Rating: 
Summary: Be forewarned
Review: This books has errors, many of which have not been corrected at the Osborne web site. I agree with another reviewer - get the errata before you start and check the answers if something does not look right.Also, some of the wording in the text and examples was confusing (like the feeling of reading something with a triple negative in it). I guess it's a relatively ok kick-start for the exams but do not rely on it solely. I am getting the Sybex set in addition to this set. I am also considering on getting 3 month access to Database Domain documentation for Oracle and some self test practice exams(Whizlabs, Database Domain, Cert21 to name a few). Check out Certification Magazine online (www.....com) for a more extensive listing of possible vendors of practice exams. Hope this helps!
Rating: 
Summary: Unsatisfying
Review: This collection looks like a good deal with its bundled pricing, 2000+ pages and CD ROMs, but there are problems that make it not such a good deal. Each of the books have factual and typographical errors, and the material is so poorly written that it's nearly impossible to use any of them to study for the OCP exam. Also this set is NOT for DBAs on the job. Looking up information is difficult, and trusting what you do read is a barrier since I counted hundreds of "facts" that I disagreed with in the books. Pass this set up.
Rating: 
Summary: Tough choices
Review: This collection of study guides and the CD ROMs that come with it represent potential value, but the decision to go with this set versus buying 'best of breed' books on each subject area boils down to a personal choice. Factors include budget and how willing you are to endure some of the typos in most of the books in this set. What you get: This collection consists of the following books, each of which I have reviewed on their product pages. I am summarizing the reviews to save time: 1. OCP Introduction to Oracle9i: SQL Exam Guide. I rated this at 4 stars - be aware of the fact that this book does have errors, make sure you read the errata and you'll find it quite helpful. 2. OCP Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals I Exam Guide. Another 4-star rating - there are editing flaws and inconsistent writing that do make this book ponderous at times. There have been times when I wished the authors and editors had paid more attention to the book, and other times when I silently thanked them for clarifying a concept. 3. OCP Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals II Exam Guide. 4-stars. Among the strong points of this book are the self tests and practice exam questions. Weaknesses include poor editing, which seems to plague this series, and the inconsistent writing that is at times extremely clear and others quite obtuse. I prefer OCP: Oracle9i DBA Fundamentals II Study Guide by Doug Stuns and Matthew Weishan, which is better written, consistent and complete. It is also a 'best of breed' book. 4. OCP Oracle9i Database: Performance Tuning Exam Guide. Unlike the others in this set this book is a 5-star gem. All of the key elements of performance tuning are covered, the illustrations are excellent and aid in understanding, and the drills, self tests and practice questions have been a tremendous help. Pros: price, over 2000 pages of materials and CD ROMs with practice questions and other material. Cons: with the exception of the Performance Tuning Exam Guide the guides in this set have editing problems and errors. You choose.
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