McAd Developing XML Web Services and Server Components with Visual C# .Net and the .Net Framework Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram 70-320)

This book is pretty good at explaining the needed topics. I only used this book to pass the exam and found it compact and accurate. Two bad notes are since coriolis was bought out it is tough to get errata for this book and there are a few problems. The securit section is a bit weak so read some online stuff to fill it in. Good luck ZoOnI

I skipped reviewing the Microsoft study guide and used this book as my primary reference in passing the exam. Each component on this exam (web services, windows services, enterprise services) has its own architecture and interface. This book did a great job of distilling that information in a way that was easy to understand. I especially liked how the chapters were organized to introduce a concept, and then show you the code for implementing it. I simply wrote my own example for each chapter and did well on the exam. I didn't get much use out of the study guide or CD, but the practice tests in the book are very useful.

I have used Microsoft Press books in the past and they usually contain extraneous information that is misleading or a digression from the actual exam material. This book does exactly what its name implies. It gives you all the information you need without fluff. It also gives you small example projects to develop that really help you get hands-on experience. I remember things best when I actually do them and this book goes a far way in doing that. The only downfall this book may have is that it does its job too well in getting straight to the point of subjects. A beginning developer would probably want a more comprehensive book.

I used this in conjunction with the Training Guide. In hindsight, I could have gotten by with just this book for exam preperation but the Training Guide is a better long-term resource.I used the Exam Cram books for 316, 315, and 320 in that order. I was pleased with all 3 books. I particularly like the questions at the end of each chapter and the two practice exams at the end of the book. After taking them, I always felt prepared for the exam and passed all 3 with ease.

This is a great review and is full of good content. Remember that Exam Crams are written with the expectation that you thoroughly understand the material. Since there's always something new to know even when we "thoroughly understand the material," seeing the material again, in another form, helps in gaining mastery.I suggest reading the following IN THE ORDER stated:70-315 Training Guide and Exam Cram (internet)70-316 Training Guide and Exam Cram (Windows)70-320 Training Guide and Exam Cram (web services and server components)70-300 Exam Cram (architecture)If you're new to C# but have Java, C or C++, read Weekend C#.Use this book as a supplement. I read at traffic lights. The larger books are too large for that kind of "quick fact" absorption. Use the 70-320 Exam Cram for a pre-test review and after you've mastered the Training Guides.