Amazon should require all sellers to provide tracking!!!

books:

	• MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-431): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance ... Solid Quality Learning Microsoft Press, 2006 - 992 pages average customer review:based on 51 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

A superb guide to SQL 2005

This text book is simply superb.
It begins with the assumption that you are new to everything SQL and introduces the theory and necessary practices to get you up to speed in SQL Server 2005 implementation and maintenance as quickly as possible. The book requires dedication and time to work through. Most of the practices, particularly those involving the use of SQL Server Management Studio wizards and dialog boxes ( the graphical interface of SQL ) are superbly explained. SQL Server Agent Jobs, Database Snapshots, Mirroring and Log Shipping to name but a few are all beautifully presented and one can certainly apply the book lessons quickly in a work environment. However SQL 2005 implementation and maintenance involves more than just the use of the graphical user interface. Database Administrators must be comfortable working with Transact SQL. The book introduces Transact SQL and moves through the structure and syntax of the language at pace. Those users coming from a non programming background or with no previous exposure to older versions of SQL Server will most probably find Transact SQL challenging and may require further study in the topic beyond that provided by the text book. Overall though an excellant book, both as a preparatory guide for the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 exam and a reference guide. Highly recommended.

for more information click here

Good book!

This is a good book. It is well written and I would recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning SQL Server 2005. The authors are clear in what they describe and very articulate. This book will teach you the objectives that Microsoft has set out for you to complete, but it by it self will not bring you exam readiness. I would recommend looking at other resources in addition to bring you up to speed for the actual exam.

for more information click here

All you need to pass the exam

The exam is half Q&A, half simulation. I passed the exam (960/1000) using only this book, and several web blogs that discussed this exam and it's simulation questions.

You must practice with SSMS if you want any hope to pass the sims. My office is still SS 2000, so here is what I did to prepare:
1. spent $500 on parts from New Egg to build a test box (quad core, 4 gig memory)
2. installed VMware ESXi v4.0 hypervisor (it's free) ... the MS hyperV product is crap!
3. created 4 separate virtual servers
4. installed Windows 2003 (I am MSDN so easy for me) & SS 2005 (free with this book) on all 4 servers
5. installed AdventureWorks
6. backed up the template so I could restore a server to 'fresh & clean' in 5 minutes
7. worked most of the examples in the book, includng Mirroring, Clustering, Alerts, Log Shipping, Linked Servers, etc.

The questions on the CD are excellent practices for the real exam.

For the SSMS simulation:
1. know how to configure Linked Servers (especially the different security models)
2. know how to set up backup & restore operations
3. *NOTE* MS Best-Practices - if you change from Full recovery to Bulk-Logged, set TORN_PAGE_DETECTION ... not mentioned in the book, but found the hint on a blog.
4. know how to read Activity Monitor

Outside of the hands-on skills you need, this book is the only material you need to study. I found it lively and entertaining ... quite exciting to read. The 70-444 book will put you to sleep!

for more information click here

Good book for the Exam and gaining knowledge

I have used this book for the exam preparation, and I could pass it from the first time. The topics there are listed in the same sequence as per the exam specifications. The book is written in an easy language.

For the exam, I found that most of the exam questions could be referenced through the book or the Measure Up training kit that is offered with the book. However, the book missed to mention any thing about the Simulation questions that are a part of the exam. The same was for the Measure Up training kit. For me, it was a surprise to find such questions in the exam, and I had to depend on myself in answering them. The book also has not mentioned any thing about the Exam structure and the questions count per each topic. I had to browse the internet to know about this.

For the examples listed in the book, they are useful and could be followed easily. However, you need to download Northwind database in order to do most of the examples.

Conclusion:
- The book is useful to get familiar with the basics of SQL Server 2005.
- The book can not be used as a reference for the advanced topics such as DB Design , and the DB performance.
- The book should give a proper idea about the topics that are covered through the exam.
- To pass the exam, the Measure Up training kit should be used heavily.
- To pass the exam, you should be familiar with the UI Simulation Questions. The book and the training kit will not help in this.

for more information click here

Amazon should require all sellers to provide tracking!!!

Seller was a little apprehensive in giving me my money back. I never got this item.I purchase this book for a reason and have NO reason to make unneccessary claims.Please provide a tracking number to give both parties a peice of mind.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Announcing an all-new MCTS Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-431, a core exam for the new Microsoft IT Professional certifications. This kit packs 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; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and a robust testing suite. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and expertise that you can apply to the job.

Focusing on SQL Server 2005, this official study guide covers topics such as installing and configuring SQL Server, implementing database mirroring, managing database snapshots, working with XML and flat files, managing replication, backing up and restoring a database, monitoring and troubleshooting, and creating and implementing database objects.

Ace your exam preparation and ramp up quickly on SQL Server 2005 database administration by working at your own pace through the lessons, hands-on exercises, and practice tests. The flexible, best-of-class test engine on CD features 300 practice questions and pre-assessment and post-assessment capabilities. Choose timed or untimed testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives or chapters, and get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers?including pointers back to the book for further study. You also get a 180-day evaluation version of SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition and a 15 percent exam discount voucher?making this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment.

for more information click here

hot or not? What's your opinion? Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

SQL Server 2005 Resources
Microsoft Certification
SQL Server DBA Central
web developer courses
Windows/SQL Server

implementation

High-Speed Cisco Networks: Planning, Design, and Implementation
The Design and Implementation of the FreeBSD Operating System
Top-Down Network Design
SAP R/3 Process Oriented Implementation: Iterative Process Prototyping
Whaddaya Mean I Gotta Be Lean? Building the bridge from job ...

certification

CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide, Fourth Edition
Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination And Practice Preparation
SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 6 Study Guide (Exam 310-065)
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Fifth Edition
Coaching Questions: A Coach's Guide to Powerful Asking Skills

maintenance

Bike Repair & Maintenance For Dummies
Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values ...
Guidebook to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
The New Low-Maintenance Garden: How to Have a Beautiful, Productive ...

search for books
mcts self-paced, certification, implementation, maintenance, microsoft, pro-certification, self-paced, training

Impressum / about us