MCDST Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-271): Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System, Second Edition: ... System (Pro-Certification (Paperback))

I would have preferred to have seen more computerised questions on the CD-ROM, most of the practice questions are in the text. The book is on the included CD-ROM as well, which means you can study it conventionally, or on your PC screen through Acrobat.

I passed the exam, so I suppose the book did its job!


Excellent resource for Examination   April 5, 2005
 17 out of 18 found this review helpful

Very well presented book, highly relevent to the Microsoft examination.

Although (IMO) not the hardest of the Microsoft MCP qualifications, this book will provide the reader with just about everything that is covered in the exam.

Well sectioned up into relevant chapters and good multiple choice questions at the end of each one. Also an added bonus of a 15 percent discount for sitting the exam.

A definite 5 star book !


MCDST   July 26, 2004
 83 out of 85 found this review helpful

This is a big book but one that is worth getting, especially if your chosen field is within the IT helpdesk role. Having said that, you will also find this book a great assistant if you are looking to get into the role or are due to be working within that role of helpdesk support. And of course, if you are due to take the exam then this will be your bible. The book itself is excellent. It's detailed and well structured layout is a strong point and its description regarding the role of Desktop Support Technician is very impressive. The book has a split personality. On one side it explains and suggests ways to diagnose, troubleshoot and solve end user problems and how your thinking needs to be logical and structured. Where as on the flip side it looks at the relationship you must build in a short time with the caller, how to communicate on all levels with different types of customers and how to explain and talk through the ways to fix the possible problems. One key element the book uses is the end of chapter questions - there to make sure you have read, but understood what has been documented. The book covers all aspects of the helpdesk and shows the tiers/lines of support to work your way up to, for example 2nd line support. This is a new certification from Microsoft and one which will prove to be hugely popular and probably the most successful. Especially as the first step into the IT sector. You will benefit hugely from this book and it will give you as much as you give time to it. You might also expect from Microsoft an over the top and self glorified dsecription of this certification. This is not true. It has been a long time coming but this book will become as much of an important tool as your BIOS is to your OS. Excellent.