Windows Server HQ by Train Signal.com » Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com We are here to help you learn Windows Server! Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:23:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 en hourly 1 Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (SCDPM Exam 70-658) Certification Guide http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/scdpm-exam-70-658-certification-info http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/scdpm-exam-70-658-certification-info#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:55 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=7479 Related posts:]]> mscdataToday we wrap up the Microsoft System Center series with a look at System Center Data Protection Manager Certification.

System Center Data Protection Manager (SCDPM)

System Center Data Protection Manager is the final product in the System Center family. Data loss from system failure or accidental deletion has the potential to bring operations to a standstill. Accordingly, the backbone of an IT Department’s policies and procedures should outline provisions for data backup and recovery.

But backing up systems in an enterprise environment is no easy task. That’s where System Center Data Protection Manager 2008 comes in. Windows backup and recovery for applications and servers is integrated into a secondary disk and tape solution via the DPM server.

SCDPM Certification

You will need to pass one exam for this certification — Exam 70-658: TS: System Center Data Protection Manager 2007, Configuring. Your new designation will be, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: System Center Data Protection Manager, Configuration.


Like the other Microsoft exams, this will be a multiple choice or performance based exam.

Required Skills
In terms of skills, candidates should have experience with System Center Data Protection Manager 2007, and the following:

  • At least one year of experience with data and system recoverability and data protection
  • At least one year of experience with Windows Server administration and network infrastructure
  • Production experience with at least one protected workload, plus working knowledge of the other protected workloads

70-658 Exam Breakdown

Installing Data Protection Manager (DPM) (16%)

  • Install the DPM server
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: verify software and hardware prerequisites; choose and configure SQL Server location; run DPM installation wizard
    • Enable End User Recovery (EUR)
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: configuring Active Directory, DPM server, and Shadow Copy Client
    • Configure networking for DPM
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: agent to server communication; bandwidth requirements; enabling a dedicated backup protection network

    Managing Media and Agents (21%)

    • Deploy a DPM agent
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: domain/forest membership; pushing an agent from the console; deploying an agent by using software distribution or manually; connecting an agent to a DPM server by using the DPM Management Shell
    • Control DPM bandwidth
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: agent bandwidth throttling; server bandwidth throttling; on-the-wire compression
    • Manage disks
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: disk; cloud; moving a replica to another disk
    • Manage tapes
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: tape, tape devices, copy to tape, inventory, encryption

    Protecting Workloads (23%)

    • Define protection for standalone configurations
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: setting up protection groups for core workloads, criteria for separate protection groups, ramifications for restore, selecting data sources
    • Define protection for highly available configurations
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: application availability options, failover clustering, DFS interactions
    • Configure protection policies
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: implementing a protection policy through a protection group, short-term vs. long-term protection schedules, retention time
    • Manage recovery points
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: creating a recovery point; different types of recovery points; defining recovery point schedules; optimizing schedules for recovery time; time offset
    • Stage a replica
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: prestaging; running an initial consistency check; postponing initial replication

    Recovering Workloads (23%)

    • Recover files
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: workstations, file servers, overwrite, permissions, recovering to a network folder
    • Recover Exchange Server data
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: Recovery Storage Group (RSG), Exchange Server 2003 vs. Exchange Server 2007, recovering to an alternative Exchange server, scope of recovery
    • Recover SharePoint data
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: recovery farms, data granularity, protection schedules
    • Recover SQL Server data
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: SQL Server 2005 vs. SQL Server 2008, recovery to an alternate server, advanced recovery options, protection schedules and SQL Server recovery mode
    • Recover system state data
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: choosing when to enable system state recovery; applying recovered system state
    • Recover virtualized environments
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: virtual guests, host configuration, recovering to another host

    Managing, Protecting, and Recovering the DPM Server (18%)

    • Monitor DPM
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: setting up alerts, scheduling and running reports, System Center Operations Manager (SCOM), Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM), PerfMon, Event Viewer, DPM Administrator Console
    • Perform maintenance
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: ensuring replica integrity, ad hoc and scheduled consistency checks, data integrity checks
    • Integrate with other backup solutions
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: identifying the production data within the DPM server; protecting the DPM configuration database
    • Configure DPM for disaster recovery
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: activating the agent on the primary DPM server; configuring workloads to be protected; switch primary/secondary roles; enable secondary protection with DPM; protecting the DPM configuration database
    • Recover a DPM server
      • This objective may include but is not limited to: restoring the DPM configuration database, creating static copies of replicas, repairing DPM

    SCDPM Training

    Unfortunately, there isn’t a practice test or Microsoft book to help you prepare for this exam. However, there is classroom and E-Learning training, in addition to a few other resources. Here’s what Microsoft recommends:

    Classroom Training:

    • 50213A: Implementing Data Protection Manager 2007 (2 Days)

    Microsoft E-Learning:

    • 10112AE: Implementing Data Protection Manager 2007 (12 Hours)

    Books:

    Online Microsoft Resources:

    • SCDPM Website: This is the website for more product information.

    Testing and Recertification

    All Microsoft exams are scheduled and taken at Prometric Testing Centers. Like the other System Center exams, there is no set recertification schedule. You’ll need to retest, only when Microsoft discontinues support for the product.

    Is The SCDPM Certification For Me?

    The value of IT certifications has been hotly debated, with opinions varying depending on the technology. But what remains unchanged is the need to continually update your skills. Thus certifications, and more importantly, the training associated with them, take on another level of value.

    Ultimately, the decision to pursue certification will depend on many factors. Needs in your current position and the certification culture in your organization are foremost. But don’t forget to factor in the future – research requirements and the reward structure at other employers. The idea is to remain as competitive as possible in an increasingly competitive field.

    Related posts:

    ]]> http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/scdpm-exam-70-658-certification-info/feed 0 Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM Exam 70-403) Certification Guide http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/scvmm-exam-70-403-certification-info http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/scvmm-exam-70-403-certification-info#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:00:32 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=7469 Related posts:]]> mscvirtualIn our series on Microsoft System Center Certifications, we’ve covered SCCM: System Center Configuration Manager and SCOM: System Center Operations Manager.

    Today we continue with the System Center Virtual Machine Manager Certification.

    System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM)

    System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 is the third product in the System Center family. If virtual environments are a part of your corporate network environment, this is the tool for you. SCVMM not only supports management of virtual machines, but physical devices as well. You’ll be able to manage performance and resource optimization, consolidation of underutilized physical servers, and faster provisioning of new virtual machines.

    SCVMM Certification

    Similar to other System Center certifications, only one exam is required for the SCVMM certification — Exam 70-403: TS: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring. You can expect a multiple choice or performance based exam.

    Passing this exam will earn you Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuration Certification.

    Required Skills

    Candidate expectations are that you have a minimum of 6 months experience with virtualization and more than a year of experience with Windows Server infrastructures.

    70-403 Exam Breakdown

    Installing SCVMM

    • Install SCVMM server components
      • May include but is not limited to: Server prerequisites, database, Windows versions, enabling SAN migration, User Access Control (UAC) issues.
    • Install administrator console
      • May include but is not limited to: Administrator console prerequisites, platform support, firewall settings, Workgroup requirements vs. Domain requirements, custom ports, managed hosts from admin console, enable reporting for admin console.
    • Install self-service portal
      • May include but is not limited to: self-service portal prerequisites, IIS components, compatibility, custom ports, host headers.
    • Install PRO tips
      • May include but is not limited to: Ops manager, management packs, Admin consoles, security.

    Administering SCVMM

    • Configure user roles
      • May include but is not limited to: delegate admin, setting permissions for specific host or host groups, using self-service portal to create test environment, add delegated administrator.
    • Setup self service
      • May include but is not limited to: enabling user or group for self service, setting custom ports for self service, establishing quota, Self-provisioning (templates).
    • Maintain VMM library
      • May include but is not limited to: adding a library, adding additional library shares or servers, moving files to library share, mapping ISOs, types of library files.
    • Configure hosts
      • May include but is not limited to: adding hosts, installing a local agent, adding VMware VC server, configuring a virtual network, creating filters in the console.
    • Monitor jobs
      • May include but is not limited to: verifying specific jobs, recovering from job failure, change tracking, job filtering.

    Maintaining and Monitoring VMs

    • Configure VM hardware
      • May include but is not limited to: NIC configuration, configuring VM drive, configuring memory, configuring CPU.
    • Manage virtual instance checkpoints and patches
      • May include but is not limited to: Checkpoints, creating a checkpoint of a VM, deploying patches.
    • Monitoring and reporting VMs
      • May include but is not limited to: integrating Ops Manager, selecting potential virtualization targets, monitoring utilization.

    Deploying and Migrating VMs

    • Convert from physical or virtual platforms
      • May include but is not limited to: P2V, V2V.
    • Move VMs between hosts
      • May include but is not limited to: migrating a SAN, migration options, intelligent placement.
    • Deploy VMs
      • May include but is not limited to: deploy VM from VHD, deploy VM from template, create template from existing VM, provisioning new machines and applications, intelligent placement.
    • Deploy a High Availability VM
      • May include but is not limited to: configuring host clustering, configuring guest clustering, configuring a VM for high availability, configuring library shares for high availability.

    SCVMM Training

    There is a practice test for this exam, in addition to classroom training and other resources. Here’s what Microsoft recommends:

    Classroom Training:

    • 6331A: Deploying and Managing Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (3 Days)

    Microsoft E-Learning:

    • 6896AE: Configuring Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 (14 Hours)

    SCVMM Books:

    Online Microsoft Resources:

    • SVCMM Website: The System Center website will offer you more product information on SVCMM, technical resources and the like
    • Microsoft Learning Community: A collection of newsgroups and community forums where you’ll find peers who can offer advice and suggestions on study resources and certifications.
    • TechNet: This site includes the learning community features as well as how-to’s, best practices, downloads, and other technical resources.

    Where to Take the Exam

    All Microsoft exams are scheduled and taken at Prometric Testing Centers.

    Recertification

    According to Microsoft’s website, MCTS, MCITP, or MCPD certifications will only expire when Microsoft discontinues support for the associated tool or technology. If past trends are any indication, support ends about 7 to 10 years after initial product release. So if you certified this year, you might expect to have to recertify, on the replacement technology in a minimum of 7 years.<

    More to Come

    Join me next week as we wrap up the Microsoft System Center certification series with System Center Data Center Manager (SCDCM) certification.

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/scvmm-exam-70-403-certification-info/feed 1     Vote for Your Favorite Server 2008 R2 Haiku + Score Free Server 2008 R2 Resources http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-haiku-contest http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-haiku-contest#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:23:27 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=7312 Related posts:]]> The Server 2008 R2 Haiku contest that began last November is coming to a close. I hope you got a chance to express yourself and submit an entry!

    The nine finalists have been selected from over 2,200 entries by a panel of judges based on the following criteria:

    • 50% Accurately capturing the benefits of Windows Server 2008 R2
    • 25% Originality
    • 15% Community feedback on haikus
    • 10% Strict Haiku Format (5-7-5 syllables)

    Now it’s up to you to choose the winner.

    Just visit this page to vote for your favorite Server 2008 R2 Haiku:

    Hurry! Voting ends on Friday, January 29th, 2010.

    The official contest rules for are listed here https://www.r2haiku.com/Home/Rules.

    Free Server 2008 R2 Book Download — Still Available

    Intro to Server2008 R2 Free Book DownloadThe Server 2008 R2 Haiku contest might be over, but you can still get your hands on a free copy of the Server 2008 R2 book from Microsoft.

    The book, written by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker, is an introductory resource for learning about what’s new in Server 2008 R2 in terms of virtualization, management, the Web application platform, scalability and reliability, and interoperability with Windows 7.

     

    Free Intro to Server 2008 R2 Video Training — Still Available

    Server 2008 R2 Training Free for a Limited Time
    Our Intro to Server 2008 Training is still available for free with any training purchase.

    This 6 hour course will help you master the new AD management tools, learn how to build an ASP.Net application server on Server Core, see what’s new in Group Policy and much more.

    You can learn more about this course and how to get it free here.

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-haiku-contest/feed 1     Server 2008 R2 Contest: Win an Xbox 360 Elite & Sony Home Theatre System http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-contest http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-contest#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:30:40 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=7221 Related posts:]]> Twitter Server 2008 R2 Contest: Win an Xbox 360 Elite & Home Theatre SystemMicrosoft is doing something really cool and creative to promote the new Server 2008 R2 release.

    A Server 2008 R2 haiku writing contest!

    The winning prize is an Xbox 360 Elite and a home theatre system that’s valued at $3,675.

     
    According to ars technica here’s what’s included:

    • One Sony Bravia XBR 52″ LCD HDTV ($1999.99)
    • One Sony Bravia 1000W 5.1 Home Theater system with Blu-ray disc player BDV-300 ($599.99)
    • One Whalen 3-in-1 TV Stand BBXLF50GB ($314.99)
    • One Xbox 360 Elite Video Game Entertainment System ($299.99)
    • Installation services-advanced home theater setup from Best Buy Geek Squad ($449.99)

    All you have to do to enter to win is write a haiku that talks about the benefits of Server 2008 R2.

    A haiku is a three line poem with a format of 5 – 7 – 5 syllables on each line — however the syllable count isn’t required for this contest. Just make sure you fit under 140 characters, so your haiku can be posted on Twitter.

    The contest is open to all residents of the US 18+ years old.

    Here’s the Server 2008 R2 haiku I came up with, based on our recent Server 2008 R2 articles:

    My Server 2008 R2 Haiku -- click to see more examples

    Free Intro to Server 2008 R2 Book Download

    Intro to Server2008 R2 Free Book Download

    Microsoft has also made their Intro to Server 2008 R2 Book a free download, which you can get at here.

    The book, written by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker, is a great introductory resource for learning about what’s new in Server 2008 R2 in terms of virtualization, management, the Web application platform, scalability and reliability, and interoperability with Windows 7.

     

    Free Intro to Server 2008 R2 Video Training

    Server 2008 R2 Training Free for a Limited Time

    And if the book isn’t enough for you or if you need more hands on help with R2, check out our new Intro to Server 2008 Training available for free with any purchase, for a limited time.

    This 6 hour course will help you master the new AD management tools, learn how to build an ASP.Net application server on Server Core, see what’s new in Group Policy and much more.

     

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-contest/feed 1     Master Server 2008 R2 for Free http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/master-server-2008-r2-for-free http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/master-server-2008-r2-for-free#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:49 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=7193 Related posts:]]> Free Server 2008 R2 Learning ResourcesInterested in learning about what’s new in Server 2008 R2?

    Ready to advantage of all the new features and tools that Server 2008 R2 has to offer?

     
    Here’s a list of some free Server 2008 R2 resources to help you get started.

    Free Server 2008 R2 Learning Resources

    • Windows Server 2008 R2 at Microsoft

     

    Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008 R2 site is always a good place to start –it’s packed with free information and resources.

    Some of the pages worth checking out include:

    • Windows Server 2008 R2 Blogs

     

    There are a number of great blogs that will teach you a lot about R2 and the best part is — they’re all free! Here are a few worth checking out:

    • Windows Server 2008 R2 Forums

     

    There are a couple of forums dedicated specifically to Server 2008 R2 that you might want to bookmark for future reference:

    • Microsoft TechNet

     

    And last but not least, don’t forget about the wealth of information you can find on TechNet. Here are two good links:

    Windows Server 2008 R2 Training

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/master-server-2008-r2-for-free/feed 1     Video: Coach Culbertson on Server 2008 R2 Training — Free for a Limited Time http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-training http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-training#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:51:25 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=7167 Related posts:]]> Last week I got a chance to talk to Ben “Coach” Culbertson (our Server 2008 expert), just as he was finishing up his latest training. Coach gave me some insight into his new Server 2008 R2 training that covers all of the new features and tools of R2 — so check out the video below.

    Ben "Coach" CulbertsonFind out what the R2 training is all about from the man who created it, and learn a little bit about the new updated version of Server 2008 while you’re at it.

    If you enjoy the video, check out Coach’s Server 2008 R2 training and see how you can get yours free.
    But hurry — this is a limited time offer!

     

     

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/server-2008-r2-training/feed 0     Last Chance to Win in Train Signal’s 7 Year Anniversary Giveaway http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/7-year-anniversary-giveaway http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/7-year-anniversary-giveaway#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:14:50 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=7097 Related posts:]]> Train Signal celebrated 7 years last month and to mark the occasion we decided to do a fun little giveaway as a way of saying THANK YOU for your continued loyalty and support.

    Train Signal's 7 Year Anniversary Giveaway

    Find out how you can win!
    Hurry! Contest ends today, September 30th, 2009

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/7-year-anniversary-giveaway/feed 0     Love Our Training? Nominate Train Signal for the 2009 Community Choice Awards! http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/nominate-train-signal-for-the-2009-community-choice-awards http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/nominate-train-signal-for-the-2009-community-choice-awards#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:32:15 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=6687 Related posts:]]> Community Choice Awards -- Windows IT Pro and SQL Server Magazine -- Nominations Open! Windows IT Pro and SQL Server Magazine are hosting their annual Community Choice Awards — where YOU get to decide which IT products and services are truly the best.

    Right now you have the chance to nominate your favorite products and services from 37 different categories.

    Category #28 is for the Best Training & Certification Product or Service.

    So if you believe that our training is the best — then nominate Train Signal!

    Train Signal — the Best Training & Certification Product!

    You can help nominate Train Signal for the Best Training & Certification Product or Service category by following these simple steps:

    1. Click this link: 2009 Community Choice Awards

    2. Go to Page 2 of the Community Choice Awards Nominations Page

    3. Scroll down to #28 and add Train Signal to the Product/Vendor box

    Vote for Train Signal!

    4. Write a short description as to why you are nominating Train Signal

    5. Fill in any other categories you would like to vote for

    6. Click Next at the bottom of the page and click Done at the bottom of the 3rd page

    Nominations are open until Monday, August 10th and the real voting begins a week later on August 17th and ends September 11th.

    The details about the 2009 Community Choice Awards are available on Awards Central on Windows IT Pro.

     

    THANK YOU from the entire Train Signal Team!
    We appreciate your continued support!

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/nominate-train-signal-for-the-2009-community-choice-awards/feed 0     July Music Lovers Giveaway: Ten $25 iTunes Gift Cards http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/july-giveaway http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/july-giveaway#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:11:13 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=6446 Related posts:]]> This month we’re doing something a little different … we’re giving away
    ten $25 iTunes gift cards to ten lucky music lovers.

    Check out the contest details and sign up for our email updates before July 31st, 2009 for your chance to win.

    July 2009 Giveaway

    Meet Scott — Last Month’s Winner


    Scott Klassen -- our June Giveaway WinnerLast month we were giving away a brand new Plam Pre, since it was the hottest gadget of the month.

    But our June winner, Scott Klassen of Bloomington, IL, decided that he would rather get a $500 Train Signal gift card instead of the awesome Palm Pre.

    We feel honored that Scott decided to go with our training instead of the cool gadget of the month and we want wish him the best!

    Scott — thanks for being a Train Signal fan! Best of luck in your studies and we hope you enjoy our training!

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/july-giveaway/feed 0     Meet Our Contest Winners and See How You Can Be Next! http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/april-may-giveaways http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/april-may-giveaways#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:08:50 +0000 Kasia Grabowska http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/?p=6101 Related posts:]]> Want to be our next contest winner?

    It’s easy — all you have to do is sign up for our email updates and you’re automatically entered to win a new prize each month.

    This June we’re giving away a brand new Palm Pre — so make sure to grab your chance to win before the end of the day today.

    Windows Server HQ June Giveaway -- Palm Pre

    Meet Our Past Contest Winners


    Brigette Teets

    May 2009

    Last month we did things a little bit differently — we gave away two prizes instead of one.

    One of the winners was chosen from our list of email subscribers.

    Brigette Teets from Boise, Idaho won a pink iPod nano.

    Congratulations Brigette!

     

    Aaron Sudduth

     
    Our second iPod went to one of our Twitter followers.

    Aaron Sudduth from Greenwood, Indiana won a black iPod nano for tweeting about our contest.

    Congratulations Aaron and thanks for joining us on Twitter!

     

    Bill Adams

     

     

    April 2009

    In April we gave away a Flip Mino HD — the world’s smallest HD camcorder that features 60 minutes of recording time, 4GB of storage and the Train Signal logo.

    Bill Adams of Trinity, North Carolina was our lucky winner. Congratulations Bill!

     

    You Could Be Next!

    Stay up-to-date on our latest Windows Server info and free videos and get your chance to win a Palm Pre this month and a new prize each month after that. Get the details here!

    Related posts:

    ]]>     http://windowsserver.trainsignal.com/april-may-giveaways/feed 0