Certification Prep – The 20 Minute Workout

CNET has a “super-page” with some great intro articles for Windows 8 “Microsoft's newest operating system has a whole new interface and loads of new features. Here are CNET's best tips for getting up to speed quickly and getting the most out of Windows 8.” http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57529213-285/complete-guide-to-using-windows-8-roundup/

The Windows 8 operating system is the newest member of the Microsoft Windows family. It differs from earlier Windows releases as much for what it does not change as for what it does change. That is, the features that IT pros loved about Windows 7 are still there in Windows 8—just better. The same keyboard shortcuts, management tools, security features, and deployment options are available in Windows 8. But in many cases, Windows 8 improves them in intuitive and significant ways. Some examples are the ribbon in File Explorer and faster disk encryption when using BitLocker Drive Encryption. This book describes these enhancements plus many of the new features in Windows 8. Download the PDF version of the book here. If you prefer a hard copy of the final book, you can order it here for $14.99

Keith Mayer has a new post over on his "IT Pros ROCK! at Microsoft" blog titled Windows Server 2012 "Early Experts" Challenge - Exam 70-410 - Create and Manage Group Policy which is part of the Windows Server 2012 " Early Experts " Challenge. This post covers some of the Group Policy material that can be found on the Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 exam (Exam 70-410 ) including: -- Create and Manage Group Policy -- Create and Manage Group Policy Objects ( GPOs ) -- Configure Security Policies -- Configure Application Restriction Policies -- Configure Windows Firewall I have taken the beta exam for 70-410 and I have reviewed this lesson and would recommend it as a highly valuable resource to leverage in your studies.

Short and sweet this AM; I took both of these BETA exams when I was at TECHED and according to my PROMETRIC Candidate History update I have passed them both. (Not sure why they are showing as "TechReady15" - I don't work at Microsoft any more). SO PSYCHED! Configuring Windows 8 ** Private ** Microsoft TechReady15 - Site USC02 ** W05DTT516B Microsoft (071-687) Passed 11-Jun-2013 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 ** Private** Microsoft TechReady15 - Site USC03 ** W05DTT516F Microsoft (071-410) Passed 11-Jun-2013

From my review at Amazon.com: I have been reading books authored and co-authored by Scott Mueller since 1998. His Upgrading and Repairing PCs books are a MUST HAVE reference for any hardware tech. The most current is the 20th edition - Publication Date: August 26, 2011 ISBN-10: 0789747103  ISBN-13: 978-0789747105. I have personally used that series of books (each iteration, as it was published) for both knowledge enhancement and for reference information when I needed more detail or more precision information for any hardware subject matter at hand. I am a certified trainer and have always told students in my A+ certification classes as well as my introduction to PC classes "if you are going to buy any additional companion book for this A+ certification class, be it for studying for the exam itself or for your reference down the road, get a book written by Scott Mueller - he is THE subject matter expert for all things relating to computer hardware." As with the Seco...

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.

Win a trip to VMworld, TechEd, Citrix Synergy or Cisco Live all as a part of TrainSignal's 10th Anniversary Contest In celebration of their 10th anniversary, TrainSignal is having a celebration contest with a couple of very cool prizes. To enter you need to go to their Facebook page and click on the 10th Anniversary Giveaway tab. Fill out your name and email address, and click Submit. You will be automatically entered into our drawing to win the free trip to VMworld, TechEd, Citrix Synergy or Cisco Live 2013. TrainSignal will post the winners on their blog on October 1, 2012.   For full details on the prizes offered and eligibility you can review their contest page after you sign up for the 10th Anniversary Giveaway