Introduction

MCSE Training Guide (70-270): Windows XP Professional is designed for technicians, system administrators, or other information technology professionals with the goal of obtaining certification as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA), or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). It covers the Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional Exam (70-270). According to Microsoft, this exam measures your ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot Windows XP Professional as a desktop operating system in a network environment.

This book is your one-stop shop. Everything you need to know to pass the exam is in here. You do not have to take a class in addition to buying this book to pass the exam. However, depending on your personal study habits or learning style, you might benefit from buying this book and taking a class.

Que Publishing training guides are meticulously crafted to give you the best possible learning experience for the particular characteristics of the technology covered in the actual certification exam. The instructional design that is implemented in the training guides reflects the task- and experience-based nature of Microsoft certification exams. The training guides provide you with the factual knowledge base you need for the exams, but then take it to the next level with case studies, step by steps, exercises, and exam questions that require you to engage in the analytical thinking needed to successfully answer the scenario-based questions found in the Microsoft exams.

Microsoft assumes that the typical candidate for this exam will have a minimum of one year's experience implementing and administering any desktop operating system in a network environment.

How This Book Helps You

This book takes you on a self-guided tour of all the areas covered by the Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional Exam and teaches you the specific skills you'll need to achieve your MCP, MCSA, or MCSE certification. You'll also find helpful hints, tips, real-world examples, and exercises, as well as references to additional study materials. Specifically, this book is set up to help you in the following ways:

• Organization— The book is organized by individual exam objectives. Every objective you need to know for the Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional Exam is covered in this book. We have attempted to present the objectives in as close an order as possible to that listed by Microsoft. However, we have not hesitated to reorganize the objectives where needed to make the material as easy as possible for you to learn. We have also attempted to make the information accessible in the following ways:

  • The full list of exam units and objectives is included in this introduction.

  • Each chapter begins with a list of the objectives to be covered.

  • Each chapter also begins with an outline that provides an overview of the material and the page numbers where particular topics can be found.

  • The objectives are repeated where the material most directly relevant to it is covered (unless the whole chapter addresses a single objective).

• Instructional features— This book has been designed to provide you with multiple ways to learn and reinforce the exam material. Following are some of the helpful methods:

  • Objective Explanations. As mentioned previously, each chapter begins with a list of the objectives covered in the chapter. In addition, immediately following each objective is an explanation in a context that defines it more meaningfully.

  • Study Strategies. The beginning of the chapter also includes strategies for approaching the studying and retaining of the material in the chapter, not only particularly as it is addressed on the exam but also in ways that will benefit you on the job.

  • Exam Tips. Exam tips appear in the margin to provide specific exam-related advice. Such tips may address what material is covered (or not covered) on the exam, how it is covered, mnemonic devices, or particular quirks of that exam.

  • Review Breaks and Summaries. Crucial information is summarized at various points in the book in lists or tables. Each chapter also ends with a summary.

  • Key Terms. A list of key terms appears at the end of each chapter.

  • Notes. These appear in the margin and contain various kinds of useful or practical information, such as tips on technology or administrative practices, historical background on terms and technologies, or side commentary on industry issues.

  • Warnings. When using sophisticated information technology, there is always the potential for mistakes or even catastrophes to occur because of improper application of the technology. Warnings appear in the margin to alert you to such potential problems.

  • In the Field. These more extensive discussions cover material that might not be directly relevant to the exam but that is useful as reference material or in everyday practice. In the Field sidebars also can provide useful background or contextual information necessary for understanding the larger topic under consideration.

  • Case Studies. Each chapter concludes with a case study. The cases are meant to help you understand the practical applications of the information covered in the chapter. They also help prepare you for the task-based analysis that is required when answering the Microsoft exam questions.

  • Step by Steps. These are hands-on, tutorial instructions that walk you through a particular task or function relevant to the exam objectives.

  • Exercises. Found at the end of the chapters in the “Apply Your Knowledge” section, exercises are performance-based opportunities for you to learn and assess your knowledge.

• Extensive practice test options— The book provides numerous opportunities for you to assess your knowledge and practice for the exam. The practice options include the following:

  • Review Questions. These open-ended questions appear in the “Apply Your Knowledge” section at the end of each chapter. They allow you to quickly assess your comprehension of what you just read in the chapter. Answers to the questions are provided later in a separate section titled “Answers to Review Questions.”

  • Exam Questions. These questions also appear in the “Apply Your Knowledge” section. Use them to help you determine what you know and what you need to review or study further. Answers and explanations for them are provided in a separate section titled “Answers to Exam Questions.”

  • Practice Exam. A practice exam is included in the “Final Review” section. The “Final Review” section and the “Practice Exam” are discussed as follows:

• PrepLogic. The special Training Guide version of the PrepLogic software included on the CD-ROM provides further practice questions.

  NOTE

  For a description of the Que PrepLogic, Preview Edition software, please see Appendix D, “Using the PrepLogic, Preview Edition Software.”

  
  

• Final Review— This part of the book provides you with three valuable tools for preparing for the exam.

  • Fast Facts. This condensed version of the information contained in the book will prove extremely useful for last-minute review.

  • Study and Exam Tips. Read this section early on to help you develop study strategies. It also provides you with valuable exam-day tips and information on exam/question formats such as adaptive tests and case study–based questions.

  • Practice Exam. A practice test is included. Questions are written in styles similar to those used on the actual exam. Use it to assess your readiness for the real thing. Use the extensive answer explanations to improve your retention and understanding of the material.

The book includes several other features, such as a section titled “Suggested Reading and Resources” at the end of each chapter that directs you toward further information that could aid you in your exam preparation or your actual work. There are valuable appendixes as well, including a glossary (Appendix A), an overview of the Microsoft certification program (Appendix B), and a description of what is on the CD-ROM (Appendix C).

For more information about the exam or the certification process, in North America contact Microsoft at

Microsoft Education: 800-636-7544

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/

MCPHelp@microsoft.com

What the Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional Exam (70-270) Covers

The Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional Exam (70-270) covers the Windows XP Professional topics represented by the conceptual groupings or units of the test objectives. The objectives reflect job skills in the following areas:

• Installing Windows XP Professional

• Implementing and Conducting Administration of Resources

• Implementing, Managing, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers

• Monitoring and Optimizing System Performance and Reliability

• Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop Environment

• Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services

• Configuring, Managing, and Troubleshooting Security

Before taking the exam, you should be proficient in the job skills represented by the following units, objectives, and subobjectives.

Installing Windows XP Professional

Perform an attended installation of Windows XP Professional.

Perform an unattended installation of Windows XP Professional.

• Install Windows XP Professional by using Windows XP Server Remote Installation Services (RIS).

• Install Windows XP Professional by using the System Preparation Tool.

• Create unattended answer files by using Setup Manager to automate the installation of Windows XP Professional.

Upgrade from a previous version of Windows to Windows XP Professional.

• Prepare a computer to meet upgrade requirements.

• Migrate existing user environments to a new installation.

Perform post-installation updates and product activation.

Troubleshoot failed installations.

Implementing and Conducting Administration of Resources

Monitor, manage, and troubleshoot access to files and folders.

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot file compression.

• Control access to files and folders by using permissions.

• Optimize access to files and folders.

Manage and troubleshoot access to shared folders.

• Create and remove shared folders.

• Control access to shared folders by using permissions.

• Manage and troubleshoot Web server resources.

Connect to local and network print devices.

• Manage printers and print jobs.

• Control access to printers by using permissions.

• Connect to an Internet printer.

• Connect to a local print device.

Configure and manage file systems.

• Convert from one file system to another file system.

• Configure NTFS, FAT32, or FAT file systems.

Manage and troubleshoot access to and synchronization of offline files.

Implementing, Managing, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers

Implement, manage, and troubleshoot disk devices.

• Install, configure, and manage DVD and CD-ROM devices.

• Monitor and configure disks.

• Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot volumes.

• Monitor and configure removable media, such as tape devices.

Implement, manage, and troubleshoot display devices.

• Configure multiple-display support.

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot a video adapter.

Configure Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI).

Implement, manage, and troubleshoot input/output (I/O) devices.

• Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot I/O devices, such as printers, scanners, multimedia devices, mouse, keyboard, and smart card readers.

• Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot multimedia hardware, such as cameras.

• Install, configure, and manage modems.

• Install, configure, and manage Infrared Data Association (IrDA) devices.

• Install, configure, and manage wireless devices.

• Install, configure, and manage USB devices.

• Install, configure, and manage handheld devices.

• Install, configure, and manage network adapters.

Manage and troubleshoot drivers and driver signing.

Monitor and configure multiprocessor units.

Monitoring and Optimizing System Performance and Reliability

Monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot performance of the Windows XP Professional desktop.

• Optimize and troubleshoot memory performance.

• Optimize and troubleshoot processor utilization.

• Optimize and troubleshoot disk performance.

• Optimize and troubleshoot application performance.

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Scheduled Tasks.

Manage, monitor, and optimize system performance for mobile users.

Restore and back up the operating system, system state data, and user data.

• Recover system state and user data by using Windows Backup.

• Troubleshoot system restoration by starting in safe mode.

• Recover system state and user data by using the Recovery Console.

Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop Environment

Configure and manage user profiles and desktop settings.

Configure support for multiple languages or multiple locations.

• Enable multiple-language support.

• Configure multiple-language support for users.

• Configure local settings.

• Configure Windows XP Professional for multiple locations.

Manage applications by using Windows Installer packages.

Configure and troubleshoot desktop settings.

Configure and troubleshoot accessibility services.

Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services

Configure and troubleshoot the TCP/IP protocol.

Connect to computers by using dial-up networking.

• Connect to computers by using a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

• Create a dial-up connection to connect to a remote access server.

• Connect to the Internet by using dial-up networking.

• Configure and troubleshoot Internet Connection Sharing.

Connect to resources using Internet Explorer.

Configure, manage, and implement Internet Information Services (IIS).

Configure, manage, and troubleshoot remote desktop and remote assistance.

Configure, manage, and troubleshoot an Internet connection firewall.

Configuring, Managing, and Troubleshooting Security

Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Encrypting File System (EFS).

Configure, manage, and troubleshoot a security configuration and local security policy.

Configure, manage, and troubleshoot local user and group accounts.

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot auditing.

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot account settings.

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot account policy.

• Configure and troubleshoot local users and groups.

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot user and group rights.

• Troubleshoot cache credentials.

Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Internet Explorer security settings.

Hardware and Software You'll Need

As a self-paced study guide, MCSE Training Guide (70-270): Windows XP Professional is meant to help you understand concepts that must be refined through hands-on experience. To make the most of your studying, you need to have as much background on and experience with Windows XP Professional as possible. The best way to do this is to combine studying with work on Windows XP Professional. This section gives you a description of the minimum computer requirements you need to enjoy a solid practice environment.

You will find that many of the concepts presented in this book explore the use of Windows XP Professional within a Microsoft networked environment. To fully practice some of the exam objectives, you will need access to two (or more) computers networked together. You also will find that access to the Windows server products is beneficial. The following presents a detailed list of hardware and software requirements:

• Windows XP Professional (and optionally Windows 2000 Server or .NET Server)

• Windows 95/98 and/or Windows NT 4.0 Workstation (this software is required to test upgrade paths to Windows XP Professional)

• A server and a workstation computer on the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List

• Pentium 233MHz (or better) (Pentium 300 recommended)

• A minimum 1.5GB of free disk space

• SuperVGA (800×600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor

• Mouse or equivalent pointing device

• CD-ROM or DVD drive

• Network Interface Card (NIC) or modem connection to the Internet

• Presence of an existing network, or use of a two-port (or more) miniport hub to create a test network

• 128MB of RAM or higher (64MB minimum)

It is easier to obtain access to the necessary computer hardware and software in a corporate business environment. It can be difficult, however, to allocate enough time within the busy workday to complete a self-study program. Most of your study time will occur after normal working hours, away from the everyday interruptions and pressures of your regular job.

Advice on Taking the Exam

More extensive tips are found in the Final Review section titled “Study and Exam Prep Tips,” but keep this advice in mind as you study:

• Read all the material— Microsoft has been known to include material not expressly specified in the objectives. This book has included additional information not reflected in the objectives in an effort to give you the best possible preparation for the examination—and for the real-world experiences to come.

• Do the Step by Steps and complete the exercises in each chapter— They will help you gain experience using the specified methodology or approach. As noted previously, all Microsoft exams are task- and experienced-based and require you to have experience actually performing the tasks upon which you will be tested.

• Use the questions to assess your knowledge— Don't just read the chapter content; use the questions to find out what you know and what you don't. If you are struggling at all, study some more, review, and then assess your knowledge again.

• Review the exam objectives— Develop your own questions and examples for each topic listed. If you can develop and answer several questions for each topic, you should not find it difficult to pass the exam.

Remember, the primary object is not to pass the exam—it is to understand the material. After you understand the material, passing the exam should be simple. Knowledge is a pyramid; to build upward, you need a solid foundation. This book and the Microsoft Certified Professional programs are designed to ensure that you have that solid foundation.

Good luck!

Que Certification Publishing

The staff of Que Certification Publishing is committed to bringing you the very best in computer reference material. Each Que Certification book is the result of months of work by authors and staff who research and refine the information contained within its covers.

As part of this commitment to you, Que Certification invites your input. Please let us know whether you enjoy this book, whether you have trouble with the information or examples presented, or whether you have a suggestion for the next edition.

Please note, however, that Que Certification staff cannot serve as a technical resource during your preparation for the Microsoft certification exams or for questions about software- or hardware-related problems. Please refer instead to the documentation that accompanies the Microsoft products or to the applications' Help systems.

If you have a question or comment about any Que Certification book, there are several ways to contact Que Certification Publishing. We will respond to as many readers as we can. Your name, address, or phone number will never become part of a mailing list or be used for any purpose other than to help us continue to bring you the best books possible. You can write to us at the following address:

Que Certification Publishing
Attn: Executive Editor
201 W. 103rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46290

If you prefer, you can fax Que Certification Publishing at 317-581-4663.

You also can send e-mail to Que Certification at the following Internet address:

certification@quepublishing.com

Thank you for selecting MCSE Training Guide (70-270): Windows XP Professional.