291 anyone

**dales** · #1 21-Jul-2008, 09:44 AM

So who's on the 291 at the moment then, I've only really just started and am a little thwarted that I cant really practice any of this at work (novell environment), so I think this will take me longer than all the other exams just on that basis. anyone want to share notes?

onoski · #2 21-Jul-2008, 10:15 AM

Hi Dales, am studying for this beast at the moment using TestOut, MS Press book, MeasureUp practice mock exams and Trancender.

It's going to be a tough nut to crack but am determined as well as getting my lab hands on at home on VMWare server, windows server 2003 enterprise and standard edition windows server 2003 and client OS xp pro. I think this is a little over kill but am trying to get as much hands on for this one as well as using out DC's at work but not delving in as in changing anything.

Best and I hope this help's.

**dales** · #3 21-Jul-2008, 10:34 AM

good idea, whats the testout stuff like I've never bought any of that, currently studying from exam prep and mspress books, plus have 3 servers and client, but am very tempted to set up another server as a DC for a child domain to help with dns and stuff.

Its going to be a long hard slog but I am looking forward to it and I think I will find it an interesting exam to study.

Ence · #4 21-Jul-2008, 10:40 AM

I to am working on the 70-291, But seem to spend most of my time looking out the window.

I'm using CBT & Testout videos. VMWare for exercise I learn better that way hands on. Books also MS Press and Sybex Study Guide 2nd.

Im still finding this exam Dull.

edit:
I would look at buying a 2nd hand copy of Testout there my be a member who fished with there copy to sell.
If I remember there is a Sale thread Study Material some were here. I got my from a college mate who had passed.

**Sparky** · #5 21-Jul-2008, 04:39 PM

Took this exam a while back, was one of the harder exams towards the MCSE.

My notes..
http://www.certforums.co.uk/forums/s...t=14156&page=2

NightWalker · #6 21-Jul-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by dales

good idea, whats the testout stuff like I've never bought any of that,

”

I have used TestOut on all my server MCPs. I think its really good. I read the MS Press book, then do the TestOut stuff. They compliment the MS books well and the practice exam at the end is good quality. Highly recommended addition to your study material.

Chriseast1 · #7 24-Jul-2008, 09:38 AM

I am starting this as well but struggling for motivation a bit even though its all I need for the MCSA. I just bought and fitted a new hard drive to give me space for more virtual machines and in an attempt to get myself going I have booked the exam for a months time.

Currently using the MS press book, CBT nuggets and virtual machines.

kevicho · #8 24-Jul-2008, 10:40 AM

Good luck guys, passed this a couple of months ago, was a tough exam, that really made sure you knew a wide range of stuff.

As you probably all are already doing most of this im sure it wont be a revelation, but to pass i used the MSpress books, and then had 3 servers on vmware with one xp client

I focusing on DNS, DHCP and the RRAS (with failover for each) for my practice, also IP and subnetting knowledge was practiced.

Not going to give much away for exam content, but from memory the MSPress book did cover nearly all the topics to a good level, although i think some real life experience did help as well.

Ironically while my subnetting was good (from mspress and a few websites), but the Cisco CCNA command guide handbook has sections of subnetting and VLSM (which wasnt in the prerequisites for 70-291 if i remember correctly) and the cisco book explained it much better.

Modey · #9 24-Jul-2008, 12:23 PM

I have come across a few different subnetting guides in my time and I think it's down to personal preference which suits someone best.

The old classic which I found very helpful was :-

http://www.learntosubnet.com/

Some of the early lessons were a tad repetetive, but I found the content excellent in general. I would spend some time having a look through this sub forum as well. I think I put up two or three links to DNS study guides in here while I was studying etc...

stutheview · #10 06-Aug-2008, 08:26 PM

I've just started the MS Press book after spending a few weeks before trying to get my head around subnetting. I think I'm nearly there with the subnetting.

I used the MS Press guide, Windows server 2003 Inside Out, secrets of subnetting website, and questions from http://www.subnettingquestions.com/default_int.asp which helped.

I'm wondering whether I should use any CBT videos for this too, as its a toughie.

Sparkies notes look really useful.

Cheers.

Ence · #11 19-Aug-2008, 06:01 PM

So 291 peps how it going ?

Still finding it hard to get the ball rolling on this exam, I not surprised so many drop out at this point of MCSA/E
Working on DNS & subnetting the more I do on subnetting I still don"t seem to get any quicker.

looks like it going to rain

onoski · #12 19-Aug-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by Ence

So 291 peps how it going ?

Still finding it hard to get the ball rolling on this exam, I not surprised so many drop out at this point of MCSA/E
Working on DNS & subnetting the more I do on subnetting I still don"t seem to get any quicker.

looks like it going to rain

”

Keep at it Ence, as am still working on this exam too, currently the reading the MS press book on DNS etc. I also have purchased the MeasureUp test prep mock exams and would be using TestOut too.

I have also setup VMWare Server with windows server 2003 enterprise domain controller, wins server 2003 standard edition as member server and winxp pro client

It truly is a dull exam and a drag to get myself motivated on cracking on for this exam. But it has to be done, so watch this spare.

Methodman85 · #13 06-Oct-2008, 02:46 AM

Working on this Exam myself... Just finished chapter 10.. MS Press Configuring and Managing remote access... I want to shoot myself, least favorite section by far, at least DNS was fun. 2 chapters left... I think I'm going to skip the prepare for the exam section and just go for it with the second shot.
Also I'm not a fan of most of the Labs in this book requiring Dial up connections

But I guess me having to modify them to get them to work with my modem free setup is good practice.

Obinna Osobalu · #14 17-Oct-2008, 05:26 PM

am actually going to write 70-291 nxt wk. i suggest u go thru dis book MCSA/MCSE selfpaced
training kit (exam 70291):
implementing, managing, and maintaining a
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 network infrastructure / J. C. Mackin, Ian McLean. also try to get enough hands on, i believe u will do jst fine

armouredcrack · #15 17-Oct-2008, 08:45 PM

I have just started 291 and i am getting the impression already that its seems to lean more towards practical i.e how to configure DNS DHCP etc. So my plan is to get as much hands on as i can.

I am using the MS press book with transcender. I am using VMware and i have also setup a server at home.

Hopefully that will be enough. It's definately the hardest exam so far. Good luck to you all.