70-270: MCSE Guide to Microsoft Windows XP Professional (MCSE/MCSA Guides)

Welcome to MCSE Training Kit-Microsoft Windows XP Professional. This kit introduces you to the Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system and prepares you to install, configure, and support Windows XP Professional.

This kit prepares you to install Windows XP Professional from a CD-ROM or over the network, to perform unattended installations of Windows XP Professional, and to install Windows XP Professional using Remote Installation Services (RIS) and the System Preparation tool. It also prepares you to upgrade previous versions of Windows to Windows XP Professional, to perform postinstallation updates and product activation, to avoid problems during installation, and to troubleshoot problems you might encounter during installation.

This kit introduces the various tools for administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Windows XP Professional. These tools include Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Group Policy snap-in, Local Computer snap-in, Task Scheduler, Task Manager, Control Panel, Device Manager, Event Viewer, the registry, Help and Support Center, and the various troubleshooters included with Windows XP Professional.

You will also learn about the network protocols and services that ship with Windows XP Professionals. This kit concentrates on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), the network protocol of choice for Windows XP Professional. It introduces you to the Domain Name System (DNS), which is an Internet and TCP/IP standard name service, and is required for Microsoft Windows 2000 domains and directory services based on Active Directory technology.

This training kit also covers setting up, configuring, administering, and troubleshooting common problems for network printers. It helps you understand NTFS permissions, special permissions, and shared folder permissions, and prepares you to assign and troubleshoot permissions. It covers auditing resources and events, configuring security settings and Internet options, managing data storage, and more.

For more information about becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, see the section titled "The Microsoft Certified Professional Program" later in this chapter.

Each chapter in this book is divided into lessons. Most lessons include hands-on procedures that allow you to practice or demonstrate a particular concept or skill. Each lesson ends with a set of review questions to test your knowledge of thelesson material and a short summary of the major points covered in the lesson.

The "Getting Started" section of this chapter provides important setup instructions that describe the hardware and software requirements to complete the procedures in this course. It also provides information about the networking configuration necessary to complete some of the hands-on procedures. Read through this section thoroughly before you start the lessons.

Intended Audience

Anyone who wants to learn about Windows XP Professional will find this book useful. This book was developed for information technology (IT) professionals who need to design, plan, implement, and support Windows XP Professional or who plan to take the related Microsoft Certified Professional exam 70-270, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

Prerequisites

This course requires that students meet the following prerequisite: A knowledge of the fundamentals of current networking technology is required.

Reference Materials

You might find the Microsoft Windows XP Professional Resource Kit a useful reference for this training kit.

About the CD-ROM

The Supplemental Course Materials compact disc contains a variety of informational aids that can be used throughout this book. This includes demonstrations for many of the practices, multimedia presentations, electronic books (eBooks), and a sample of the test questions from the MCSE Microsoft Windows XP Professional Readiness Review; Exam 70-270. For more information regarding the contents of this CD-ROM, see the section titled "Getting Started" later in this introduction.

The Training Kit Demos supplement some of the key concepts covered in the book. You should view these demonstrations when suggested, and then use them as a review tool while you work through the material. In addition, demonstrations are provided from the Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) 2272: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional. For more information about viewing the demonstrations, see the section "About the Demos" later in this introduction.

Complete electronic versions of this book (eBook) and the Microsoft Encyclopedia of Networking are also available with a variety of viewing options available. For information about using the eBooks, see the section "About the eBooks" later in this introduction.

Features of This Book

Each chapter opens with a "Before You Begin" section, which prepares you for completing the chapter.

The chapters are then divided into lessons. Whenever possible, lessons contain practices that give you an opportunity to use the skills being presented or explore the part of the application being described. All practices offer step-by-step procedures that are identified with a bullet symbol like the one to the left of this paragraph.

The "Review" section at the end of each lesson allows you to test what you have learned. The "Summary" section at the end of each lesson identifies the key concepts from the lesson.

Appendix A, "Questions and Answers," contains all of the questions asked in each chapter and the corresponding answers.

Notes

Several types of Notes appear throughout the lessons.

• Notes marked Tip contain explanations of possible results or alternative methods for performing tasks.
• Notes marked Important contain information that is essential to completing a task.
• Notes marked Note contain supplemental information.
• Notes marked Caution contain warnings about possible loss of data.

Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this book.

Notational Conventions

• Characters or commands that you type appear in bold type.
• Italic in syntax statements indicates placeholders for variable information. Italic is also used for book titles.
• Names of files appear in full capital letters, except when you are to type them directly. Unless otherwise indicated, you can use all lowercase letters when you type a filename in a dialog box or at a command prompt.
• Filename extensions, when they appear without a filename, are in all lowercase letters.
• Acronyms appear in all uppercase letters.
• Monospace type represents code samples, examples of screen text, or entries that you might type at a command prompt or in initialization files.
• Square brackets [ ] are used in syntax statements to enclose optional items. For example, [filename] in command syntax indicates that you can choose to type a filename with the command. Type only the information within the brackets, not the brackets themselves.
• Braces { } are used in syntax statements to enclose required items. Type only the information within the braces, not the braces themselves.
• Icons represent specific sections in the book as follows:

Keyboard Conventions

• A plus sign (+) between two key names means that you must press those keys at the same time. For example, "Press Alt+Tab" means that you hold down Alt while you press Tab.
• A comma ( , ) between two or more key names means that you must press each of the keys consecutively, not together. For example, "Press Alt, F, X" means that you press and release each key in sequence. "Press Alt+W, L" means that you first press Alt and W at the same time, and then release them and press L.
• You can choose menu commands with the keyboard. Press the Alt key to activate the menu bar, and then sequentially press the keys that correspond to the highlighted or underlined letter of the menu name and the command name. For some commands, you can also press a key combination listed in the menu.
• You can select or clear check boxes or option buttons in dialog boxes with the keyboard. Press the Alt key, and then press the key that corresponds to the underlined letter of the option name. Or you can press Tab until the option is highlighted, and then press Spacebar to select or clear the check box or option button.
• You can cancel the display of a dialog box by pressing the Esc key.

Chapter and Appendix Overview

This self-paced training course combines notes, hands-on procedures, demonstrations, multimedia presentations, sample test questions, and review questions to teach you how to install, configure, administer, and support Windows XP Professional. It is designed to be completed from beginning to end, but you can choose a customized track and complete only the sections that interest you. (See the next section, "Finding the Best Starting Point for You," for more information.) If you choose the customized track option, see the "Before You Begin" section in each chapter. Any hands-on procedures that require preliminary work from preceding chapters refer to the appropriate chapters.

The book is divided into the following chapters:

• The "About This Book" section contains a self-paced training overview and introduces the components of this training. Read this section thoroughly to get the greatest educational value from this self-paced training and to plan which lessons you will complete.
• Chapter 1, "Introduction to Windows XP Professional," introduces a number of the features and enhancements incorporated into Windows XP Professional since the release of Microsoft Windows 2000. It also presents the features available in Help and Support Center, introduces workgroups and domains, and explains logging on and off Windows XP Professional.
• Chapter 2, "Installing Windows XP Professional," prepares you to install Microsoft Windows XP Professional from a CD-ROM or over the network. It presents some preinstallation tasks that help ensure your installation will go smoothly and some tips on troubleshooting common errors you might encounter during setup. This chapter also covers upgrading earlier versions of Windows to Windows XP Professional. In the hands-on practices, you install Windows XP Professional from a CD-ROM onto your computer.
• Chapter 3, "Setting Up and Managing User Accounts," prepares you to plan, create, and manage Windows XP Professional local user accounts. It also presents the skills and knowledge necessary to set properties for these accounts. This chapter also prepares you to create, add users to, remove users from, and delete local groups, and it introduces you to built-in local groups and built-in system groups. In the hands-on practices, you create local user accounts using both the User Accounts tool and the Computer Management snap-in. You assign passwords to user accounts, test the user accounts, and delete a user account. You modify user account properties and test them. Finally, you create local groups, add members to the local groups, and then remove a member from a group.
• Chapter 4, "Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Network Protocols," prepares you to install, configure, and troubleshoot TCP/IP and NWLink. It also discusses the process for configuring network bindings, which are links that enable communication among network adapter cards, protocols, and services. The hands-on practices allow you to verify your computer's configuration and then configure your computer to use a static Internet Protocol (IP) address. Next, you configure your computer to use a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server to automatically assign an IP address to your computer, and test the Automatic Private IP Addressing feature. Finally, you install and configure NWLink, change the binding order, unbind a protocol, bind a protocol, and then uninstall NWLink.
• Chapter 5, "Using the DNS Service and Active Directory Service," introduces Domain Name System (DNS), a distributed database that is used in TCP/IP networks to translate computer names to IP addresses. It also presents the skills and knowledge necessary to configure clients to use the DNS Service. In the hands-on practice you configure a computer running Windows XP Professional to be a DNS client. It also presents the Windows 2000 Active Directory service structure and replication. The Active Directory service provides a single point of network management, allowing you to add, remove, and relocate users and resources easily. Active Directory service is only available with the Windows 2000 Server products.
• Chapter 6, "Setting Up, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Common Setup and Configuration Problems for Network Printers," introduces you to Windows XP printing terminology and presents the skills and knowledge necessary to set up and share network printers. This chapter introduces the Network Setup Wizard, which you must run before you can share a printer or a folder on a computer running Windows XP Professional in a workgroup environment. In the hands-on practices, you run the Network Setup Wizard and then use the Add Printer Wizard to install and share a local printer.
• Chapter 7, "Administering and Troubleshooting Common Administrative Problems for Network Printers," presents the four major types of tasks involved with administering printers: managing printers, managing documents, troubleshooting common printer problems, and performing tasks that require the Manage Printers permission. This chapter shows you how to control printer usage and administration by assigning permissions. In the hands-on practices, you learn how to manage printers by assigning forms to paper trays and setting up a separator page. You also perform a task that requires the Manage Printers permission by taking ownership of a printer. Finally, you manage documents by printing a document, setting a notification for a document, changing the priority for a document, and then canceling a document.
• Chapter 8, "Securing Resources with NTFS Permissions," introduces the NTFS folder and file permissions and explains how to assign them to user accounts and groups. It explains how copying and moving files and folders affects NTFS file and folder permissions. It also covers how to troubleshoot common resource access problems. In the hands-on practices, you plan and apply NTFS permissions for folders and files based on business scenarios, and then test them. You also observe the effects of taking ownership of a file, and determine the effects of permission and ownership when you copy or move files.
• Chapter 9, "Administering Shared Folders," explains how to share folders so that the folders and their contents are accessible over the network. This chapter also explains how sharing folders provides another way to secure file resources, one that can be used on file allocation table (FAT), FAT32, and NTFS partitions. In the hands-on practices, you share a folder, determine the current permissions for the shared folder, assign shared folder permissions to groups, and stop sharing a folder. In the optional hands-on practices, you connect to a shared folder and test the combined effects of shared folder permissions and NTFS permissions.
• Chapter 10, "Configuring Windows XP Professional," explains how to use the Control Panel to configure and troubleshoot the display, including multiple displays; power management features, including System Power Management, Device Power Management, Processor Power Management, System Events, and Battery Management; and operating system settings. This chapter also explains how to configure and troubleshoot the Windows XP Professional desktop, including multiple languages and multiple locations and accessibility options. Finally, this chapter explains how to use the Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel to manage programs and Windows components on your computer. In the hands-on practices you configure power options and change operating system settings, including the default Remote Assistance setting and the paging file size. You add and test a new system environment variable, and configure multiple languages and multiple locations.
• Chapter 11, "Installing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers," introduces Device Manager, a tool for implementing, managing, and troubleshooting hardware devices and drivers. This chapter explains how to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot fax support and I/O devices. It also explains how to use Control Panel to view and configure hardware profiles. This chapter also explains how to use Device Manager to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot driver signing and upgrade your computer from a single-processor to multiprocessor system. In the hands-on practices you use Device Manager to review the devices on your system and their status, and to simulate troubleshooting an unterminated Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) chain. You also use File Signature Verification to monitor and troubleshoot driver signing on your system.
• Chapter 12, "Auditing Resources and Events," introduces Microsoft Windows XP Professional Group Policy. One of the features controlled by the Group Policy snap-in is auditing. This chapter explains audit policies, what you need to consider before you set one up, how to set up auditing on resources, and how to maintain security logs. This chapter also introduces Event Viewer, a tool used to perform a variety of tasks, including viewing the audit logs that are generated as a result of setting the audit policy and auditing events, and viewing the contents of application and security log files. In the hands-on practices you plan an audit policy, set up an audit policy by enabling auditing on certain events, and set up auditing of a file and a printer. Then you view the security log file and configure Event Viewer to overwrite events when the log file is filled.
• Chapter 13, "Configuring Security Settings and Internet Options," explains how to improve the security on your computer. It explains how to configure security settings that include Account Policies and Local Policies. This chapter also explains how to improve the security of your computer by configuring Internet Options to control and secure the way Microsoft Internet Explorer interacts with the Internet. In the hands-on practices, you configure Account Policy settings and then test them. You then configure the security settings and automatically rename the Guest account on your computer.
• Chapter 14, "Managing Data Storage," introduces data storage management on volumes formatted with NT file system (NTFS), including compression, disk quotas, and how you can increase the security of files and folders on your computer by using the Microsoft Encrypting File System (EFS). This chapter also introduces Disk Defragmenter, Check Disk, and Disk Cleanup, which are tools that help you organize your hard disks, recover readable information from damaged areas on your hard disk, and clean up any temporary files and unnecessary programs taking up space on your hard drive. In the hands-on practices you use NTFS compression to compress files and folders, uncompress a file, and test the effects that copying and moving files have on compression. You also create a compressed folder using the Compressed Folders feature. You configure default quota management settings, configure a custom quota setting, increase the amount of data a user can store on a drive, and turn off quota management.
• Chapter 15, "Monitoring, Managing, and Maintaining Network Resources," prepares you to use the Shared Folders snap-in to view and create shares, view sessions, open files, and disconnect users from your shared folders. This chapter also prepares you to use offline folders and files and to use Synchronization Manager to synchronize the cached files and folders on your local disk with those stored on the network. This chapter also covers Scheduled Tasks, used to schedule programs and batch files to run once, at regular intervals or at specific times. In the hands-on practices you use the Shared Folders snap-in to view the shared folders and open files on your server. You use the Computer Management snap-in to create a shared folder on your computer. You then use the Shared Folders snap-in to send a console message. You configure a computer running Windows XP Professional so that you can use offline folders and files. You configure a network share so users can access the files in the share and use them offline and then configure Synchronization Manager. Finally, you use Scheduled Tasks to have Address Book start at a predetermined time and configure Task Scheduler options.
• Chapter 16, "Backing Up and Restoring Data," introduces the Backup Utility, which allows you to back up data and settings, restore data and settings, and perform an Automated System Recovery Backup. It prepares you to plan your backups and it introduces the five backup types-normal, copy, incremental, differential, and daily-and how these can be combined to meet your needs. In the hands-on practices, you use the Backup or Restore Wizard to back up some files to your hard disk, and you create a backup job to perform a backup operation later using Task Scheduler. You then restore some of the files you backed up.
• Chapter 17, "Configuring Network and Internet Connections," presents the New Connection Wizard, which guides you through creating network and Internet connections. It also introduces Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), which protects your network from attack; Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), which allows you to share one connection to the Internet with all computers on your network; and Network Bridge, which allows you to connect local area network (LAN) segments. Finally, it reviews the Network Setup Wizard, which helps you configure and set up your network. In the hands-on practices, you use the New Connection Wizard to configure an inbound connection and to configure an outbound connection to a private network. Finally, you enable and configure ICF and ICS.
• Chapter 18, "Modifying and Troubleshooting the Boot Process," introduces you to the Windows XP Professional boot process. You learn about the registry, a hierarchical database in which Windows XP Professional stores hardware and software settings, and how to use the Registry Editor to view and change the registry configuration. You also learn about some of the other tools and options that Windows XP Professional provides to help you troubleshoot problems with starting your computer and recovering from disasters. These tools include safe mode, LastKnownGood configuration, and the Recovery Console. In the hands-on practices, you use Registry Editor to view the information in the registry, use the Find Key command to search the registry, and modify the registry by adding a value to it. You also install the Recovery Console, review the commands available in it, use the Listsvc command to view all services, and then use the Disable command to disable the Alerter service.
• Chapter 19, "Deploying Windows XP Professional," prepares you to automate the installation of Windows XP Professional. It introduces you to the Windows Setup Manager so that you can easily create UNATTEND.TXT files for scripted installations. It introduces you to disk duplication, which is used to deploy Windows XP Professional, and to the most efficient method of deploying Windows XP Professional, remote installation. It also introduces the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard and reviews how Windows XP Professional allows you to apply a service pack at the same time that you install Windows XP. In the hands-on practices, you extract the Windows XP Professional Deployment Tools from the Windows XP Professional CD-ROM and use System Manager to create an unattended setup script. You also use the Windows System Preparation tool to prepare a master image for disk duplication and use that image to install Windows XP Professional. There are also some optional practices in which you install and configure Windows 2000 Remote Installation Services from a Windows 2000 Server CD-ROM. You learn about some tools that help with your Windows XP Professional deployment.
• Appendix A, "Questions and Answers," lists all of the review questions from the book, showing the page number on which the question appears and the suggested answer.
• The Glossary provides definitions for many of the key words and concepts presented in the course. It also contains some additional basic networking terminology.

Finding the Best Starting Point for You

Because this book is self-paced, you can skip some lessons and revisit them later. But note that you must complete the procedures in Chapter 2, "Installing Windows XP Professional," before you can perform procedures in the other chapters. Use the following table to find the best starting point for you:

Where to Find Specific Skills in This Book

The following tables provide a list of the skills measured on certification exam 70-270, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional. The table provides the skill and where in this book you will find lessons relating to that skill.

Exam skills are subject to change without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft.

Installing Windows XP Professional

Implementing and Conducting Administration of Resources

Implementing, Managing, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers

Monitoring and Optimizing System Performance and Reliability

Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop Environment

Implementing, Managing, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services

Configuring, Managing, and Troubleshooting Security

Getting Started

This self-paced training course contains hands-on procedures to help you learn about Windows XP Professional.

To complete the optional practices, you must have two networked computers or be connected to a larger network. One computer must be capable of running Windows XP Professional and the other must be capable of running Windows 2000 Server.

Several exercises might require you to make changes to your computers, such as changing your TCP/IP address. This could have undesirable results if you are connected to a larger network. Check with your network administrator before attempting these exercises.

Hardware Requirements

Each computer must have the following minimum configuration. All hardware should be on the Microsoft Windows XP Professional Hardware Compatibility List.

• 233 megahertz (MHz) or equivalent Intel Pentium-compatible CPU
• 64 megabytes (MB) minimum memory (128 MB recommended)
• 1.5 GB hard disk space on a 2 GB hard disk minimum
• Network adapter card, related cable (hub or connection to an existing network is required for the optional practices)
• Video display adapter and monitor with Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) resolution or higher
• CD-ROM drive, 12XP Professional over a network) or DVD drive
• Keyboard
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Software Requirements

The following software is required to complete the procedures in this course:

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional on either a CD-ROM or a network share
• For the optional exercises, a computer running Windows 2000 Server and configured as a domain controller

Setup Instructions

Set up your computer according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can create a partition for installing Windows XP Professional before or during the installation process. If you create the installation partition before the install, it must be at least 1.5 GB in size, though a larger partition is recommended, and be on a hard disk that is at least 2 GB. This is the only computer required to complete this course and is the computer on which you will install Windows XP Professional.

For the optional exercises, which require networked computers, you need to make sure the computers can communicate with each other. The additional computer will be running Windows 2000 Server, configured as a primary domain controller (PDC), and assigned the computer account name Server1 and the domain name Domain1. This computer acts as a domain controller and a DNS server, and it can also function as the DHCP server in Domain1.

If your computers are part of a larger network, you must verify with your network administrator that the computer names, TCP/IP addresses, domain name, and other information used in setting up Windows XP Professional as described in Chapter 2, "Installing Windows XP Professional," do not conflict with network operations. If they do conflict, ask your network administrator to provide alternative values and use those values throughout all of the exercises in this book.

About the Demos

The Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM contains two sets of audiovisual demonstration files that you can view by running the files from the CD-ROM. For the Training Kit Demos, you will find a prompt within the book indicating when the demonstration should be run. You do not need any additional software to view these files.

The Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) Demos provide simulations from MOC course 2272: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional. These demos help explain the installation and implementation of Windows XP Professional. You can find more information about available training and training providers at: http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/

To view the demonstrations

1. Insert the Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

   If AutoRun is disabled on your machine, refer to the README.TXT file on the CD-ROM.

2. Click Training Kit Demos or MOC Demos on the user interface menu and then select the demonstration you want to view.

For additional information about the MOC Demos, see the README.TXT file on the CD-ROM.

About the eBooks

The CD-ROM also includes an eBook for this training kit and one for the Microsoft Enyclopedia of Networking.

To use the eBooks

1. Insert the Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

   If AutoRun is disabled on your machine, refer to the README.TXT file on the CD-ROM.

2. To install the eBook for this training kit, click Training Kit eBook on the user interface menu and follow the prompts.
3. To install the eBook for the Microsoft Encyclopedia of Networking, click Encyclopedia eBook and follow the prompts.

You must have the Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM inserted in your CD-ROM drive to run the eBook.

About the Sample Exam Questions

The CD-ROM contains a sample of the exam questions from the MCSE Microsoft Windows XP Professional Readiness Review; Exam 70-270. This sample provides you with a demonstration of the exam questions and a sample of the format that is provided with the Readiness Review. For more information about this book, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/

The Microsoft Certified Professional Program

The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program provides the best method to prove your command of current Microsoft products and technologies. Microsoft, an industry leader in certification, is on the forefront of testing methodology. Our exams and corresponding certifications are developed to validate your mastery of critical competencies as you design and develop, or implement and support, solutions with Microsoft products and technologies. Computer professionals who become Microsoft certified are recognized as experts and are sought after industry-wide.

The Microsoft Certified Professional program offers multiple certifications, based on specific areas of technical expertise:

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of at least one Microsoft certification area. Candidates may pass additional Microsoft certification exams to further qualify their skills with Microsoft BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop programs.
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). Qualified to effectively plan, implement, maintain, and support information systems in a wide range of computing environments with Microsoft Windows NT Server and the Microsoft BackOffice integrated family of server software.
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA). Individuals who derive physical database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure Microsoft SQL Server.
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD). Qualified to design and develop custom business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft BackOffice.
• Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). Instructionally and technically qualified to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum through a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center (CTEC).

Microsoft Certification Benefits

Microsoft certification, one of the most comprehensive certification programs available for assessing and maintaining software-related skills, is a valuable measure of an individual's knowledge and expertise. Microsoft certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully demonstrated their ability to perform specific tasks and implement solutions with Microsoft products. Not only does this provide an objective measure for employers to consider; it also provides guidance for what an individual should know to be proficient. As with any skills-assessment and benchmarking measure, certification brings a variety of benefits to the individual and to employers and organizations.

Microsoft Certification Benefits for Individuals

As an MCP, you receive many benefits:

• Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.
• Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft through a secured area of the MCP Web site (go to http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/ then expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the For MCPs Only link).
• Access to exclusive discounts on products and services from selected companies. Individuals who are currently certified can learn more about exclusive discounts by visiting the MCP secured Web site (go to http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/, then expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the For MCPs Only link) and select the Other Benefits link.
• MCSE logo, certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as an MCP to colleagues and clients. Electronic files of logos and transcripts may be downloaded from the MCP secured Web site (go to http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/, then expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the For MCPs Only link) upon certification.
• Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
• Free access to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online, a career and professional development magazine. Secured content on the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online Web site includes the current issue (available only to MCPs), additional online-only content and columns, an MCP-only database, and regular chats with Microsoft and other technical experts.
• An additional benefit is received by MCSEs:
• A 50 percent rebate or discount off the estimated retail price of a one-year subscription to TechNet or TechNet Plus during the first year of certification. (Fulfillment details will vary, depending on your location. Please see your Welcome Kit.) In addition, about 95 percent of the CD-ROM content is available free online at the TechNet Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/).

Microsoft Certification Benefits for Employers and Organizations

Through certification, computer professionals can maximize the return on their investment in Microsoft technology. Research shows that Microsoft certification provides organizations with the following:

• Excellent return on training and certification investments by providing a standard method of determining training needs and measuring results.
• Increased customer satisfaction and decreased support costs through improved service, increased productivity, and greater technical self-sufficiency.
• Reliable benchmark for hiring, promoting, and career planning.
• Recognition and rewards for productive employees by validating their expertise.
• Retraining options for existing employees so they can work effectively with new technologies.
• Assurance of quality when outsourcing computer services.

To learn more about how certification can help your company, see the backgrounders, white papers, and case studies available at http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/ (expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the Case Studies link):

• A white paper, MCSE Criterion Validity Study White Paper, Oct. 1998, which evaluates the MCSE certification
• IDC Case Study
• Compaq Case Study
• CrossTier.com Case Study
• Extreme Logic Case Study
• Financial Benefits to Supporters of Microsoft Professional Certification, IDC white paper
• Lyondel Case Study
• Prudential Case Study
• Stellcom Case Study
• Unisys Case Study

Requirements for Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional

The certification requirements differ for each certification and are specific to the products and job functions addressed by the certification.

To become a Microsoft CertifiedProfessional, you must pass rigorous certification exams that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. These exams are designed to test your expertise and ability to perform a role or task with a product, and are developed with the input of industry professionals. Questions in the exams reflect how Microsoft products are used in actual organizations, giving them real-world relevance.

Microsoft Certified Product Specialists are required to pass one current exam. Candidates may pass additional Microsoft certification exams to further qualify their skills with Microsoft BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop applications.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers are required to pass a series of core Microsoft Windows operating system and networking exams, demonstrating a technical proficiency and expertise in solution design and implementation.

Microsoft Certified DatabaseAdministrators are required to pass three core exams and one elective exam that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developers are required to pass three core Microsoft Windows operating system technology exams and one BackOffice technology elective exam.

Microsoft Certified Trainers are required to meet instructional and technical requirements specific to each Microsoft Official Curriculum course they are certified to deliver. For more information about becoming an MCT, visit http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/ (expand the Certification node from the tree directory in the left margin, and then select the MCT link) or contact a regional service center near you.

Technical Training for Computer Professionals

Technical training is available in a variety of ways, with instructor-led classes, online instruction, or self-paced training available at thousands of locations worldwide.

Self-Paced Training

For motivated learners who are ready for the challenge, self-paced instruction is the most flexible, cost-effective way to increase your knowledge and skills.

A full line of self-paced print and computer-based training materials is available direct from the source-Microsoft Press. Microsoft Official Curriculum courseware kits designed for advanced computer system professionals are available from Microsoft Press and the Microsoft Developer Division. Self-paced training kits from Microsoft Press feature print-based instructional materials, along with CD-ROM-based product software, multimedia presentations, lab exercises, and practice files. The Mastering Series provides in-depth, interactive training on CD-ROM for experienced developers. They're both great ways to prepare for MCP exams.

Online Training

For a more flexible alternative to instructor-led classes, turn to online instruction. It's as near as the Internet and it's ready whenever you are. Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule in a virtual classroom, often with easy access to an online instructor. Without ever leaving your desk, you can gain the expertise you need. Online instruction covers a variety of Microsoft products and technologies. It includes options ranging from Microsoft Official Curriculum to choices available nowhere else. It's training on demand, with access to learning resources 24 hours a day. Online training is available through Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers.

Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers

Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) are the best source for instructor-led training that can help you prepare to become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). The Microsoft CTEC program is a worldwide network of qualified technical training organizations that provide authorized delivery of Microsoft Official Curriculum courses by Microsoft Certified Trainers to computer professionals.

For a listing of CTEC locations in the United States and Canada, visit http://www.microsoft.com/CTEC/.

Technical Support

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this book and the contents of the companion disc. If you have comments, questions, or ideas regarding this book or the companion disc, please send them to Microsoft Press using either of the following methods:

E-mail:

TKINPUT@MICROSOFT.COM

Postal Mail:

Microsoft Press Attn: MCSE Training Kit-Microsoft Windows XP Professional Editor One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052-6399

Microsoft Press provides corrections for books through the World Wide Web at the following address:

http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/support/

Please note that product support is not offered through the above mail addresses. For further information regarding Microsoft software support options, please connect to http://www.microsoft.com/support/ or call Microsoft Support Network Sales at (800) 936-3500.

For information about ordering the full version of any Microsoft software, please call Microsoft Sales at (800) 426-9400 or visit http://www.microsoft.com.