IntroductionIntroduction
Welcome to MCITP 70-623 Exam Cram: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians. Whether this book is your first or your fifteenth Exam Cram series book, you'll find information here that will help ensure your success as you pursue knowledge, experience, and certification. This book aims to help you get ready to take and pass the Microsoft certification Exam 70-623, "PRO: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians." When you pass this exam, along with Exam 70-620, "TS: Windows Vista, Configuring," you will earn the Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP): Consumer Support Technician certification.
This Introduction explains Microsoft's certification programs in general and talks about how the Exam Cram series can help you prepare for Microsoft's latest certification exams. Chapters 15 are designed to remind you of everything you'll need to know to pass the 70-623 certification exam. The two practice exams at the end of the book should give you a reasonably accurate assessment of your knowledgeand, yes, we've provided the answers and their explanations for these practice exams. If you read the book and understand the material, you'll stand a very good chance of passing the real test.
Exam Cram books help you understand and appreciate the subjects and materials you need to know to pass Microsoft certification exams. Exam Cram books are aimed strictly at test preparation and review. They do not teach you everything you need to know about a subject. Instead, the authors streamline and highlight the pertinent information by presenting and dissecting the questions and problems they've discovered that you're likely to encounter on a Microsoft test.
Nevertheless, to completely prepare yourself for any Microsoft test, we recommend that you begin by taking the self-assessment that immediately follows this Introduction. The self-assessment tool helps you evaluate your knowledge base against the requirements for becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and is the first step in earning more advanced certifications, including Microsoft's IT Professional and Professional Developer (MCITP and MCPD) and Architect (MCA).
Based on what you learn from the self-assessment, you might decide to begin your studies with classroom training or some background reading. On the other hand, you might decide to pick up and read one of the many study guides available from Microsoft or third-party vendors.
We also strongly recommend that you install, configure, and play with the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. Nothing beats hands-on experience and familiarity when it comes to understanding the questions you're likely to encounter on a certification test. Book learning is essential, but without a doubt, hands-on experience is the best teacher.
The Microsoft Certification Program
Microsoft currently offers multiple certification titles, each of which boasts its own special abbreviation. (As a certification candidate and computer professional, you must have a high tolerance for acronyms.)
Certifications for end users are listed here:
These older certifications are associated with the Windows Server 2003 operating system and related network infrastructure:
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)For professionals who have the skills to successfully implement a Microsoft product (such as Windows XP or Windows Server 2003) or technology as part of a business solution in an organization.
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)For professionals who have the technical and customer service skills to troubleshoot hardware and software operation issues in Microsoft Windows environments.
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators (MCSAs)For professionals who administer network and systems environments based on the Microsoft Windows operating systems. Specializations include MCSA: Messaging and MCSA: Security.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)For professionals who design and implement an infrastructure solution that is based on the Windows operating system and Microsoft Windows Server System software. Specializations include MCSE: Messaging and MCSE: Security.
These newer certifications are based on Windows Vista and related server products:
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)For professionals who target specific technologies and want to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in the various Microsoft specialized technologies. The MCTS is a replacement for the MCP program.
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)For professionals who demonstrate comprehensive skills in planning, deploying, supporting, maintaining, and optimizing IT infrastructures. The MCITP is a replacement for the MCSA and MCSE programs.
Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)For professionals who are identified as top industry experts in IT architecture that use multiple technologies to solve business problems and provide business metrics and measurements. Candidates for the MCA program are required to present to a review boardconsisting of previously certified architectsto earn the certification.
These certifications are for database professionals:
These certifications are for developers and programmers:
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)For professionals who are recognized as expert Windows Application Developer 5, Web Application Developer 5, or Enterprise Applications Developer 5. They demonstrate that you can build rich applications that target a variety of platforms, such as the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs)For professionals who use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, web or desktop clients, or back-end data services.
These certifications are for trainers and curriculum developers:
Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)For qualified instructors who are certified by Microsoft to deliver Microsoft training courses to IT professionals and developers.
Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant (MCLC)Recognizes MCTs whose job roles have grown to include frequent consultative engagements with their customers and delivering customized learning solutions that positively affect customer return on investment (ROI).
The best place to keep tabs on all Microsoft certifications is the website http://www.microsoft.com/learning/default.mspx.
Microsoft changes its website often, so if this URL does not work in the future, use the Search tool on Microsoft's site to find more information on a particular certification.
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies. Microsoft Technology Specialists are consistently capable of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a particular Microsoft technology.
Microsoft Certified IT Professional
The new Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credential lets you highlight your specific area of expertise. Now you can easily distinguish yourself as an expert in database administration, database development, business intelligence, or support.
At the time of this writing, details are just starting to be revealed on the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification on Windows Server 2008. The MCTS on Windows Server 2008 will help you and your organization take advantage of advanced server technology, with the power to increase the flexibility of your server infrastructure, save time, and reduce costs. Transition certifications are available today for Windows Server 2003 certified professionals, and full certification paths will be available soon after the Windows Server 2008 product release. For more details about these certifications, visit the website http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/windowsserver2008/default.mspx.
If the URL is no longer available, don't forget to search for MCTS and Windows Server 2008 using the Microsoft search tool found on the Microsoft website.
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration
The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies. A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist in Windows Vista, Configuration possesses the knowledge and skills to configure Windows Vista for optimal performance on the desktop, including installing, managing, and configuring the new security, network, and application features in Windows Vista.
To earn the Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional MCITP: Consumer Support Technician certification, you must pass two exams:
Exam 70-620, "TS: Microsoft Windows Vista Client, Configuring"
and
Exam 70-623, "IT Pro: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians"
Exam 70-620 focuses on supporting end-user issues about network connectivity, security, and applications installation and compatibility, and logon problems that include account issues and password resets:
If you decide to take a Microsoft-recognized class, you would take two classes:
You can find the preparation guide (including exam objectives) for Exam 70-620, "TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring," at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-620.mspx.
Exam 70-623 focuses on IT professionals who typically work as Consumer Support Technicians dealing with implementing, administering, and troubleshooting Windows Vista in a standalone or home network environment.
If you decide to take a Microsoft-recognized class, you would take two classes:
Course 5118, "Maintaining and Troubleshooting Windows Vista Computers" (3 days)
Course 5119, "Supporting the Windows Vista Operating System and Applications" (2 days)
You can find the preparation guide (including exam objectives) for Exam 70-623, "IT Pro: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians," at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-623.mspx.
Taking a Certification Exam
After you prepare for your exam, you need to register with a testing center. At the time of this writing, the cost to take Exam 70-623 is (U.S.) $125; if you don't pass, you can take each again for an additional (U.S.) $125 for each attempt. In the United States and Canada, Thompson Prometric administers the tests. Here's how you can contact them:
PrometricYou can sign up for a test through the company's website, at http://www.2test.com or http://www.prometric.com. Within the United States and Canada, you can register by phone at 800-755-3926. If you live outside this region, you should check the Prometric website for the appropriate phone number.
To sign up for a test, you must possess a valid credit card or contact Prometric for mailing instructions to send a check (in the United States). Only when payment is verified or a check has cleared can you actually register for a test.
To schedule an exam, call the appropriate phone number or visit the Prometric website at least one day in advance. To cancel or reschedule an exam in the United States or Canada, you must call before 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time the day before the scheduled test time (or you might be charged, even if you don't show up to take the test). When you want to schedule a test, have the following information ready:
Your name, organization, and mailing address.
Your Microsoft test ID. (In the United States, this means your Social Security number; citizens of other countries should call ahead to find out what type of identification number is required to register for a test.)
Your Microsoft Certified Professional MCP ID, if you have one.
The name and number of the exam you want to take.
A method of payment. (As mentioned previously, a credit card is the most convenient method, but alternate means can be arranged in advance, if necessary.)
After you sign up for a test, you are told when and where the test is scheduled. You should arrive at least 15 minutes early. You must supply two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID, to be admitted into the testing room.
Tracking Certification Status
As soon as you pass your first qualified Microsoft exam and earn a professional certification, Microsoft generates a transcript that indicates which exams you have passed. You can view a copy of your transcript at any time by going to the MCP secured site at https://partnering.one.microsoft.com (this site might change as the MCP is retired) and selecting the Transcript tool. This tool enables you to print a copy of your current transcript and confirm your certification status.
When you pass the necessary set of exams, you are certified. Official certification is normally granted after six to eight weeks, so don't expect to get your credentials overnight. The package for official certification that arrives includes a Welcome Kit that contains a number of elements (see Microsoft's website for other benefits of specific certifications):
A certificate that is suitable for framing, along with a wallet card and lapel pin.
A license to use the related certification logo, which means you can use the logo in advertisements, promotions, and documents, and on letterhead, business cards, and so on. Along with the license comes a logo sheet, which includes camera-ready artwork. (Note that before you use any of the artwork, you must sign and return a licensing agreement that indicates you'll abide by its terms and conditions.)
Access to the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online website, which provides ongoing data about testing and certification activities, requirements, changes to the MCP program, and security-related information on Microsoft products.
Many people believe that the benefits of MCP certification go well beyond the perks that Microsoft provides to newly anointed members of this elite group. We're starting to see more job listings that request or require applicants to have Microsoft and other related certifications, and many individuals who complete Microsoft certification programs can qualify for increases in pay and responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, a certification credential is a badge of honor in many IT organizations.
About This Book
We've structured the topics in this book to build on one another. Therefore, some topics in later chapters make the most sense after you've read earlier chapters. That's why we suggest that you read this book from front to back for your initial test preparation. If you need to brush up on a topic or you have to bone up for a second try, you can use the index or table of contents to go straight to the topics and questions that you need to study. Beyond helping you prepare for the test, we think you'll find this book useful as a tightly focused reference to some of the most important aspects of Windows Vista.
Chapter Format and Conventions
Each topical Exam Cram chapter follows a regular structure and contains graphical cues about important or useful information. Here's the structure of a typical chapter:
Opening hotlistsEach chapter begins with a list of the terms, tools, and techniques that you must learn and understand before you can be fully conversant with that chapter's subject matter. The hotlists are followed by one or two introductory paragraphs to set the stage for the rest of the chapter.
Topical coverageAfter the opening hotlists and introductory text, each chapter covers a series of topics related to the chapter's subject. Throughout that section, we highlight topics or concepts that are likely to appear on a test, using a special element called an alert:
Warning - This is what an alert looks like. Normally, an alert stresses concepts, terms, software, or activities that are likely to relate to one or more certification-test questions. For that reason, we think any information in an alert is worthy of unusual attentiveness on your part.
Pay close attention to material flagged in Exam Alerts; although all the information in this book pertains to what you need to know to pass the exam, Exam Alerts contain information that is really important. You'll find what appears in the meat of each chapter to be worth knowing, too, when preparing for the test. Because this book's material is condensed, we recommend that you use this book along with other resources to achieve the maximum benefit.
In addition to the alerts, we provide tips that will help you build a better foundation for Windows Vista knowledge. Although the tip information might not be on the exam, it is certainly related and it will help you become a better-informed test taker.
Tip - This is how tips are formatted. Keep your eyes open for these, and you'll become a Windows Vista guru in no time.
Note - This is how notes are formatted. Notes direct your attention to important pieces of information that relate to Windows Vista and Microsoft certification.
Exam prep questionsAlthough we talk about test questions and topics throughout the book, the section at the end of each chapter presents a series of mock test questions and explanations of both correct and incorrect answers.
Details and resourcesEvery chapter ends with a section titled "Suggested Readings and Resources" that provides direct pointers to Microsoft and third-party resources that offer more details on the chapter's subject. In addition, that section tries to rank or at least rate the quality and thoroughness of the topic's coverage by each resource. If you find a resource you like in that collection, you should use it, but you shouldn't feel compelled to use all the resources. On the other hand, we recommend only resources that we use on a regular basis, so none of our recommendations will be a waste of your time or money (but purchasing them all at once probably represents an expense that many network administrators and Microsoft certification candidates might find hard to justify).
The bulk of the book follows this chapter structure, but we'd like to point out a few other elements:
"Practice Exam 1" and "Practice Exam 2" and the answer explanations provide good reviews of the material presented throughout the book to ensure that you're ready for the exam.
The Glossary defines important terms used in this book.
The tear-out Cram Sheet attached next to the inside front cover of this book represents a condensed and compiled collection of facts and tips that we think are essential for you to memorize before taking the test. Because you can dump this information out of your head onto a sheet of paper before taking the exam, you can master this information by brute force; you need to remember it only long enough to write it down when you walk into the testing room. You might even want to look at it in the car or in the lobby of the testing center just before you walk in to take the exam.
The MeasureUp Practice Tests CD-ROM that comes with each Exam Cram and Exam Prep title features a powerful, state-of-the-art test engine that prepares you for the actual exam. MeasureUp Practice Tests are developed by certified IT professionals and are trusted by certification students around the world. For more information, visit http://www.measureup.com.
The book uses the following typographical conventions:
Command-line strings that are meant to be typed into the computer are displayed in monospace text, such as
New terms are introduced in italic.
Exam Topics
Table I-1 lists the skills measured by the 70-623 exam and the chapter in which the topic is discussed. Some topics are covered in multiple chapters.
Table I-1 MCITP 70-623 Exam Topics
Exam Topic | Chapter |
Install and Upgrade Windows Vista |
Evaluate potential upgrade environments. | 1 |
Prepare to install Windows Vista. | 1 |
Troubleshoot and resolve installation issues. | 1 |
Troubleshoot and resolve post-installation issues. | 1 |
Post-Installation: Customize and Configure Settings |
Configure Sidebar. | 2 |
Configure Windows Aero. | 2 |
Customize and configure user accounts. | 2 |
Evaluate user requirements, and recommend, set up, and configure appropriate applications. | 2 |
Evaluate user's system and recommend appropriate settings to optimize performance. | 2 |
Configure Windows Vista Security |
Configure Windows Security Center. | 3 |
Configure firewalls. | 3 |
Configure Windows updates. | 3 |
Configure Windows Defender. | 3 |
Configure parental controls. | 3 |
Configure Internet Explorer 7. | 3 |
Configure user account control. | 3 |
Protect data. | 3 |
Configure, Troubleshoot, and Repair Networking |
Configure and troubleshoot network protocols. | 4 |
Configure and troubleshoot network services on the client. | 4 |
Configure and troubleshoot Windows Vista by using the Network and Sharing Center. | 4 |
Configure and troubleshoot wireless networking. | 4 |
Troubleshoot file and print sharing. | 4 |
Install, Configure, and Troubleshoot Devices |
Connect peripherals to Windows Vista. | 5 |
Install, configure, and troubleshoot mobile devices. | 5 |
Install, configure, and troubleshoot digital cameras and camcorders. | 5 |
Install, configure, and troubleshoot media devices. | 5 |
Install, configure, and troubleshoot printers, fax machines, and copy devices. | 5 |
Troubleshoot and Repair Windows Vista |
Diagnose a specified issue. | 15 |
Repair a corrupted operating system. | 5 |
Remove malicious software from a client system. | 3 |
Given all the book's elements and its specialized focus, we've tried to create a tool that will help you prepare for and pass Microsoft Exam 70-623. Please share with us your feedback on the book, especially if you have ideas about how we can improve it for future test takers. Send your questions or comments about this book via email to [email protected]. We'll consider everything you say carefully, and we'll respond to all suggestions. For more information on this book and other Exam Cram titles, visit our website at http://www.informit.com/examcram.
Thanks for making this Exam Cram book a pivotal part of your certification study plan: best of luck on becoming certified.
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