Book recommendations for VCAP-DCD

[IManoloudis]

Hello all

I plan to take on the VCAP-DCD exam.

I don't plan to take any courses.

I would like some book recommendations.

So far I have already VMware vSphere design by Scott Lowe et al,  VMware ESXi: Planning, Implementation and Security by Dave Mischchenko and Mastering VSphere 4 by Scott Lowe.

Can you point me to any additional material that will prepare me for the exam?

Thanks

[AndreTheGiant]

The book from Scott Lowe could be a good resouce.

I've not receive yet, but if is good like Mastering vSphere, then could be fine.

Also use those links:

http://www.vmwarevideos.com/vcap

http://thesaffageek.wordpress.com/vcap-dca-dcd/

http://communities.vmware.com/message/1704970

You can find on them some useful study notes.

Andre

[firestartah]

=0) Thanks for the mention Andre

[piaroa]

Hey there, check Kendrick Coleman's excellent VCAP landing page with links to all the topics from the blueprint:

http://www.kendrickcoleman.com/index.php?/Tech-Blog/vcap-datacenter-administration-exam-landing-page...

[tietzjd25]

"Scott Lowe could be a good resouce"

It was very helpfull for me.

[nava_thulasi39]

Useful information

[stefanslatter]

Have you taken a look at VMware Vsphere 4.1 HA and DRS Technical Deepdive by Duncan Epping and Frank Denneman?

[slaclair]

Stefan,  while the HA/DRS deepdive book is an excellent resource for that subject that will only cover one of the blueprint objectives.

Scott Lowe's Mastering vSphere 4 book is an incredible resource, I've already ran through it twice and keep it close by as a great reference.  I would purchase it even if you're not studying for the VCAP exams.

I wish they were offering a 2nd chance promotion or something of the sort so I had some idea of what I was getting into before shelling out $400.  Will be attending the vSphere 4.x Troubleshooting class next week, hopefully that will help prepare me in areas that I do not get to work with on a daily basis.

[Hasewski]

I think you need to complete the "vSphere Design Workshop" class to have a good chance of passing this.
Need to have experience and good design methodologies.

Following is some books I have and read on VMware.

http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2010/12/06/vsphere-4-1-ha-and-drs-technical-deepdive-the-book/
This is a good book on 4.1 DRS\HA EVERYTHING you need to know. 9.5/10
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-VMware-vSphere-Computer-Tech/dp/0470481382
Good all round vSphere 4 book. Lots of general information.7/10
http://www.amazon.com/VMware-vSphere-Implementation-Mike-Laverick/dp/0071664521
Good vSphere 4 setup guide. 8/10
http://www.amazon.com/vSphere-Quick-Start-Guide-Virtualization/dp/1439263450
Not very detailed so only quick reference. 6/10
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0137044747
Nice has some very good real world tips, 7.5/10

Electronic
Administering VMware Site Recovery Manager 4.0 - Mike Laverick (Download)
Good guide to SRM, this product is not covered in the exam only replication understanding. 8/10
Administering VMware View 4.5 - Mike Laverick (Download)
Some good information on VIEW and it good and bad points. 7/10

Read as many VMware PDF documents as you can but recommend at least the following
SAN Administrators guide
iSCSC Administrators guide
Perf Best Practices vSphere

Good luck,