| Microsoft Certifications are one of the most widely | | | | for all MCP exams. However, the maximum score |
| acclaimed, pursued, and achieved technical | | | | (which used to top out at 1000) varies per exam, |
| certifications in the IT industry. The demand for | | | | depending on the complexity of the skills |
| Microsoft Certified Professionals in the job market is | | | | measured.Time LimitThe exam duration is 175 |
| increasing every year.Microsoft offers a number of | | | | minutes with 45 questions. You will have plenty of |
| certification levels depending on specific areas of | | | | time to answer the exam questions, so there is no |
| proficiency and nature of job. Some of the | | | | need to rush. If you have spare time available, you |
| certifications pertaining to networking are:Microsoft | | | | can double check the questions and ensure that you |
| Certified Professional (MCP)Microsoft Certified | | | | have read them correctly and actually answered the |
| System Administrator (MCSA)Microsoft Certified | | | | question as intended.Exam ResultInstead of reporting |
| System Engineer (MCSE)Each certification level has | | | | results based on major categories for exam |
| certain exams associated with it. You can decide the | | | | objectives as it used to, Microsoft is now providing |
| appropriate certification exam based on your | | | | numerical scores and bar graphs for "skills clusters". |
| experience, skills, and interests.Benefits of Microsoft | | | | Visually, the bars in the exam report show you how |
| CertificationsMicrosoft Certifications provide a | | | | well you fare in each skills cluster. If bars that |
| standard method for testing employee skills. The | | | | represent cluster scores are close to one end of the |
| certifications provide employers a valid benchmark | | | | graph, they indicate stronger skills; bars near the |
| for evaluating the employee's abilities. This will provide | | | | other end indicate weaker skills. Please store your |
| you the recognition and reward as per your | | | | exam results in both paper and electronic format for |
| expertise.Microsoft Certifications offer prospective | | | | later reference.Sample QuestionsQuestion 1You are a |
| employers a baseline to judge your knowledge, skill, | | | | systems administrator for TicTacToe Toy |
| and expertise in the field. Certifications can provide | | | | Manufacturers. All servers in the company run on |
| added advantage if you are at the same level of | | | | Microsoft Windows Server 2003. The company's |
| experience as another person without | | | | Active Directory infrastructure consists of a single |
| certifications.Certifications are a valuable tool if you | | | | domain hosted on two domain controllers named Tic1 |
| have no or very little experience. The certifications | | | | and Tic2.Tic2 experienced a hard disk failure, and |
| that you hold can prove and reassure your | | | | hence has been taken offline. Tic2 remained offline |
| employers and consultants about your knowledge in | | | | for some days while all Active Directory updates |
| the field. This will help you secure good job as well as | | | | were made to Tic1. You proceed to restore the data |
| negotiate a good salary.Pre-Requisite Experience | | | | from backup while ensuring that the latest Active |
| (Recommended) for Microsoft CertificationsTo | | | | Directory changes are replicated to Tic2.How should |
| pursue this certification you should have at least 1 | | | | you restore the lost data from |
| year of experience in:Implementing and administering | | | | backup?Choices:Perform authoritative restore on |
| a network operating system in environments with 50 | | | | Tic1.Perform normal restore on Tic2.Perform primary |
| to 26,000 supported users, in approximately 3 to 150 | | | | restore on Tic2.Perform authoritative restore |
| physical locations.Implementing network services and | | | | onTic2.Correct Choice: BExplanation:Choice B is the |
| applications such as file and print services, database | | | | correct answer.During a normal restore operation; |
| services, messaging services, proxy server or firewall | | | | Backup operates in non-authoritative restore mode. |
| services, dial-in server services, and Web | | | | That is, any data that you restore, including Active |
| hosting.Implementing and administering a desktop | | | | Directory objects, will have their original update |
| operating system.Designing a network infrastructure | | | | sequence number. The Active Directory replication |
| with 3 or more domain controllers.Significance of | | | | system uses this number to detect and propagate |
| Microsoft Certifications for Microsoft Windows | | | | Active Directory changes among the servers in your |
| Server 2003Microsoft has developed independent | | | | organization. Because of this, any data that is |
| certification requirements for Microsoft Windows | | | | restored non-authoritatively will appear to the Active |
| Server 2003. An aspirant can certify directly for | | | | Directory replication system as though it is old, which |
| MCSE/MCSA in Windows 2003 if they are new to | | | | means the data will never be replicated to your other |
| certification process. If the aspirant is already a | | | | servers. Instead, if newer data is available from your |
| certified MCSE /MCSA in Windows 2000, then they | | | | other domain controllers, the Active Directory |
| can follow the upgrade path for MCSEs in Windows | | | | replication will update the restored data. Hence, |
| 2000 to secure Windows 2003 Certifications. If the | | | | choices A, C, and D are incorrect.Question 2You are |
| aspirant certifies in MCSE for Windows NT4.0, they | | | | a systems administrator for Blueberry Packaging |
| can earn MCSE in Windows 2003 by following the | | | | Industries. All servers in the company run on |
| upgrade path for MCSEs in Windows NT4.0.The | | | | Microsoft Windows Server 2003.You create a folder |
| exams are slightly more challenging than their | | | | named Custom Package on the company's file server |
| Windows 2000 counterparts, but they will actually | | | | to contain the company's files. You share this folder |
| test your hands-on knowledge since that is the most | | | | as Custom Package. The folder is configured with |
| important part of ensuring that a certification is | | | | default NTFS permissions and default share |
| credible.Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a | | | | permissions. The file server is located in a secure |
| Microsoft Windows Server 2003 EnvironmentExam | | | | room.Within the shared folder, Managers should be |
| 70-290 is the first in the series of the core exams | | | | able to add and change files and subfolders. |
| for MCSE certifications.When you pass the Managing | | | | Employees in the Sales and Packers department |
| and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 | | | | should be able to change and delete files and |
| Environment (MCSE 70-290) exam, you achieve | | | | subfolders. All other employees should only be able to |
| Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. You | | | | view the files.All Sales employees are members of |
| also earn credit toward the following | | | | the Sales domain local security group. All Managers |
| certifications:Core credit towards Microsoft Certified | | | | are members of the Managers domain local security |
| Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft | | | | group. The Packers are members of the Packers |
| Windows Server 2003 certificationCore credit | | | | global security group.How should you modify share |
| towards Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer | | | | level permissions on the Custom Package folder so |
| (MCSE) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 | | | | that the appropriate users have the minimum |
| certificationMCSE 70-290 exam objectives | | | | required privileges? (Choose all that |
| are:Objective 1: Managing and Maintaining Physical and | | | | apply)Choices:Grant Change share permissions to |
| Logical DevicesIn this objective you will need to | | | | Managers.Deny Full Control share permissions to |
| demonstrate expertise in managing and maintaining | | | | Managers.Grant Change share permissions to |
| physical and logical devices. As an administrator, you | | | | Sales.Grant Full Control share permissions to |
| should understand Basic and Dynamic disks, RAID | | | | Sales.Grant Change share permissions to |
| configuration and troubleshooting, driver signing, and | | | | Packers.Grant Full Control share permissions to |
| the use of tools, such as Device Manager and | | | | Packers.Deny Full Control share permissions to |
| Hardware Troubleshooting Wizard. Familiarize yourself | | | | Everyone.Remove Everyone from the share |
| with Device Manager and the warning and disabled | | | | permissions list.Correct Choices: A, C, and |
| icons found when problems are present on installed | | | | EExplanation:Choices A, C, and E are the correct |
| devices.Objective 2: Managing Users, Computers, and | | | | answers.Change permissions allow the users to |
| GroupsThis objective includes many topics, so you | | | | create, delete, and change any files and folders in the |
| should be prepared to face many questions that fall | | | | shared folder, provided the users have appropriate |
| into this category. Have a healthy introduction to | | | | NTFS permissions on the files and folders. The |
| profile management, user and group accounts, | | | | default NTFS permission in Windows Server 2003 is |
| permissions, and troubleshooting. Practice a lot on | | | | Read for Everyone and the default share level |
| GPOs and perform a variety of administrative tasks, | | | | permissions grant Read access to Everyone. You |
| including configuration of desktop settings, control of | | | | should not remove Everyone from the share |
| security settings, assignment of scripts, redirection of | | | | permission list. By default, share level permissions |
| folders, and software distribution. Also, get a clear | | | | grant Read access to Everyone.How to Prepare for |
| understanding on inheritance and filtering.Objective 3: | | | | Microsoft Certification?Following are the steps to |
| Managing and Maintaining Access to | | | | prepare for Microsoft certification.MCSE exams are |
| ResourcesKnowing how to configure, monitor, audit | | | | not easy, as advertised on many websites. The |
| and troubleshoot NTFS permissions based issues are | | | | MCSE Certifications are tough, so plan to put in a lot |
| one of those most important areas that you need to | | | | of time and effort getting ready for your certification |
| know this concept thoroughly and also be sure to | | | | exams. Get all information you can about the |
| brush up on your share permissions and share/NTFS | | | | certification exams and then start working towards |
| permissions interaction. Do not forget to brush up on | | | | your goal.Get hands on experience. The first step in |
| how folder and file permissions can change or stay | | | | the preparation for any Microsoft Certification is |
| the same when copying or moving within a drive or | | | | hands on experience with the related product. For |
| between drives.Objective 4: Managing and Maintaining | | | | MCSE, the aspirant needs to have at least a year of |
| a Server EnvironmentIn this objective you'll find | | | | working experience and for MCSA, the minimum |
| questions from topics, such as Event Viewer, System | | | | recommended time of experience is 6 months. If you |
| Monitor, software updates (including the functionality | | | | are not working anywhere, it will help, if you can |
| of Microsoft's Software Update Service or SUS), | | | | volunteer your IT skill services to gain valuable |
| Remote Assistance, disk quotas, print queues, | | | | experience.You can set up a small network at home |
| performance objects and IIS 6.0. Spend time | | | | to practice. Setting up the home network will give a |
| understanding IIS topics around Web sites, Virtual | | | | great opportunity to learn. You can practice the lab |
| and physical directories, files and host and cname | | | | exercises in the home network as and when you |
| records in DNS. New to Windows Server 2003 is SUS. | | | | study. This will give you a better understanding of |
| Understand clearly how SUS is used for deploying and | | | | the theories than just studying the exam guides.Get |
| managing client and server critical updates.Objective | | | | trained in the related product. If possible, try to get |
| 5: Managing and Implementing Disaster RecoveryIn | | | | training in the related product in a Microsoft |
| this objective you'll find questions on ASR, VSS, | | | | Authorized Training Center. You can use training |
| backing up files and system state data, configuring | | | | resources to supplement your skills and experience. |
| security for backup operators, verifying backup jobs, | | | | You can also use the Microsoft Official Curriculum for |
| managing media, restoring and scheduling backups and | | | | the related exam as well as Microsoft Press books |
| recovering from server hardware failures. You should | | | | that are available for the exam.For Exam 70-290, the |
| take some extra time to get familiar with the various | | | | main areas that you need to concentrate |
| types of backups that Windows Server 2003 | | | | areAutomated System Recovery (ASR)Diskpart |
| supports, as well as the various configuration options | | | | utilityDiskraid utilityEmergency Management Services |
| that are available to you. Practice making backups of | | | | (EMS)File Replication Service (FRS)Group Policy |
| different types and then practice restoring | | | | Management Console (GPMC)Open File |
| them.MCSE 70-290 Exam ModelMost of the questions | | | | BackupPassword Backup and Restore WizardRemote |
| in the MCSE 70-290 exam are multiple choice type. | | | | AssistanceRemote DesktopShadow copying of |
| The questions require the "best" answer from | | | | shared foldersSoftware Update Services (SUS)Virtual |
| several close responses. Other questions may | | | | disk servicePermissions -Share and NTFSUsers, |
| present an implementation scenario, requirements, | | | | Computers, and GroupsUse the preparation guide of |
| and a proposed solution and then ask if the solution | | | | the exam that you want to take and read it |
| meets all of the requirements or combinations of the | | | | thoroughly. You should know all the exam objectives |
| primary and secondary requirements. Microsoft has | | | | of MCSE 70-290 covered in the exam preparation |
| introduced some testing innovations for the | | | | guide.Use practice test software packages. Whizlabs |
| certification exams. These question types present a | | | | MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator is an example.Do NOT |
| more realistic visual representation of the tasks a | | | | use Braindumps. Braindumps might help you get the |
| MCSE would do in future. These are:Hot Area | | | | certification, but you will lack important practical |
| Questions - This type of question requires indicating | | | | knowledge about the product. Hence, your prospects |
| the correct answer by selecting one or more | | | | of landing a good IT job will be less. Some brain |
| elements within a graphic.Active Screen Questions - | | | | dumps deliberately mislead you. So BEWARE!You can |
| This type of question asks you to configure a dialog | | | | participate in any online discussion forum, where you |
| box by changing one or more elements.Drag and | | | | can participate in an ongoing dialogue and even ask |
| Drop Questions - This type of question asks you to | | | | doubts if you have any. You are sure to get the right |
| drag source objects to appropriate targets within a | | | | guidance.You've learned the details about the MCSE |
| work area.Build List and Reorder Questions - This | | | | 70-290 Exam, its pattern, objectives etc. Download |
| type of question asks you to indicate the correct | | | | the MCSE Exam Preparation Guide to learn how |
| answer by building an answer list. In a Build List and | | | | Whizlabs can help you achieve the MCSE |
| Reorder question, you need to build a list by dragging | | | | credential.ResourcesExam simulatorsWhizlabs MCSE |
| the appropriate source objects to the answer list and | | | | 70-290 Exam SimulatorBesides identifying your weak |
| then placing them in the correct order based on | | | | areas and giving you a feel of the exam |
| criteria defined in the question.Create a Tree | | | | environment, Whizlabs Exam Simulator nurtures your |
| Questions - This type of question asks you to create | | | | potential to acquire domain expertise so that you not |
| a tree structure. You indicate the correct answer by | | | | only succeed in your certification exam but succeed |
| dragging source nodes to the correct locations in the | | | | in your career too.Articles on Windows |
| answer tree. Nodes consist of text and a small | | | | 2003Microsoft's Windows 2003 Server Home |
| icon.Windows Simulation Questions - This type of | | | | PageWhat's New in Active DirectoryWindows Server |
| question asks you to indicate the correct answer by | | | | 2003 DemosWindows Server 2003, Standard |
| performing specific tasks such as configuring and | | | | EditionMicrosoft Online ResourcesTechNet : Designed |
| installing network adapters or drivers, configuring and | | | | for IT professionals, this resource includes Howto's, |
| controlling access to files, and managing hardware | | | | best practices, downloads, technical chats, and much |
| devices. Many of the tasks that systems | | | | more.MSDN : The Microsoft Developer Network |
| administrators and systems engineers perform can be | | | | (MSDN) is a reference for developers, featuring code |
| presented more accurately in simulations than in most | | | | samples, technical articles, newsgroups, chats, and |
| traditional exam question types.You can get hands-on | | | | more.Training & Certification Newsgroups : A |
| experience on new set of questions that are available | | | | newsgroup exists for every Microsoft certification. By |
| in Whizlabs MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator. This will | | | | participating in the ongoing dialogue, you take |
| help you plan your study regime to ensure | | | | advantage of a unique opportunity to exchange ideas |
| success.Passing ScoreMicrosoft has normalized scoring | | | | with and ask questions of others, including more than |
| for all MCP exams, so the same passing score applies | | | | 750 Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) |
| to all exams. 700 is now the minimum passing score | | | | worldwide. |