TechTutorials help you to prepare for exams
Erik Eckel Network+, MCP+I, MCSE
Published: 24 Jan 2003 16:54 GMT
Studying successfully for a certification exam requires more than just attending a class or reading through a few books. You must also spend time with the software or hardware you'll be tested on. Knowing where to find answers to questions is another big plus.
To address this need, the founders of MC MCSE have created TechTutorials, a vast collection of links to free IT resources that will help direct you to the answers you need when you need them. Wading through bad links in search of accurate, relevant, and helpful technical information has always been a source of frustration, but TechTutorials works to minimise dead links.
Better yet, the TechTutorials staff have created a number of their own tutorials that can help you prepare for IT certification exams. Take the Windows 2000 Server tutorial, for example. Available in HTML or print-friendly versions, the tutorial serves as an excellent cram guide that anyone preparing for the Win2K Server exam should review. It's thorough, covering everything from system requirements and installation to optimisation and tuning.
While TechTutorials directs readers to the MC MCSE Web site for news and tips specific to IT certification, a wide range of content on the TechTutorials site can help you prepare for and earn accreditation. Tutorials are available for a variety of topics, including:
- Exchange Server
- Hardware
- Networking
- Novell
- Printing
- Programming
- Security
- SQL Server
- UNIX and Linux
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP
Each topic boasts numerous subcategories. For example, Windows XP includes 19 subcategories. Among them are:
- Troubleshooting the Windows XP Professional Setup
- Windows XP Remote Assistance
- Domain Name System Overview
The site offers additional reference tools, such as a directory of file formats that defines even such obscure files as those with .KQP (Konica camera file) extensions, a collection of Web sites providing technical definitions, subscription-based technical support, and a jobs board powered by Dice.com.
The site's graphic interface is straightforward and lacks flash, as can be seen when viewing the site's highest-rated tutorials page, but it's unlikely that TechTutorials' visitors will complain. Finding accurate and helpful information is the goal of this directory-oriented Web site, and the design is effective. TechTutorials delivers where it counts with its custom tutorials. Links to resources and other sites are simply icing on the cake.
For those readers who don't have time to visit the site regularly but who still want to keep current on new tutorials and certification news, TechTutorials offers two free newsletters. The first, published by TechTutorials, sends an e-mail announcing new tutorials or updates. The second, distributed by MC MCSE, supplies certification news and information.
Eckel's take
Succeeding as an IT professional -- and earning accreditation -- is more easily achieved when you know how to find the answers you need. But figuring out where to look for answers to technical questions can prove maddening. Although online forums and Web sites are two options, having a list of dependable sites that provide immediate answers is a tremendous advantage. TechTutorials has done a great job of creating a directory of live sites offering reliable IT information. But you may find that the most valuable resource TechTutorials has to offer is its own tutorials.
TechRepublic is the online community and information resource for all IT professionals, from support staff to executives. We offer in-depth technical articles written for IT professionals by IT professionals. In addition to articles on everything from Windows to email to fire walls, we offer IT industry analysis, downloads, management tips, discussion forums, and e-newsletters.
Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom.
Did you find this article useful?
13 out of 27 people found this useful
- Share this article:
