Re: MCSA Path and Thoughts

"Mostly Gizzards" wrote:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/messaging/windowsserver2003.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/security/windowsserver2003.mspx
Those links have everything you need to know as far as what tests, and
what the objectives are for each test.

Checked these out and it does appear that I can take the 'core' MCSA +
Elective and then take the Security/Messaging Specialisations as additional
Electives, this only seems to work if I take 70-299 as my elective as this
covers 1 of the 2 Security specialisation exams.

Personally, I really enjoyed MS Press books. My study pattern was to
read the book, then I also used CBTNuggets to help reinforce the
material in an "instructor" type environment. I then would proceed to
lab out the exercises in the books, and practice on areas that I needed
to work on. VMWare was my friend. 2 weeks before the test, I would
purchase a 2-week subscription to the MeasureUp test questions and do
practice tests and go over areas that were weak. This worked well for
me, overall. It took me a total of 1 year from start to finish for
MCSE. I'm still working on finding time to finalize Security and
Messaging specializations.

That sounds like a really thorough way to do it all - unfortunately it's
probably way beyond my budget but I will take a look. The whole concept of a
'lab' is new but thankfully VMWare/Virtual PC/Virtual Server is not. I'm
guessing you'd know where a lab was needed? (As in the book actually
describes a situation that you could recreate using a VM infrastructure?)

I like MeasureUp. They were simple, cheap, and gave me an accurate
picture of where I was weak/strong. I did use Transcender for 270, but
it was just too expensive, and I only use practice tests after I feel
that I'm ready. Just in case I'm not ;)

Aha! This is what I wasn't sure on - okay so the best course of action is to
get the practice tests for when you think you are ready - not before. I'm
guessing I can still use the MS Press practice tests without fear of burning
myself out.

Never used any audio, but for audio/video I really like CBTNuggets.
Great way to have someone show you something you've never done before,
so that when you are building your own lab you have at least seen it
done once.

I looked at CBTNuggets and this may well be beyond my budget as I'm sure
using the MS Press books alongside audio/video would allow me to properly
understand some of the concepts of the MCSE (I kinda do the MCSA for a job as
it is but I'm sure I will still learn new things).

No, you don't have to retake tests.

Excellent! This is good news indeed.

- even if it's words of encouragement!.

Good luck!

Thank you :)

That sucks, but I would DEFINITELY recommend at least MS Press and then
Virtual PC and a copy of Windows Server 2003 Enterprise. You can get a
6-month trial that should cover your lab needs.

Mostly Gizzards

Well I could afford to get all the MS Press books I think as for the
software, I will see what our enterprise licensing covers - it may allow me
to use the software at home, I'm not exactly sure what it covers.

Appreciate the response, if anyone else has other recommendations,
particularly for audio training - let me know :)

Arkane
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: did Middsommer Murders *jump the shark*?
    ... As long as you keep with the books, ... school research labs not forensic labs but a lab is a lab. ... not exist in real life. ... Forensics provides confirmation of evidence but in real life ...
    (rec.arts.mystery)
  • Re: Studying
    ... virtual PC and go through the stuff in the lab. ... covers information and lab content plus assesments) My question is has ... combination of cds and books or just cd's or juct books, ... I should be sitting my first exam about now to be on course for the course ...
    (microsoft.public.cert.exam.mcse)
  • Re: MCSE 2003 from home
    ... I suggest your lab be at least three computers [old PII ... Most of the exam books have work along labs. ... excellent job of teaching you Windows 2003. ...
    (microsoft.public.cert.exam.mcse)
  • Re: E-Learning
    ... If you don't have a production or lab environment to play in, load up Virtual PC / Virtual Server and follow the labs in the MSPress, Sybex and other prep books. ... They used to refer to white papers, help menus, training curriculum and various books. ...
    (microsoft.public.cert.exam.mcsa)
  • RE: 70-306 Exam
    ... books that kind of crappy but good enough, barely, to ... > books and the practice tests you have used for the ... > by Matt Stoecker.I dont have experience with vb 6.0. ...
    (microsoft.public.cert.exam.mcad)
Loading