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5 comments about SQL Server 7 Administration (The Fast Track Series).

1. Hm, well the book opens with listing it's target audience. It mentions four "highlights" - brevity, focus, concentrated value and classroom tested. Well it's brief at 170 pages of material. And that is very cool (I wanted to say, at last!!!) It says it focuses on "people who know the technology but are not yet certified." This is where I have to say I was a little put off. I'm going to get to three errors in the first 29 pages, which leads me to question how successful they have been at that! "Concentrated value" in their terms says that the book might appeal to the wider audience - but with the errors, I think not!

   Let me get to the nitty-gritty that makes me say that this book was not proof read too closely. These are some simple examples of sloppy work. Page 25 lists the objects in SQL 7 and gives a definition for each. However, they list VIEW twice - and each time with a different definition. On page 28 they talk about SQL application design. They show a graphic, then next to the graphic give a description of each of the four scenarios that can be used. Their definition of "intelligent Server" is incorrect, and does not match the graphic shown to illustrate it. The "business" element is completely missing from the description, they replace it with "presentation". Finally, they define "NT and SQL Authentication" and fail to explain that mixed mode allows for EITHER Windows NT authentication OR a unique SQL login. Their explanation leads you to believe that you MUST have a unique SQL login and that NT account authentication pass-through does not work. I will add - their minimum hardware requirements are off - and don't match MS's own material, either.

   The book contains only one test to try - which is disappointing. It comes at the end of the book - so there is no reinforcement after each chapter. I like the idea of this book - but the execution here is poor. The editors were sloppy - which really hurts the value. I have not finished the book - probably not inclined to since there are errors so early on. I'll read some more to see what other errors I can find. Sadly, this is one great idea gone bad.




2. I agree that there are a few obvious errors and that it wasn't proofread as well as it should have been; considering that this is New Riders IS surprising.

   However, as a highly experienced 6.5 admin, I'm still glad I bought this one because it gets right to the point on all you need to know about version 7's exam. Despite the minor errors, I still stand behind New Riders all the way.

   There is no such thing as a completely error-free study guide, which is why we should all be thankful for things like publishers errata Web sites, newgroups, and (of course) Amazon.com




3. Working with SQL 7.0 and this made the test easiest enough to pass, but make sure you know how to use the product.



4. If you are familiar with database administration for SQL 6.5, then this book hits the facts hard and fast for passing the Exam for SQL 7.0 Administration. This is an extremely hard exam...even for Microsoft. This exam is not for the "faint of heart".

   The SQL 7.0 Administration exam is designed for individuals that have a lot of industry experience and a good working knowledge of the product. The book does an excellent job at preparing one for the exam.

   Some of the supposed errors that other people have "found" are in fact really not errors. One of the errors about hardware requirements was actually an oversight on Microsoft's part. I believe if you check their site, you will find that the requirements match up pretty well. Some of the other comments indicate that the readers are not overly familiar with SQL.

   Great book, two thumbs up for the authors for concisely presenting useful information for experienced users. New Riders has always been a favorite publisher of mine and I will continue to use them.

   Bob Collier MCSE + I, MCT, A+




5. You can have this book an introduction to SQL 7 if you are new to version 7. Its coverage cannot lead you even to a bare pass. You DEFINITELY need other resources for your exam. Finished this book and conducted a Transcender test, wow... poor, I know how much did I get from this book.

2 comments about Test Yourself MCDBA SQL Server TM 2000 Administration (Exam 70-228).

1. This book has some good information, but it's obvious that they skipped all the steps needed to locate the errors. It's supposed to have the correct answers for test questions. However, multiple times up to chapter 7, I'm finding that the answer key is off, obviously off by getting the numbers mixed up and so on. This book can still be helpful, but it's very disappointing to find this many errors after paying good money for the book. I'd consider going to other publishers before buying again from these people.



2. This book does include all the highlights on each section. However, the layout could be improved for readability. There's an error on the questions and answers arrangement. Overall, I like the in-depth answers to all the questions, help readers to analyze questions in MS way. It's great to review this book prior to your exam for consolidation.

No comments about SQL as a second language: Advanced topics (QED independent study series).

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