Reviews for MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-536): Microsoft .NET Framework-Application Development Foundation, Book/CD Package, 2nd Edition (Self-Paced Training Kits)

1. Book is missing information

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, April 12th, 2010

   i have been developing for 4 years now and busy updating my qualifications to the latest and greatest. the book is an easy read and contains good information however, it is missing necessary information to pass the exam. The book doesn't tell you anywhere that you need to further research further into every area covered. i spent 2 months (4 hours per day) studying for this exam and read the book end to end 4 times. I passed all the mock questions and figured i was ready for the exam but guess what i failed. i quickly figured out that there were questions in the exam that were not covered in the book. the conclusion i have come to is that you need to throw away at least 6 months of your valuable time looking through every document you can get your hands on msdn ( topics in the book) in order to cover all exam questions.
   I am very disappointed in microsoft's inability to communicate this matter clearly in the book. as someone who hasnt studied for a while i have 15 exams to get through which i would have expected to get done in 2 years. knowing what i know now it will take me 6 months per an exam.. if this is the case then how does Microsoft sign off on training that lasts a few days with mention that you could write exams in a little over a month..?
   
   i understand microsoft are trying to iron out brain dumpers but this books clear lack of the required information to pass the exam or clear indications that a lot more external reading is needed, makes this book a waste of time. i would be better off just knowing the subjects and researching them from msdn since i have no trust in microsoft's ability to compile comprehensive and complete study guides that require no further reading and would at the very least, tell you that you need further info that isnt described in the book

2. Best book ever! You can't go wrong

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, February 12nd, 2010

   This book is really good if you want to study for the exam and all. Not really for beginners though i would say!

3. A good book, but you'll never pass the exam with it.

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, February 12th, 2010

   I read this book cover to cover in preparation for the exam. I then downloaded some test exams only to discover certain topics that were not mentioned in the book. Realistically I need to learn a lot more than was covered here.
   
   After taking the exam I would say about 60% was covered - which is quite a lot left for someone to research on their own.
   
   Having said that, it is a great book for learning from if you're not focussed purely on passing the exam, and the style of writing is superb.

4. Good book to prepare for the exam

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, January 12th, 2010

   Hey,
   
   This is a great study guide to the exam. It is not the be all and end all, but if you are sitting the exam I would highly recommed this. its well laid out and the sample test in the book are great. Also a great feature is the 'Case Scenarios' at the end of each chapter where a real world problem is outlined and you are asked to solve it using what you have just learned, great way to get you thinking about what you have just read. I would recomed plenty of practice coding when reading this book... try out all the examples!
   
   A must read for anyone taking the exam.
   
   Cheers,
   Alan.

5. Recommend study guide

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, November 12th, 2009

   Overall a good book tohelp pass the exam. Still would need to supplement with some Internet research and blogs