J. Gardner said
Let me first say I have given this book a 5 star review because, in spite of its slightly detractive reception, it does what its meant to do and that is prepare you for the 3 exams that lead to an MCPD Web Developer designation.
If you are buying this book to prepare for, and pass, the MCPD exams (3) for web development, then you will not be let down. I have just completed the first of the three exams and passed with no problems at all.
How it helped me as a new developer:
Being a relatively new developer (2 years), I found the 70-536 book to be a great resource as I stumbled through my first .NET applications. When faced with challenges before I had read the book I would google around for answers not knowing what exactly I was looking for. After I had read through the entire book just once my searching was significantly shortened as I would recall reading about x or y in the book and would pull up the ebook and browse my way to the topic I needed. I could then use the code samples as a 'framework' for how to structure my code to accomplish what I wanted.
How I used this material to pass the first exam:
I read the book once and then began taking the practice exams until I was consistently scoring 80 - 90%. At that point, make note of which questions you're still getting wrong and review that section in the book or print out just the answers to those questions and study them. Then, go back and take the practice tests and see how your score improves.
Summary:
If you're not an expert in .NET development already, you stand to learn plenty from this book set. You also have all the material you need to take and pass the exams so long as you study hard and take the practice tests.
The book does have its faults. Typos and such. But, the books are designed to prepare you to pass the exams, not make your spell checker happy.
Besides, I felt a little proud on more than one occasion when I looked at something that was incorrect in a code segment and knew immediately that it was wrong (and how to correct it). When you make those sort of observations, you're making progress.
Anyway, aside from the above mentioned draw back, the material is pretty solid and gets the job done. The typos and such certainly do not take away from the books ability to deliver. You'll see other reviewers who've left poor ratings say the same.
I highly recommend this set for anyone looking to progress in their career, take and pass the exams addressed by this set, and learn more about the .NET Framework along the way.
There are other materials available out there if you prefer it. Just look for study materials for the individual exams, not the full MCPD collection.
Regardless of how you proceed, good luck.
Zhao Li Doyle said
I'm very happy with the condition of the book and fast delivery.
Thank you!
Charles Crosby said
I bought the 3 pack of books. I knew each book inside and out, could ace their practice exams. These are NOT good certification books. Most of the questions on the exam are not covered in these books. Maybe it is deliberate that Microsoft wants experience to be how you know the answers because you certainly will be ill prepared if you rely on the contents of these Microsoft Press books to test how prepared you are. I did pass 528 and 536 and I'd say maybe 5 or 6 questions between the two books were related to the reading material and the rest were just things I already knew. The 528 book was probably the best of the 3 with 537 being pretty weak and 547 being horribly inadequate.
Leandro S. Araujo said
I am very glad with this books. They will be very importants to my study.
I would like to thank to amazon by delivery that was perfect.
i wrote a litle review because i speak english but not very well. but i'm really very glad with tihs books.
Rico Cheung said
These books are great ! with the books themselves, i don't think I would say much about them, coz other reviews already cover most of my opinion.
but i have to say the SHIPPING and handling from Amazon this time is very POOR! when I received these books, one of the book (70-547) was throughly Wet, moldy and Bended. tried to contact Amazon, but no reply....
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