Announcing an all-new Self-Paced Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on 70-620, the required exam for the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Vista Client certification. It comes packed with the tools and features that exam candidates want most—including in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; and exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and expertise that you can apply to the job. Work at your own pace through the lessons and lab exercises. Focusing on configuring a Windows Vista client, this official study guide covers topics such as installing the client software, migrating from previous versions of the Microsoft Windows® client, and configuring systems settings, security features, network connectivity, communications and media applications, and mobile devices.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 51 Ratings

All you need to Pass - 2009-04-30
Reviewer Rating:
I have no real complaints about this book, provided you are purely using it to pass the 70-620 exam. EVERYTHING you need to pass the exam is in this book. It fully covers the entire objectives, and will rarely miss out on required details.

The book is a decent read as well, and the writing isn't overly dry like in some other MS Press books. I had no problem getting through the entire book and was consistently able to read several chapters in one sitting without dozing off from boredom. Its also very clear and concise, so I never found myself confused and wondering what the author(s) were saying.

For those of you who want to "learn" Vista, or become better at using Vista.. I'd say that there are much better books for that. This book is meant to help you pass the 70-620 exam, and the material involved is in some nebulous region in between "average user stuff" and "power user stuff". Regular users will find this material a bit over their head, while IT pros will get very little out of it.

Also, its worth noting that this is one of those rare cases where you don't really need more than one source of information. I didn't use any other books. The only thing you might want to do is set up a virtual machine and play around with Vista's control panel.

Take your time reading through this book, perform the examples, and use the test questions. If you don't rush it and have thoroughly explored the control panel, you will pass.



ABOUT THE TEST:

The 70-620 exam has got to be one of the easiest exams I've ever taken in my entire life. The scope of the objectives is about as deep as a puddle, and the material covered is not exactly rocket science. Its almost like a test for power users, not IT professionals. I'm sort of shocked that they allow this to be used toward the client portion of the MCSA/MCSE. The 70-270 is MUCH more difficult and requires knowledge of things like deployment, permissions, and the NT bootloader.

The questions were all well written and clear, without the verbosity found in some other Microsoft exams. The distractors, or wrong answers" some times bordered on ridiculous. Anyone who has simply used the operating system (as a power user) could probably get about half the questions right.

This test appears more reliant on simulations, which is a refreshing change. The only problem with the simulations is that they often only allow you to complete the task through specific menus. A lot of times you can configure or set things up from the start menu or command line, but these are often inaccessible. Some people may not be used to doing things a specific way, so they may be thrown by this.

Overall, anyone who puts a decent effort into this test should pass.

Will get you certified.....Little dull to read - 2009-09-06
Reviewer Rating:
I read through the book, did all the exercises and practice exams, and blam certified MCP and MCTS. Compared to sybex, this book is little dull. But it does the job, if you read through the entire book you will become certified. It even has a 15% voucher discount which is cool.

Great book, especially for up and coming IT Pros. - 2009-09-06
Reviewer Rating:
If you are taking the 70-620 or want to know about Vista stop reading reviews and buy this book now.

Are you considering taking a class at a local college for the 70-620? Buy this book. I personally believe that there are way too many instructors that teach to what they know rather than what you should know. This book will include everything that you should know for success on the 70-620.

The book looks intimidating as it is huge, but once I began reading this, I was surprised how easily I was able to read through two chapters at a time.

Whether you are an IT veteran or newbie you will find value in this book for the exam. The author provides tips, examples and real world insight throughout the book that are useful and entertaining. I believe the MS Press certification prep books are designed in a similar manner, if you find this book enjoyable, do not hesitate to buy a large bundle such as the MCSE 2003 preps.

Are you an Experienced IT Pro? I suggest buying this book, reading it, paying attention to new features and information that you may not be familiar with such as parental controls or media applications. After passing the exam, give this book to your spouse or your buddy that refers to you as "technical support" and tell them to get lost. Simply that investment will be well worth the cost of the book!

This book provides any fundamental and necessary information regarding Vista. The labs and exercises are helpful and are similar to those found on the 70-620 exam.

I am glad I read through this book as it provided me with the knowledge to pass the 70-620 and fulfill the client requirement for the MCSE as well as obtain the MCTS.

I passed with it. - 2009-06-04
Reviewer Rating:
This book was very informative and allowed me to pass the test with a high score.

First class product and service. - 2009-03-30
Reviewer Rating:
Exactly what is needed ro prepare for the 70-420 test, and fast delivery, too.