Avid readers of the Real World Computing section will no doubt have followed the recent trials and tribulations of David Moss progress to becoming an MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer). One of the compulsory exams is 70-058, Networking Essentials, and this book from Microsoft Press aims to provide a self-paced training aid to guide you through to a pass. It also targets a wider audience as it can be used as a primer for network newbies or to prepare for the CompTIA Network plus exam aimed at technicians with 18-24 months hands-on experience.

Before going any further, I should mention that exam 70-058, along with many others, is being retired by Microsoft at the end of this year. The spanner in the works is Windows 2000. Microsoft no longer feels that the present exam covers the current networking climate in sufficient depth. Consequently, this test will be replaced by exams 70-216 and 70-221 with betas expected in April. However, if you opt for the NT 4-based exams youll have until the end of 2001 to upgrade to the Windows 2000 track.

Those studying for exams will find it a useful guide at the start, which points them to the chapters and subjects that are most applicable. The book then moves on to a brief overview of networks and looks at the differences between peer-to-peer and server-based environments. Network protocols come under intense scrutiny, network planning and cabling are examined, and the IEEE standards and OSI reference model are covered in detail. Each chapter is broken down into a discussion followed by a summary, a brief test and, where applicable, a case study problem. You also get the usual electronic version on CD-ROM and plenty of supporting videos to watch.

There are, however, some glaring omissions. TCP/IP gets a fair amount of coverage but areas such as A, B and C class addressing arent explained. Hubs, routers and bridges are mentioned but switches dont exist, and new technologies such as Gigabit Ethernet are absent.

Theres little doubt that this is a good primer for Networking Essentials, but it wont teach you how to deal with Microsofts exam procedures and the new adaptive tests. If this is your main aim, think carefully before buying - ultimately, the decision may well rest on how soon your company plans to migrate to Windows 2000.

Dave Mitchell