Welcome to MCTS 70-620 Exam Cram: Microsoft Windows Vista Client Configuration! Whether this book is your first or your fifteenth Exam Cram series book, you’ll find information here that will help ensure your success as you pursue knowledge, experience, and certification. This book aims to help you get ready to take and pass the Microsoft certification exam “TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring” (Exam 70-620). When you pass this exam, you will earn the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration certification.
This introduction explains the Microsoft certification programs in general and talks about how the Exam Cram series can help you prepare for the latest certification exams from Microsoft. Chapters 1 through 12 are designed to remind you of everything you need to know to pass the 70-620 certification exam. The two sample tests at the end of the book should give you a reasonably accurate assessment of your knowledge and, yes, we’ve provided the answers and their explanations for these sample tests. Read the book, understand the material, and you’ll stand a very good chance of passing the real test.
Exam Cram books help you understand and appreciate the subjects and materials you need to know to pass Microsoft certification exams. Exam Cram books are aimed strictly at test preparation and review. They do not teach you everything you need to know about a subject. Instead, the author streamlines and highlights the pertinent information by presenting and dissecting the questions and problems he has discovered that you’re likely to encounter on a Microsoft test.
Nevertheless, to completely prepare yourself for any Microsoft test, we recommend that you begin by taking the “Self Assessment” that is included in this book, immediately following this introduction. The self-assessment tool will help you evaluate your knowledge base against the requirements for becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and will be the first step in earning more advanced certifications including Microsoft’s IT Professional and Professional Developer (MCITP and MCPD) and Architect (MCA).
Based on what you learn from the Self-Assessment, you might decide to begin your studies with classroom training or some background reading. On the other hand, you might decide to pick up and read one of the many study guides available from Microsoft or third-party vendors. We also recommend that you supplement your study program with visits to http://examcram.com for additional practice questions and to get advice and track the Windows certification programs.
This book also offers you an added bonus of access to Exam Cram practice tests online. All you need is a connection to the Internet and you can take advantage of these practice exam questions right from your very own web browser! This software simulates the Microsoft testing environment with similar types of questions that you’re likely to see on the actual Microsoft exam. We also strongly recommend that you install, configure and play around with the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. Nothing beats hands-on experience and familiarity when it comes to understanding the questions you’re likely to encounter on a certification test. Book learning is essential, but without a doubt, hands-on experience is the best teacher of all!
It is an established fact that computers and networking is a fast-paced environment. Therefore, employees who work in information technology (IT) must learn to keep up with the ever-changing technology and have the ability to learn new technology. It is said that those in IT must be able to learn or retrain themselves every 1 to 1.5 years.
According to Certification magazine (http://www.certmag.com), the successful IT worker must
Be proficient in two or more technical specialties
Be able to wear multiple hats
Be more business-oriented because hiring managers will be looking for employees who see the big picture of profit, loss, competitive advantage and customer retention and understand how IT fits into this picture
Be able to work easily with nontechnical personnel
Have soft skills of good listening, problem-solving, and effective written and verbal communication
In addition, there is a demand for those who can demonstrate expertise in IT project management. Those moving to a mid- to high-level position will have a mix of academic credentials and industry certifications, and increasing levels of responsibility.
Today, technical certifications are highly valuable. Depending on which certification or certifications you have, they can allow you to begin as an entry-level technician or administrator or demonstrate the knowledge and capabilities of a current technician or administrator. Technical companies consider some technical certifications as valuable as a college degree and nontechnical companies consider them just a little less than a college degree.
In 2001 researchers from Gartner Consulting surveyed nearly 18,000 IT managers, certified professionals, and certification candidates. They reported the following:
IT professionals seek certification to increase compensation, find employment, or boost productivity.
Of those certified, 66 percent of certified professionals received an increase in salary after becoming certified, and 83 percent reported that certification helped them gain a new position.
Although most certification candidates combine several study methods, printed materials designed for self-study and instructor-led training were reported as the most useful preparation methods.
From the employer’s perspective, although many managers (42 percent) feared that certified employees would move on to another organization, 71 percent of IT professionals gaining certification stay put. IT managers cited a higher level of service, competitive advantage, and increased productivity as key benefits of having certified staff. Of course, the drawbacks include cost of training and testing.
As you can see, many people in IT see certification as a valuable tool. You can see that certification is
A demonstration of specific areas of competence with particular technologies
A credential desired or required by an increasing number of employers
A tool people use successfully to challenge themselves
A road map for continuing education
A potential bridge to a new specialty
Evidence that you are self-motivated and actively working to stay current
On the other hand, certification is not a substitute for extensive hands-on experience and it is not a career cure-all. Finally, passing these exams requires a little bit of work and discipline.
Microsoft currently offers multiple certification titles, each of which boasts its own special abbreviation. (As a certification candidate and computer professional, you need to have a high tolerance for acronyms.)
The certification for end users is this:
Microsoft Office Specialist. Recognized for demonstrating advanced skills with Microsoft desktop software (including Microsoft Office).
The older certifications associated with the Windows Server 2003 operating system and related network infrastructure are as follows:
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). For professionals who have the skills to successfully implement a Microsoft product (such as Windows XP or Windows Server 2003) or technology as part of a business solution in an organization.
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST). For professionals who have the technical and customer service skills to troubleshoot hardware and software operation issues in Microsoft Windows environments.
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA). For professionals who administer network and systems environments based on the Microsoft Windows operating systems. Specializations include MCSA: Messaging and MCSA: Security.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). For professionals who design and implement an infrastructure solution that is based on the Windows operating system and Microsoft Windows Server System software. Specializations include MCSE: Messaging and MCSE: Security.
The newer certification based on Windows Vista and related server products are as follows:
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS). For professionals who target specific technologies and want to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in the various Microsoft specialized technologies. The MCTS is a replacement for the MCP program.
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP). For professionals who demonstrate comprehensive skills in planning, deploying, supporting, maintaining, and optimizing IT infrastructures. The MCITP is a replacement for the MCSA and MCSE programs.
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA). For professionals who are identified as top industry experts in IT architecture that use multiple technologies to solve business problems and provide business metrics and measurements. Candidates for the MCA program are required to present to a review board—consisting of previously certified architects—to earn the certification.
For database professionals, the certification is this:
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA). For professionals who design, implement, and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases.
For developers and programmers, certifications are as follows:
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD). Professionals who are recognized as expert Windows Application Developer, Web Application Developer, or Enterprise Application Developer. They demonstrate that you can build rich applications that target a variety of platforms such as the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD). For professionals who use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, web or desktop clients, or back-end data services.
For trainers and curriculum developers, certifications are as follows:
Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). For qualified instructors who are certified by Microsoft to deliver Microsoft training courses to IT professionals and developers.
Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC). Recognizes MCTs whose job roles have grown to include frequent consultative engagements with their customers and who are experts in delivering customized learning solutions that positively affect customer return on investment (ROI).
To best keep tabs on all Microsoft certifications, visit the following website:
www.microsoft.com/learning/default.mspx.
Because Microsoft changes its website often, this URL might not work in the future, so you should use the Search tool on the Microsoft site to find more information about specific certifications.
Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies. Microsoft Technology Specialists are consistently capable of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a particular Microsoft technology.
At the time of this writing, there are 17 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications:
Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005
Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006
Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005
Technology Specialist: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuration
Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration
Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application Development
Technology Specialist: Windows Mobile 5.0, Applications
Technology Specialist: Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing
Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuration, and Management
Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Application Development
Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuration
Technology Specialist: Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops, Deploying and Maintaining
Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration
The new Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credential lets you highlight your specific area of expertise. Now, you can easily distinguish yourself as an expert in database administration, database development, business intelligence, or support. At the time of this writing, the following Microsoft Certified IT Professional certifications exist:
IT Professional: Database Developer
IT Professional: Database Administrator
IT Professional: Business Intelligence Developer
IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician
The MCTS on Windows Server 2008 will help you and your organization to take advantage of advanced server technology with the power to increase the flexibility of your server infrastructure, save time, and reduce costs. In 2008, Microsoft will introduce two MCITP programs aimed at the Windows Server 2008 platform: the MCITP—Server Administrator and MCITP—Enterprise Administrator.
The MCITP—Server Administrator program consists of the following certifications:
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory (70-640)
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure (70-642)
Windows Server 2008 Administrator (70-646)
The MCITP—Enterprise Administrator program consists of the following certifications:
Windows Vista (70-620 or 70-624)
Windows Server 2008 Application/Platform Configuration (70-643)
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure (70-642)
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory (70-640)
Enterprise Administrator (70-647)
Transition certifications are available today for Windows Server 2003 certified professionals, and full certification paths will be available soon after the Windows Server 2008 product release. For more details about these certifications, visit the following website:
www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/windowsserver2008/default.mspx
If the URL is no longer available, don’t forget to search for “MCTS” and “Windows Server 2008” using the Microsoft Search tool found on the Microsoft website.
The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies. A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist in Windows Vista, Configuration possesses the knowledge and skills to configure Windows Vista for optimal performance on the desktop, including installing, managing, and configuring the new security, network, and application features in Windows Vista.
To earn the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration, you must pass one exam that focuses on supporting end-user issues about network connectivity, security, and application installation and compatibility, and logon problems that include account issues and password resets:
Exam 70-620: TS: Microsoft Windows Vista Client, Configuring
If you decide to take a Microsoft-recognized course, you need to take two classes:
Course 5115: Installing and Configuring the Windows Vista Operating System (3 days)
Course 5116: Configuring Windows Vista Applications and Tools (2 days)
You can find the preparation guide (including exam objectives) for Exam 70-620 TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring at www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-620.mspx
After you prepare for your exam, you need to register with a testing center. At the time of this writing, the cost to take Exam 70-620 is (U.S.) $125, and if you don’t pass, you can take each again for an additional (U.S.) $125 for each attempt. In the United States and Canada, tests are administered by Prometric. You can sign up for a test through the company’s website, www.2test.com or www.prometric.com. Within the United States and Canada, you can register by phone at 800-755-3926. If you live outside this region, check the Prometric website (www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/register/prometric.mspx) for the appropriate phone number.
To sign up for a test, you must have a valid credit card. Alternatively, you can contact Prometric for mailing instructions to send a check (in the United States). Only when payment has been verified, or a check has cleared, can you actually register for a test.
To schedule an exam, you need to call the phone number or visit Prometric websites at least one day in advance. To cancel or reschedule an exam in the United States or Canada, you must call before 3 p.m. Eastern time the day before the scheduled test time (or you might be charged, even if you don’t show up to take the test). When you want to schedule a test, you should have the following information ready:
Your name, organization, and mailing address.
Your Microsoft test ID. (In the United States, this means your Social Security number; citizens of other countries should call ahead to find out what type of identification number is required to register for a test.)
The name and number of the exam you want to take.
A method of payment. (As mentioned previously, a credit card is the most convenient method, but alternative means can be arranged in advance, if necessary.)
After you sign up for a test, you are told when and where the test is scheduled. You should arrive at least 15 minutes early. You must supply two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID to be admitted into the testing room.
As soon as you pass a qualified Microsoft exam and earn a professional certification, Microsoft generates transcripts that indicate the exams you have passed. You can view a copy of your transcript at any time by going to the MCP-secured site (this site might change as the MCP is retired) and selecting the Transcript Tool. This tool enables you to print a copy of your current transcript and confirm your certification status.
After you pass the necessary set of exams, you are certified. Official certification is normally granted after six to eight weeks, so you shouldn’t expect to get your credentials overnight. The package for official certification that arrives includes a Welcome Kit that contains a number of elements (see the Microsoft website for other benefits of specific certifications):
A certificate that is suitable for framing, along with a wallet card and lapel pin.
A license to use the related certification logo, which means you can use the logo in advertisements, promotions, and documents and on letterhead, business cards, and so on. Along with the license comes a logo sheet, which includes camera-ready artwork. (Note that before you use any of the artwork, you must sign and return a licensing agreement that indicates you’ll abide by its terms and conditions.)
Access to the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online website, which provides ongoing data about testing and certification activities, requirements, changes to the MCP program, and security-related information on Microsoft products.
Many people believe that the benefits of MCP certification go well beyond the perks that Microsoft provides to newly anointed members of this elite group. We’re starting to see more job listings that request or require applicants to have Microsoft and other related certifications, and many individuals who complete Microsoft certification programs can qualify for increases in pay and responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, a certification credential is a badge of honor in many IT organizations.
Each topical Exam Cram chapter follows a regular structure and contains graphical cues about important or useful information. Here’s the structure of a typical chapter:
Opening hotlists. Each chapter begins with a list of the terms, tools, and techniques that you must learn and understand before you can be fully conversant with that chapter’s subject matter. The hotlists are followed with one or two introductory paragraphs to set the stage for the rest of the chapter.
Topical coverage. After the opening hotlists and introductory text, each chapter covers a series of topics related to the chapter’s subject. Throughout that part of the chapter, we highlight topics or concepts that are likely to appear on a test, using a special element called an alert:
Exam Alert
This is what an alert looks like. Normally, an alert stresses concepts, terms, software, or activities that are likely to relate to one or more certification-test questions. For that reason, we think any information in an alert is worthy of unusual attentiveness on your part.
You should pay close attention to material flagged in Exam Alerts; although all the information in this book pertains to what you need to know to pass the exam, Exam Alerts contain information that is important. You’ll find what appears in the meat of each chapter to be worth knowing, too, when preparing for the test. Because this book’s material is condensed, we recommend that you use this book along with other resources to achieve the maximum benefit.
In addition to the alerts, we provide tips that will help you build a better foundation for Windows Server 2003 knowledge. Although the tip information might not be on the exam, it is certainly related and it will help you become a better-informed test taker.
Tip
This is how tips look. Keep your eyes open for these and you’ll become a Windows Server 2003 guru in no time!
Note
This is how notes look. Notes direct your attention to important pieces of information that relate to Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft certification.
Exam prep questions. Although we talk about test questions and topics throughout the book, this section at the end of each chapter presents a series of mock test questions and explanations of both correct and incorrect answers.
Details and resources. Every chapter ends with a section titled “Recommended Readings and Resources.” That section provides direct pointers to Microsoft and third-party resources that offer more details about the chapter’s subject. In addition, that section tries to rank or at least rate the quality and thoroughness of the topic’s coverage by each resource. If you find a resource you like in that collection, you should use it; but don’t feel compelled to use all the resources. On the other hand, we recommend only resources that we use on a regular basis, so none of our recommendations will be a waste of your time or money (but purchasing them all at once probably represents an expense that many network administrators and Microsoft certification candidates might find hard to justify).
The bulk of the book follows this chapter structure, but there are a few other elements. Chapters 13 through 16, “Practice Exam 1” and “Practice Exam 2,” and their answers chapters, provide good reviews of the material presented throughout this book to ensure that you’re ready for the exam.
Finally, the tear-out Cram Sheet attached next to the inside front cover of this Exam Cram book represents a condensed and compiled collection of facts and tips that we think are essential for you to memorize before taking the test. Because you can dump this information out of your head onto a sheet of paper before taking the exam, you can master this information by brute force; you need to remember it only long enough to write it down when you walk into the testing room. You might even want to look at it in the car or in the lobby of the testing center just before you walk in to take the exam.
We’ve structured the topics in this book to build on one another. Therefore, some topics in later chapters make the most sense after you’ve read earlier chapters. That’s why we suggest that you read this book from front to back for your initial test preparation. If you need to brush up on a topic or if you have to bone up for a second try, you can use the index or table of contents to go straight to the topics and questions that you need to study. Beyond helping you prepare for the test, we think you’ll find this book useful as a tightly focused reference to some of the most important aspects of Windows Vista.
The book uses the following typographical conventions:
Command-line strings that are meant to be typed into the computer are displayed in monospace text, such as
net use lpt1: \print_server_nameprinter_share_name
New terms are introduced in italics.
Given all the book’s elements and its specialized focus, we’ve tried to create a tool that will help you prepare for and pass Microsoft Exam 70-620. Please share with us your feedback on the book, especially if you have ideas about how we can improve it for future test takers. Send your questions or comments about this book via email to [email protected]. We’ll consider everything you say carefully, and we’ll respond to all suggestions. For more information about this book and other Que Certification titles, visit our website at www.quepublishing.com. You should also check out the new Exam Cram website at www.examcram.com, where you’ll find information updates, commentary, and certification information.
Thanks for making this Exam Cram book a pivotal part of your certification study plan. Best of luck on becoming certified!