Hi all,

Hope this doesnt sound dumb!

I recently started studying for my mcse, bought the microsoft training books and I'm doing a lot of reading on the net. The "problem" I have is putting things into practice, I have 4 pc's here which I think should be enough, but reinstalling windows 2000 several times a day in different ways isnt going to help me much! I figured (please correct me if Im wrong) that going through the pro 210 and server 215 at the SAME TIME would be benificial as a lot of the material seems to overlap, and also some of the pro stuff NEEDS a 2k server box.
Now what Im asking really, is for advice on the best way to go about actually LEARNING stuff, I dont particularly want to do several online exams everyday and then go and sit an exam, but the practices I have in the books are sort of "one off" examples, does anyone have any suggestions as to "the best way" to go about it ?

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Sounds like you are doing the best thing now. Get a lot of hands on with W2K Pro, and if you have it, also with Server. Set up a small network and run AD. Also, while the M$ training books are good, try out the New Riders, they give you a lot more info and some real good step by step setup problems.

And really, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. Feel free to ask anything, (within reason ), as we are all here to help.

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I have been using Computer Based Training (CBTs) modules for years and love them because you are constantly simulating real activities. Like setting up a DNS Server and defining zones, and everything else a Network Specialist would be required to do. They constantly bombard you with questions that make you think. And the flow of material covered resembles that of the exam requirements.

Good luck on all your endeavors...All of you!

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Thanks for the replies, I thought I was heading the right way, my small lan at home is running active directory already (I wanted roaming profiles etc like we have at work!), my son has limited rights on the pc so I need to login as admin from time to time on his pc- no major problems but little bits of practice cant harm, I'm looking at getting another couple of cheap pc's (basic spec) as I dont want to trash my main two if I can help it!!
Thanks again for the replies

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You're doing the right thig, get plenty of hands on, and with a small network at home this allows you to do this. Also, I would advise cross-studying Pro and Server, even if you take the exams a couple of weeks apart. Pro exam does cover alot of server type questions. If you have Server in your mini-network that is also a big advantage. Good luck!

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I agree with Johnny5Alive. I read the Sybex 215 book at the same time as studying the 210 book. There is a number of crossovers, things like RIS, GPO'S etc.

At home I have a laptop which Dual boots Professional/Server and 2 further PCs one of which has Professional/Server on it. I find this serves most of my needs. If I need more toys to play with, I'm fortunate that at work I have a few pieces of equipment lying around I can play with and best of all a 2mb connection to the web so that I can get on sites like this.

Good luck with our study.

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