How Do You Use This Book?

This book provides a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparing for the exam. To best benefit from this book, you might want to use the following study method:

1. Read each chapter carefully. Do your best to fully understand the information.

2. Complete all hands-on exercises in the chapter, referring to the text as necessary so you understand each step you take. Install the evaluation version of SQL Server, and get some experience with the product.

   Note 

   Use an evaluation version of SQL Server Enterprise Edition (which you can download from www.microsoft.com/sql) instead of Express Edition, because Express Edition doesn’t have all the features discussed in this book.

3. Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.

4. Note which questions you didn’t understand, and study the corresponding sections of the book again.

5. Make sure you complete the entire book.

6. Before taking the exam, go through the review questions, bonus exams, flashcards, and so on, included on the CD.

To learn all the material covered in this book, you’ll need to study regularly and with discipline. Try to set aside the same time every day to study, and select a comfortable and quiet place in which to do it. If you work hard, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can learn this material. Good luck!