Win 2k Server help

[Jim]

Hey-

I am preparing to take a Win 2k Server certification test
and am a little intimidated on my first couple of days of
studying.
I have been working in the desktop/network support field
for a couple of years and have got some good experience,
but in reading the first chapter of the MCSE Win 2k
Server training guide (unattended installation,
installation folder, distribution folder, answer file,
etc.) I feel a little lost.
I really want to learn this stuff. Any suggestions on
reading material or should I just setup a little network
at home and get busy experimenting?

Thx

 

[Oli Restorick]

You should definitely set up a test system or three.

To get you going with unattended stuff, I suggest you begin by creating an
unattended answer file, calling it winnt.sif and placing on a floppy, as
described in the following KB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;216258

There are also some great links at
http://www.labmice.net/Windows2000/install/unattend_install.htm

A number of regulars here have worked on unattended setups and have refine
the process. However, the MCSE tests will just ask you basic stuff about
each main method (e.g. SysPrep, answer files, RIS, etc.)

You'd do well to try each type of installation. Each has its place and is
worth knowing about, no matter which you decide to implement in the future.

RIS will be the most difficult to do in a test environment, as you'll need
Windows 2000 Server (or Windows Server 2003) running Active Directory. It
also makes things much easier if you have a PXE-enabled network card (i.e.
one that can boot across the network) rather than messing around with boot
disks.

Regards

Oli

 

[Hindy]

Definately get some test kit or virtual machines
(VMWare/Connectix) machines to train on. You'll find it a
lot easier to understand if you play about with it. The
MCSE is supposed to be based on your skills and
experience, and not whether you can memorise the answers
from a brain dump, so do it properly.

If theres any area that you get stuck, look for white
papers or knowledge base articles to help you. Whatever
you do, don't rely on braindumps or cram sessions, they
might get you through the exam, but they won't help you
in the long run and you'll just devalue the certification
for the rest of us real MCSE's.

 

[WOLFF]

vary good books
the 70-215 is not to much about installing, but more hardware .
But now thay have got more about Security, local & domain.
This is where I would lean for the 70-215.


w2k Pro http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/6111.asp
w2k Server http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/6112.asp
Managing a Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Network Environment, Second Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/6140.asp

 

[jim]

Thanks for the advice Wolff! I'll check out the links.