MCSE Training Guide Networking Essentials with CDROM

This guide covers the Networking Essentials (70-058) examination--one of the required four examinations in the Windows NT certification track. This key test measures your knowledge in four key areas of networking: standards and terminology, planning, implementation, and troubleshooting. This training guide, written by Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE) Glenn Berg, follows the same organization.

MCSE Training Guide: Networking Essentials presents the terminology and networking concepts in a straightforward manner. It lays out the differences between centralized and distributed computing, client/server and peer to peer, LANs and WANs, and all of the usual network services. The book spells out the critical Open System Interconnection (OSI) layered model and all of the crucial IEEE 802 networking standards. It also includes a brief discussion of Network Device Interface Specification (NDIS) and Open Data-link Interface (ODI).

In the "Planning" section, Berg takes you through the various cablings and topologies, detailing network interface cards, routers, bridges, hubs, transport protocols, and recovery techniques. This part is chock full of vital information for anyone looking for a stronger understanding of these topics. Berg also discusses how to implement Microsoft networks by managing resources, users, and security, and wraps up with a discussion of basic troubleshooting techniques and performance tuning.

Each chapter in this textbook contains several useful learning tools, including chapter summaries, realistic case studies, reviews, and exam questions. Although this title is meant for specific study toward the 70-058 test, it is an excellent learning tool for anyone interested in practical networking. --Steven Plain