The difficulty of your path to achieve the MCSA solely depends on the proficiency you have with the technology. If you have little to none, then it is going to be a long journey. However, there is no time like the present to get started, right?!? :-)
One of the first things you need to do (if not done already) is to review the requirements for the MCSA 2003 certification:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx. From here you can examine the exams required and what objectives will be covered for each exam. You can also determine if you are familiar with the technology or need to spend additional time becoming proficient.
Your questions concerning books let's me recommend Microsoft Press. I have had great success with Microsoft Press books.
Windows XP (70-270) -
http://www.amazon.com/MCSA-Self-Paced-Training-70-270-Pro-Certification/dp/0735621527/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215534912&sr=8-3Exam 70-290 -
http://www.amazon.com/MCSA-MCSE-Self-Paced-Training-70-290/dp/0735622892/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215534912&sr=8-2Exam 70-291 -
http://www.amazon.com/MCSA-MCSE-Self-Paced-Training-70-291/dp/0735622884/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215534912&sr=8-5From there, all that is left is an elective. Unfortunately, exam 70-282 (Small Business Server 2003) is not a valid elective. So if your boss wants you to prepare for this exam, it cannot count as part of your MCSA 2003.
The last suggest is vital to your success. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have hands-on experience with the technology. If your company has a lab environment, great! That is the way to go. If not, you will need to install Virtual PC 2007 (
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=04D26402-3199-48A3-AFA2-2DC0B40A73B6&displaylang=en) and create a virtual environment. Although you will be working in a virtual environment, I DO NOT RECOMMEND you install this on productivity machines.
The books (70-290) above should come with a 120-day evaluation of Windows Server 2003. Use this in your virtual environment.
With concerns to practice exam, I have successfully used and have been pleased with Transcender (
http://www.transcender.com/). Do not be disappointed if you fail these practice exams with consistency. They are designed to be difficult. Read the questions, perform what is asked, and evaluate your score and incorrect answers at the end.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
Michael D. Alligood,
MCITP, MCTS, MCSA, MCDST, MCP, A+, Network+
www.theitclassroom.com
