MCAD/MCSE/MCDBA 70-229 Exam Cram 2: Designing & Implementing Databases w/SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition (Exam Cram 2)

The MCAD/MCSE/MCDBA 70-229 Exam Cram 2: Designing & Implementing Databases with SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition covers exactly what you need to know to pass the 70-229 exam. It is the ideal refresher that ensures readers cover the essentials and the ultimate complement guide for larger training guides, instructor-led classes or CBT training. This comprehensive reference guide also comes with the popular `Cram Sheet` tear card for your last minute cram sessions, and the accompanying CD includes a practice test engine powered by MeasureUp. You will also benefit from the community support at www.examcram2.com, which features industry news, study tips, practice exams, and discussion boards.

User review
Good if you want a guide to what you should remember
I previously studied and aced the 70-228 exam and obtained a wealth of information from 'Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Unleashed' (ISBN 0672324679). It had enough information for both that exam and this exam. I've never used an Exam Cram book before and have to say I was disappointed. While it occasionally passed on some specific info, it was more like a guide that tells you a topic is important and that you should study it! If you want to learn and understand how/why you are to do something, this book doesn't cut it. If you want a guide to give you a few quick facts and then tells you to study other materials, then this guide is fine. I was expecting something along the lines of a concise listing of what you needed to know without delving into non-exam topics (which was fine by me after reading the exhausting 1500 book I mentioned above); but, this is anything but concise.

User review
Worth the money
If you have several years experience with MS SQL 2000 you may be able to pass the 70-229 with this book only. A great way to measure your readiness is by taking the test that comes included in the CD. If you pass it with an 85 or above, I'll say you're ready. If you don't, this book should be enough to prepare you for the test.

I also discovered that this book is a compressed regurgitation of the `MCSE SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation Training Guide` (ISBN 0789729970) written by the same author a few years earlier. I definitely recommend the Exam Cram 2 instead of the one mentioned in this paragraph.

One thing I found very interesting is that the questions in the CD are extremely similar to the ones in the actual test. It will definitely give you a good sense of what the test is going to be like. Make sure you pass 3 practice tests with 85 or above before you go and take the real test.

Good luck!

User review
Good For Revision, But u need to Couple it with Another Reference

I used this book as part of my revision portfolio. i found it a comprehensive reference in my revision for Exam 70-229. it is light on a couple of stuff ie: XML , estimating the size of a database and such. but all in all after reading it, i felt like i had a clear grasp of all the areas i needed to know about & prepare for , for the exam. Having that confidence helped in moving forward to the next phase ie: tackling past questions.

what i liked about this book :
- it lists the various objectives of the exam & there is a chapter for each Exam objective.
- it is a comprehensive read at 321 pages.
- there are exam questions after every chapter, Relating to that chapter
- there is a CD with 50 questions set in an application that simulates the exam room scenario.
- on the ExamCram2 site, a section features 64-100 additional questions & answers
- Answers with explanations are provided with every question featured in the book.

However, i also coupled my preparation with the following and when it came to crunch this is what made all the difference when taking the exam: u might want to check these out

(and this is why i cant give the book alone all 5 points of credit)

(1.) SQL Server 2000 Fast Answers ISBN: 1590595920
value:( the only place i found anything on estimating the size of a database , (apart from BOL) and past question scenario explanations. besides that, this is also a very good reference for 70-229 & 70-228. -- Sack is a good SQL Server author
(2.) SQL Tips & Techniques: ISBN:1931841454
Value:(for matters SQL ie: using ROLLUP,CUBE , T-sql rules, cursors, triggers, sprocs, server security elements, the works. a magnificent reference. with plenty of examples-(very important).I cherish this author.
(3.)Portable DBA SQL Server. ISBN:0072230169
Value:(if u read this before the ExamCram2 book, you'll feel much more prepared for ExamCram2 and the past questions stage.it helped consolidate my knowledge and identify areas of weakness.

However, if you have used other study aids or big 700page type Tombs, or feel resonably confident of your understanding, or have identified your areas of weakness & really just need a bit of practise for the exam, then this is what u should do instead.
(Go on The fast track)
(a.) Get a copy of Transcender certification for Exam 70-229 answer all 132 qestions and read the expanations where u go wrong.
(b.) Get a copy of Testking Exam 70-229, anything from version 1.x up is good, answer all 107 or 238 questions on the various problem scenarios and study the explanations where u go wrong.
(c.)visit braindumps dot com and get the latest exam 70-229 brain dump. answer all 107+ questions. understand the stuff & leave no stone unturned.

schedule and sit the exam when you've finished with these various example scenario questions.u r ready.

Ace the exam.

listen, there are many other books that i referenced, but what i think is most important (after revising and knowing your stuff) is to pass the actual exam in 160minutes & 44 questions. you need to tackle question regarding problem scenarios in order to sharpen your wits about applying/selecting/choosing the right solution /tool or strategy within any given problem scenario. this is the crunch of it. do that ,and u pass.

End of.

oh, for those wondering, i took the exam just thursday last ie:(30th March 2006); scored 93% ie: 931. The pass mark is 700 ie: 70%.

Good luck.

cheers :-)

User review
Average exam review
A good review book explains all the topics in a consise fasion this book does explain the topics that well is a bit disorganized and has topics missing. There are better review books out the for SQL 2K

User review
Good but not enough
This book is a good, general introduction to the 70-229 exam concepts - but I had to couple it with the Transcender practice exam before I felt comfortable taking the exam. The exam topics are so broad that the book doesn't do enough to emphasize when to use what. It also skips some important topics (sp_cursoropen) and its practice tests include Full Text Searches which the book notes are unlikely to be on the exam. To the editors: A 'databases' index entry with three pages of sub-entries is redundant in a book about databases. I love the Exam Cram series, but this was the poorest book of the bunch.