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5 comments about Exam Cram for NetWare 4.11 to NetWare 5 Update CNE: Exam: 50-638.

1. I used this book because of the success I had with another Exam Cram publication, NDS Design & Implementation. I thought I was very well prepared for the 4-5 Update Exam that I took today. However, I believe there are some inaccuracies in this book that left me quite puzzled. For instance, in server requirements for Zenworks, why do they give 205 MB HD space and 70 MB memory in the book when Novell itself states 175 MB and 40 MB, respectively? Also, it would be nice if the authors discussed Compatibility Mode in greater detail so the reader could have something else to fall back on besides the Supplemental Notes provided by Novell's Website. Be sure to read this book if you have to take the 50-638, but don't rely on it exclusively.



2. I found the book good, but not all I was hoping for. As with some other readers I found myself verifying information from Novell rather than relying on the facts contained within this book.

   The examples in the book are great and dictate by "do step A..B..C." The examples work well when setting up a NetWare 5 server in the lab, but fall short in real life or when anything other than defaults are used especially when it comes to DNS and ZEN.

   When I was expecting examples I got useless drivel, when I wanted discussion I got technically perfect examples.

   Thank God I am not relying on only this book to pass the exam! And, you shouldn't either.

   Most everything in this book you can get from the Novell website and save you the money.




3. Grein/Brown's book provides good study guide material, is to the point, but is not very good as a hands-on tutorial. I started with this book, but didn't feel ready. Played with the software, purchased a software self test and Clarke's book (liked the tutorial layout, but not the writing style or length).

   Should be read more than once. Wouldn't suggest using this book as your only resource. Play with the software and get a good self test.

   I used this book, Clarke's Update to Netware 5 Study Guide (see review), Self Test Software (Big Red testing software), one week of study, and installed and played with all the software (Server, CMD, DHCP/DNS, Fasttrack, NDPS, NSS, ZENWorks). Passed the exam on my first try.




4. This is the one book that you could count on in getting your CNE update. I read this book page to page, follow the exercise through and read the suppliment material from Novell website to pass the CNE test with only 1 month preparation. I will recommend this to anyone who is looking into update his CNE. It's the most economical way !



5. Another strong book in the exam cram series. Remember that the only purpose of these books is to assist you in passing the tests, and this book works well in that area. I don't think you can pass the test based only on this book though. I used it in conjunction with two other books and some practice tests. Passed the test first try.

   As usual the information in the Exam Cram is useful and well organized. The Cram Sheet at the beginning is to the point. That is what you need to learn. If you don't know it, find the information in the book. The book is well worth the cost, and is quite useful in helping you keep your certification. The only real drawback to the Exam Cram series is that once you have passed the test the books are pretty much worthless. They really aren't good volumes to keep for reference.

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