Intro to MCTS/MCITP Certifications - Getting Started with VMware

In this review of Intro to MCTS/MCITP Certifications - Getting Started with VMware Server 2 and Windows Server 2008, the reviewer finds a focused Concepts volume that suits learners preparing for exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-646 and 70-647. The bottom line: this book is best for students who want a concise theoretical foundation in Windows-based network administration and virtualization before moving to hands-on practice. It stands out because the Concepts book is explicitly designed as part of a three-book GeSt Package, so it prioritizes clear explanations and structured learning over exhaustive step-by-step lab walkthroughs.

Key Features

• Part of GeSt Package: Integrates with the Practices and Questions books so readers can move from concepts to lab exercises and self-quizzing in a single learning path.
• Exam-focused scope: Covers theory relevant to multiple MCTS/MCITP certification exams, helping readers orient study toward exam topics.
• VMware Server emphasis: Explains how network technologies are implemented using VMware Server 2, providing a virtualization context for Windows Server concepts.
• Gradual learning approach: Presents material in a gradual, fast, and deep way to build foundational knowledge without overwhelming new administrators.
• Compact theoretical core: Delivers core theoretical knowledge of Windows-based network administration suitable for learners before hands-on labs.

Who It's For

This Concepts book is aimed at aspiring network administrators and certification candidates who prefer to understand principles first: readers preparing for the listed MCTS/MCITP exams will find it useful as the conceptual primer in a three-book study system. IT students and self-taught learners who plan to pair theory with practical labs will appreciate the clear structure and focus on VMware and Windows Server concepts.

Readers who need a standalone, fully detailed lab manual or a comprehensive reference for all Windows Server features should look elsewhere; this volume is intentionally a conceptual companion meant to be used with the Practices and Questions books for hands-on practice and testing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear conceptual organization that makes complex topics approachable for beginners.
• Designed to work with complementary Practice and Questions books for a complete study workflow.
• Relevant coverage of virtualization using VMware Server 2 alongside Windows Server 2008 theory.

Cons

• Not a substitute for hands-on labs or a detailed step-by-step practice guide on its own.

Specifications

Title	Intro to MCTS/MCITP Certifications - Getting Started with VMware Server 2 and Windows Server 2008
Author/Brand	Camil Hasanovic
Package role	Concepts volume of the GeSt Package
Certification targets	Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-646, 70-647
Focus technologies	VMware Server 2 and Windows Server 2008
Companion books	Practices book and Questions online book

Our Verdict

The Concepts book is a strong conceptual primer for anyone preparing for Windows Server certification who plans to follow up with hands-on labs and quizzes. It offers good value when purchased or used as part of the GeSt Package because it keeps explanations focused on exam-relevant theory while preparing readers to adopt practical skills in the companion Practice volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book sufficient to pass the listed exams?
It provides the core theoretical knowledge needed but is intended to be used with the Practices and Questions books for hands-on skills and exam-style quizzes.

Does it include lab walkthroughs for VMware Server 2?
The Concepts book explains how technologies are implemented in VMware Server 2 but does not replace the detailed lab exercises found in the Practices companion book.

Who wrote the book and what is the GeSt Package?
The author is Camil Hasanovic and the GeSt Package is a three-book set: Concepts, Practices, and Questions designed to teach network administration in a modern, structured way.