

Paperback: 720 pages
Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 25, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1118511611
ISBN-13: 978-1118511619
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.7 x 10.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #396,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #119 in Books > Computers & Technology > Certification > Microsoft #424 in Books > Textbooks > Computer Science > Operating Systems #988 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems

My problem with a lot of training material is that it just doesn't go deep enough into the topics to enable you to be competent when taking the exam. I used this book, and video training from train signal (which training is even less specific than this book), and failed the exam my first try.If you're studying for the 70-411 this is a good book for two things: 1.) To give you a basic overview of the objectives, 2.) To provide step-by-step instructions for completing lab exercises.However, in order to actually pass the exam, I would recommend also using a video training series (I've heard that CBT Nuggets is good - train signal was "meh" in my oppinion, but better than nothing - also you can find a lot of videos on youtube if you can be a savvy searcher, and sift through the irrelevant results) and the Technet Library.I admit that I was reluctant to use the Technet Library as a study resource at first, but it is really the only place (that I've found) where you can search for the topics covered in the book and really get down to the nitty-gritty. I learned a LOT from Technet that wasn't in the book, but that WAS on the test.One more note about the test: You may get a few questions about Hyper-V (not covered in this book, and not mentioned in the objectives), so if you're getting ready to take the test, go back to your 70-410 book and re-study the Hyper-V sections.
First off I'll say this is a very good book. Very few errors, questions that hit right on what you should expect on the test, and complete procedures for everything discussed. The answers to those questions are not immediately available, though - you have to hunt in the chapters' text to find them, and the labs, while doable in a virtual environment, are not pre-staged for you. I was expected a simulation environment on DVD. Evidently there will be a separately purchasable item that contains an online simulation environment; I've heard mixed reviews on those, though, and am sticking to the virtual environment at home myself.
What amazes me most about this book is how many writing errors it has. Numerous incomplete sentences, incoherent sentences and spelling errors. Along with that, there are a few concepts that aren't explained that well. I would have figured a book that is a part of the "Microsoft Official Academic Course" would be one of the best, but I was sorely wrong.
I find that the details are good, the book does not TELL YOU what you need to know each Cert Exam question, but has the answer you need for each question inside. Meaning read the book two times and then preform some labs and you should feel confident in writing your 70-411 exam.
Overall - good book, maybe a little hard to read, compared to other MS Press books. But, starting from Jan 28, 2014 all Server 2012 tests will include R2 topics, which are not included in this manual (to be fair, similarly to most 70-4xx book available at the end on 2013). 4 starts for quality, minus 1 for outdated material.
Don't listen to the comments on any of these products. The MOAC books are designed to give its readers a foundation and understanding of how to navigate and operate through the Server 2012 product. It's a "nuts and bolts" guide to learn pragmatic skills and convey relevant information. It is not meant to simply pass a cert without knowing anything, as the commentators on here are supposing. The people who rate these products low obviously know little of how Microsoft operates. This is a classroom textbook, which is excellent, it is not a short-circuit route to pass a certification without knowing anything.
Exam Ref 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012 R2 (MCSA) Exam 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012 MCSA Guide to Administering Microsoft Windows Server 2012/R2, Exam 70-411 Windows Command-Line for Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Textbook Edition) (The Personal Trainer for Technology) WINDOWS 10: WINDOWS 10 COMPANION: THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR DOING ANYTHING WITH WINDOWS 10 (WINDOWS 10, WINDOWS 10 FOR DUMMIES, WINDOWS 10 MANUAL, WINDOWS ... WINDOWS 10 GUIDE) (MICROSOFT OFFICE) Windows Group Policy: The Personal Trainer for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 MCSA Windows Server 2012 R2 Administration Study Guide: Exam 70-411 MCSA Windows Server 2012 R2 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-410, 70-411, 70-412 MCSA Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-410, 70-411, 70-412, and 70-417 Training Guide Administering Windows Server 2012 R2 (MCSA) (Microsoft Press Training Guide) Training Kit (Exam 70-462) Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases (MCSA) (Microsoft Press Training Kit) Bundle: MCITP Guide to Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Server Administration, Exam #70-646 + Web-Based Labs Printed Access Cards Beginning SQL 2012 Joes 2 Pros Volume 1: The SQL Queries 2012 Hands-On Tutorial for Beginners (SQL Exam Prep Series 70-461 Volume 1 Of 5) (SQL Queries 2012 Joes 2 Pros) Exam Ref 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2 (MCSA) MCSA Guide to Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows Server 2012 /R2, Exam 70-410 Exam Ref 70-412 Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 R2 Services (MCSA) Exam 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 Windows 10: The Ultimate User Guide To Microsoft's New Operating System - 33 Amazing Tips You Need To Know To Master Windows 10! (Windows, Windows 10 Guide,General Guide) Windows 10 For Beginners: Simple Step-by-Step Manual On How To Customize Windows 10 For Your Needs.: (Windows 10 For Beginners - Pictured Guide) ... 10 books, Ultimate user guide to Windows 10) Group Policy: Management, Troubleshooting, and Security: For Windows Vista, Windows 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000