NetEss
70-058

I just passed the Networking Essentials Exam (730/1000 with a passing score of 550).

Some thoughts:

The new format threw me for a while. I was expecting a long, drawn out exam (Win 95), but I answered 25 questions and was out in a total of 30 minutes.

REALLY know EVERYTHING about Bridges, Replicators, Hubs, Brouters and Routers. There was something like 7 questions out of 25 on these topics!

No OSI questions

Know Win NT Server Administration well - In particular, user level security Vs. share-level security (when and where to use each).

Know your protocols inside and out. In particular remember that NETBEUI is fast but not routable and is used on peer to peer networks with WFW, DOS and Win 95. IPX/SPX should be chosen if NetBEUI is not a choice.

One weird scenario question about lowering utilization without spending too much and allowing for future expansion. One solution was to replace cat 3 with cat 5 (won't do a thing) and the other two proposed solutions had to do with changing packet sizes and TCP window sizes. I answered that none of these would help at all. I was told that TCP window sizes are dynamic by an instructor so I think this was the right answer...

Know your NetBIOS  naming schemes and how to transfer a LAN naming scheme to a WAN

Know your troubleshooting devices and software tools especially DVM's, TDR's, Performance monitor, Network monitor and SNMP.

One weird question about installing 2 modems on a portable computer. One is on the docking station and the other is PCMCIA. When Undocked and PCMCIA modem is installed it will not work although no conflicts are apparent. I chose upgrade the driver.

Know your topologies and cable types well

This is all I needed to know to pass MY test - draw your own conclusions. I think that I over-prepared. I personally thought the networking questions from the Win 95 exam were much tougher. Oh well. I am certainly not complaining!

One final thought. Don't rely on only one source when you are studying. I used Microsoft's book, New Riders book and Sybex's book. Each is slightly different and contains stuff not in the others. About halfway though your studying, take the Microsoft course. It worked for me!

Good luck