*TechNotes* 70-620 MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration

[Webmaster]

Following are the first of a series of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration TechNotes (You got to love these long Microsoft titles... ). As always, at the top of the text, on the right, is a link to a printer-friendly version for members only. Although the TechNotes cover Windows Vista, I'm going to try to keep the number of screenshots of Windows to a minimum. None in the first one.

Just as our other TechNotes, these are meant to supplement and not to replace a text book/CBT/course, etc. I also recommend you try out the features and options covered in these TechNotes on a test installation of Windows Vista (preferably Ultimate/Enterprise)

Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista
Covers identifying hardware requirements, perform a clean installation, upgrades from older version of Windows and from other editions of Vista.

Configure Windows Aero
Covers configuring and troubleshooting Windows Aero.

Configure and Troubleshoot Parental Controls
Covers Parental Controls including Windows Vista Web Filter, Game Controls, Application restrictions, Time restrictions and Activity Reports.

Configure Windows Sidebar
Covers Windows Sidebar configuration and Vista Gadgets.

Configure Power Options *new*
Covers power options, power plans, and power states.

Eventually, if and when I covered all of the 'skills being measured listed here I will add them together in a single PDF file (like my Network+ TechNotes). If you have any comments/suggestions for the TechNotes let me know by replying to this topic or PM me. If you want to discuss the features/topic itself please start a new topic.

Johan

[Webmaster]

To add the above, here to keep the post clean so I can extend the list, I am working on the following 3 separate TechNotes related to the first one. I planned to include these in the above but I wanted to keep the TechNotes shorter this time, and the first one is already quite lengthy.

- Automated installations (unattended, WDS, sysprep+ImageX)
- Install and configure Windows Vista drivers.
- Troubleshoot Windows Vista installation issues + Troubleshoot post-installation configuration issues.

After the above 3, each of the remaining Skills Being Measured will become a single TechNotes, which for this exam means each TechNotes will cover 1 single Windows Vista feature (Defender, IE, Mail, Calendar, Parental Controls, Remote Access, etc, etc.). This will allow me to publish new TechNotes more often.

I've written 6 practice queston, I'll post them when I have 10. As you probably know MS-style questions make their exam and certification titles look short.

[Webmaster]

Added the Configure and Troubleshoot Parental Controls TechNotes.

Oh, and forget what I mentioned about keeping the nr of screenshot to a minimum... too much 'user' and GUI-specific stuff' in this exam.

I'll finish and post the next one (Aero or Sidebar) this weekend or next week. I haven't determined a certain order, if you happen to be interested in seeing a certain exam objective being covered first, just let me know.

[BeaverC32]

First off, these TechNotes are great! I love how this site has such a diverse collection of study resources.

I would personally like to see TechNotes on "Configuring and Troubleshooting Mobile Computing". I have the least amount of exposure to this section, and think it would be the most beneficial (for me, anyway).

Do you accept user contributions for these notes? I wouldn't mind pitching in.

[Webmaster]

Thanks for the comments about the TechNotes and the site B!

Originally Posted by BeaverC32

I would personally like to see TechNotes on "Configuring and Troubleshooting Mobile Computing". I have the least amount of exposure to this section, and think it would be the most beneficial (for me, anyway).

Good suggestion, I think the lack of experience in this area is an issue for many people going for this exam. I'll probably write 4 TechNotes for that section (each exam objective below it), and will start with the "Configure Tablet PC software." after the next one (Aero). I'll give the other 3 a higher priority too.

Originally Posted by BeaverC32

Do you accept user contributions for these notes? I wouldn't mind pitching in.

Whether I 'accept' them (as in publishing them as TechNotes) depends of the type of contribution, but I always appreciate the offer. The short answer to your question is: only if it's pretty much complete and ready to put online, so I'd only have to make the style and format match and do some basic proofreading, and in general only if you have writing experience. As with any type of publisher, sending me examples (portfolio) of what you can do is the first step because only then I can give a real answer.

The problem is often that if someone would do just one or a couple of steps of the process (included below), and I have to do the rest, I usually spend more time on it then I would need doing all steps myself. It comes down to that sharing the author's portion of the work is 'usually' not efficient for an efficiency-freak like me. Although I decided to make the Vista TechNotes a bit shorter than usual, covering a single objective when possible, they are part of a whole (the PDF), for which I already did several of the steps below for most topics.

That said, I could use some help with these Vista TechNotes, because I do not always have access to Vista and not on decent computer. This mostly entails making screenshots, verifying options and procedures (e.g. in different editions), etc. Not fascinating work and all you'll get is a 'thanks' and my appreciation, but if you (or anyone else) is willing to help in such a way it would definitely help me post new TechNotes more often.

For example, right now I'm in need for screenshots of several desktop composition/Aero related options taken on a PC that actually supports Aero and has it turned on (something my 32MB video card can't do ). It would be handy to have one or more people available who I can PM with such requests.

Thanks again,
Johan

********
Following is a simplified overview of the way our TechNotes are created:

1. Determining the scope of the exam objectives
2. Creating an outline (concise list of items that are likely going to make it into the TechNotes)
3. Creating a preliminary draft (writing out the obvious topics/parts)
4. Research (primarily entails reading the standard docs, in this case product documentation, help, white papers in TechNet etc, and especially for 'new' topics like Vista, testing on an actual device).
6. Writing the final
7. Proofreading and fact checking (doubting everything, often results in going back to step 6)

Except for sometimes during the first step, there's never any other certification study material involved.
********

[BeaverC32]

I'll be taking this exam (70-620) simply out of interest, and now is the ideal time for me to start studying (well, after I complete MCSE in a few weeks...hopefully).

Not fascinating work and all you'll get is a 'thanks' and my appreciation, but if you (or anyone else) is willing to help in such a way it would definitely help me post new TechNotes more often.

Well then, just say the word and I'd be glad to help. I'm not expecting anything in return, but this site has helped me tremendously in the short time I've been a member, so I might as well pitch in.

[EDIT]: FYI, I have Vista Ultimate, so I can capture screenshots of pretty much anything you will need.

[Webmaster]

Excellent, expect a PM from me today or tomorrow. TIA.

Originally Posted by BeaverC32

I'll be taking this exam (70-620) simply out of interest.

Same here. I won't take the exam until I finished most or all of the TechNotes for it though. Besides becoming more than prepared that way, it'll keep me objective and at the same time allows me to prove that if study guide and practice exams writers can write something that gives complete coverage simply by writing about the skills being measured as published by Microsoft (in other words without looking at the actual exam...). Which also fits the format of 'TechNotes' as they are intended: concise but detailed notes about the technology (in contrary to 'exam notes').

[Webmaster]

I just uploaded the Configure Windows Sidebar TechNotes. A relatively short one but probably still more in depth than you need for the exam. Aero and Tablet PC Software are coming up next.

And expect the first TechExams.net Vista Gadget to be available soon

[BeaverC32]

And expect the first TechExams.net Vista Gadget to be available soon

Can't wait to see it

I love these TechNotes!

[Webmaster]

Thanks for the comments, and for the screenshots

I just uploaded the Windows Aero TechNotes.

Next will probably be the one about Tablet PCs features.

I'll try to finish that first TechExams.net Gadget this weekend.

[sbowne]

Hello:

I appreciate these notes very much--they help me and my students greatly.

But I noticed an errorin the "Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista" notes: the maximum RAM supported is 4 GB for all 32-bit versions of Vista except Starter, which has a maximum of 1 GB.

For details, see this site:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-US/lib..._windows_vista

[Webmaster]

I was a bit dissapointed to see the hardware requirements being in the exam objectives again, because even Microsoft.com will give you conflicten results, as they have been doing at least since Windows 95. However, I don't see the difference between the line you quoted from my TechNotes (read carefully) and the chart you pointed out on the msdn site.

The maximum RAM supported is 4 GB for all 32-bit versions of Vista except Starter, which has a maximum of 1 GB.

What exactly do you think is wrong? I'm not wearing my glasses. I don't have any, but maybe I should because I can't find what you're trying to say (unless you indeed missed the 32-bit part).

Edit: and thanks for the kind words about the TechNotes Always very motivating to hear they are used by trainers as well.

[blargoe]

Johan, you are doing a great service here, and these notes are great. I will be making full use of them when I am allowed to start on the next gen MS certs next year.

Rgds,

Blargoe

[Webmaster]

Thanks blargoe, I appreciate the comments! I think I'll come a long way with this one before the end of the year. This week I plan to release the next one, which won't be about Tablet PCs but about Power Options - actually my battery is at 18% right now so I hope it'll let me post this

Johan

[sbowne]

Pardon me, I was not clear. This sentence is my recommended correction to the notes:

"the maximum RAM supported is 4 GB for all 32-bit versions of Vista except Starter, which has a maximum of 1 GB."

At present the notes say:

Home Basic has "a maximum of 8 GB or RAM"
Home Premium "increases the maximum supported RAM to 16 GB"
"Windows Vista Business supports a maximum of two physical processors and 128 GB RAM"

[sbowne]

At present, the "Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista" notes say that Windows Vista Business includes IIS Web server.

However, this microsoft Technet page:

http://technet2.microsoft.com/window....mspx?mfr=true

says this:

"By default, IIS 7.0 is not installed on Windows Vista™ Business or Windows Vista™ Ultimate."

I appreciate your notes, because although there are some errors, they are very accurate. I just sent Transcender about a dozen corrections to their test prep materials, which are far less accurate than yours.

[Webmaster]

Originally Posted by sbowne

At present the notes say:

Home Basic has "a maximum of 8 GB or RAM"
Home Premium "increases the maximum supported RAM to 16 GB"
"Windows Vista Business supports a maximum of two physical processors and 128 GB RAM"

Well, that's obviously taken out of context. The above is clearly listed in the 64-bit Support section and accurate.

because although there are some errors,

Not sure what you mean by errors... what you have pointed out are NOT errors, you just need to read more carefully.

Notes: At present, the "Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista" notes say that Windows Vista Business includes IIS Web server.
TechNet: By default, IIS 7.0 is not installed on Windows Vista™ Business or Windows Vista™ Ultimate. You can install IIS by clicking Windows Features in Advanced Options under Programs in Control Panel.

In other words IIS a software feature included, but it not installed by default.

Before claiming in a Sticky like this one there are 'errors' (thereby giving the wrong impression to other readers) please make very sure you read very carefully and provide multiple resources to back you up. I'm not perfect, but I don't just make up stuff either.

[Thiassi]

Excellent notes, as always. Many thanks.

[Webmaster]

Thanks and you're welcome

I just happened to received my new notebook with Windows Vista (currently home premium pre-installed) which means I can finally finish some of the 70-620 TechNotes I already started on while still having a beta version installed.

I'll finish the one about Power Options as soon as I pumped 60 GB of data and re-installed the essential software.

[Webmaster]

It became a bit longer than planned, mostly because of the advanced settings list, but it's part of the Mobile PCs domain which I want to cover a bit more extensively than the others:

Configure Power Options

I'm not sure what the next one will be, probably Configure and troubleshoot User Account Control because it's a foundation topic and I'll won't have to explain the annoying popups in other TechNotes

Johan

[Thiassi]

Cool thanks Johan. Got the 621 tomorrow so this will be a very useful refresher.

[Webmaster]

You're welcome, and good luck tomorrow! Although I'm writing these based on the 70-620 exam objectives, many of them are exactly the same for the 70-621 exam. All the above listed TechNotes are also good for the 621 exam.

[HemisFear]

I am going to be taking this exam within the next two months and have finished reading the Sybex book. I've purchased the Transcender exam and WOW what a difference the questions in that exam make compared to the Sybex book (which I did very well on).

I only scored a 46% on the Transcender exams compared to a 75-80% average on the Sybex review questions.

I'd definately love to see a PDF file for the technotes! Thanks for all the information thus far.

[Inf]

Thanks Johan, I'm going through these now.

One small site problem: the members-only printer friendly link on Power Options takes you to the sidebar notes, rather than power options. I was able to guess the correct link to get to the right page.

[Webmaster]

Originally Posted by Inf

I was able to guess the correct link to get to the right page.

That's top secret info

Thanks, I'll fix the link asap.