Archives August 2008

71-660 Post Mortem: Windows Internals TS

This is an absolutely amazing test, which is simple, easy, very understandable and straight-forward.

Did I pass? Eh, possibly – but I’m not going to bet my life on it.

 

If it’s so easy, why am I unsure? – so begins my Post Mortem :)

 

If you’ve ever looked at the internals of Windows before, and that means drilling down deep into User.dmp‘s, Memory.dmp‘s and looking at threads, processes, heaps and a number of things – Especially getting your hands dirty debugging windows – This test is right on par for you, almost a sub-100 level test on what is involved.

However, to the untrained ear (or eye) you’ll perceive this as a 900 level test, making you work your hardest while reviewing everything arcane, different and strange to you.

 

This all boils down to the unwritten rules of Power Curves such as to say, not everyone is suited to be an administrator, architect, collaborator, consultant, debugger, developer, engineer, evangelist, professional, technician or Technologist.

 

But that doesn’t stop us from trying.   And it is tests like this one which further stretches that line, while blurring it at the same time – exposing and opening up those possibilities without expert knowledge to embrace it and grow our technological community as a whole.

Good luck out there, keep growing.

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And if you want to grow your Windows Internals knowledge – Here is a good place to start. 

 

 

Second Chance is here again! (Microsoft Second Shot)

Welcome the return of the Microsoft Second Shot Program!

So – how exactly does this work? Hi-jacked from their site!

You have until June 30, 2009, to register, obtain an exam voucher, complete your first exam and retake your exam (if you did not pass on your first attempt).

There is no limit per person: If you register for this offer, you will receive one free retake for each paid exam that you take and fail.

To take advantage of this offer:

  • Step 1: Register for Second Shot on the Microsoft Web site and receive an exam voucher number.
  • Step 2: Schedule and pay for your initial exam through the Prometric Web site, call center,* or test center.
  • Note You must have the voucher number before you register.

  • Step 3: Take the exam.
  • Step 4: If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, register for your free retake exam through the Prometric Web site, call center,* or test center by using the same voucher number. Then, take your Second Shot!
  • Note You must wait one day after taking your initial exam before you can register for your retake exam. This time is required to enter test results into the system.

    Which exams qualify for this Second Shot offer?
    Any Microsoft Learning IT professional, developer, or Microsoft Dynamics exam qualifies for this offer.

    So, what does this mean for you?
    If you plan to take an exam and PAY for an exam – It doesn’t pay to not register your exam and get a voucher number first. Don’t think about doing it – Do it.

    That’s it! :)

    Good luck out there!

    Microsoft Beta Exam Blog – It’s a Trikatastrophe!

    Special thanks to Trika! for pointing out the brand new Microsoft Beta Exam Blog!

    I’ve linked this over in my “Microsoft Links” on the side as well, as I’ll reference and check this blog on a regular basis, in addition to checking other blogs, Trika and GerryO’s blog, as well as manual scouring of the Prometric site for new entries which meet “Beta” criteria!

    And for those of you SBS folks in the world, there is whisper of a coming SBS 2008 exam!

    In other news, I expect to have additional post-mortems, completely obfuscated on all the other beta exams which happen out there!

    Keep Posted!