MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-431): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance (Pro-Certification)

Many examples in this book can not be compleated with the "Evaluation Software" the is included with the book. Chapters 14, and 15 both reference features not included in this version of the software.

The book has been reading very nicely and I believe that I have learned a lot from it but I have become very frustrated with the way the not all the examples/practice areas can be accessed with the limitations of the included software

I bought this book because I had the opportunity to take a training course by one of the co-authors, Mike Hotek. Mike is an awesome teacher as well as writer. This book had very clear practical examples ranging from how to create a table to replication and database mirroring. I found that if you want to learn the just-above-the-basics of SQL 2005, this book is for you. Even if you don't know anything about SQL 2005, this book will give you an insight on how to get started.

The chapters are organized quite well, starting with how to install SQL 2005 and moving on to creating basic objects.

I would recommend this book for several reasons:
1) A great reference on basic SQL syntax as well as the main functions of SQL 2005
2) A great learning tool for the exam.
3) Easy to read and understand.

Great job on this one. I have already purchased the 443 and 444 books and am eager to read into those as well.

Good book to have and I like the packaging.

No regrets for this business

This is a very good book on sql server 2005. It is focused on the exam 70-431 but contains a lot of information that everyone should know about sql server 2005.

The book is full of examples, and presents the arguments in a very pratical way, there is not a lot of theory, but there is a lot of precious information, and everything is presented in a very comprehensible way.

Suggested for everyone that works with sql server 2005

SQL Server 2005 Technology Specialist ...As the Certificate suggest after clearing Exam 70-431,you shall be one. This book is excellant guide and has excellant structure. You need to have basic knowledge about databases and its position in the project to be able to absorb all information. I completed by certification in January this year and than I got job in Feburary.I read this book three time before i appeared for exam just because to be able to pass exam you need to some minute details. It all helps at End... I nailed the interview when the interver tried getting technical and when he asked how many indexes one can create on a table I answered by telling exactly how many Non Clus and Clust index can be created and what is the size of index page :). I am working as DBA now. For all those new comers ...I suggest clear this exam and start hunting job as there are good chance you'll get one.