MCDST Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-271): Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System (Pro - Certification)

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Summary: This did the trick--I passed!
Review: I've been a heldesk technician for less than a year, so I was nervous about taking the exam. I bought this book and the Exam Cram, and they did the trick--especially this book. The book is easy to follow, has all the basics, and gives you good test prep drill too. In retrospect I probably didn't need the Exam Cram. In fact, the other book that was pretty useful is the Windows XP Resource Kit, edition 2.

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Summary: microsoft finally got it right
Review: microsoft has finally figured out how to write a book for their certifications. hire someone outside their organization to do it. previous books have always fallen woefully short of teaching a person to the point that they can come close to passing the test. this book accomplishes this goal. admittedly, this is a verrrry simple and easy test. but i did find the objectives covered adequately to figure out the answers. this was microsoft's big failing in previous books. they skimmed over or inadequately explained the topic and then hit you with detailed and complex scenarios on the exam that were several levels more advanced than what they taugh you. this book brings you to the level you need to be able to figure out the answers you need. this is what microsoft should have been doing all along. kudos to them.

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Summary: Poor correlation between objective review & practice questio
Review: More like a cook book, e.g. recipes for opening menus/sub-menus. "Objective review" question explanations are keyed to book. "Practice questions" on CD are keyed to courses offered through Microsoft and not the book. Many practice question subjects, e.g. Software Security Policies, VPNs, IEEE1394 pin/power supply, modification of boot.ini, Active Directory, WinXP power options, not covered.If objective review questions represent actual exam -great. If the practice tests on CD represent exam - you need other study material.

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Summary: Both a test Cram and reference book.
Review: Suppose you were looking to hire someone for your help desk. You narrow it down to the final two candidates You ask them how well they know Windows XP. One says, "I know it pretty well." The other says, "I'm a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician on Windows XP." Which would you hire?

That's not to say that the first candidate wouldn't do a fine job for you. But it is to say that the second candidate will give you a higher feeling of confidence. To make yourself be the second candidate is the only reason for taking this test.

Oh, one thing more, besides just taking it, you need to pass it. And that is the reason for having this book. It will help you pass the test.

The contents of the book are just about what you'd expect: everything you need to know to support end users running (or trying to run XP). Among everything else this includes: installing, setting up users and groups, understanding file and folder access, installing and managing hardware (display, I/O, storage, printers), networking, accessing the internet. And each of these subjects is the subject of a chapter in the book.

And because this is a training kit for the test, it has extensive review questions and a CD with additional questions and information. Finally this kit will give you a 15% discount in the cost of the test.

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Summary: getting started for MCDST cert.
Review: This book is great for someone who is just getting started with XP and windows. It will teach you how to use the operating system and how to's on common software used in an office/home environment. Great choice.