MCSE Networking Essentials Exam Prep with Cdrom, 1st edition
Authors: Ed Tittel, David Johnson, James Michael Stewart
Venue:  (1998)

From the Book: Introduction Introduction Welcome to MCSE Networking Essentials EXAM PREP! This new book from Certification Insider Press offers you real-world examples, interactive activities, and over 100 hands-on projects that reinforce key concepts and help you prepare for the exam. This book also features troubleshooting tips for solutions to common problems that you will encounter. An interactive CD-ROM with two complete practice exams that allow you to test your skills and knowledge makes this the perfect study guide for the Microsoft certification exam. These materials have been specifically designed to help individuals prepare for Microsoft Certification Exam #70-058, "Networking Essentials." Answers to end-of-chapter review questions and projects are also found on the CD-ROM. About the Book To aid you in fully understanding Networking Essentials concepts, there are many features in this book that have been designed to help you logically work through and confidently prepare for the exam. n Chapter Objectives Each chapter in this book begins with a detailed list of the concepts to be mastered within that chapter. This list provides you with a quick reference to the contents of that chapter, as well as a useful study aid. n Illustrations and Tables Numerous illustrations of networking components aid you in the visualization of common networking setups, theories, and architectures. In addition, many tables provide details and comparisons of both practical and theoretical information. n Chapter Summaries Each chapters text is followed by a summary of the concepts it has introduced. These summaries provide a helpful way to recap and revisit the ideas covered in each chapter. n Key Terms Following the Chapter Summary, a list of new networking terms and their definitions encourages proper understanding of the chapters key concepts and provides a useful reference. n Review Questions End-of-chapter assessment begins with a set of review questions that reinforce the ideas introduced in each chapter. These questions not only ensure that you have mastered the concepts, but are written to help prepare you for the Microsoft certification examination. n Hands-on Projects Although it is important to understand the theory behind networking technology, nothing can improve upon real world experience. With the exception of those chapters that are purely theoretical, each chapter provides a series of exercises aimed at providing you with hands-on implementation experience. n Case Projects Finally, each chapter closes with a section that proposes a certain networking situation. You are asked to evaluate the situation and decide upon the course of action to be taken to remedy the problems described. This valuable tool helps the student sharpen decision-making and troubleshooting skillsimportant aspects of network administration. n Solutions The answers for all review questions and projects are included on the companion CD-ROM. Text and Graphic Conventions Used in this Book Wherever appropriate, additional information and activities have been added to this book to help the student better understand what is being discussed in the chapter. Icons throughout the text alert students to additional materials. The icons used in this textbook are described below. Note icons present additional helpful material related to the subject. Tip icons highlight suggestions on ways to attack problems you may encounter in a real-world situation. As experienced network administrators, the authors have practical experience with how networks work in real business situations. Caution icons appear in the margin next to concepts or steps that often cause difficulty. Each caution anticipates a potential mistake and provides methods for avoiding the same problem in the future. Hands-on project icons precede each hands-on activity in this book. Case project icons are located at the end of each chapter. They mark a more involved, scenario-based project. In this extensive case example, students are asked to independently implement what you have learned. Where Should You Start? This book is intended to be read in sequence, from beginning to end. Each chapter builds upon those that precede it, to provide a solid understanding of networking essentials. After completing the chapters, you may find it useful to go back through the book, and use the review questions and projects to prepare for the Microsoft certification test for Networking Essentials (#70-058). Readers are also encouraged to investigate the many pointers to online and printed sources of additional information that are cited throughout this book. Dont Miss it! Valuable Information at the End of the Book In addition to its core materials, this book includes several appendices that are worthy of further investigation. n Appendix A: Common Network Standards and Specifications This appendix provides information about the standards-making process as it applies to networking, and coverage of the most important and influential network standards-making bodies in the U.S. and worldwide. n Appendix B: Planning and Implementing Networks This appendix provides a detailed overview of the planning required prior to undertaking network design and installation, including user training requirements and post-sales technical support issues. n Appendix C: Network Troubleshooting Guide Here you can find brief, cogent advice on how to recognize, isolate, and diagnose trouble on a network, be it media, hardware, or software related. n Appendix D: Networking Resources, Online and Offline This is a compilation of all of the printed and online references mentioned throughout this book. n Glossary This is a complete compendium of all of the acronyms and technical terms used in this book, with definitions. Hardware and Software Requirements Before You Begin Individuals who wish to get the most from these materials should have access to a networked PC that is running Microsoft Windows 95, Windows NT Workstation 4.0, or Windows NT Server 4.0. If Internet access is also available, you should be able to complete all of the exercises in this book. The following table summarizes the requirements and recommendations (in parentheses) for each of these operating systems: When it comes to any of these operating systems, its wise to meet the recommended configurations, rather than the minimum configurations. While each of them will work at the minimum configurations, such systems will be slow and sometimes painful to use. In fact, its nearly impossible to give any of these operating systems too much memory, disk space, or CPU power. These various Windows environments almost exemplify the notion that "more is better" when it comes to such things. System Requirements for Test Prep Software: n 8 MB RAM (16 MB recommended) n VGA/256 Color display or better n 2X CD-ROM Drive n Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 95 About the CD-ROM To become a Microsoft Certified Professional, you must pass rigorous certification exams that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. The CD-ROM that comes with this book can be used in conjunction with the book to help you assess your progress in the event you choose to pursue Microsoft Professional Certification. The CD-ROM contains specially designed test simulation software that features two 55-question practice exams. The questions were expertly prepared to test your readiness for the official Microsoft certification examination on Networking Essentials (Exam # 70-058). The practice exam questions simulate the interface and format of the actual certification exams. Practice Exam Features: n 55 questions, just like the actual exam n 90-minute timed test to ensure exam readiness n Questions can be marked and answered later n Graphical representation of your test grade Solutions to End-of-Chapter Questions and Projects For further help in making sure you are prepared for the Networking Essentials certification exam, we have included solutions for the end-of-chapter Review Questions, Hands-on Projects, and Case Projects on the CD.