Introduction

This book was written from more than 25 years of IT experience. I have taken that experience and translated it into a Windows 10 book that will help you not only prepare for the MCSA: Windows 10 Solutions Associate exams but also to develop a clear understanding of how to install and configure Windows 10 while avoiding all the possible configuration pitfalls.

Many Microsoft books just explain the Windows operating system, but with MCSA Windows 10 Complete Study Guide: Exam 70-698 and Exam 70-697, I go a step further, providing many in-depth, step-by-step procedures to support my explanations of how the operating system performs at its best.

Microsoft Windows 10 is the newest version of Microsoft’s client operating system software. Microsoft has taken the best of Windows 7 and Windows 8 and combined them into the latest creation, Windows 10.

Windows 10 eliminates many of the problems that plagued the previous versions of Windows clients, and it includes a much faster boot time and shutdown. It is also easier to install and configure, and it barely stops to ask the user any questions during installation. In this book, I will show you what features are installed during the automated installation and where you can make changes if you need to be more in charge of your operating system and its features.

This book takes you through all the ins and outs of Windows 10, including installation, configuration, online Microsoft subscriptions, auditing, backups, and so much more.

Windows 10 has improved on Microsoft’s desktop environment, made networking easier, enhanced search ability, improved performance—and that’s only scratching the surface.

When all is said and done, this is a technical book for IT professionals who want to take Windows 10 to the next step and get certified. With this book, you will not only learn Windows 10 and hopefully pass the exams, you will also become a Windows 10 expert.

The Microsoft Certification Program

Since the inception of its certification program, Microsoft has certified more than two million people. As the computer network industry continues to increase in both size and complexity, this number is sure to grow—and the need for proven ability will also increase. Certifications can help companies verify the skills of prospective employees and contractors.

The Microsoft certification tracks for Windows 10 include the following certifications:

MCSA: Windows 10 The MCSA is now the highest-level certification you can achieve with Microsoft in relation to Windows 10. It requires passing Exam 70-698 (first) and Exam 70-697 (second). This book assists in your preparation for both exams.

Microsoft Certified Technology Associate (MTA) This is Microsoft’s newest certification program. This certification targets those new to the IT field and tests candidates on the core competencies necessary to become an IT professional.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) The MCTS certification program targets specific technologies instead of specific job roles. You must take and pass one to three exams.

MCSE: Server Infrastructure or MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure The MCSE certifications, in relation to Windows Server 2012 R2, require that you become a Windows Server MCSA first and then pass two additional exams. The additional exams will vary depending on which of the two MCSE tracks you choose. For more information, visit Microsoft’s website at www.microsoft.com/learning.

How Do You Become Certified on Windows 10?

Attaining Microsoft certification has always been a challenge. In the past, students have been able to acquire detailed exam information—even most of the exam questions—from online “brain dumps” and third-party “cram” books or software products. For the new generation of exams, this is simply not the case.

Microsoft has taken strong steps to protect the security and integrity of its new certification tracks. Now prospective candidates must complete a course of study that develops detailed knowledge about a wide range of topics. It supplies them with the true skills needed, derived from working with the technology being tested.

The new generations of Microsoft certification programs are heavily weighted toward hands-on skills and experience. It is recommended that candidates have troubleshooting skills acquired through hands-on experience and working knowledge.

Fortunately, if you are willing to dedicate the time and effort to learn Windows 10, you can prepare yourself well for the exam by using the proper tools. By working through this book, you can successfully meet the requirements to pass the Windows 10 exams.

MCSA Exam Requirements

Candidates for MCSA certification on Windows 10 must pass two Windows 10 MCSA tests:

• 70-698: Installing and Configuring Windows 10
• 70-697: Configuring Windows Devices

   Microsoft released the two required exams out of order, which is the reason they’re listed with Exam 70-698 first and Exam 70-697 second. Ideally, you should take 70-698 before you take 70-697.

Microsoft provides exam objectives to give you a general overview of possible areas of coverage on the Microsoft exams. Keep in mind, however, that exam objectives are subject to change at any time without prior notice and at Microsoft’s sole discretion. Please visit the Microsoft Learning website (www.microsoft.com/learning) for the most current listing of exam objectives. The published objectives and how they map to this book are listed later in this introduction.

   For a more detailed description of the Microsoft certification programs, including a list of all the exams, visit the Microsoft Learning website at www.microsoft.com/learning.

Types of Exam Questions

In an effort to both refine the testing process and protect the quality of its certifications, Microsoft has focused its latest certification exams on real experience and hands-on proficiency. There is a greater emphasis on your past working environments and responsibilities and less emphasis on how well you can memorize. In fact, Microsoft says that certification candidates should have hands-on experience before attempting to pass any certification exams.

   Microsoft will accomplish its goal of protecting the exams’ integrity by regularly adding and removing exam questions, limiting the number of questions that any individual sees in a beta exam, limiting the number of questions delivered to an individual by using adaptive testing, and adding new exam elements.

Exam questions may be in a variety of formats: Depending on which exam you take, you’ll see multiple-choice questions as well as select-and-place and prioritize-a-list questions. Simulations and case study–based formats are included as well. Let’s take a look at the types of exam questions, so you’ll be prepared for all of the possibilities.

Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions come in two main forms. One is a straightforward question followed by several possible answers, of which one or more is correct. The other type of multiple-choice question is more complex and based on a specific scenario. The scenario may focus on several areas or objectives.

Select-and-Place Questions

Select-and-place exam questions involve graphical elements that you must manipulate to successfully answer the question. For example, you might see a diagram of a computer network. A typical diagram will show computers and other components next to boxes that contain the text “Place here.” The labels for the boxes represent various computer roles on a network, such as a print server and a file server. Based on information given for each computer, you are asked to select each label and place it in the correct box. You need to place all of the labels correctly. No credit is given for the question if you correctly label only some of the boxes.

In another select-and-place problem, you might be asked to put a series of steps in order by dragging items from boxes on the left to boxes on the right and placing them in the correct order. One other type requires that you drag an item from the left and place it under an item in a column on the right.

   For more information on the various exam question types, go to www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/policies/innovations.asp.

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.

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