Author Interview: Dan Balter

MCSA/MCSE 70-290 Exam Cram: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment, 2nd Edition

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GoCertify: Is there a particular topic/objective that carries the most weight on exam 70-290? Which one(s) get the most focus on the exam?

GoCertify Resources:
Microsoft Certifications: Microsoft MCSA certification MCSA 2003 Certification Practice Tests Microsoft MCSE certification MCSE 2003 Certification Practice Tests

Dan Balter: I don’t think that you can say that a specific subject area carries more weight on the exam than the other topics. The exam objectives are divided into 5 major categories: Managing and Maintaining Physical and Logical Devices; Managing Users, Computers, and Groups; Managing and Maintaining Access To Resources; Managing and Maintaining a Server Environment; and Managing and Implementing Disaster Recovery. Since the questions for each Microsoft exam are generated uniquely from the pool of official questions each time someone takes an exam, it is impossible to know which subject areas may be focused on more than others. A person taking the exam really needs to know ALL of the material that the exam objectives cover because each instance of the exam varies depending on which questions are placed onto the exam from the overall pool of available questions.

GoCertify: What is different between the first and second editions of your book?

Dan Balter: The first edition of the book covers the Release-To-Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows Server 2003. The second edition covers the RTM version plus the new features and settings available under the Service Pack 1 (SP1) version and the Release 2 (R2) version of Windows Server 2003. In addition, the second edition even covers characteristics of the 64-bit (x64) edition of Windows Server 2003 SP1 and R2. As an added bonus, the entire table of contents has been revised and enhanced to closely follow the Microsoft Exam Objectives for Exam 70-290. Finally, the entire book has been revised and updated to reflect the new features and functionality available under Windows Server 2003 SP1 and R2.

GoCertify: Please tell us a little about the extras that come with this book - what are they and which are the most valuable?

Dan Balter: The end of each chapter offers practice questions and answers to help readers study to pass the exam. Useful book titles, web addresses, and chapter-related key words are all listed at the end of each chapter as additional valuable resources. The book contains two full practice exams with answers and detailed explanations to assist readers in their quest to become Microsoft certified. Free practice test questions are available online from MeasureUp by entering the unique registration code found on the inside back cover of the book. Readers can also take advantage of a special 20% discount on Exam 70-290 practice tests from MeasureUp.

GoCertify: Is it important or even critical to use practice exams before attempting the real thing?

Dan Balter: Definitely. Very few people can pass the actual exam without taking at least one or two practice exams before they sit for the real thing. I’d say that it’s critical!

GoCertify: How long will it take the average person to work through this book and be ready to take the exam?

Dan Balter: Years. Just kidding. Perhaps one to three months, depending on the reader’s time that he/she can devote to studying and depending on his/her experience. It will take longer for a computer novice to get through the book than a seasoned IT professional, for example. A complete novice might have to look up several of the “everyday” technical terms that IT pros use routinely. The book assumes that the reader has at least a basic level of computer experience and a fundamental understanding of information technology.

GoCertify: What is a good next career step to take after acheiving MCSA or MCSE certification?

Dan Balter: The next good career step for an MCSA or MCSE to take in 2007 would be to start looking at the latest Microsoft certifications, such as the MCITP credential. Windows Vista is here now, poised to replace Windows XP, sooner or later. Windows Server 2008 (formerly codenamed “Longhorn”) will be the successor to Windows Server 2003 for 2008 and beyond. In the fast-moving world of Information Technology (I.T.), you cannot afford to stand still. If you don’t stay current on the latest technology, many others will. Job security in our industry may only last as long as your knowledge and expertise remain on the “cutting edge”.

GoCertify: What other advice do you have for individuals preparing to take exam 70-290 or certification exams in general?

Dan Balter: Practice makes perfect as they say. Book knowledge is important; hands-on experience is critical. Explore the subjects that you are not yet familiar with by using the technology within a non-production, lab environment. Get a good night’s sleep before the day of the exam. Above all, relax! Being anxious during an exam makes the challenge that much more difficult on yourself. Feel confident going into the testing center; know that you will pass the exam. Even if you don’t pass, it does not hurt to have a positive attitude about your abilities and knowledge. A positive attitude and outlook can only help you to take on any challenge in life. Remember, this is not a life and death situation that you are facing – it’s just a mental exercise – why not enjoy it!

In addition to being a well-done study guide with coverage of all of the exam objectives, Dan's new book includes the classic Exam Cram Cram Sheet as well as an access code for access to practice questions and simulations for this exam.

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