Gladiator - keep your head up and give it a second try.  I think 228 is the worst certification test I have seen in terms of content.  It focuses more...

Good information, Chris.  As far as I know, there isn't a guarantee one way or the other.  Microsoft will almost definitely set a de-certification date for SQL Server 6.5 and 7 MCDBA's...

It's too bad that SQL Server 2005 didn't ship this summer (like in June) because that would make the conference so much better.  A lot of the best presentations from...

No, that is not correct.  Microsoft certifications have an expiration date that is set by Microsoft.  A MCDBA certification on SQL Server 2000 will most likely expire when the product reaches...

Things to watch out for = soon the MCDBA on SQL Server 2000 will be obsolete.  Once SQL Server 2005 is released, a whole new certification program will be implemented. ...

I want to second the recommedation to use Transcender practice tests for 70-229.  This exam has many questions about SQL syntax and the practice tests will help you recognize the...

True, but both the 70-290 and 70-291 are required as core exams for the MCSE. Don't get discouraged, though. Review the list of skills being measured at:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-291.asp

Evaluate where...

I wonder why you are taking the 70-291 (Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure) instead of 70-290 (Managing Windows 2003 Server)?  I think 70-290 would be the easier requirement to complete...

First, to understand the value of certification in a job search, it helps to see the perspective of the hiring manager.  If the manager gets 25 resumes for the job,...

Steve,

Have you taken a look at the SQL Server Health and History tool to provide some change management?  The Reporting Services reports detail exact patches, configuration changes and software that...

One place that you can try out this Reporting Services functionality is the Cizer Quick Query online demo at:

http://product.cizer.net/QuickQuery/CQQ/Default.aspx

If you build a simple report then click the Excel icon in...

The latest information that I have from Microsoft is that they do not plan to give credit on any of the current exams as part of the SQL Server 2005...

Visual Basic .NET is only $99 dollars (retail) and will let you develop reports for Reporting Services. I think that is as cheap as it gets for building fairly...

Why leave out the props for Brian Knight's and Andy Warren's presentations? I was able to attend Brian's "Protecting SQL Server Against Hackers" but missed Andy's "Develop on Your...

Check out this link for a good review of the exam requirements:

http://www.cramsession.com/certifications/studyguides/Microsoft/SQL2000Admin/guide.asp?

The Cramsession guide has a link to a MSDN article on RAID levels that should be helpful. At...