MCSE Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Windows XP Professional [With 2 CDROMs]

After reading only few chapters I am convinced that this is one of the best books about XP. (I have 4 of them including ExamCram2) I can definitely recommend this book to any one who is seriously preparing for the MCSA/MCSE 70-270 exam. I found answers to my questions easily and I suggest to people criticizing this book that they should read "About this Book" section, where you can find the chapter and lesson related to any exam objective. The writing style is excellent and easier to read. The book was written in 2001 so for added features and improvement in XP you have to consult "Windows XP Help"(highly recommended) and MSDN (this is expected when you study for an exam). I would keep this book as my primary source for MS 70-270.

In the past, I have gone to Sybex for all my certification needs. I decided to try the Microsoft Press books this time for 2 reasons. First, it is the only certification guide for XP Pro (so far) and second, the CD had the E-Book version. I was excited for the E-Book. It was going to give me a reason to purchase that new Pocket PC that I wanted. When the book came I started looking on the CD for the lit file (for the Microsoft Reader), but found out the book is nothing more than a Help file. Come on Microsoft, support your own E-Book format! There are plenty of IT professionals out there with Pocket PC's who would love to be able to carry this book on their PDA.As for the content of the book, so far it seems well written. I like how each chapter is broken into lessons. This give me a good stoping point in the middle of a chapter so I can get on my computer and pratice what I have just learned.

Microsoft's newest exam for the desktop is the Windows XP Professional and Microsoft is leading the way with the newest training kit. As with other training kits written my Microsoft Press this one has everything you'll need in order to have the best chance of passing on the first try. Over 875 pages starts of the journey where you need to begin installing which includes topics like upgrading from previous version such as 98, NT or 2000. Setting up partitions, installing the system with defaults and changes you can make along the way. From there user accounts is the next topics you'll encounter, looking at the built-in and domain accounts as well as management of these accounts. Moving along to network protocols you are given a great deal of information on TCP/IP, NWLink, DNS and lookup commands. Some of the other topics covered are Troubleshooting networks and printers, NTFS, sharing resources like printers, drives and files. Also setting up multiple configurations, display settings, power requirements, user profiles and peripherals are included. There is discussion on event logging, security and storage, tape backups, backup strategies and deployment of the newest operating system. With over 100 hands-on labs and exercises in over 80 lessons you have the perfect self paced training kit. Finally there is a cd included with the complete e-book of the training kit and the Microsoft Encyclopedia of networking. Even though there are no practice test to take this is still an excellent tool for those you are striving to become and MCP for XP Professional.