Tag windows server 2008

Let me start off with a warning about this exam.

This test is not available everywhere, and for good reason.   It is a complicated exam which launches a Real Virtual Lab environment which is run off of a server across the Internet.

The key word there being "Internet", which this often implies not having Routing issues, connection problems, speed, latency (Lag) and other client to server remote connection issues.

Lets just say, I ran into some of those issues – And you might as well.   I went in with an expectation to potentially have some problems.  Exam launched, Click connect to visit the lab and BAM – no connection.   3 hours later of them ‘resetting the exam‘ I was then able to connect into the server.   Sadly I did not have the amount of time to fully take advantage of the exam, but I did have the opportunity to read, review and comment.

The labs are interesting, it’s a true server (help files and all) and command line and other decisions and exploitations and choices you’d make on a server host.   But beware.

I encountered all that I mentioned, lag, connection issues, delay, and a slew of other ‘technical’ issues which can happen to anyone.   Great exam for what it is worth (and I commented away based upon the content and delivery) But do approach this Pilot with an expectation that you MAY encounter issues.   Prometric CAN work them out, but the Helpdesk will likely have no idea what is going on and what to do (Hopefully this 3 hour ‘lesson’ will prepare them for the next person who takes it)

Good luck, and Good Testing!

That’s right! New Mastery in the form of a “Master” Cert.
It is rumoured to be above the current MCITP, and equally above the old-school MCSE, yet below (and a pre-requisite) of the MCA (Architect).

It will be offered in 3 varieties.

It is covered at an EXTREMELY high-level here at Microsoft Certified Master Program
And also is briefly mentioned here on Trika’s Blog

There is a little bit of depth to be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/master/products/default.mspx

However, outside of these high-level ideas of it, and its very narrow focus on a set of core technologies (Hey, where is my MOSS Mastery?!)

It appears to be just another Certification to join the pile – definitely a precursor to the MCA with these requirements:

To achieve Master certification, candidates must fulfill the following training requirements:

And if history has shown us anything, when you have ‘class attendance requirements’ that usually translates into “This is going to cost you some serious $$$” Not only from ‘attendance’ but also from your inability to be producing revenue or working as you’re going to classes.

Perhaps this is trying to go the way of the “Masters” programs available within the ‘Educational’ community, but today you can phone that in, and the technology and extreme depth this is looking to promote is not something earned in the classroom – It’s earned in the trenches.

Who knows how this will be implemented, we’ll certainly find out as time moves on – Adoption is key though – Look at the CCIE Program for Cisco…

That’s right, the Chicago Windows Users Group is now officially meeting on Mondays.
Which can have a number of implications, one certainly of which is – we’ll be meeting on Mondays! :)

This coming meeting we’ll have some great sessions, with the master of Server – Jeff Gettis covering territory on Windows Server 2008 (Should be an amazing time!). Dan Rey presenting on the Windows Easy Transfer Companion (beta) in a hands on lab. And last but not least, Brian Vanderjack with an interesting and compelling session on Project management. This will be Brian’s first time presenting in front of the CWUG audience though he is no shy soul in front of an audience nor let alone in front of students. Brian is not only a professional project manager for a living, PMP but also teaches Project Management courses with the University of Phoenix, so it should be a treat to have a man of his caliber in front of the group of us!

I look forward to seeing you all at this months CWUG and to have a great time!

Below are the details of the meeting via the email Blast, and sign up information!

Thanks to Michael Niehaus for his presentation on the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 (previously Business Desktop Deployment or BDD 2007) and Bart Tubalinal and Tony Coppa for their presentation on SharePoint at our downtown Chicago meeting! Don’t forget we’re switching to the 3rd Monday evening every month for our in person meeting and will be in Downers Grove for May and June and back in Chicago for July. We will also be adding Live Meeting presentations that you can attend from virtually anywhere over the summer months (CWUG points awarded for participation on the Live Meetings as well!). Meeting sign up for Monday’s meeting included below.