October 15, 2003 at 5:28 am
Hi folks.
I've been looking for cert books for SQL exams(229 and 228) and reading the books reviews on online bookstores did not help me.
Who assure that competitors are no writing bad reviews and book publishers are not writing extreme good reviews?
I am confused because all the books have excellent and very bad reviews. I am a Brazilian guy and buying this kind of book is a high investment for me, so, I must make it worthwhile.
any advice?
October 16, 2003 at 8:05 am
I passed 228 using the Microsoft Press book "Self-paced Training Kit: Microsoft SQL Server 2000 System Administration" but I wouldn't recommend it. It is essentially a copy of SQL Books Online organized to match the objectives for the test. The "Readiness Review" questions that make up the second half of the book are not very useful to prepare for the real test.
For 229, I passed using a Que book titled "Training Guide (70-229): SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation" which was much better for learning the material. There were a few more mistakes in the Que book, but the review questions at the end of each chapter were very similiar to the actual questions on the test.
I used Sybex books for 215 and now 305, but I can't recommend them either. They do have some features that are useful, like having the entire book on CD, but the writing style of the Sybex book for 305 just plain sucks.
Finally, I don't think any book can completely prepare you for the tests. For that, I used Transcender practice tests. They are the best, but also very expensive.
October 16, 2003 at 10:44 am
I used the Microsoft Readiness Review books which are good for general learning about SQL Server but te exam is different. If you are already fluent in SQL Server admin, the readiness review is not that helpful. If you aren't very familiar with SQL Server then these Microsoft publications are ok. The book SQL Server Fast answers is great for general learning and reference but again it is not geared for the exam. For free help with questions try this sites "Question of the Day" Otherwise if you already know SQL Server and just need exam assistance Transcender is pretty good.
Francis
October 20, 2003 at 11:45 am
my friends used Measureup to prepare to 229. They said its cheaper and closer to the real exam than Transcender.
October 21, 2003 at 8:12 am
Yes, I used Sybex and Corlios Exam Guides, but also used BOL (books on line).
Dr. Peter Venkman: Generally you don't see that kind of behavior in a major appliance.
Patrick
Quand on parle du loup, on en voit la queue
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