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Exam 70-215 Win. Server passed it / how?

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by pikikoko 1 view

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I would like to hear how you studied for this exam and how did work foryou?I have 1yr nt exp and 2yrs w2k exp.I have a lab network @ home and I build servers and workstations. What books did you use? What practice test did you like? I have taken allthe windows classes except Desiging Directory Services. I have server books by Minasi and Carter. From your point of view how would you approach this if you were at my starting point. For me this will be my first Microsoft Test for MCSE. How would you modify your home lab? Would two server be a better study lab than 1 server. I have 1 server and 5 clients. I can change this around if you have a good exam testing idea. I the "Why-s" in the your thinking. Lots of points go for it. You can be a big help for me. I need an approach to study for this test so I would like to hear how you did it. Thanks for your help!

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by dklippert

You have the basics ? books and machines. I would suggest, especially for you first exam, that you look at:

WWW.Transcender.com

When you feel prepared, think about taking the workstation exam very close to the same time.

by timwalsh

I'd like to expand on DKlippert's answer a little more.

I actually went through an MCSE (Win2K) bootcamp. The books we used for the course were primarily the Sybex series (this bootcamp didn't use the MS approved curriculum) as well as a few of the Osbourne series. I have found the Sybex books to be both good test prep books as well as decent reference books.

We also used the Transcender series for practice tests. I had used other practice tests for the NT4 MCSE but found the Transcender series to generally be more accurate and gave a better portrayal of the actual tests. However, I did find a few questions where correct answers were graded as wrong. One caution (which I found personally to be true) is that performance on a practice test will not give you an accurate idea of how well you will do on the actual test. There were a couple of Transcender tests that I breezed through but where I barely passed the actual tests. Conversely, there were a couple of Transcenders that caused me to walk into the actual test almost terrified (because I had done so poorly in practice), but where I ended up scoring very high. You just don?t know.

If you decide to use the Transcender tests, they provide a good idea of the subject areas that will be covered in the actual test. One hint our instructor passed on that worked well: When you grade yourself on the practice test (regardless of what tests you use), when you come across a question you answered wrong, stop right there and go back to your reference materials and re-read the relevant sections. Conduct whatever hands-on practice you think would clarify the situation for you. Don?t wait until you have graded the whole test to do this. Don?t just memorize the correct answer, as you probably won?t see this same question on the real test.

(continued)

by timwalsh

I would actually go so far as to suggest you take the Win2K Professional test first. It is easier (somewhat) (at least I thought so) and it will give you a good idea of the format (and complexity) of the server test.

Other things you can do: Install a second server; go through the procedures for installing it as a child domain or separate tree in a forest to see how the 2 servers interact; create a RIS image and actually use RIS to install software on a client; install and configure all network services you would see in a ?typical? network; look at the interactions between servers as well as between the clients and the server;

You?ve got a good start (actually a luxury) by setting up your own practice lab. Use this resource to its fullest.

Some common sense stuff (although not obvious to everybody):
Take the Test Center?s advice and get a good nights rest before taking the test.

Don?t continue to study up until the very last minute before taking the test. Make sure you take a break to clear your head and give your eyes a break before walking in to start the test.

Once you start the test, maintain a positive attitude and don?t get flustered when you run into questions where the answer isn?t obvious.

Don?t second-guess yourself. 90% of the time, if you go back and change an answer, you will change a correct choice to an incorrect one.

Good Luck.

by alpha-male

A great place to look at for Test assistance is http://www.cramsession.brainbuzz.com/

They have study guides (useful, though not always comprehensive) and more importantly online quizzers. I've found their tests to be challenging and a fairly good representation of the actual test. There are forums to discuss exams, files you can dl (even study guides for your pda). All in all, it's a great site.

I typically use the Sybex and the ExamCram (Coriolis) books. These tend to be well written, concise, and very pertinent to the requirements of the test. Good Luck!

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