The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group MSCE Windows 2000 Network Administration - For the bookshelf Major Keary

Win2000 Certification Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MSCE) certification covers a range of subjects and has attracted a selection of course texts. Global Knowledge - a large U.S.-based provider - has its own publishing arm, Syngress Media, that produces course material and is also notable for its recently launched Professional Reference series. An example of their course texts is MSCE Windows 2000 Network Administration. It covers "exam 70-216" the full title of which is "MSCE Implementing and Administering a Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure".

The topics covered are: DNS, DHCP, RAS, network protocols, WINS, routing, ICS and NAT, and security; each topic is given its own chapter. Chapters follow a common format that first introduces the subject in the context of "certification objectives", which is a fancy way of laying down what a candidate is expected to know. Then follows a discussion of concepts and procedures relating to specific topics within the overall subject. The narrative is interspersed with notes: under exam watch are warnings on potential pitfalls; on the job notes describe real-world issues and common problems, which have been collected from class room discussions; and from the classroom notes address common problems encountered by students, such as difficulty in grasping particular concepts.

Hands-on practice exercises are provided; the reader is asked to perform a particular task along the lines of simulation exercises used in the exams. Other exercises are presented in .AVI format on a companion CD.

A scenario and solution section is laid out in table format. These pose direct questions, such as "Is Active Directory scalable?", with succinct answers. The final part of each chapter contains a summary, drills, a self-test (annotated answers provided), and a lab test. The material is comprehensive, thorough, and well presented. A companion CD contains the full text in HTML format, ExamSim (a simulation of an actual exam with a score-saving capability), CertCam (.AVI clips that provide details of "key objectives"), DriveTime (enables students to play audio clips of chapter summaries from a CD player), and a help file.

A comprehensive glossary of almost 100 pages is a useful reference and there is a detailed index. The book is supported by a Web site.

Well worth considering as a course text, for self-study, or as an ongoing reference for Win2000 network administration. The publisher has a significant advantage: experience in the construction and conduct of certification courses, and feedback from both instructors and students.

Reprinted from the October 2000 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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