MSCE 2000 Jumpstart - A Good Place To Start   February 12, 2002

I am happy with the contents of this book. Worth the money.


One of the best books on networking basics   November 10, 2001
  18 out of 18 found this review helpful

For those who would complain that this book is not truly an MCSE study guide, I would suggest reading the whole title: "MCSE 2000 JumpStart: Computer and Networking Basics". This is not a book for boot camp students or anyone cramming for an exam. This is a book for the novice - mind you, a fast-learning, computer literate novice - who has read the magazine ads that promise riches and glory for certified IT professionals and has decided to go for his or her MCSE. And it may very well be the best book ever written for that purpose.

In her opening words, the author writes that "the first step in Microsoft certification is a good understanding of the prerequisite information. Microsoft... assumes you will acquire this information on your own". By the time you finish this book, you will have gained that understanding. Let's look inside:

Chapters 1-4 discuss computer hardware. They read like notes from a PC repair class, so A+ certified techs should probably skip ahead a bit.

Chapters 5-7 cover client operating systems, with a well-written DOS tutorial and a good overview of the Explorer.exe GUI. This is important stuff, as I've actually met an MCSE who didn't know how to FDISK.

Chapters 8-12 provide a good introduction to networking theory, with a brief summary of the OSI model, information on topologies and protocols, and an evaluation of the leading network operating systems.

Chapters 13-17 justify the "MCSE" on the cover, with basic details on domains, trusts, Active Directory, and resource management on NT and 2000 networks.

The appendices are perhaps the most valuable parts of the book for absolute beginners, with accurate answers to the review questions and comprehensive glossaries of industry terms and acronyms.

The bottom line: those new to the networking field NEED this book. Their instructors might also want to pick up a copy as well, because it contains excellent tables and diagrams and the physical design of the book makes it easy to scan and photocopy (just contact the publisher first). I would also highly recommend any other JumpStart books to beginners (such as ISBN 0782126448, on TCP/IP); Sybex has set a new standard with this series.


Title is quite deceiving!   September 20, 2001
  3 out of 6 found this review helpful

The title of this book, "MCSE 2000 JumpStart" is quite deceiving, because it will not help you to study for the MCSE.

First of all, it has very minimal information even on Windows 2000. Most of the information is on general networking and PC components, which you should probably already know if you are planning on studying for the MCSE.

The reason why I did not give it a lower score though, is because it did contain some interesting tidbits of information (not practical, but just interesting).

Buy it if you are just interested in computer and network technology in general but do not want to get too involved. Do not buy it if you are planning to use this to assist in your studies for the MCSE.


Very good book !!!   July 31, 2001
  2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I recommend this book for all "starters" - it's perfect for a novice, BUT I also recommend this book for experienced people as well, as an example of explaining "difficult things" with simple words.


Great book for NT beginners   January 27, 2001
  9 out of 10 found this review helpful

I was thinking about beginning work an a Windows 2000 MCSE when I bought and read this book. I had a lot of computing experience, but very little of it was in networking, and none of it was in Windows NT. With the help of this book, I got up to speed on some basics I needed for my MCSE curriculum. This book will NOT help you prepare for the certification tests, but it will help you prepare for a good preparation course (I would recommend a school where you get lots of hands-on experience, not a "boot camp" formula if you needed this book). All in all, a great book for those who are considering Microsoft certification. If you can't handle this book, find something else to do. If you know this book well, you should do fine in a good prep course.