| Andy Barkl 2003-08-20, 1:29 pm |
| If you are considering tackling the new Windows 2003 exams for MCSA or MCSE,
I offer my first review of many, and I started with the 70-290.
The full article can be found here;
mcpmag.com/reviews/exams/article.asp?editorialsid=101
Windows Server 2003 offers many new features and services
beyond those found in Windows 2000 and the 70-290 exam reflects
some of those differences. You'll find it similar to 70-218,
Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment, where you
were expected to prove your knowledge of AD, EFS, IIS, DNS and
DCHP to name a few.
This new exam is similar in many respects as far as content, but
includes additional topics such as the new DNS zone types offered
in Windows Server 2003 and IAS and RRAS, which weren't as heavily
tested in the Windows 2000 exam. This new exam concentrates on
using Windows Server 2003 and network management. You'll need to
demonstrate expertise in the areas of permissions, profiles,
system backup, disk management and a familiarity with new product
features such as Automated System Recovery (ASR) and Volume
Shadow Copy. You'll also need to dive into security from a
Microsoft perspective to prepare for this exam, since it's
become more of a focus for the product.
What you probably won't be impressed with on this new exam is its
engine. The text is lengthy, scroll bars are touchy and the
screen is often split into three sections with lots of white
space that you must scroll around in to move to the next question!
I tackled 70-290 in its beta form and won't know how I did until
shortly after you've read this article. My intent in this review
is to help you prepare for the test by covering some of the
objectives listed in the exam preparation guide.
TIP: These new exams include topics not necessarily on the
list of official exam objectives as posted from Microsoft.
Better get used to it! For example, although there's no
mention of printers in the official exam objectives, you
should be prepared! After all, printers are bound to be part
of a production Windows 2003 network.
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