MCSE Windows 95 Exam Cram, 2nd edition
Authors: Ed Tittel, James Michael Stewart
Venue:  (1998)

From the Book: Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Windows 95 Exam Cram. This book aims to help you get ready to takeand passthe Microsoft certification test numbered Exam 70-064, titled "Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows 95" (a revision of Exam 70-063). This introduction explains Microsofts certification programs in general and talks about how the Exam Cram series can help you prepare for Microsofts certification exams. Exam Cram books help you understand and appreciate the subjects and materials you need to pass Microsoft certification exams. Exam Cram books are aimed strictly at test preparation and review. They do not teach you everything you need to know about a topic. Instead, we (the authors) examine the areas that youre most likely to encounter. Our aim is to bring together as much information as possible about Microsoft certification exams. Nevertheless, to prepare yourself completely for any Microsoft test, we recommend that you begin your studies with some classroom training or that you pick up and read one of the many study guides available from Microsoft and third-party vendors, including the Exam Prep books by Certification Insider Press. We also strongly recommend that you install, configure, and interact with the software or environment that youll be tested on, because nothing beats hands-on experience and familiarity when it comes to understanding the questions youre likely to encounter on a certification test. Book learning is essential, but hands-on experience is the best teacher of all. The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Program The MCP Program currently includes five separate tracks, each of which boasts its own special acronym (as a would-be certified professional, you need to have a high tolerance for alphabet soup of all kinds): MCP, MCSD, MCT, MCSE, MCSE+I. MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) This is the least prestigious of all the certification tracks from Microsoft. Attaining MCP status requires an individual to pass at least one core operating system exam. Passing any of the major Microsoft operating system examsincluding those for Windows 95, Windows NT Workstation, or Windows NT Serverqualifies an individual for MCP credentials. Individuals can demonstrate proficiency with additional Microsoft products by passing additional certification exams. MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) This track is aimed primarily at developers. This credential indicates that those who hold it are able to design and implement custom business solutions around particular Microsoft development tools, technologies, and operating systems. To obtain an MCSD, an individual must demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret user requirements; select and integrate products, platforms, tools, and technologies; design and implement code and customize applications; and perform necessary software tests and quality assurance operations. To become an MCSD, an individual must pass a total of four exams: two core exams plus two elective exams. The two core exams are the Microsoft Windows Operating Systems And Services Architecture I and II (WOSSA I and WOSSA II, numbered 70-150 and 70-151). Elective exams cover specific Microsoft applications and languages, including Visual Basic, C++, the Microsoft Foundation Classes, Access, SQL Server, Excel, and more. MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) Microsoft Certified Trainers are individuals who are considered competent to deliver elements of the official Microsoft training curriculum, based on technical knowledge and instructional ability. It is necessary for an individual seeking MCT credentials (which are granted on a course-by-course basis) to pass the related certification exam for a course and successfully complete the official Microsoft training in the subject area, as well as to demonstrate teaching ability. This latter criterion may be satisfied by proving that one has already attained training certification from Novell, Banyan, Lotus, the Santa Cruz Operation, or Cisco, or by taking a Microsoft-sanctioned workshop on instruction. Microsoft makes it clear that MCTs are an important cog in the Microsoft training channels. Instructors must be MCTs to teach in any of Microsofts official training channels, including its affiliated Authorized Technical Education Centers (ATECs), Authorized Academic Training Programs (AATPs), and the Microsoft Online Institute (MOLI). MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) Anyone who possesses a current MCSE is warranted to possess a high level of expertise with Windows NT (either version 3.51 or 4) and other Microsoft operating systems and products. This credential is designed to prepare individuals to plan, implement, maintain, and support information systems and networks built around Microsoft Windows NT and its BackOffice family of products. To obtain an MCSE, an individual must pass four core operating system exams plus two elective exams. The operating system exams require individuals to demonstrate competence with desktop and server operating systems and with networking components. At least two Windows NT-related exams must be passed to obtain an MCSE: Implementing and Supporting Windows NT Server (version 3.51 or 4) and Implementing and Supporting Windows NT Server in the Enterprise (version 3.51 or 4). These tests are intended to indicate an individuals knowledge of Windows NT in smaller, simpler networks and in larger, more complex, and heterogeneous networks, respectively. Two more tests must be passed: networking and desktop operating system related. At present, the networking requirement can be satisfied only by passing the Networking Essentials test. The desktop operating system test can be satisfied by passing a Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Windows NT Workstation (the version must match whichever core curriculum is pursued), or Windows 95 test. The two remaining exams are elective exams. The elective exams can be in any number of subject or product areas, primarily BackOffice components. These include tests on SQL Server, SNA Server, Exchange, Systems Management Server, and the like. But it is also possible to test out on electives by taking advanced networking topics like Internetworking with Microsoft TCP/IP (here again, the version of Windows NT involved must match the version for the core requirements taken). Whatever the mix of tests, individuals must pass six tests to meet the MCSE requirements. Its not uncommon for the entire process to take a year or so, and many individuals find that they must take a test more than once to pass. Our primary goal with the Exam Cram series is to make it possible, given proper study and preparation, to pass all of the MCSE tests on the first try. MCSE+I (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Plus Internet) This is the newest of the Microsoft certifications. MCSE+I is designed to certify MCSE level experts in the topical fields commonly associated with the Internet. This level of certification requires the completion of seven core exams and two electives. The core exams are Networking Essentials, TCP/IP, a client (Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT Workstation), Windows NT Server, Windows NT Server in the Enterprise, Internet Information Server, and Internet Explorer Administration Kit. There are five tests that can be used as the two required electivesSystem Administration with SQL Server, Implementing Database Design with SQL Server, Exchange Server, Proxy Server, and SNA Server. Needless to say, this certification level is significantly more work to achieve than the standard MCSE. A related certification is that of MCP+I (Microsoft Certified Professional plus Internet). This midlevel MCSE certification is attained by completing three core exams: Windows NT Server, TCP/IP, and Internet Information Server. Finally, certification is an ongoing activity. Once a Microsoft product becomes obsolete, MCSEs (and other MCPs) typically have a 12- to 18-month time frame in which they can become re-certified on current product versions. (If individuals do not get re-certified within the specified time period, their certification is no longer valid.) Because technology keeps changing and new products continually supplant old ones, this should come as no surprise. The best place to keep tabs on the MCP Program and its various certifications is on the Microsoft Web site. The current root URL for the MCP program is Certification Online at www.microsoft.com/mcp/. Microsofts Web site changes frequently, so if this URL doesnt work, try using the Search tool on Microsofts site with either MCP or the quoted phrase "Microsoft Certified Professional Program" as the search string. This will help you find the latest and most accurate information about the companys certification programs. There is also a special CD-ROM that contains a copy of the Microsoft Education and Certification Roadmap, which covers much of the same information as the Web site and is updated quarterly. To get your copy of the CD-ROM, call Microsoft at 800-636-7544, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Taking A Certification Exam Alas, testing is not free. Youll be charged $100 for each test you take, whether you pass or fail. In the United States and Canada, tests are administered by Sylvan Prometric. Sylvan Prometric can be reached at 800-755-3926 or 800-755-EXAM, any time from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you cant get through on this number, try 612-896-7000 or 612-820-5707. To schedule an exam, call at least one day in advance. To cancel or reschedule an exam, you must call at least 12 hours before the scheduled test time (or you may be charged). When calling Sylvan Prometric, please have the following information ready for the telesales representative who handles your call:  Your name, organization, and mailing address.  Your Microsoft Test ID. (For most U.S. citizens, this is your Social Security number. Citizens of other nations can use their taxpayer IDs or make other arrangements with the order taker.)  The name and number of the exam you wish to take. (For this book, the exam number is 70-064 and the exam name is "Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows 95.")  A method of payment must be arranged. (The most convenient approach is to supply a valid credit card number with sufficient available credit. Otherwise, payments by check, money order, or purchase order must be received before a test can be scheduled. If the latter methods are required, ask your order taker for more details.) When you show up to take a test, try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time slot. You must bring and supply two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID. All exams are completely closed-book. In fact, you will not be permitted to take anything with you into the testing area, but you will be furnished with a blank sheet of paper and a pen. We suggest that you immediately write down the most critical information about the test youre taking on the sheet of paper. Exam Cram books provide a brief referenceThe Cram Sheet, located inside the front coverthat lists the essential information from the book in distilled form. You will have some time to compose yourself, to record this information, and even to take a sample orientation exam before you must begin the real thing. We suggest you take the orientation test before taking your first exam; theyre all more or less identical in layout, behavior, and controls, so you probably wont need to do this more than once. When you complete a Microsoft certification exam, the software will tell you whether youve passed or failed. All tests are scored on a basis of 1,000 points, and results are broken into several topical areas. Even if you fail, we suggest you ask forand keepthe detailed report that the test administrator prints for you. You can use the report to help you prepare for another go-round, if needed. If you need to retake an exam, youll have to call Sylvan Prometric, schedule a new test date, and pay another $100 to take the test again. Tracking MCP Status As soon as you pass any Microsoft operating system exam, youll attain MCP status. Microsoft also generates transcripts that indicate the exams you have passed and your corresponding test scores. You can order a transcript by email at any time by sending an email addressed to mcp@msprograms.com. You can also obtain a copy of your transcript by using the transcript tool on the secure private MCP Web area. This is accessed by clicking the "For MCPs Only" link on the MCP page. Youll need to provide your unique MCP number and password to gain entry. Details about what your password is will be included in your MCP welcome that Microsoft will send you two to six weeks after you complete your first operating system exam. Once you pass the necessary set of six exams, youll be certified as an MCSE. Official certification normally takes anywhere from four to six weeks, so dont expect to get your credentials overnight. When the package arrives, it will include a Welcome Kit that contains a number of elements, including:  An MCSE certificate, suitable for framing, along with an MCSE Professional Program membership card and lapel pin.  A license to use the MCP logo, thereby allowing you to use the logo in advertisements, promotions, documents, on letterhead, business cards, and so on. An MCP logo sheet, which includes camera-ready artwork, comes with the license. (Note: Before using any of the artwork, individuals must sign and return a licensing agreement that indicates theyll abide by its terms and conditions.)  A one-year subscription to TechNet, a collection of CDs that includes software, documentation, service packs, databases, and more technical information than you can possibly ever read. In our minds, this is the best and most tangible benefit of attaining MCSE status.  A subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional magazine, which provides ongoing data about testing and certification activities, requirements, and changes to the program.  A free Priority Comprehensive 10-pack with Microsoft Product Support, and a 25 percent discount on additional Priority Comprehensive 10-packs. This lets you place up to 10 free calls to Microsofts technical support operation at a higher-than-normal priority level.  A one-year subscription to the Microsoft Beta Evaluation program. This subscription will get you all beta products from Microsoft for the next year. (This does not include developer products. You must join the MSDN program or become an MCSD to qualify for developer beta products.) Many people believe that the benefits of MCSE certification go well beyond the perks that Microsoft provides to newly anointed members of this elite group. Were starting to see more job listings that request or require applicants to have an MCSE, and many individuals who complete the program can qualify for increases in pay or responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, MCSE certification is a badge of honor in many IT organizations. How To Prepare For An Exam At a minimum, preparing for the Windows 95 test requires that you obtain and study the following materials:  Supporting Microsoft Windows 95. Microsoft Press, 1995. ISBN 1-55615-931-5. This boxed set should be purchased only if you have not already spent time using Windows 95, since it covers much introductory material and costs a whopping $199.95 (list price).  The exam prep materials, practice tests, and self-assessment exams on the Microsoft Training And Certification Download page (www.microsoft.com/mcp/). Find the materials, download them, and use them!  This Exam Cram book! Its the first and last thing you should read before taking the exam. In addition, youll probably find any or all of the following materials useful in your quest for Windows 95 expertise:  Classroom training ATECs, AATPs, MOLI, and unlicensed third-party training companies (such as Wave Technologies, American Research Group, Learning Tree, Data-Tech, and others) all offer classroom training on Windows 95. These companies aim to help prepare network administrators to understand Windows 95 concepts and pass the MCSE tests. While such training runs upward of $350 per day in class, most of the individuals lucky enough to partake (including your humble authors, whove even taught such courses) find them to be quite worthwhile.  Other publications Youll find direct references to other publications and resources in this book, but theres no shortage of materials available about Windows 95. To help you sift through some of the publications out there, we end each chapter with a "Need To Know More?" section that provides pointers to more complete and exhaustive resources covering the chapters information. This should give you an idea of where we suggest you should look for further discussion.  The TechNet CD TechNet is a monthly CD subscription available from Microsoft. TechNet includes all the Windows NT BackOffice Resource Kits and their product documentation. In addition, TechNet provides the contents of the Microsoft Knowledge Base and many kinds of software, white papers, training materials, as well as other good stuff. TechNet also contains all service packs, interim release patches, and supplemental driver software released since the last major version for most Microsoft programs and all Microsoft operating systems. A one-year subscription costs $299worth every penny, if only for the download time it saves. Microsoft periodically offers a free trial issue of TechNet as part of a special promotion. Keep your eyes on the TechNet CD Web site (www.microsoft.com/technet/) for these promotions. As of April 1998, a free issue of TechNet was available by registering on the IT Home Web site (www.microsoft.com/ithome/). The above set of required and recommended materials represents a nonpareil collection of sources and resources for Windows 95 topics and software. In the section that follows, we explain how this book works and give you some good reasons why this book should also be in your required and recommended materials list. About This Book Each topical Exam Cram chapter follows a regular structure, along with graphical cues about especially important or useful material. Heres the structure of a typical chapter:  Opening hotlists Each chapter begins with a list of the terms, tools, and techniques that you must learn and understand before you can be fully conversant with that chapters subject matter. We follow the hotlists with one or two introductory paragraphs to set the stage for the rest of the chapter.  Topical coverage After the opening hotlists, each chapter covers a series of at least four topics related to the chapters subject. Throughout this section, we highlight material most likely to appear on a test using a special Study Alert layout, like this: This is what a Study Alert looks like. Normally, a Study Alert stresses concepts, terms, software, or activities that you should understand thoroughly. For that reason, we think any information found offset in Study Alert format is worthy of unusual attentiveness on your part. Indeed, most of the facts appearing on The Cram Sheet appear as Study Alerts within the text.  Tables Occasionally, youll see tables called "Vital Statistics." The contents of Vital Statistics tables are worthy of an extra once-over. These tables contain informational tidbits that might well show up in a test question. Even if material isnt flagged as a Study Alert or included in a Vital Statistics table, all the contents of this book are associated, at least tangentially, to something test-related. This book is lean to focus on quick test preparation; youll find that what appears in the meat of each chapter is critical knowledge.  Tips We have also provided tips that will help build a better foundation of Windows 95 knowledge. Although the information may not be on the exam, it is highly relevant and will help you become a better test taker. This is how tips are formatted. Keep your eyes open for these, and youll become a Windows 95 expert in no time.  Exam Prep Questions Although we talk about test questions and topics throughout each chapter, this section presents a series of mock test questions and explanations of both correct and incorrect answers. We also try to point out especially tricky questions by using a special icon, like this: Ordinarily, this icon flags the presence of an especially devious question, if not an outright trick question. Trick questions are calculated to "trap" you if you dont read them carefully and more than once, at that. Although theyre not ubiquitous, such questions make regular appearances in the Microsoft exams. Thats why we say exam questions are as much about reading comprehension as they are about knowing Windows 95 material inside out and backward.  Details And Resources Every chapter ends with a section titled "Need To Know More?" That section provides direct pointers to Microsoft and third-party resources that offer further details on the chapters subject. In addition, this section tries to rate the quality and thoroughness of the topics coverage by each resource. If you find a resource you like in this collection, use it, but dont feel compelled to use all the resources. On the other hand, we recommend only resources we use on a regular basis, so none of our recommendations will be a waste of your time or money. The bulk of the book follows this chapter structure slavishly, but there are a few other elements that wed like to point out: the answer key to the sample test that appears in Chapter 18 and a reasonably exhaustive glossary of Windows 95-specific and general Microsoft terminology. Finally, look for The Cram Sheet, which appears inside the front cover of this Exam Cram book. It is a valuable tool that represents a condensed and compiled collection of facts, figures, and tips that we think you should memorize before taking the test. Because you can dump this information out of your head and onto a piece of paper before answering any exam questions, you can master this information by brute forceyou need to remember it only long enough to write it down when you walk into the test room. You might even want to look at it in the car or in the lobby of the testing center just before you walk in to take the test. How To Use This Book If youre prepping for a first-time test, weve structured the topics in this book to build on one another. Therefore, some topics in later chapters make more sense after youve read earlier chapters. Thats why we suggest you read this book from front to back for your initial test preparation. If you need to brush up on a topic or you have to bone up for a second try, use the index or table of contents to go straight to the topics and questions that you need to study. Beyond the tests, we think youll find this book useful as a tightly focused reference to some of the most important aspects of this operating system. Given all the books elements and its specialized focus, weve tried to create a tool that you can use to prepare forand passMicrosoft Certification Exam 70-064, "Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows 95." Please share your feedback on the book with us, especially if you have ideas about how we can improve it for future test takers. Well consider everything you say carefully, and well respond to all suggestions. You can reach us via email at examcram@lanw.com. Please remember to include the title of the book in your message; otherwise, well be forced to guess which book youre making a suggestion about. Its also a good idea to list the page number which relates to your questions or comments. And we dont like to guesswe want to KNOW! You should also visit our Exam Cram Web site at www.lanw.com/examcram/. Thanks, and enjoy the book!