McSe: SQL Server 7 Database Design (The Training Guide Series)

This book is really good.I usually use the Exam Cram books, since I think most of these "brick-sized" books have too much redundant information for someone experienced, but for the SQL Server 7.0 Design test I found the Exam Cram book really bad. So I went for the book by New Riders and hey, that's a great book! 100% of the stuff I got in the test was covered in this book. Go for it!

Like a visit to the Wizard of Oz, every exam candidate sees a different 70-029 exam. The main thrust of my 3 hour exam was (pretend there is no SQL 7 Server GUI) recognizing how various tasks and procedures are accomplished in T-SQL, and their uses and consequences. This is in sharp contrast to 70-028, which tests your facility with the GUI. And there are data structures to interpret, and maybe some ugly BCP and more practical DTS questions.Besch, et al. do a good job of focusing on T-SQL approaches, while mentioning the alternative GUI tools. I found the text comfortable and readable. Their treatments of data modeling and creating physical storage are excellent. Physical design is a little tougher reading, but the material is covered fairly well. The chapter on indexing is comprehensive, except for the discussion of Full-Text searches.While the BCP (Bulk Copy Program) is a powerful, but horrid thing to learn and use, with its dozens of optional parameters and flags, the book's explanation of it is about as lucid as you are likely to find. It will make you grateful for the new DTS (the GUI Data Transformation Services), which is not covered in sufficient detail, though just as likely to show up on the exam.The several chapters on structures of the SQL language cover a vast amount of territory, and cover it fairly well. Database maintenance is addressed in a cursory way.WEAKNESSES: The SQL language chapters (and some other areas) rely too heavily on formal syntax diagrams -- the kind that show all the possible choices of required and optional parameters of a given statement. While these are great for future reference, they make some pretty difficult reading when you are first learning SLQ. You'll have to expend some calories to translate the diagrams into reality. In some areas the subsequent examples provide adequate clarification. In others, the reader is left with the vague malaise of fuzzy theory. Replication and security are significantly slighted. The details of the workings of DTS are inadequate. The "Review Questions" (different from the "Exam Questions") often expect knowledge that has not yet been (and sometimes never will be) covered. But the info is usually useful in the answers provided.The examples contrasting Full-Text predicates vs Full-Text functions are not sufficient. The important series of steps required to set up and use Full-Text search are left unclear. A numbered list of essential steps would have been useful.Coverage of optimization of execution plans and Server Profiler is only marginally adequate.IF YOU ARE NEW to SQL Server, the condensed nature of any exam book will leave gaps in your understanding. I would strongly encourage you to read a second, smaller book, like Exam Cram, after completing this one. It will clarify the fuzzy spots and provide a different perspective on the material. Regardless, you will need to take notes and maybe do some flash cards (

MCDBA Certification was a long 11-Week Study Journey. This book was a companion on half the trip. It's well written and easy to follow. The examples and questions very good and in some respect did prepare me partially for the real test. The real test is Long, Demanding and requires very solid knowledge of Database Design and Normalizing. SQL's Books on line is also a valuable companion the helps supplement and take the reader through that extra step needed to pass the test with a good score. It's missing some needed details on a topic or two like DBCC SHOWCONTIG and Index covering, and solid examples on Transactions. I had to supplement that with Exam Cram Book. I Do recommend this Book but not as the only guide.

I have 5 yrs experience in building database applications with non-SQL Server databases. This book was all I used for about 4 weeks of 'spare time' studying. I thought the author covered the objectives effectively (light on the maintain db section), although there were some inaccuracies that I wish they would post corrections for on their website. Didn't anybody take the beta 70-100? That was a hard exam!

I definitely agree with the previous reviewer on at least two counts -- #70-029 is possibly the hardest MS exam yet AND this book - and probably any single other book - will not totally prepare you to pass the exam. I passed using this book, the MS training kit, a fair amount of studying (hands on with the product + books online) and only a few months of SQL Server 6.5/7 experience.However, this book does do a very good job of covering the topics from the MS exam prep guideline in as much detail as can be expected in a test prep book. The book also then cites other resources such as Books Online where additional information may be found. Don't take that advice lightly - you will need additional information on all subjects.Like studying for most exams, it is best to use this book in combination with at least one more. This one was the first exam 70-029 prep guide out, but I dare say that there may not be a better one even when they are all out. The sample exams and other study aids are good at helping you learn the concepts, even if they are far more simple than the actual exam questions. The book/CD definitely is worth the $.