Simulations
Simulations are the kinds of questions that most closely represent actual situations and test the skills you use while working with Microsoft software interfaces. These exam questions include a mock interface on which you are asked to perform certain actions according to a given scenario. The simulated interfaces look nearly identical to what you see in the actual product.
Because of the number of possible errors that can be made on simulations, be sure to consider the following recommendations from Microsoft:
■ Do not change any simulation settings that don’t pertain to the solution directly.
■ When related information has not been provided, assume that the default settings are used.
■ Make sure that your entries are spelled correctly.
■ Close all the simulation application windows after completing the set of tasks in the simulation.
The best way to prepare for simulation questions is to spend time working with the graphical interface of the product on which you will be tested.
Case Study–Based Questions
Case study–based questions first appeared in the MCSD program. These questions present a scenario with a range of requirements. Based on the information provided, you answer a series of multiple-choice and select-and-place questions. The interface for case study–based questions has a number of tabs, each of which contains information about the scenario. At present, this type of question appears only in most of the Design exams.
Tips for Taking the Windows 10 Exams
Here are some general tips for achieving success on your certification exam:
■ Arrive early at the exam center so that you can relax and review your study materials. During this final review, you can look over tables and lists of exam-related information.
■ Read the questions carefully. Do not be tempted to jump to an early conclusion. Make sure that you know exactly what the question is asking.
■ Answer all questions. If you are unsure about a question, mark it for review and come back to it at a later time.
■ On simulations, do not change settings that are not directly related to the question. Also, assume default settings if the question does not specify or imply which settings are used.
■ For questions that you’re not sure about, use a process of elimination to get rid of the obviously incorrect answers first. This improves your odds of selecting the correct answer when you need to make an educated guess.
Exam Registration
At the time this book was released, Microsoft exams are given using more than 1,000 Authorized VUE Testing Centers around the world. For the location of a testing center near you, go to VUE’s website at www.vue.com. If you are outside of the United States and Canada, contact your local VUE registration center.
Find out the number of the exam you want to take, and then register with the VUE registration center nearest to you. At this point, you will be asked for advance payment for the exam. The exams are $165 each, and you must take them within one year of payment. You can schedule exams up to six weeks in advance or as late as one working day prior to the date of the exam. You can cancel or reschedule your exam if you contact the center at least two working days prior to the exam. Same-day registration is available in some locations, subject to space availability. Where same-day registration is available, you must register a minimum of two hours before test time.
When you schedule the exam, you will be provided with instructions regarding appointment and cancellation procedures, ID requirements, and information about the testing center location. In addition, you will receive a registration and payment confirmation letter from Prometric.
Microsoft requires certification candidates to accept the terms of a nondisclosure agreement before taking certification exams.
Who Should Read This Book?
This book is intended for individuals who want to earn their MCSA: Windows 10 certification.
This book will not only help anyone who is looking to pass the Microsoft exams, it will also help anyone who wants to learn the real ins and outs of the Windows 10 operating system.
What’s Inside?
Here is a glance at what’s in each chapter:
Chapter 1: Windows 10 Installation In the first chapter, I explain the requirements and steps to install and configure Windows 10. I will also show you the different versions of Windows 10.
Chapter 2: Installing in an Enterprise Environment This chapter shows you how to configure automated installation of Windows 10. I will talk about using the Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD) too, using Active Directory–based activation and implementing volume activation using a Key Management Service (KMS). I will also explain Hyper-V and how imaging works. I will also show you how to configure Mobility options.
Chapter 3: Configuring Devices and Drivers In this chapter, I will talk about installing, updating, disabling, and rolling back drivers. I will also show you how to resolve driver issues and how to configure driver settings. I will talk about using signed and unsigned drivers and also how to manage driver packages.
Chapter 4: Configuring Storage I show you how to configure disks, volumes, and file system options using Disk Management and Windows PowerShell. I will also discuss how to configure removable devices and how to create and configure storage spaces. I will finally show you how to troubleshoot storage and removable devices issues.
Chapter 5: Configuring the Windows 10 Environment This chapter takes you through the different ways to configure the Windows 10 environment, including remote connections, mobile computing, and power options.
Chapter 6: Configuring Data Security You will see how to manage and configure file and printer sharing and how to configure a HomeGroup connection. I will also teach you how to configure folder shares, public folders, and OneDrive. Finally, we will look at configuring file and folder permissions.
Chapter 7: Windows 10 Networking This chapter will show you how to implement and configure Windows networking, including Workgroups and Domains. I will also talk about HomeGroups and how to configure TCP/IP.
Chapter 8: Installing Applications This chapter shows you how to configure desktop applications, startup options, and how to configure Windows features. I will also show you how to configure the Windows Store and how to implement Windows Store applications.
Chapter 9: Managing Authorization and Authentication This chapter will show you how to configure authentication methods, including Microsoft Passport, picture passwords, and biometrics. I will show you how to configure Windows Hello, Device Guard, Credential Guard, Device Health Attestation, and UAC behavior.
Chapter 10: Configuring Monitoring and Recovery This chapter will explain to you how to implement and configure Windows backups and recovery points. I will show you how to use cloud-based backups and how to recover the Windows 10 system using advanced boot options.
What’s Included with the Book
There are many helpful items intended to prepare you for the MCSA: Windows 10 certification included in this book:
Assessment Test There is an Assessment Test at the conclusion of the introduction that can be used to quickly evaluate where you are with Windows 10. This test should be taken