Exam Preparation for the MCDST Certification

Introduction

 

This one-day instructor-led clinic prepares students who are currently providing end-user support in a Microsoft Windows® XP operating environment with a review of the objectives covered on the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) certification exams.

 

Audience

 

This clinic is intended for current Windows XP end-user support personnel who are currently at a skill level comparable to a 200-300 level expertise and will typically be considered Tier 2 or Tier 3 level end-user support.

 

At Clinic Completion

 

After completing this clinic, students will be:

 

- Prepared to take exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System; this includes:- Troubleshooting the installation of a Windows XP desktop operating system

 

- Managing and troubleshooting access to resources

 

- Configuring and troubleshooting hardware devices and drivers

 

- Configuring and troubleshooting the desktop and user environments

 

- Troubleshooting network protocols and services

 

- Prepared to take exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System; this includes:- Configuring and troubleshooting applications

 

- Resolving issues related to usability

 

- Resolving issues related to application customization

 

- Configuring and troubleshooting connectivity for applications

 

- Configuring application security

 

Prerequisites

 

This clinic requires that students meet the following prerequisites:

 

- Have experience with resolving issues for end users who are running Windows XP

 

- Be employed in an end-user or helpdesk support role at the 200 level (this translates into Tier 2 or Tier 3 helpdesk staff)

 

- Have knowledge of configuring and using Microsoft Office applications

 

- Have 50%-75% of the skills reflected in the preparation guides for exams 70-271 and 70-272

 

- Weakest skill areas may include:- Navigating the Windows XP UI

 

- Verifying which security settings are being applied locally and from a domain via local and domain group policies

 

- Working with Internet Explorer Security and Privacy settings

 

- Troubleshooting IP communications

 

Microsoft Certified Professional Exams

 

This clinic will help the student prepare for the following Microsoft Certified Professional exams:

 

- Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

 

- Exam 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

 

Clinic Materials

 

The student kit includes a comprehensive workbook and other necessary materials for this class.

 

Clinic Outline

  

Session 1: Preparing for Exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

 

This session provides a review of the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for MCDST exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.

 

Topics

 

- Troubleshooting an Installation of Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional

 

- Managing and Troubleshooting Access to Resources

 

- Configuring and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers

 

- Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop and User Environments

 

- Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services

 

- Session Review

 

 

Session 2: Preparing for Exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

 

This session provides a review of the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for MCDST exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.

 

Topics

 

- Configuring and Troubleshooting Applications

 

- Resolving Issues Related to Usability

 

- Resolving Issues Related to Application Customization

 

- Configuring and Troubleshooting Connectivity for Applications

 

- Configuring Application Security

 

- Session Review