BKMCSE95.RVW   980629

"MCSE Training Guide Windows 95", Edward Tetz/Ed Wilson/Daniel A.
Lauer, 1998, 1-56205-880-0, U$49.99/C$71.95/UK#46.95
%A   Edward Tetz
%A   Ed Wilson ewilson@one.net
%A   Daniel A. Lauer
%C   201 W. 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN   46290
%D   1998
%G   1-56205-880-0
%I   Macmillan Computer Publishing (MCP)
%O   U$49.99/C$71.95/UK#46.95 317-581-3743 http://www.mcp.com
%P   846 p. + CD-ROM
%T   "MCSE Training Guide Windows 95"

Part one contains the curriculum material for the various topics of
the exam.  Chapter one reviews information on planning for Windows 95
installation and networking.  Although understandable, in view of the
proprietary nature of the exam, it is unfortunate that the text sticks
so closely to the Microsoft party line, as this seriously reduces the
utility in the real world.  All chapters contain a set of pre-test
questions as well as exercises and review questions: at least two of
the questions raised in the pre-test are not answered in the course of
this chapter.  There is a walk-through of the common installation
procedure in chapter two.  Network installation, in chapter three,
provides fairly minimal explanation before proceeding through Wizard
screens.  Chapter four looks at sharing of resources, and other
security related (and some unrelated) topics.  Oddly, some topics are
promised and then not delivered.  For example, more than once the text
notes that topics to be covered include the monitoring of access to
shared directories and files.  Finally, buried at the bottom of one
page, it is admitted that Microsoft makes no provision for such
monitoring.  Cooperation with NT, NetWare, and the Internet is covered
in chapter five.  Performance tools are listed in chapter six. 
Chapter seven discusses troubleshooting resources and tools.

Part two contains two full practice exams.

The authors state that the book is intended to include not only
material to prepare the reader to take the Windows 95 (#70-64) exam,
but also to use Windows 95 in the real world.  While some such content
is provided, trying to use this text as a reference guide for
supporting the system would likely be very frustrating.  As a guide to
the exam itself the book works better, but there are still some gaps
and shortcomings.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1998   BKMCSE95.RVW   980629