Microsoft Certification

[Tommy]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could recommend me a good book to read before going in to write the V.B. Distributed(70-175) and the Analyzing requirements and defining solution architectures (70-100) exams. All of the books that I have browsed through so far that are supposed to prepare you for the Analyzing exam deal with Microsoft Solution frameworks, designing applications (check boxes vs radio buttons, combo box vs list box, etc...), application architecture, conceptual designs, etc. But the bulk of the exam covers Physical database designs (Microsoft Database Designs and I am not too sure if they recommend a different approach), as well as DFD's Microfoft style(dataflows and processes only...!) I am having a heck of a time finding a good book on creating a good database design the way microsoft recommends. if anyone knows of one that might help in this part I would appreciate it. As well, I am wanting to write VB distributed and was wondering if there are any good VB books that touch on IIS, MTS, and ASP's would be nice as well, used the sybex for Desktop but did not care for it that much as through experience and the labs in the book I found multiple mistakes.

Thanks in advance

Tommy


[Edited by Tommy on 09-07-2000 at 11:12 PM]

[UncaDanno]

Well, the exams have already been written. They were released several months back.

But, to prepare to take the exams, the best prep I have found for the VB(6.0) exams are the New Riders Fast Track books. Between these, real experience with architecting, developing, and deploying apps, and the Transcender exams, you should have no problem

As for 70-100, there is no way to cram for it. True, it really checks up on your packaging and deployment, transaction, and database design skills, but there are a lot of scenarios that really delve into requirements gathering and analysis, user interviewing, prioritization, and application architecture.
It is NOT language-specific. So adeptness with specific tools won't help with this one.
Probably why Microsoft considers the new MCSD track to be the toughest. And why MCSD holders (the new track) are in such demand. And hard to find.

[Tommy]

Thanks, I will definately look at the book...

Tommy