MCSA Self-Paced Training Kit for 70-291

If you're an idiot like me, you might have  just started studying for the 70-291 without any networking knowledge or experience (here's an interesting fact: hardcore test-takers refer to the 70-291 as "the beast")

After three days of trying to set up VM's, I've given up and networked two PC's together.  When the book says "make sure they're physically networked," what they mean is:

with a crossover cable.

Nowhere in the book will you find this information.  If you know networking basics, it's a given.  For me it was not as I'm up to my ears in strictly Socratic wisdom.