hello there, I have never taken any certification courses including Microsoft's, I''ve decided To start MCSA, and would like to start with the client configuration windows 7, I want advise on how to become successful on pursuing my MCSA path, Thanks in Advance
Peace
jgereio,
How are you planning to prepare for the exams? Classroom Courses, CBT, WBT, Self Study?
I would recommend starting with CompTIA A+ before starting the Microsoft tests. You will get a good foundation that will not only help your resume but help you understand the materials for the Microsoft training as well. When you get to the Microsoft stuff, I would start with exam 70-680 and learn everything you can about Windows 7 by reading white papers, taking classes, doing Technet Virtual Labs, running it on your computer every day,etc.
Check out this link for all you can find about Windows 7
www.microsoft.com/.../windows.aspx
James Goodwin - MCT
Sr. Technical Trainer
New Horizons of Indianapolis
If you are truly deadset on getting the MCSA, an older cert, then I suggest the Self-Paced Training Kit from Microsoft Press. That book series has been invaluable to me throughout my certification journey, starting with my very first Windows 2000 exams. With very few exceptions I have used those books for each exam I have passed (somewhere between 25 and 30 of them). I find them well written, complete, and comprehensive.
Your Windows 7 Configuring Exam (70-680) is the easiest of the exams you mention for me, because I spend more time in the client than in the server, and have been using Windows 7 since the early beta. However you have to prepare based on YOUR experience, and not on mine. Get the Training Kit, make sure you are using the OS, and then (and this is crucial) look at the exam objectives... each one! You may think you know Windows 7 perfectly because you use it every day, but don't know how to connect it to a domain, or deploy it. Make sure you focus your studies on the areas that you are weak on. When you are ready, schedule the exam! If you want, any MCT can provide you with a voucher that will give you a Second Shot in case you fail, so you will have a safety net.
Good luck!
Mitch, MCT