What will suffice for exam 70-210 and 70-215? Perhaps 70-218?

[Calvenn]

Hello everyone,

I'm back again for some more advice. Basically, I plan on undertaking these exams (70-210,215, maybe 218) in the ensuing months and would like to know if it'd be adviceable to tackle all exams while utilizing only 2 machines, a Win2k advanced server desktop and win Xp/2k dual boot laptop client machine in this case.

As I stated earlier, I totally shifted my focus away from Microsoft to complete the CCNA and now realize that I'm lacking requisite knowledge due to this hiatus. For this reason, I'm on a mission to substantially improve my MS knowledge by dedicating additional time to performing practical exercises in my "mini" lab. I'm certain this will also pay dividends on the job and definately doesn't hurt my chances for possible future advancement opportunities, etc.

Anyhow, does it make any sense to proceed with the above approach if one is serious about building knowledge and ultimately passing the tests? Unfortunately, at the moment, I don't have access or should I say "the means" to purchase additional resources to improve my home lab in order to emulate a more complete network environment. I'm quite limited as you can imagine.

So, what do I need to look out for if I decide to stick with this setup for all 3 exa,, if that's even possible?

For my exam study material, I plan on using Syngress Osborne MCSE Win2k Professional/Server books, as well as Exam cram 2 Win2k Professional/Server for final review material. Anyone have any input on this?

I truly appreciate your dedication to assisting others and look forward to your insightful thoughts and advice. Thanks again.



MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Xemus]

Technically, that setup should be fine. It all depends on the amount of understanding you have of Microsoft Networks (the Cisco background will help, but they tend to have different names for the same thing).
For most of the MCSE classes that I took, the test lab consisted of 16 machines running server (in various DC and server configurations depending on the class), and an instructor DC computer. Seemed silly to not have clients. Thus extra time spent with other machines was a great help in my studies.
My advice? Study like crazy, take one exam and get a feel for how you do for the rest of the exams. I think you'll be ok in that setup if you can't afford more computers tho.

http://www.closedsocket.com

 

[BOFH1]

Well it is the bare minimum you need to study the course material, I tried with 2 stations but didn't get the confidence to take the exams until I had worked in a Win2K environment for 6 months. (No substitute for hands on experience)
The exam cram books are very handy for last min revision but they won't provide all the info that you need.

As you are NT4 Certified the setup that you have should enable you to study 70-210 - 215 but I think you will need more Active Directory experience than you can gain with 2 stations for 218.

It will be beneficial to read the 218 material whilst studying 210 & 215 as it includes allot of information encompassing Windows 2000 networking that will help in the exams.

 

[grshpr]

Having taken the 210, and 215, they hit on Remote Installation Services pretty hard. It would be very beneficial to know that part of it. I've had a couple of people tell me to take the 218, as I should be ready for it but I don't do well on "paper" tests. Give me the actual equipment and the issue and I can resolve it.

If you have the money, I would definitly look at the transender's for a study guide. some of the questions from the guide were almost word for word on the test for 210 and 215.

 

[BOFH1]

Most important of all is to feel confident that you can do it hands on. There's no point in useing braindumps to help you pass exams and get a job only to discover you can't do the job.

But grshpr is right brush up on RIS as it features heavily in these exams. Get those out of the way before attempting 218 as this exam requires skills learned in the other 2.

 

[Calvenn]

I will take your advice to heart. Thanks to all of you.

MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Shift838]

Don't be too worried 70-210 and 215 exams, they are both extremely easy. If you have a good underestanding of both professional and server you can make it through it in probably around 30 minutes each or less. The 70-218 exam is simply W2k Administration, pretty straight forward. If you are planning on seeking your MCSE in W2k, then the only exam I can really tell you about is the one that separates the men from the boys and this is 70-216 (Infrastructure) This test is a beast, worse than the Active Directory Design Exam. You have to pretty much know everything about W2k to get through this exam. This exam can kill your MCSE for W2k Track if you don't know it.