MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-648 & 70-649): Transitioning Your MCSA/MCSE to Windows Server® 2008 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently passed the 70-649 exam with good scores and this book, 70-648/70-649 Transitioning Your MCSA/MCSE to Windows Server 2008 Trainng Kit, was very helpful. However the text of this book alone, nor any other, most likely would not allow one to pass the 70-649 exam that covers a lot of territory via 3 in 1 exam. But if you have several hours [let's say over 100] minimum hands on experience with Windows 2008 exploring it's capabilities and developing expertise for, either on the job or in your training lab, including Active Directory and Roles/Features covered by the exam and remember most of what you learned obtaining your MCSE 2003 you are well on your way to passing the 70-649.
The labs in the book were helpful if you do not have hands on with the topic or want more in depth as were the URL links to additional info sources if you feel you want more detail as configuration info in some cases was sparse BUT keep in mind that there are entire dedicated books covering topics on most of the chapters in this book . Some of the topics such as ADFS and ADRM are very complicated. I did not do the labs in total for those, other then installing the roles and configuring them as much as I could, but read through them until I understood what was being accomplished. The questions on the exam for those topics did not expect you to know configuration in great detail but you need to know in general what they are used for, high level how they work, the flow of the processes, and how authentication is accomplished.
The exam focuses heavily on what is new with Windows 2008 and assumes you have retained your MCSE 2003 knowledge about networking, DNS, Group Policy, Active Directory, forests, global catalog server, trusts, sites, replication, etc. If not I suggest you also study with the Microsoft Press books for 70-640 and 70-642 or if you want some extra reinforcement on those topics.
I found that IPV6 in the book to be a bit overwhelming as in "do I really need to know how to subnet IPV6 and all the interim solutions such as Toredo". There were no hard IPV6 questions on the exam and I believe I had only 1 question. Knowing basics such as what is the IPV6 equivalent of an IPV4 private/public/APIPA address and how to troubleshoot IPV6 connectivity using basically same tools you use for IPV4.
I found the chapter on IIS7 very helpful in learning the new management interface, which has been totaly revamped, and new features such as management delegation and additional configuration for application pools such as recycling, and was all that was needed for the exam. There were also plenty of command line examples for IIS7 and other topics throughout the book and you will see a fair amount of those on the exam where you need to choose the correct command for a task.
The exam places great emphasis on security including what remote solutions need only port 443 TCP open in the firewall, certificates needed for SSL and implementing client trust for such certificates, solutions for revoked certificates, which authentication methods use certificates, CA types and hierarchy to use, distributing certificates to internal and external computers/users, Terminal Services, minimizing risk of having a domain controller in a branch office, and when to use ipsec/EFS/Bit Locker for a stated scenario and which one accomplishes the task. I felt the book did a good job covering those topics.
In addition to this book it would be well worth your while to study Microsoft documentation on what is new in Windows 2008, and individual what is new papers such as for Terminal Services. I felt that I easily got my moneys worth with this study guide.
EDIT 09/05/09: I recently completed my MCITP for Server Administrator and Enterprise Administrator. As the Microsoft Press books mention using Hyper-V to create virtual machines was extremely helpful in my learning process. I found that the ASRock A780GXE mainboard [around $80] with the latest bios update and using a AMD Phenom II quad core processor worked great for Hyper-V and has 4 RAM sockets. Don't assume any modern mainboard or processor will support Hyper-V. Hyper-V is easy to learn. Just remember to install the Hyper-V Integration Services on any guest OS you install right after the install to get networking and the mouse to work correctly! I believe you also need SP2 for W2003 and SP3 for XP for Integrations Services to install.

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Windows 7 QuickSteps Review

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(More customer reviews)Windows 7 QuickSteps marks a coming of age with the popular QuickSteps series. Although author Martin Matthews has retained the easy-going style and approach that are the hallmark of QuickSteps books, Windows 7 is bound to appeal to both the new user and seasoned Windows professional users.
This is an intense, concentrated documentation that someone who bought their first notebook at an electronics store is bound to sleep with under their pillow--if they can sleep at all with the introduction of Windows' sleek, but hardly intuitive new interface. The book is modular--it's much easier to find your topic of interest with the Table of contents than using the book's index--however, there is a logical sequence from fist pages onward. Chapters 1 and 2 introduce you to Win 7, covering the Desktop, Taskbar, the new Aero features such as task switching, and the invaluable essentials such as using a mouse, finding an application you're certain is on your system, and locating and managing files. From there, the book moves you onto customizing version 7 to suit your needs, and along the way revealing useful, unobvious features the user will certainly want to consider. If you're already a Windows Pro, you might want to pore through Chapter 2: features you're accustomed to from XP--particularly System Restore, how Control Panel is now arranged and categorized, how to turn on file extensions, and the Internet-style hierarchical structure of file displays--will make win 7 a dream come true instead of a nightmare.
Windows 7 QuickSteps then proceeds to "The Good Stuff". Every new users wants to hop on the `net, and Chapter 3 shows you how to configure your connection (both dial-up and high-speed, thank you!), access Internet Explorer, and offers sound advice for the new user about the joys and perils of surfing without firewall protection. We quickly move to setting up your email accounts and using Outlook Express, where Matthews takes the time and space to feed readers the settings they need to work through the dialog boxes. Before you know it, "You've got mail!"
The book spends an appropriately lavish amount of space on tasks, specifically, the tasks someone buys a home computer for: scanning is covered, as is burning a music CD, and movie editing--a feature Win 7 excels at with the new version of MovieMaker. You're not only told how to do things, but on several occasions why you'd want to do things, such as backing up your files and setting permissions for file sharing. You're also treated to a nodding glance at some of the "goodies" that come with Windows: games, a new, enhanced edition of MS-Paint, and utilities such as disk defragmentation--not as fun as playing Free Cell, but still a goodie.
Finally, the author covers networking with Windows 7, the physical type, not social. Every adult whose child has a computer in their bedroom will want to leverage the build-in capability to share files, remotely install things, and send email to Bobby to tell him to come down, it's supper time. Discussions of network cards, connectivity, and how to ensure win 7 recognizes your Intranet connection are clearly explained is succinct steps.
The only area Windows 7 QuickSteps would invite criticism is not an error of omission but due to the reality that this series has a limited page count. If a reader wants to quickly learn how an application works under Windows 7...well, that's a different book. Every application has its own tools, they're located in different places, certain programs don't access Win 7's standard folder and dialog boxes, some use Alt+F4 while other use Ctrl+Q to exit a program. Fortunately, The Matthews' have published numerous other books on popular software applications you might own. Looking at the big picture, however, you can always read the manual to an application to get the specifics, and largely this book keeps its namesake promise to show you how to make the most of the world's most popular operating system.
For users who just unpacked their Dell from Best Buy, Windows 7 QuickSteps will be the "missing manual" to their operating system. For seasoned experts, this book is a must-have quick reference guide. In either case, you'll be up, running, and productive using this book. Mr. Matthews should be as happy with this work as you will be.


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Step-by-Step, Full-Color Graphics!
Get started using Windows 7 right away--the QuickSteps way. Color screenshots with streamlined explanations show you how to use all the new and improved features of this sleek operating system. You'll find tips for customizing your desktop, managing files, connecting to the Internet, using email, adding hardware and software, and enjoying photos, music, and video. Learn how to set up a wired or wireless network and secure your entire system too. Get the book that gets you up-and-running on Windows 7 in no time.

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Easy Microsoft Windows 7 Review

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(More customer reviews)Easy Microsoft Windows 7 is a good basic manual for the new Windows 7 platform. The book begins with a summary of all the new features of Windows 7. Then, the author goes into detail about specific topics.
Given that Easy Microsoft Windows 7 includes full step by step instructions about topics ranging from managing folders through connecting a wireless network to surfing the Internet, this book is appropriate to those new to computing. Nonetheless, given the many new features of Windows 7 (Aero Snap, libraries, Windows Action Center, the ability to share files between computers, etc), those upgrading to Windows 7 will likely find this book just as helpful.

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Microsoft Windows 7 Unleashed Review

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(More customer reviews)Before writing my own review, I was very surprised that this book didn't carry a 4+ star overall rating -- it's at least a 4-star book, but only for the right audience. If you are a casual user of Windows -- if you're NOT a "power user" who is interesting in lots of user interface customizations, and if you aren't interested in saving keystrokes or mouse clicks anywhere you can -- then this books wasn't written for you. If you are a casual user who wants more breadth and less depth on Windows 7, I enjoyed reading Windows 7 Secrets, a new book by Paul Thurrott. Both "Windows 7 Secrets" and "Windows 7 Unleashed" are listed on the back cover with a "User Level: Intermediate-Advanced". This book targets that audience, whereas "Windows 7 Secrets" is more for casual Windows enthusiasts who want to learn not only something about Windows 7, but also complimentary technologies such as Windows Home Server and Zune.
Since this review is for this book -- Windows 7 Unleashed -- I'd expect that you are truly an advanced Windows user (or an aspiring advanced Windows user). You don't need introductions, you don't need lots of transitional comparisons to Vista and XP (there are some, but they're limited). Instead, you want a single volume that covers the depth of Windows 7 alone.
I liked the author's perspective -- maximizing every performance point possible with Windows 7 -- even though I'm not ardently trying to do that. For me, I wanted to have a book that I could refer to if, say, I needed to know something more about User Access Control or group policies or tuning Windows 7. Yeah, I could hunt the web for that stuff, but I like a single, bound, book with all that info contained in one volume. Then, when I hit the web, I'm looking for something even beyond what the book has.
The author's writing style is straightforward -- very little fluff, very little humor. His passion is to save a mouse click here or there, cut seconds off performance delays, and customize everything to make your Windows 7 installation a truly hand-in-glove experience. I think he succeeds, but I don't have the inclination to that good of a hand-in-glove fit.
His coverage of Windows 7 is excellent, except on Windows Aero and the new Libraries concept. There are several cool, productive tricks to Aero that I didn't see covered (and "Aero" wasn't in the index), and neither is "Libraries" covered in the book or index (a big omission which I presume will be corrected in a later edition of this book -- I'm reviewing the book covering Windows 7 Release Candidate). Other than those two glaring omissions, he explains things about the Windows Registry I didn't know, even though I've dabbled editing the Registry for years. He does a great job overviewing security, including IE8. He's got a step-by-step troubleshooting section, covering system restore and lots more.
Although he does mark "New in 7" those features that are new in Windows 7, I would have preferred that he would have done more comparisons and constrasts to both Vista and XP. That wasn't the style he chose, though, so don't expect him to tell you, "This feature has been around since XP" -- he's telling you what's in Windows 7 right now, not where that feature was first introduced in the Windows family. That may be something to consider if you want a book that makes those comparisons and constrasts to older versions of Windows. Because of the poor Aero and Libraries treatment, I'm giving this book only 4 stars instead of 5.
He's got great appendices! Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts and a wonderful explanation on "Understanding TCP/IP".
In short, I think any 1, 2 or 3 star reviews for this book probably come from people who incorrectly thought this book was targeted to their casual computing needs. It's not for the casual user. It's for a power user. For Windows power users out there, if you want a book that covers the depths of the Windows 7 operating system, this is an excellent choice. That said, if you already have a similar book covering Windows Vista, you may not really need this book, since fundamentally not much has changed between Windows Vista and Windows 7, and key parts that are new -- particularly the way Windows 7 implements virtual libraries -- isn't covered at all.

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Covers Release Candidate of Windows 7. With purchase of this book you will get a free online edition written on final product. See product registration ad in back of book for details.Microsoft® Windows 7 Unleashed gives IT professionals, serious power users, and true geeks the powerhouse Windows 7 tweaks, hacks, techniques, and insights they need: knowledge that simply can't be found anywhere else. Top Windows expert Paul McFedries dives deep into Windows 7, returning with the most powerful ways to handle everything from networking to administration, security to scripting. McFedries begins with advanced customization, covering everything from startup/shutdown to the file system. He introduces new ways to tune Windows 7 performance, police Windows via Group Policies, tweak the Registry, make the most of Windows 7s management tools, and control Windows 7 from the command line. You'll find thorough coverage of securing Windows 7, including detailed guidance on web and email security and hardening both wireless and wired networks. You'll also discover better ways to troubleshoot devices, networks, and startup; add Macs to Windows networks; and automate Windows administration with state-of-the-art scripting techniques.This book is packed with expert tips, tricks, and troubleshooting techniques drawn from McFedries' unsurpassed Windows experience. If you want maximum value and performance from your Windows 7 PCs, you won't find a more valuable resource.Customize everything about Windows 7: IE8, startup/shutdown, file systems, the Start menu, Taskbar, and more Systematically monitor, tune, and optimize Windows performance–including practical techniques for accelerating startup Set up an easy, automated 9-Step maintenance schedule for any Windows 7 PC Unleash Windows 7s power user tools, including Group Policies, the Registry, MMC, and the command line Secure Windows 7 with security settings: auto-lock, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, parental controls, BitLocker encryption, and more Protect your web privacy with Windows 7s new InPrivate Browsing Solve problems with Windows 7, startup, networking, and hardware Set up reliable Windows 7 networks, and manage them efficiently Safely provide remote access and VPN connectivity Use Windows 7 as a Web server Program the Windows Scripting Host and Windows PowerShellON THE WEB:Free Online Edition! When Microsoft releases the final product, you can get an updated edition of this book absolutely free! All examples and source code presented in this book $49.99 USA / $59.99 CANz

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Discovering Computers 2010: Living in a Digital World, Introductory (Shelly Cashman) Review

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(More customer reviews)Great book that summarizes ICT related information for High School computer courses.
Useful as a written resource for both students and teachers, and for teachers trying to help students look for resources beyond Wikipedia...
Basic information only, but covers a lot of ground. The best 'beginners' textbook that I have come across and used.

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Students are guided through the latest trends in computer concepts and technology in an exciting and easy-to-follow format. Updated for currency, DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 2010: INTRODUCTORY: LIVING IN A DIGITAL WORLD, 1E and the robust Online Companion provide students with the most up-to-date information on the latest technology in today's digital world.

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Windows Small Business Server 2011 Administrator's Companion Review

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(More customer reviews)Charlie Russel and Sharon Crawford have been putting out the gold standard in Small Business Server books since the first version of SBS shipped in the late 1990's. This latest effort is as comprehensive and accurate as their previous SBS titles, including not only direct information about installing and operating SBS, but also topics such as planning, security, migration, Hyper-V, data protection, and many others.
This book will save many SBS users from having to buy other books for related functions. For example, there are chapters on subjects like Group Policy, customizing SharePoint, and adding a Terminal Server. The authors' real world, hands-on experience in planning, implementing, and managing Small Business Server networks is clear in every chapter. Not limited to just the Small Business Server itself, this book gives the knowledge needed to manage every part of the small business's back office infrastructure.
This book is a valuable reference for anyone deploying Small Business Server Standard 2011, with or without the Premium Add-On, which is also covered in depth. I wouldn't be without it.

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Windows 7 Inside Out, Deluxe Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)In order to write such a detailed and insightful book, the authors definitely must know the ins and outs of Windows 7. This book goes through everything you have ever wanted to know about the operating system, and then includes details you thought you already knew about, but there is more to learn. Chapter Six and Seven are devoted to using Internet Explorer 9. The interface of this version is different than previous versions and the authors do a terrific job explaining each feature.
What surprised me most about this book is seeing a chapter devoted to Using Pen, Touch, and Voice Input devices based on the type of hardware installed. Included are both touch-enabled as well as tablets. Although the technology might just start to be taking over, instructions to these are important as we start to use the new technologies available.
The content of this book is what you would find in your normal computer book. The text is detailed, albeit stuffy. Few might take the time to read this book from cover to cover, but definitely keep this book on your shelf as a reference guide.


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Dive deeper into Windows 7—with new content and new resources on CD! The Deluxe Edition of the ultimate, in-depth reference to Windows 7 has been fully updated for SP1 and Internet Explorer 9, and features 300+ pages of additional coverage and advanced topics. It's now packed with even more timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds from the experts—and includes a fully searchable eBook and other online resources. Topics include installation, configuration, and setup; network connections and troubleshooting; remote access; managing programs; controlling user access and accounts; advanced file management; working with Internet Explorer 9; managing security features and issues; using Windows Live Essentials 2011; performance monitoring and tuning; backups and maintenance; sharing networked resources; hardware and device drivers.

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Windows 7 Desktop Support and Administration: Real World Skills for MCITP Certification and Beyond (Exams 70-685 and 70-686) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to admit that I am aware of Darril Gibson's work from when I was preparing for several security certification exams, so the bar was already set high. Let me say, he does not disappoint. I really enjoyed reading Chapter 11-Managing Security in Windows 7, as it was clear and concise. I especially liked reading about User Account Control, and how you can tailor the security settings to the appropriate level for your environment. It's not a "dry-read" either, so you won't be using this as a sleep-aid. I would recommend this to everyone who needs to take the MCITP 70-685 and 70-686 certification exams.

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MCTS Windows 7 Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-680 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having read the other reviews I was quite surprised to find that that this book does not delve deeply enough into the details, especially in the non-GUI commands, to be adequate preparation for the current exam. It mentions some key concepts only briefly while leaving others out entirely, it tends to introduce concepts generally rather than specifically, and it fails to explain how these concepts are intended to be used in a live environment, and provides little or no insight into troubleshooting procedures. In the past this would have been sufficient for the exam but current certification exams rely very heavily on the application of understanding rather than on rote memorization of facts. Something else that was particularly troublesome was how this book tends to uses the self-tests and chapter reviews to introduce new material which is not elaborated on in the text, and in some instances the 'correct' answer on these quizzes is wrong (for example, there is no Windows 7 Business edition, yet that is the correct answer in one of the self tests).
I found other books (the Microsoft self-paced guide for example) to be much more thorough in this regard, covering everything that I encountered in the live exam in sufficient detail to pass without difficulty, as well as (and more importantly) imparting a solid understanding of how to effectively use the various functions, tools, and utilities included in Windows 7 in a live production environment. When this book provides detail it is generally well presented, but because it leaves out too many important aspects of Windows 7, many of which I encountered on the exam, I could not recommend it to anyone as the sole source of information to prepare for the exam.

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Prepare for certification in Windows 7 configuration with this all-new study guide
This comprehensive book guides readers through preparation for Microsoft's brand new MCTS: Windows 7, Configuring exam (70-680). You'll find 100% coverage of all exam objectives; practical, real-world scenarios; hands-on exercises, and challenging review questions, both in the book and on the CD included with the book.
Prepares you for the new exam 70-680, the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certification for Windows 7; Windows 7 is Microsoft's new operating system releasing in late 2009
Shows you how to install, configure, and maintain Windows 7 for the exam
Covers upgrading and migrating; deploying Windows 7; configuring hardware applications, network connectivity, access to resources, and mobile computing; monitoring and maintaining; handling backup and recovery, and more

This is the ideal guide to prepare you for Microsoft's new Windows 7 certification.
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Windows 7 Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Solutions Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)...or maybe after a generation of Windows operating systems, we're simply immune to assaults by Windows products on the sensibilities of computer users (especially users more interested in doing things with their data files than tweaking their operating systems).
In either case, "Windows 7 Annoyances" is less a catalog of serious Windows 7 annoyances, and more a compendium of advanced Windows 7 features, trips and tricks.
The features and solutions it offers are thorough, and described in superb technical detail. The target audience for this book is clearly power users confident in the deep (and sometimes scary) areas of Windows 7. Proof of this is found in Chapter 3, 72 pages devoted exclusively to the Windows registry. David Karp offers exhaustive descriptions and prescriptions of the Windows 7 registry. He does this very well, but in giving registry tweaks this much emphasis he is speaking to advanced power users of computers. Most Windows users are probably better served by avoiding working in the registry except for last-ditch efforts to correct their worst problems. Registry modifications bring with them the true potential to inflict serious unintended consequences to your computer, and I suggest that the book's biggest shortcoming is in not giving this potential risk enough emphasis.
Similarly, Chapter 9 is focused entirely on use of text-based command prompts. These are arguably tools of the power user looking to work faster (or deeper) than a GUI permits.
Otherwise, the book is a delightful guide to things about Windows 7 that Microsoft forgot to tell us. It describes the different versions of Windows 7, gives sound advice on making files and folders behave consistently, provides a tutorials on media files, offers troubleshooting and diagnostic tools, and walks you patiently through networking/Internet concepts and security issues.
Two appendices provide overviews of the BIOS (the basic input output system, which allows a personal computer to boot into ANY operating system), and TCP/IP, the standards that allow data to flow over the Internet regardless of the hardware and software packages that are sending and receiving them.
If you're not *seriously* annoyed by Windows 7, then this book may be more than you need, and you might want to consider Windows 7: The Missing Manual instead.
But if you're a power user and want to increase your control over Windows 7 (or if you are the go-to person for fixing the computer problems of family and friends), then this book will be a good addition to your troubleshooting toolkit.

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Windows 7 may be faster and more stable than Vista, but it's a far cry from problem-free. David A. Karp comes to the rescue with the latest in his popular Windows Annoyances series. This thorough guide gives you the tools you need to fix the troublesome parts of this operating system, plus the solutions, hacks, and timesaving tips to make the most of your PC.

Streamline Windows Explorer, improve the Search tool, eliminate the Green Ribbon of Death, and tame User Account Control prompts
Explore powerful Registry tips and tools, and use them to customize every aspect of Windows and solve its shortcomings
Squeeze more performance from your hardware with solutions for your hard disk, laptop battery, CPU, printers, and more
Stop crashes, deal with stubborn hardware and drivers, fix video playback issues, and troubleshoot Windows when it won't start
Protect your stuff with permissions, encryption, and shadow copies
Secure and speed up your wireless network, fix networking woes, make Bluetooth functional, and improve your Web experience
Get nearly all of the goodies in 7 Ultimate, no matter which edition you have

"Blunt, honest, and awesome." --Aaron Junod, Manager, Integration Systems at Evolution Benefits

"This could be the best [money] you've ever spent." --Jon Jacobi, PC World

"To use Windows is to be annoyed -- and this book is the best way to solve any annoyance you come across. It's the most comprehensive and entertaining guide you can get for turning Windows into an operating system that's a pleasure to use." --Preston Gralla, author of Windows Vista in a Nutshell, and Computerworld contributing editor

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MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-685): Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (Pro - Certification) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bear in mind, I have several certifications:
I studied this book, forwards, backwards and sideways.
I understand the content, and tested repeatedly high with the enclosed test prep materials.
There is not one concept or item in this book that I do not understand.
None the less, this book did not prepare me for this exam.
The authors did a good job of covering Windows 7 in the enterprise.
There's just one problem, THIS EXAM WHICH I JUST FAILED is weighted heavily in knowledge of Windows Server 2008 R2.
The case scenarios all have at least 25 variables each, and most, if not all of those variables center around the server O.S.
Microsoft should split this exam into 2 parts. 1 part for Windows 7, and one part for Windows server.
I've never felt so cheated in my life.
--Update--
I went through this book cover to cover a second time, did all the exercises and case scenarios.
Just failed the test a second time.
I wonder if there are any stats on the pass rate for this 70-685?
Between the two failed exams and the cost of this book, I'm out about $275.00
After 17 years, I'm finished with Microsoft Press material of any kind.
The 70-680 Microsoft press book was a disaster with the sheer volume of errors. (18 full pages of errata)
This book has no bearing whatever in the actual exam that MS publishes for the 70-685.
I'll stick with Cisco, Novell and CompTIA from now on.


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Announcing an all-new SELF-PACED TRAINING KIT designed to help maximize your performance on 70-685, the required exam for the new MCITP certification: WINDOWS 7, ENTERPRISE DESKTOP SUPPORT TECHNICIAN. This 2-in-1 kit includes the official Microsoft® study guide, plus practice tests on CD to help you assess your skills. It comes packed with the tools and features exam candidates want most-including in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and customizable testing options. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs to give you the skills and expertise you can use on the job. Work at your own pace through the lessons and lab exercises. The official study guide covers identifying and resolving desktop application, networking, security, and performance issues; supporting mobile users; and providing support for hardware failures.Then assess yourself using the 200 practice questions on CD, featuring multiple customizable testing options to meet your specific needs. Choose timed or untimed testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives. You get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers-including pointers back to the book for further study. You also get an exam discount voucher-making this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment. A Note Regarding the CD or DVD The practice test materials are available as a download along with your ebook version of the kit, and will be located in your account. Please direct any questions or concerns to booktech@oreilly.com.

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Windows® 7 Inside Out Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am so accustomed to using the Missing Manual series by David Pogue for OS upgades and programs Windows 7: The Missing Manual but did not have the patience to wait for the printing of the MM book on Windows 7, so decided to buy and dive into this one instead. It is from the Microsoft Press and written by experts in the field of Windows. Who knows the operating system better than the developers themselves?? That said, it needs to be stated that this book is geared toward a more technical user who actually ENJOYS being technical and likes to tinker. If this is not your cup of tea, go with the Windows 7: The Missing Manual as it will humor you and suit your needs. The Windows Inside Out really delves deeply into customization, security, advanced file management and much more.
This book is labeled for the Intermediate / Advanced and contains a CD with tools, training and the book in e-book form. If this is your first technical book, it might be a bit intimidating. I would suggest the Missing Manual by David Pogue if you can wait for it to come to press or Windows 7 Bible which is really geared to the beginner to intermediate user.
5 Stars for Techies

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MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-680): Configuring Windows® 7 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this book to help me pass the Windows 7 exam. After reading the book and doing all the exercises and practice test questions I got above 900 when I took the test. This is the first time I have taken a Microsoft exam since Windows XP so I am pretty happy with the result.
The practice tests are similar enough to the exam that they helped me pass. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that some of the exercises take a while and you really need a computer with 4 GB of RAM if you are going to do them using VMWARE. This was okay for me, but might not be good for others. I was able to do all the practices using the RC version of Windows 7 even though they are designed for the real version of Windows 7.
I do not know what book the other reviews are talking about as the text seemed to be clear and I noticed few mistakes. If you want to pass the exam this book will help you do that. If you want to have a book as a Windows 7 reference you should get the resource kit book.

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Windows 7 For Dummies Book + DVD Bundle Review

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(More customer reviews)Very well written with a gentle humor. The book is written for all levels of computer knowledge. You can skip around and read subjects where you need help or have an interest. I chose to start studying at the beginning and even found the basic level of information interesting. Andy has a way of pointing out the secrets of Windows 7. He even taught me several points about Windows XP in the process.
The DVD is excellent and covers the basics of Windows 7. The book deals in the depth but the DVD gets you off and running and you can learn from there. Windows 7 is a good operating system but when you jump from XP to Win7 there are gaps that are not obvious. The DVD gets you up to speed quickly.
I think the DVD and book package are well worth the price. I have recommended it to several people already. They agree with me that it is a good purchase.

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Windows 7 is Microsoft's much-anticipated new release of the operating system that powers nearly 90% of the world's computers. This two-for-one package provides the step-by-step guidance that will get you up and running with all the exciting new features.
This bundle includes the complete Windows 7 For Dummies book plus a DVD with two hours of video training. Featuring the expert advice you get in the book, the DVD shows you how to accomplish various Windows tasks and displays the screens you'll see as you proceed.

A two-for-one value - the full-size Windows 7 For Dummies book plus two hours of video training on DVD
Windows 7 has new features, an interface with more graphical elements, better interactivitiy with other devices, and faster speed
Whether you're new to computers or just to Windows 7, this handy package provides a simple, easy-to-use guide plus video illustration to help you accomplish basic tasks in Windows
Covers the things most books assume you already know, as well as how to work with files and programs, get things done online, and customize Windows 7
Shows you how to use movie, music, and photo management features, how to upgrade your system, and how to fix common problems you'll encounter
DVD shows you what you'll see on the screen as you master each step

This great book-and-DVD package will have you comfortably using Windows 7 faster than you can say 1-2-3!

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Smart Phone and Next Generation Mobile Computing (Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very brief review, since I haven't finished reading the book, but I'm finding this to be exactly what I wanted: an intelligently written book that focuses on a very diverse set of uses of Smart Phones, and provides good technical deatil about their capabilities.

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Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007 R2 Resource Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)The resource kit for R2 is very similar to the R1 version - it is a very technical reference on the servers, roles, services, ports and communications mechanisms to the latest version of OCS. In that, it is written for those with on-hand experience with Microsoft server OS deployments such as Server 2003 and Server 2008. This book is not a book for beginners on OCS. In my opionion, there isn't a good written published reference for beginners - stick with the Microsoft white papers and TechNet articles. If your job is to design, architect OCS R2, this book is very valuable and will provide the process and procedures for completing your design. Deployment tasks are treated a little more lightly; while they are covered, the specific task-by-task details are not provided. That, again, is left to the white papers Microsoft has written well on the subject. As far as migration from OCS R1 to R2, the pages covered are from 659 to 662. Only a few pages - but the process to migrate is depicted in the pages. Migration from LCS or OCS R1 is a coexistence process as you will likely deploy OCS R2 on net-new hardware along side the existing legacy product. This allows easy migration by simply associating the legacy SIP-enabled users to the new system.
This reference is well worth the purchase price. This, along with the Microsoft-provided technical references will steer you in the right direction for OCS R2.

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Programming Mobile Devices: An Introduction for Practitioners Review

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(More customer reviews)The biggest feature of this book is how you need to get accustomed to the limited resources on a cellphone, compared to a laptop or personal computer. Many programmers will come to mobile devices from developing on the latter 2 platforms. Still, if you have been programming long enough, the cellphone environments described in the text can be akin to working on the PCs of the 1980s.
It is a pity that there are two programming languages needed for cellphones. The book has examples drawn from Java and Symbian. The Java code is simpler than Java programs written for larger environments. The widget set is very limited. The Symbian examples are likewise easy to follow. What it does mean is that any commercial examples you develop have to be manually coded into both languages, if you are after the largest possible market.

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With forewords by Jan Bosch, Nokia and Antero Taivalsaari, Sun Microsystems.
Learn how to programme the mobile devices of the future!
The importance of mobile systems programming has emerged over the recent years as a new domain in software development. The design of software that runs in a mobile device requires that developers combine the rules applicable in embedded environment; memory-awareness, limited performance, security, and limited resources with features that are needed in workstation environment; modifiability, run-time extensions, and rapid application development.
Programming Mobile Devices is a comprehensive, practical introduction to programming mobile systems. The book is a platform independent approach to programming mobile devices: it does not focus on specific technologies, and devices, instead it evaluates the component areas and issues that are common to all mobile software platforms. This text will enable the designer to programme mobile devices by mastering both hardware-aware and application-level software, as well as the main principles that guide their design.
Programming Mobile Devices:
Provides a complete and authoritative overview of programming mobile systems.
Discusses the major issues surrounding mobile systems programming; such as understanding of embedded systems and workstation programming.
Covers memory management, the concepts of applications, dynamically linked libraries, concurrency, handling local resources, networking and mobile devices as well as security features.
Uses generic examples from JavaTM and Symbian OS to illustrate the principles of mobile device programming.

Programming Mobile Devices is essential reading for graduate and advanced undergraduate students, academic and industrial researchers in the field as well as software developers, and programmers.

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