Register for Beta Exam 71-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring  (Updated)

You are invited to take beta exam 71-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The 71-xxx identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for registration.

By participating in beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to development of exams in their released version. We depend on the contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications.

71-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring counts as credit towards the following certification(s): MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration

Availability

• Registration begins: April 27, 2009
• Beta exam period runs: May 5, 2009- May 18, 2009

Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately! Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

Testing is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions).  All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

 Registration Information

• You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.
• Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: WIN7J
• Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately.

Full story here: http://blogs.technet.com/betaexams/archive/2009/04/15/register-for-beta-exam-71-680-ts-windows-7-configuring.aspx

More Windows 7 exams in development: http://blogs.technet.com/mslcommunity/archive/2009/03/25/sneak-peek-at-windows-7-exam-development.aspx

Prepare for the exam (updated 28th of April 2009)

Useful resources:

• Windows 7 Technet Library (Beta): http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd349342.aspx
• Windows 7 Springboard: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd361745.aspx
• Windows 7 Engineering: http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/
• Windows 7 Team Blog: http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/default.aspx
• IT pro guides: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c14b8a69-db3b-4b7c-9203-689b7719b8b6&DisplayLang=en
• Windows Client video library: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cc983502.aspx
• Windows 7 learning portal: Windows 7 – Learning Portal
• Windows 7 exam Information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exams/70-680.aspx

Some Microsoft Clinics.

• First Look: Windows 7 Beta for IT Professionals: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/syllabi/6289A.aspx
• First Look: Windows 7 Beta for IT Professionals Hands-on Lab: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/syllabi/6290A.aspx

Topics to know for the exam based on clinics:

• Discuss configuration of the UAC elevation prompt
• Explain BitLocker Data Encryption for removable storage devices
• Summarize how to create and enforce AppLocker rules
• Describe how Windows Defender helps to improve security on a computer
• Describe how DirectAccess helps improve the connectivity experience for remote users
• Explain how caching works to help make users in a branch office more productive
• Summarize how to use libraries and search to organize and find information
• Describe how taskbar and Control Panel improvements bring together common tasks and information to reduce clutter and improve navigation
• Explain how to perform a Windows Backup and Restore
• Describe troubleshooting enhancements including the Problem Steps Recorder, unified tracing concepts, Performance Monitor, and Windows PowerShell 2.0
• Configure User Account Control.
• Utilize the User Account Type and Elevation Prompt.
• Configure Local Security Policy.
• Configure Windows Firewall.
• Create AppLocker Rules and configure enforcement.
• Configure Windows Defender.
• Set indexing locations and modify advanced options.
• Execute searches form multiple locations.
• Create a library and set security permissions.
• Create and deploy a search connector.
• Use the built-in diagnostics tools to diagnose and resolve system problems.
• Use Performance Monitor to collect system performance information.
• Configure the Action Center and view messages.
• Examine events in Event Viewer and create a custom view.
• Configure Device Manager and control device installation.
• Run Windows PowerShell commands.
• Configure Backup and Restore option.
• Configure the Sync Center.

Enjoy learning!

The following exams can be done @ Prometric to achieve MCTS for Virtualization:

More info at this link: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/virtualization/default.mspx

You can download the Virtualization path flyer here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/2/6/b26a79f3-88eb-4418-85f9-45852dd1a24f/Virtualization_Cert_Path.pdf

Enjoy learning!