Certification Prep – The 20 Minute Workout

So with respect to my Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8 certification efforts, I was already certified MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7 so I could have just taken the 70-689: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8 exam. I had already passed 70-687 Configuring Windows 8 when it was BETA (71-687) at TechEd 2012 so I had a choice; I could have taken the upgrade exam (70-689) or 70-688: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8 . I opted for the one exam in 70-688. I just figured it made more sense for me to focus on the one set of topics rather than across two. Next up for me is 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure .

As published at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/system-requirements If you want to run Windows 8 on your PC, here's what it takes: Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2 (more info) RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver Additional requirements to use certain features: To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch (more info) To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768 To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768 Internet access (ISP fees might apply) Secure boot requires firmware that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and has the Microsoft Windows Certification ...

From MSDN Blogs and Microsoft Press We’re happy to announce that we have released the final version of this free ebook. FREE DOWNLOAD FORMATS: PDF Introducing Windows 8- An Overview for IT Professionals - PDF ebook Mobi Introducing Windows 8-An Overview for IT Professionals – Mobi format for Kindle ePub Introducing Windows 8-An Overview for IT Professionals – ePub format If you prefer a hard copy of the final book, you can order it here for $14.99 from our official distributor, O’Reilly Media. . Is this book for you? Get a head start evaluating Window 8—guided by a Windows expert who’s worked extensively with the software since the preview releases. Based on final, release-to-manufacturing (RTM) software, this book introduces new features and capabilities, with scenario-based insights demonstrating how to plan for, implement, and maintain Windows 8 in an enterprise environment. Get the high-level information you need to begin preparing your deploy...

The Configuring Windows 8 exam (70-687) includes a lot of information as identified on the “Skills Being Measured” outline on the Microsoft Learning page for the exam. As the page defines: The information after “This objective may include but is not limited to” is intended to further define or scope the objective by describing the types of skills and topics that may be tested for the objective. However, it is not an exhaustive list of skills and topics that could be included on the exam for a given skill area. You may be tested on other skills and topics related to the objective that are not explicitly listed here.” What I have below regarding the Windows 8 Keyboard shortcuts will most likely NOT be on the exam but having said that, it is good information to know. There are some of the general keyboard shortcuts that you can use to navigate around Windows 8: F1  --  Display Help   F2  --  Rename the selected item   F3  --  Search for a fil...

The Configuring Windows 8 exam (70-687) includes a lot of information as identified on the “Skills Being Measured” outline on the Microsoft Learning page for the exam. As the page defines: The information after “This objective may include but is not limited to” is intended to further define or scope the objective by describing the types of skills and topics that may be tested for the objective. However, it is not an exhaustive list of skills and topics that could be included on the exam for a given skill area. You may be tested on other skills and topics related to the objective that are not explicitly listed here.” What I have below regarding the Windows 8 Keyboard shortcuts will most likely NOT be on the exam but having said that, it is good information to know. There are some new keyboard shortcuts introduced with Windows 8: Windows logo key +start typing  --  Search your PC   Ctrl+plus (+) or Ctrl+minus (-)  --  Zoom in or out of a large number of ite...

I just posted a quick Windows 8 overview over on HUBPAGES; the HUB can be found via http://gunderstone.hubpages.com/hub/Overview-of-the-Windows-8-Release-Preview As I do some study and review on my own for Exam 70-687: Configuring Windows 8 that I plan to test out on (and I am working on another Windows 8 project as well) I will be posting some review material. As I do I will be sure to drop a note here.