Microsoft is in the process of migrating its Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification to the Windows XP and .NET environment, which means you need to be prepared for the new material if you're coming up for renewal or want to earn your MCSE ab initio. Curt Simmons, the author of MCSE Windows XP Professional Study Guide, has applied his well-known tutorial skills--he wrote a couple of this book's predecessors--to the latest material (exam 70-270, specifically). As is typical of books in the Osborne-McGraw Hill Study Guide series, this one has headings that correspond to sections on the Microsoft outline of tested subjects. It'll be reassuring to test-preppers that the author has covered the complete set of requirements.

As for the coverage itself, it tends to go into more detail than do the actual exam questions. This is commendable, both because it makes the test go easier (unless you tend to "think too much" and interpret questions as more complicated than intended) and because it makes the book a useful reference after you've passed the test. Explanatory material combines conceptual prose with a lot of illustrations and quite a few procedures. Almost every page has at least one graphic, though they're almost exclusively screen shots. Conceptual diagrams would help clarify subjects like Active Directory. --David Wall

Topics covered: Everything Microsoft says you need to know in order to pass its Windows XP Professional exam (70-270) on your way to an MCSE or another company certification. This includes installation, hardware management, disk and file administration, networking (including remote networking and routing), and troubleshooting. There's also a CD-ROM containing exam-simulation software and some instructional video segments.


From Book News, Inc.
This study guide provides an in-depth review for the windows XP Professional exam. Each of the 13 chapters covers a major aspect of the exam. Topics include performing an attended installation of Windows XP Professional; installing the software using unattended setup methods; configuring and troubleshooting the desktop environment; controlling access to files and folders using permissions; connecting to computers using dial-up networking, VPN, and ICS connections; configuring and managing Encrypting File System and compression; configuring networking protocols and services; restoring and backing up the operating system and data; and optimizing Windows XP. The included CD-ROM contains 40-plus interactive simulations, step-by-step instructional video animations with audio, and a searchable version of the study guide. Simmons is a technology trainer of high-level computer books and MCSE preparation guides.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
Prepare to pass the Windows XP Professional exam using the only classroom-based study guide available. Containing 100% complete coverage of all official exam objectives, hundreds of practice questions, hands-on exercises, plus a CD-ROM containing a realistic practice exam, this is the ultimate self-paced learning system.


From the Back Cover

The Only Certification Study System Based on 300,000+ Hours of IT Training Experience 100% Complete Coverage--All official test objectives for exam 70-270 are covered in detail Hands-on Exercises--Step-by-step instruction modeled after classroom labs Exam Watch--Warnings based on thorough post-exam research identifying the most troublesome exam topics and how to answer them correctly Three Types of Practice Questions--Knowledge, scenario, and lab-based questions, all with in-depth answers From the Classroom--Discussions of important issues direct from the classrooms of Global Knowledge's award-winning instructors

Full coverage of the topics you need to review, including how to: Perform an attended installation of Windows XP Professional Install Windows XP Professional using unattended setup methods Configure and troubleshoot the Desktop Environment Control access to files and folders using permissions Connect to computers using dial-up networking, VPN, and ICS connections Configure and manage Encrypting File System and compression Configure networking protocols and services Restore and backup the operating system and data Optimize Windows XP

Included on the CD-ROM:

CD Training MasterSim--More than 40 interactive Windows XP simulations give hands on experience CertCams--More than 1 hour of instructional step-by-step video animation with audio Electronic book­­Searchable version of the Study Guide

MasterExam Complete Practice Exam--Exclusive 70-270 exam simulation with questions found only on the CD-ROM Detailed Answers--Explain why the correct options are right and why the incorrect options are wrong Score Report--Provides overall assessment of performance and indicates subject areas requiring further study

PLUS: (with free on-line registration) LearnKey Training--Includes Windows XP interactive video training session #1 MasterExam--Additional 70-270 exam simulation download


About the Author
Syngress Media creates books and software for information technology professionals seeking skill enhancement and career advancement. Its products are designed to comply with vendor and industry standard course curricula and are optimized for certification exam preparation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Prepare to pass the Windows XP Professional exam using the only classroom-based study guide available. Containing 100% complete coverage of all official exam objectives, hundreds of practice questions, hands-on exercises, plus a CD-ROM containing a realistic practice exam, this is the ultimate self-paced learning system.

SYNOPSIS

The Only Certification Study System Based on 300,000+ Hours of IT Training Experience 100% Complete Coverage—All official test objectives for exam 70-270 are covered in detail Hands-on Exercises—Step-by-step instruction modeled after classroom labs Exam Watch—Warnings based on thorough post-exam research identifying the most troublesome exam topics and how to answer them correctly Three Types of Practice Questions—Knowledge, scenario, and lab-based questions, all with in-depth answers From the Classroom—Discussions of important issues direct from the classrooms of Global Knowledge's award-winning instructors

Full coverage of the topics you need to review, including how to: Perform an attended installation of Windows XP Professional Install Windows XP Professional using unattended setup methods Configure and troubleshoot the Desktop Environment Control access to files and folders using permissions Connect to computers using dial-up networking, VPN, and ICS connections Configure and manage Encrypting File System and compression Configure networking protocols and services Restore and backup the operating system and data Optimize Windows XP

Included on the CD-ROM:

CD Training MasterSim—More than 40 interactive Windows XP simulations give hands on experience CertCams—More than 1 hour of instructional step-by-step video animation with audio Electronic book­­Searchable version of the Study Guide

MasterExam Complete Practice Exam—Exclusive 70-270 exam simulation with questions found only on the CD-ROM Detailed Answers—Explain why the correct options are right and why the incorrect options are wrong Score Report—Provides overall assessment of performance and indicates subject areas requiring further study

PLUS: (with free on-line registration) LearnKey Training—Includes Windows XP interactive video training session #1 MasterExam—Additional 70-270 exam simulation download

FROM THE CRITICS

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