MCSA 2012: Windows Server 2012
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012 certification shows that you have the primary set of Windows Server skills that are relevant across multiple solution areas in a business environment. The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification is a prerequisite for earning the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure certification, or the MCSE: Private Cloud certification.
The MCSA 2012 is made up of 3 Exams: 70-410, 70-411 & 70-412.
Windows Server 2012 “Early Experts” Challenge
The Windows Server 2012 “Early Experts” Challenge provides a FREE online study group with certification exam preparation materials for quickly learning about the latest version of Windows Server! The Challenge involves a series of Knowledge Quests – starting with the Apprentice Quest – and each Quest ends with a special completion certificate for you to promote your new knowledge! To make it easy to participate, each Quest is developed in a modular format that you can complete based on your own schedule and availability.
This training is being offered as a peer study group through the Kentucky Small Business Server User Group (KYSBSUG) in Louisville Kentucky. Click to learn about how to make a check stub.
Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
Exam Topics Covered:
• Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
• Introduction to Active Directory Domain Services
• Managing Active Directory Domain Services Objects
• Automating Active Directory Domain Services Administration
• Implementing Networking Services
• Implementing Local Storage
• Implementing File and Print Services
• Implementing Group Policy
• Implementing Server Virtualization with Hyper-V
Study Lab System Requirements:
• Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 as installed OS
• 64-bit capable hardware (x64)
• Intel-VT or AMD-V support in firmware
• Hardware-assisted memory protection in firmware (XD)
• At least 4GB total RAM
• At least 60GB free space on HDD
• Full Administrator Rights to existing PC OS
• No disk encryption or pre-boot authentication
Training Format:
The training is broken into 5 ‘quests’:
• Apprentice Quest
• Installer Quest
• Explorer Quest
• Networker Quest
• Virtualizer Quest
Training Attendee Responsibilities:
• Attendees provide their own lab equipment
(assistance is available in configuring the lab hardware)
• Stick to the study schedule outlined
• Must cover all material in the course
• Attendees will take turns presenting topics
(everybody is required to take 1 turn)
Note: Starting with Week 2 we will begin streaming the in-person Middletown, Kentucky study group meetings on the KYSBSUG USTREAM channel.
USTREAM Channel:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/early-experts—windows-server-2012
Training Schedule:
(Meetings begin at 6:30 PM Eastern and run through 8:30 or 9:00PM)
• Week 0 – Thu Oct 18 – Apprentice Quest
• Week 1 – Thu Oct 25 – Installer Quest – Part 1a – Install Servers
• Week 2 – Thu Nov 1 – Installer Quest – Part 1b – Install Servers continued & Configure Servers
• Week 3 – Thu Nov 8 – Installer Quest – Part 2 – Configure NIC Teaming & Part 3 – Configure Local Storage
• Week 4 – Thu Nov 15 – Installer Quest – Part 4a (A-D) – Install and Administer Active Directory
• Week 5 – Mon Nov 19 – Installer Quest – Part 4b (E-I) – Install and Administer Active Directory
• Week 6 – Wed Nov 28 – Explorer Quest – Part 1a – Create and Manage Active Directory Group Policy
• Week 7 – Thu Dec 6 – Explorer Quest – Part 1b & 2a – Manage Server Roles and Features
• Week 8 – Thu Dec 13 – Explorer Quest – 2b & 3a – Manage Windows Server 2012 with PowerShell 3.0
• Week 9 – Wed Dec 19 – Explorer Quest – 3b – PowerShell 3.0
• Week 10 – Thu Dec 27 – Off
• Week 11 – Thu Jan 3 – Networker Quest – Part 1 – Configure IPv4 & IPv6 Addressing
• Week 12 – Thu Jan 10 – Networker Quest – Part 2 – Deploy and Configure DHCP Service
• Week 13 – Thu Jan 17 – Networker Quest – Part 3 – Deploy and Configure DNS Service
• Week 14 – Thu Jan 24 – Virtualizer Quest – Part 1, 2 & 3 – Create and Configure Virtual Machine 1) Settings, 2) Storage & 3) Networks
• Week 15 – Thu Jan 31 – Virtualizer Quest – Part 4 & 5 – Install and Configure Hyper-V Server 2012 & Migrate to Hyper-V Server 2012
HOW TO JOIN
1) Signup for the Windows Server 2012 “Early Experts” Challenge
2) Fill out the Survey Monkey survey BEFORE Thu Oct 18, 2012
Resources:
• FREE eBook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 (RTM Edition) – Microsoft Press
• Clinic 40005A: First Look Clinic: Windows Server 2012
• Windows Server 2012 Evaluation ISO or VHD
• Windows Server 2012 “Early Experts” – LinkedIn Group
• Windows Server 2012: Technical Overview (FREE Online Course)
• Keith Mayer’s blog “IT Pros ROCK!”
• Kentucky Small Business Server User Group (KYSBSUG) LinkedIn Group
• Kentucky Small Business Server User Group (KYSBSUG) Website
QUESTIONS:
Questions about the study group can be posted on the KYSBSUG website or LinkedIn discussion list (links above) or via Twitter @timbarrett.
FYI, there are 2 more certification exam peer groups that will be available in 2013…
Future Training… (timeframe TBA)
Exam 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012
Exam 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services