MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-620): Configuring Windows Vista(TM) Client (Self Paced Training Kit 70-620)

I used this book to study for the 70-620 exam and passed. This book was my primary study tool; the only other things I used to study were practice exams that I found online. The reason I did not give it 5-stars, however, was because of the CD. The CD contains practice exams on it, and after I went through a whole practice exam, it just crashes when I have it grade it. I tried it again a few days later, and again, the software crashed as it was time for it to grade. Maybe it was just conflicting with something on my computer, but I figured I'd let it be known in case its not only me.

The book covers enough detail for this exam (its main purpose). I found the book concise and to the point. I was able to pass using this as my main study tool. If you have passed the 70-270 exam you find this easy reading, as this exam is closer to the MCDST 70-271. i.e.

+ no requiremnts for automated installs
+ AD or group policy etc

Basically it is an easy read if your familiar with the previous XP exams.

I used this book to pass my Vista 70-620 exam yesterday - good book that was clear, well-written, and well-organized. Although there were a lot of typos. There are corrections/an errata list on the Microsoft Press site for some but not all the mistakes.

Each chapter is broken up into lessons covering objective sub-topics. To really get the full benefit from this book, be sure to actually DO and following along with the practices offered in each lesson and do the chapter end reviews, and it will really help the info sink in.

The book itself is wonderful. Easy to understand and the practice tests at the end of the chapters are great. Only problem I had was the shipping method. When the post office delivered my books, the box was mangled and some of the pages of the book were ripped and bent. UPS would have probably been a better shipping method.

I was recommended the MS press kit books when I started studying for my MCSE and I am very thankful I took the advice.
Each book in the series (this one included) serves as an excellent resource for a thorough understanding of the concepts presented and technologies involved.
It also covers specifics, provides tips and enough details that it is helpful for knowing how to apply the knowledge in the "real" world (as opposed to the somewhat warped MS testing view.)
The only downside is that if you're looking for a reference book expecting very granular coverage of specific technologies covered, you will be somewhat disappointed.

If you are simply prepping for the test, this book (as well as the rest of the MS press series) is an excellent tool for that. Every objective required for the test (and more) is covered thoroughly enough that this should be the only resource that you need. There are very good labs in each section that if you go through, will give you a solid understanding of the theory and the practice. If you are looking for a cram type book, this isn't it. If you are looking to actually know the information and want to learn it rather than just cram your way through the test then this is the book for you.

Three nice things related to testing with the book. There is a 15% off the test voucher in the back that just about pays for the book. On the CD that comes with it is an excellent set of practice tests using the measure up engine. The questions are written by the authors and are in general, more difficult than the actual exam questions. If you can honestly get 70+ percent on the prep questions, you should be fine on the test. There is also an electronic copy of the book on the CD which is very handy to keep on screen while going through labs or testing in study mode. Using search in a PDF is a lot easier than reading through an index and flipping through pages.

All in all, a very good book for the intended audience.