The MCP Cache on Microsoft TCP/IP

Without Question, TCP/IP is the most valuable elective you could select. A great indicator of the importance of TCP/IP in today's (and tomorrow's) network is the fact that it will be required as part of the core for NT 5 (Windows 2000) certification. I have a hard time even imagining a scenario where a systems engineer would not be required to deal with (even in a limited capacity) TCP/IP. In addition, understanding TCP/IP will greatly facilitate learning almost all of the other electives. Do yourself a favor, and include TCP/IP part of your core. That leaves only one "variable" in terms of electives. Maybe that's a good thing, but then again...

This exam will test your knowledge of IP addressing, subnet masking, static configuration of TCP/IP, implementation and administration of DHCP, implementation and administration of WINS, implementation and administration of DNS, configuration of an NT Server as an IP router, TCP/IP printing support, configuration of HOSTS and LMHOSTS files, correct usage of utilities to connect with UNIX hosts, RAS, troubleshooting, and an array of other topics. Don't overlook interaction with UNIX hosts, as this is, and always has been, a frequent topic of this exam.

One other piece of advice for this exam, take your time! Right after you enter the testing center (and before you even touch the testing terminal) write down any tables, mnemonics, or notes that you've had trouble remembering. This will leave you your full allotted time, and is perfectly acceptable in terms of ethics and rules for taking the MCP exams. Draw up a table to quickly identify hosts per subnet, subnets per mask, binary conversion, and any others that may help. This will make the test seem that much easier, and you'll be very glad you took the time to do it.

Dr. Karanjiit Siyan has written yet another definitive technical book. Inside TCP/IP: A Comprehensive Introduction to Protocols and Concepts (Inside Series), is perhaps the "Bible" on TCP/IP. Whether you're working in a UNIX, Microsoft or Novell environment, this book will tell you everything you need to know about the intricacies and interactions of TCP/IP. Even if you're not seeking certification, you need this book.

Another truly excellent resource is Douglas E. Comer's Internetworking With TCP/IP: Principles, Protocols, and Architecture (Prentice Hall). Written in 1995, this book remains one of the most highly respected and widely used references on TCP/IP. Mr. Comer has a wonderful ability to communicate even the most difficult concepts with the greatest of ease. Another "must have" for any administrator, certified or not.
Where would we be without an offering from Sybex? Mark Minassi has written a thorough and complete book loaded with practice questions for those seeking certification. Mastering TCP/IP for Nt Server (Network Press), truly is (as the name implies), THE DEFINITIVE work on TCP/IP in an NT environment. If you're looking for one book to get you through the exam, this is it! (For the real world though, you might want to take a good look at either of the books mentioned above).
And if you already have a relatively strong understanding of TCP/IP and just need a book to give you the "Microsoft specifics," you'll find MCSE Test Success(TM): TCP/IP for NT 4 by VFX Technologies, Inc, (Network Press) filled with short, to the point synopsis, as well as hundreds of practice questions. A great supplement to any of the above books.

The MCP Cache Study Guides for Exam 70-059

We're still working on a Study Guide for TCP/IP which should be posted VERY soon. In the meantime, here is a TCP/IP Primer dealing with IP addressing and subnet masking which should help you a great deal. Also, check out Brian Talbert's TCP/IP Guide here.

TCP/IP Primer in MS Word 97 Format

TCP/IP Primer in HTML Format

TCP/IP Primer Zip File (HTML Format)

The MCP Cache Study Questions for Exam 70-059 Coming Soon!

The Tester

RCrisco's TCP/IP Practice Test

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