test out... MS Big blue book as well....




If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

 

[acefactor717]

Well I have the MOAC books which are great but I'd much prefer the Self Paced Training Kit books.I am currently trying find a good deal on them as they are a little out of my price range at the moment.I also use Self Test Software which came with the MOAC books as courseware.

 

[Wishdiak]

acefactor717,

Without knowing what your price range is, or what certifications you're preparing for, I'll go out on a limb and suggest Bookpool for the MCSE core books.

This is not an endorsement, but I've ordered from them in the past. Prices are good and shipping is fast (and free in this case).

I've also heard that eBay was flooded with used MCSE core books at one point, but I've never checked.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[mrdenny]

From what I understand of the testing rules Microsoft considders any use of a brain dump site or app to be against the rules.

As many of them have incorrect answers they should generally be avoided.

I've always used the big blue Microsoft books and the study guides that come with them.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000) / MCTS (SQL 2005) / MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[Wishdiak]

Absolutely. All of the braindump style stuff that I've seen seems to be copied from TestKing.

TestKing is worthless. The Microsoft lawsuit might lead you to believe that there's some value there, but the suit is over TestKing having the questions, not the correct answers.

I've looked over a few different TestKings in the past. I'd say that 10% of the answers were missing, and a good percentage were incorrect. Some of these things run hundreds of pages, so I can't say how many were incorrect, but they're pretty easy to spot if you know the material.

What's the point of studying the wrong (or missing!) answers? Besides which, some of these braindumps have hundreds of questions. It's best to know the material well, rather than risk memorizing what could be the wrong answer.

If you're looking for exam style questions for specific exams, the MS Press Readiness Review CDs are good, as are Transcenders.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[acefactor717]

I have a couple of the big blue ms press books and I use cram session and MOAC,self test.I also use virtual pc to practice. Does anyone else have other tips that would be helpful? I would appreciate it.

 

[Wishdiak]

acefactor717,

If you have the means, I highly recommend both CBT Nuggets (for learning the concepts) and Transcenders (for practicing for the exam). Both are a bit pricey, but when you consider the cost of retaking an exam may seem more reasonable.

Setting up some kind of lab, either with multiple physical machines or virtualization is important. There are simulations on most exams now, so reading a book is not enough to pass.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[58sniper]

I've seen the same problems (incorrect questions and/or answers) in the brain dump sites as well. I don't really advocate the use of the brain dumps. If it were me, I'd use more than one company for test prep materials. And - my rule of thumb - know WHY the right answer is RIGHT, and WHY the wrong answers are WRONG.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
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