MCDST Self–Paced Training Kit (Exam 70–271) – Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System 2e

I usually don't take the time to review my purchases, however; this book is definitely worth the few minutes. As a newcomer to the IT field, with no formal experience, education or training... I passed the 70-271 exam on the first try with a score of 833 using only this book. Outstanding level of knowledge, presented in an easy to understand and comprehend manner. Highly recommended for newcomers and pros alike!

Like most of the Microsoft Press book sets, this one is pretty hefty, but that reflects the amount of detail contained. It is well structured, authoratative and can be relied upon. If you manage any size of computer network based upon Windows, then you really need to make sure that you have a copy of this. It's not just about how to do things, but contains some good advice on how to decide on the appropriate strategy for your organisation. You can dip in and out, and probably will; I don't think that it is possible to read it start to finish!

This book helped me pass my MSP exam with flying colors!

After just over 2 years working in IT support, with the CompTIA A+ and Network+ under my belt, I thought it was time to get some Microsoft certs under my belt to back up my experience. Just in case you didn't know, the MCDST comprises two exams; 70-271 and 70-272. Pass one, and you're an MCP. Pass both, and you're an MCDST. Don't assume just because Windows 7 is out, that the MCDST is a dead cert either; many large organisations still have and will continue to use XP for years to come and, unlike the newer M$ certificates, the MCDST will never expire (newer certs expire when support for the relevant OS expires). The MS Press books are the de-facto texts for the MCDST exams. The book is well laid-out, clear, and has few errors. The end of chapter review questions are quite good, though the readiness questions on the accompanying CD leave a little to be desired; they are poorly worded and littered with grammatical and spelling errors. If you're after review questions only, I would look at an Exam Cram book; if it's a good overview of material you want, then get this book.

This product is exact and in depth. It does a great job of reviewing for the tests and the includes an xp sp2 cd as well as a support cd. I covers installs and explains permissions and security in a comparison matter. Even if you troubleshoot XP all day long, you will learn at least one new thing from this book.