Reviews for The Real MCTS SQL Server 2008 Exam 70-432 Prep Kit: Database Implementation and Maintenance

1. To sloppy - don't buy as only prep book

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

   In prep for 70-432 I've purchased this book as well as the 'Self-paced Training Kit' from Microsoft Press.
   Compared to the book from Microsoft Press this book from Syngress:
   Pros:
   * The language is easy-going and informal.
   * The book is very focused on the exam.
   Cons:
   * The language is very sloppy - making it hard to understand. This is of cause very critical for a 'technical' book.
   * The number of errors is ridiculous high - the proof reading budget at the publisher must be very restricted / non-existent.
   * The explanations of how SQL Server handles processes and functionality internally are at best imprecise / superficial and at worst misunderstood. Thus at best not leading to any deeper understanding of the SQL Server internals / design and at worst leading to total confusion for the student.
   * The layout of the book is sloppy.
   

2. Good preperation

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

   The best preparation book for MCTS SQL Server 2008 70-432 exam. The Microsoft preparation kit contains exam like exercises, this book hasn't but the Microsoft book contains serveral errors - I didn't found any of these in this book. If you've got the time and the money you could use them both.

3. An excellent exam aid

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, August 12rd, 2009

   A better learning aid than the official Microsoft Training Kit manual (in my opinion). It is easy to read and the self tests at the end of each chapter are excellent.
   If you only have one book to take the certification, make it this one.

4. Not bad

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2009

   I bought this Exam prep about a month ago to help me study for the 70-432 SQL Server 2008 exam. Prior to this I had bought and been working through Microsoft's self paced study guide, so how do they compare? Well, whilst Microsoft's guide isn't particularly well edited, there are inaccuracies in the information provided and there are instances where review sections are for entirely different chapters, Microsoft's effort is good in providing solid practice exercises to help the reader get to grips with using SQL Server 2008 hands on and contains A LOT of information. "The Real MCTS SQL Server 2008" offering is more focused on providing the information required to pass the exam and re-enforcing that information through reviews and practice questions. When I bought the "Real" guide(I had it on pre-order) the front cover as displayed on Amazon promised online practice tests and ipod seminar downloads. Upon arrival, my book's front cover was different to the one shown online and these additional study aides were not included (Amazon have since updated the book cover displayed on their site). To conclude, I think that both books have their merits. I am working through Microsoft's book first to get a hands-on overview of SQL server 2008 and then I will use the "Real" guide to reinforce the detail I need to absorb to pass the exam. I hope someone finds this review useful.