Sams Teach Yourself MCSE Windows NT Server 4 in 14 Days
(Publisher: Macmillan Computer Publishing)
Author(s): David Schaer, et al
ISBN: 0672311283
Publication Date: 12/15/97

Introduction

If you do not want to pass Microsoft Examinations 70-67 (Implementing Microsoft NT Server 4.0) or 70-68 (Implementing Microsoft NT Server 4.0 in the Enterprise) put this book back on the shelf. If you plan to take the exams, and if you want to pass the first time, then this is the book for you.

Microsoft Certified Trainers and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers who have already passed the exams wrote this book. This is not a book of answers; it is not a cheat sheet. It is a guide designed to ensure that you have the tools to prepare for the examinations. An effort has been made to provide technical information at a similar depth to that of the actual exams.

How to Use This Guide

Read this section at least once in its entirety before moving on to the technical chapters. Answering test questions is easier when you understand how they are written. This introduction will show you how it’s done.

Success comes through comprehension, not merely memorization. The Microsoft exams are designed to ensure that the people who pass have a full understanding of the software implementation. Too often, people believe that they can pass the exams simply by cramming facts about the software into their brains. The topics in this book are arranged to let you form links between subject matter.

Each chapter contains review questions written in a similar fashion to those on the actual exams. Complete the reading in a given chapter before attempting to answer the review questions. The review questions include answers that detail the correct answer. Don’t be satisfied with merely answering a question correctly; make sure you understand the answer in full before moving on.

Relax, no one is grading you...yet.

Dissect Each Exam Question

Exam questions are written to test several levels of knowledge. On the most basic level you might be asked a question that requires you to recall a simple command. A more complex question, popular with Microsoft but seemingly less so with test takers, is the comprehensive scenario question. In this type of question you are presented with a problem scenario, sometimes incorporating exhibits. A proposed solution is offered along with a listing of required and desired effects. You will be required to determine which combination of required and desired results, if any, is achieved by the solution.

There are no trick questions. Microsoft invests a significant amount of time to ensure that questions are not ambiguous. This does not mean that they are obvious. The skill being tested might not be apparent from the question. Often the main objective of a question is to test your knowledge of how different areas of NT work together.

Don’t be concerned about finding the right answer, worry about selecting the wrong one. Each question can be answered correctly by eliminating the wrong answers. Don’t select your answer until you’ve eliminated all the other possible choices. Then make sure that the answer you select is accurate in the context of the question.

Exam Day

The following is a quick guide to what you must do to prepare for exam day.

How to Schedule Your Exams

Microsoft MCSE testing is currently provided through Sylvan/Prometric. In the United States they can be reached at (800) 755-EXAM. At the time of writing the cost of the exams was set at $100 per exam. It might be possible to schedule your exam the day of the call; however, it is better to schedule a week in advance.

What to Bring With You

In addition to this guide, which you can bring to the testing site but not into the examination room, you will need to bring the following:

•  One picture ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)

•  One other form of ID with name and signature (such as a credit card or ATM card)

•  Your favorite pencil

•  Coffee cup (personal preference)

One Exam or Two?

Before you schedule your exams, decide whether you want to take them both on the same day. There is significant overlap between the topics of both exams. By scheduling early you should be able to take your exam at the site of your choice and at the time of your choice. If possible, schedule your first exam about an hour before lunch and your second one following. This will give you time to come down from the rush. Use the time between tests to review the topics in the final checklist.

Sign in early for your exam. You want to get the formalities of the testing over with as soon as you get to the testing center so that you have time to review your last-minute checklist.

You might want to bring this guide with you to the exam center for a last-minute review. A final checklist with referenced pages is included in the appendixes. However, do not bring this book, or any other reference material, in the testing room with you. The test should come as a natural review of the topics you have studied in this guide.