An MCSA/MCSE Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-284, an elective for the new Microsoft Windows Server 2003 certification. This kit packs the tools and features exam candidates want most - including in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; exam tips from an expert, exam-certified author; and a robust testing suite. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for the skills and expertise you can apply to the job. Focusing on managing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 - based messaging system, the official study guide covers topics from installation and configuration to managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting server performance, security features, recipient objects and address lists, and supportive technologies. Ace your exam preparation by working at your own pace through the lessons, hands-on exercises, and practice tests. The flexible, best-of-class test engine on CD-ROM features 300 practice questions. Choose timed or untimed testing mode; generate random tests or focus on discrete objectives or chapters; and get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers - including pointers back to the book for further study.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 54 Ratings

Covers the concepts needed to pass - 2009-04-06
Reviewer Rating:
I originally received this book from my company since they are requiring each tech in our company to pass both the 70-290 and the 70-291. Initially looking through the book I was scepticle that it would adequately prepare me.
After 1.5 months studying 2-3 hours daily and using this book as my primary source I passed with an 842. A coworker also used this book and passed with a 905.

Each section seemed to cover the topics adquately and even more the reading of it was not dry and difficult as I expected. Both of us especially focused on each Exam Tip which is frequently emphasized throughout the book. We typed these out into about 15 pages of single spaced notes we used to review serveral times a week.

A note about my work experience. Many of the topics in this book were mostly unfamiliar with me. Concepts such as TCP/IP Troubeshotting and DHCP I use regularly and the chapters about this were more of a review for me. However, I rarely if ever do anything with DNS, IPSEC, Shadow Copies, WSUS, Security Monitor, Replication Monitor, Network Monitor, Routing and Remote Access, etc as part of my normal job. I went into these sections with at best a novice understanding and at time no experience at all before studying. Yet by the time I took the test I scored well in all areas except Routing and Remote Access.
My recommended study steps is...

1. Read the book once through for a general overvue. Highlight anything that is not familiar to you.

2. Read through the book a 2nd time especially focusing on things you are unfamiliar with. Make notecards of every command line command with switches that are discussed in the book. These will be on the exam.

3. Read the Exam tips at least 5-7 times before taking the exam.

4. Google anything that does not seem to be clear from the book or that seems confusing. The only thing I had to do this on was for the NSlookup command. I found a few websites that were great expalining what to use this command for.

5. Set a realistic test date to push yourself as the test nears. Not setting a date (for me) can be a recipe for not being focused and taking it much later than I should.

Good luck with it!

Sole Test Prep Material - 2010-01-30
Reviewer Rating:
I have alot of IT experience, but not with infrastructure, most everything in this book was new to me. I used it as my SOLE study guide, I did not use anything else. I studied *hard* for about a month and a half, reading the book twice (not part 2) and did most of the labs (I skipped some of the rras ones), and made many notecards that I always took with me to review while I had free time. Using the testing CD that comes with it, I only got ~70-80%. On 1/7/10 I got a 780, and was very happy to finish my MCSA.

Excellent Book! - 2009-02-14
Reviewer Rating:
I don't know if it's because I've studied IP subnetting in the past, but this book presented it in a way where I was able to make the most sense out of it.
I've used 3 books from Microsoft Press now and have made a decision to stay with these books for my MS certs.

Great - 2010-06-05
Reviewer Rating:
Delivery was quicker than expected. Product was as described. Definitely would recommend to family and friends.

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-291): - 2009-06-15
Reviewer Rating:
70-191 test is 48 questions. I spent a month reading the book and qoing over the test prep and failed by 4 points. ARG! The book is detailed and well put together. I would recommend reading this in conjunction with Test King's question and answer guide as well.
Happy Studying!

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