Our new Microsoft Core Training Program consists of a 12 day intense training program spread out over a 12 week period (1 day per week). This includes the core training programs needed for MCSA and MCSE certifications! We're excited to offer this program on on-going basis, allowing for flexibility as to when you can begin the program!
Introduction to Virtual PC and Virtual Server 2005
Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 provides the ability to consolidate multiple virtualized servers on a single physical computing platform. Students will be introduced to Virtual Server concepts and will interact with virtualized servers supporting their classroom network environment throughout this training program.
Module 1: Active Directory Architecture
This module introduces students to the Active Directory infrastructure, its logical and physical structure, and its function as a directory service. The module also introduces the command-line tools and snap-ins that you can use to examine the components of Active Directory and the Active Directory design, planning, and implementing process.
Lessons
- The Architecture of Active Directory
- How Active Directory Works
- Examining Active Directory
- The Active Directory Design, Planning, and Implementation Processes
Module 2: Implementing an Active Directory Forest and Domain Structure
This module discusses Active Directory installation requirements, how to create a forest and domain structure by using the Active Directory Installation Wizard, and the post-installation tasks you must perform. It also explains how to configure DNS in an Active Directory environment, raise forest and domain functional levels, and create trust relationships.
Lessons
- Creating a Forest and Domain Structure
- Examining and Configuring Active Directory Integrated DNS
- Raising Forest and Domain Functional Levels
- Creating Trust Relationships
Module 3: Implementing an Organizational Unit Structure
This module discusses how to create organizational units, how to delegate common administrative tasks, how to customize the delegation of administrative tasks for an organizational unit, and how to plan the implementation of an organizational unit structure.
Lessons
- Creating and Managing Organizational Units
- Delegating Administrative Control for Organizational Units
- Planning an Organizational Unit Strategy
Module 4: Implementing User, Group, and Computer Accounts
This module explains how to plan and implement Active Directory user, group, and computer accounts. It also explains how to create multiple user and computer accounts by using command-line tools such as CSVDE and LDIFDE, and how to manage accounts by using Windows Script Host. The module also explains how to implement User Principle Name (UPN) suffixes.
Lessons
- Introduction to Accounts
- Creating and Managing Multiple Accounts
- Implementing User Principal Name Suffixes
- Moving Objects in Active Directory
- Planning an Account Strategy
- Planning an Active Directory Audit Strategy
Module 5: Implementing Group Policy
This module explains how to plan and implement a Group Policy strategy to centrally manage users and computers in an enterprise.
Lessons
- Creating and Configuring Group Policy objects (GPOs)
- Configuring Group Policy Refresh Rates and Group Policy Settings
- Configuring Group Policy Refresh Rates and Group Policy Settings
- Managing GPOs / User Policies / Computer Policies / Policy Loopback
- Verifying and Troubleshooting Group Policy
- Delegating Administrative Control of Group Policy
- Planning a Group Policy Strategy for the Enterprise
Module 6: Deploying and Managing Software by Using Group Policy
In this module, students learn how to deploy and manage software by using Group Policy. The module focuses on basic concepts of deploying, configuring, and maintaining software, troubleshooting deployed software, and planning software deployment.
Lessons
- Introduction to Managing Software Deployment
- Deploying Software
- Configuring Software Deployment
- Maintaining Deployed Software
- Troubleshooting Software Deployment
- Planning a Software Deployment Strategy
Module 7: Implementing Sites to Manage Active Directory Replication
This module explains how to implement sites to manage and monitor replication in Active Directory. The module presents basic concepts of replication and sites in Active Directory, specifically: creating, configuring, and managing sites; monitoring and troubleshooting replication failures; and planning a site strategy.
Lessons
- Introduction to Active Directory Replication
- Creating and Configuring Sites
- Managing Site Topology
- Troubleshooting Replication Failures
- Planning a Site
Module 8: Implementing the Placement of Domain Controllers
This module introduces students to the placement of domain controllers. It focuses on the placement and planning of domain controllers, including global catalog servers, and DNS servers that are integrated with Active Directory. The module also discusses guidelines for caching universal group membership for a site.
Lessons
- Implementing the Global Catalog in Active Directory
- Determining the Placement of Domain Controllers in Active Directory
- Planning the Placement of Domain Controllers
Module 9: Managing Operations Masters
This module introduces students to managing operations masters in Active Directory. It explains the purpose of each of the five types of operations masters, how to transfer and seize operations master roles, and how to plan a strategy for placing operations masters.
Lessons
- Introduction to Operations Master Roles
- Transferring and Seizing Operations Master Roles
- Planning the Placement of Operations Masters
Module 10: Managing Access to Resources
This module explains how to enable resource access with permissions, manage access to files and folders using permissions, and manage permission inheritance.
Lessons
- Overview of Managing Access to Resources
- Managing Access to Shared Folders
- Managing Access to Files and Folders Using NTFS Permissions
- Determining Effective Permissions
- Managing Access to Shared Files Using Offline Caching
- Implementing a Distributed File System (DFS) Strategy
Module 11: Implementing Printing
This module explains how to implement printing in a Windows Server 2003 environment.
Lessons
- Multimedia: Introduction to Printing in the Windows Server 2003 Family
- Installing and Sharing Printers
- Managing Access to Printers Using Shared Printer Permissions
- Managing Printer Drivers
- Implementing Proximity-Based Printing with Printer Locations
Module 12: Managing Printing
This module explains how to set up a network-wide printing strategy to meet the needs of users and troubleshoot installation or configuration problems.
Lessons
- Changing the Location of the Print Spooler
- Setting Printer Priorities
- Scheduling Printer Availability
- Configuring a Printing Pool
Module 13: Managing Access to Objects in Organizational Units
This module explains the permissions available for managing access to Active Directory objects, how to move objects between organizational units in the same domain, and how to delegate control of an organizational unit.
Lessons
- Multimedia: The Role of the Organizational Unit
- Modifying Permissions for Active Directory Objects
- Delegating Control of Organizational Units
Module 14: Implementing Security Standards, Administrative Templates and Audit Policy
This module explains how to manage security in an Active Directory domain and how to audit events to ensure the effectiveness of a security strategy.
Lessons
- Overview of Security in Windows Server 2003
- Using Security Templates to Secure Computers
- Testing Computer Security Policy
- Configuring Auditing
- Managing Security Logs
Module 15: Configuring and Managing File Systems
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Working with File Systems
- Managing Data Compression
- Securing Data by Using Encrypting File System (EFS)
- Implementing a PKI Certificate Structure to Support EFS
Module 16: Reviewing the Suite of TCP/IP Protocols
This module reviews the suite of TCP/IP protocols. By understanding the function of each of the protocols and how the protocols relate to each other, you have the context for understanding network administration tasks and network troubleshooting.
Lessons
- Overview of the OSI Model
- Overview of the TCP/IP Protocol Suite
- Viewing Frames Using Network Monitor
Module 17: Assigning IP Addresses in a Multiple Subnet Network
This module explains how to construct and assign IP addresses and how to isolate addressing issues associated with the IP routing process.
Lessons
- Assigning IP Addresses
- Creating a Subnet
- Using IP Routing Tables
- Overcoming Limitations of the IP Addressing Scheme
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Convert IP Addresses from decimal to binary.
- Create a subnet.
- Calculate a subnet mask.
- Use an IP routing table.
- Create subnets using VLSM and CIDR.
- Reduce the number of wasted IP addresses.
Module 18: Allocating IP Addressing via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to allocate IP addressing in a network environment.
Lessons
- Multimedia: The Role of DHCP in the Network Infrastructure
- Adding and Authorizing a DHCP Server Service
- Configuring a DHCP Scope
- Configuring a DHCP Reservation
- Configuring DHCP Options
- Configuring a DHCP Relay Agent
Module 19: Managing and Monitoring Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to manage the DHCP service to reflect changing client IP addressing needs. It also provides you with the knowledge and skills to monitor DHCP server performance, because the DHCP environment is dynamic.
Lessons
- Managing a DHCP Database
- Monitoring DHCP
- Applying Security Guidelines for DHCP
- Backup / Restore DHCP Database
Module 20: Resolving Names
This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to assign computer names to the IP addresses of the source and destination hosts, and then use the computer name to contact the hosts.
Lessons
- Multimedia: Introduction to the Name Resolution Process
- Viewing Names on a Client
- Configuring Host Name Resolution
- Configuring NetBIOS Name Resolution
Module 21: Resolving Host Names by Using Domain Name System (DNS)
This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to resolve host names by using Domain Name System.
Lessons
- Multimedia: The Role of DNS in the Network Infrastructure
- Installing the DNS Server Service
- Configuring the Properties for the DNS Server Service
- Configuring the DNS Zones
- Configuring DNS Zone Transfers
- Configuring DNS Dynamic Updates
- Configuring a DNS Client
- Delegating Authority for Zones
Module 22: Managing and Monitoring Domain Name System (DNS)
This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to manage and monitor DNS servers to ensure that they are functioning properly and to optimize network performance.
Lessons
- Configuring the Time-to-Live Value
- Configuring Aging and Scavenging
- Integrating DNS and WINS
- Testing the DNS Server Configuration
- Verifying that a Resource Record Exists by Using Nslookup, DNSCmd, and DNSLint
- Monitoring DNS Server Performance
Module 23: Resolving NetBIOS Names by Using Windows Internet Name Service (WINS)
This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to use WINS to register NetBIOS names and resolve them to IP addresses.
Lessons
- Multimedia: The Role of WINS in the Network Infrastructure
- Installing and Configuring a WINS Server
- Managing Records in WINS
- Configuring WINS Replication
- Managing the WINS database
Module 24: Configuring a Client IP Address
This module describes how to configure an IP address for a client computer running Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
Lessons
- Configuring a Client to Use a Static IP Address
- Configuring a Host to Obtain an IP Address Automatically
- Using Alternate Configuration
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Configure a client to use a static IP address.
- Configure a client to obtain an IP address automatically by using DHCP.
- Configure a client to obtain an IP address automatically by using Alternate Configuration.
Module 25: Configuring a Client for Name Resolution
This module describes the various types of name resolution mechanisms provided by the Windows operating systems and how to use and configure them for clients on your network.
Lessons
- Resolving Client Names
- Managing the ARP Cache
- Overview of NetBIOS
- Using Static Naming Methods
- Using Dynamic Naming Methods
- Summarizing the Name Resolution Process
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe how client names are resolved.
- Use Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to identify client media access control (MAC) addresses.
- Describe the function of Network Basic Input/Output System (NetBIOS).
- Configure a client to use a static IP address.
- Configure a client to use name resolution servers.
Module 26: Isolating Common Connectivity Issues
This module explains how to isolate common connectivity issues and describes how to use utilities and tools as part of this process.
Lessons
- Determining the Causes of Connectivity Issues
- Network Utilities That You Can Use to Isolate Connectivity Issues
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Determine the causes of common connectivity issues.
- Use a flow chart to isolate a problem.
- Use utilities to isolate a problem.
Module 27: Installing Microsoft Windows XP Professional
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Planning an Installation of Microsoft Windows XP Professional
- Installing Windows XP Professional from a Product CD
- Installing Windows XP Professional over a Network
- Upgrading to Microsoft Windows XP Professional.
- Transferring User Settings by Using the USMT
- Activating Windows XP Professional
- Troubleshooting Failed Installations
Module 28: Automating an Installation of Microsoft Windows XP Professional
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Introduction to Automating an Installation of Windows XP Professional
- Creating Answer Files
- Creating a Uniqueness Database File
- How Setup Uses Answer Files and UDFs
- Performing an Automated Installation of Windows XP Professional
- Introduction to Creating and Deploying an Image
- Preparing a Reference Computer
- Creating, Testing, and Deploying an Image
- Remote Installation Services
Module 29: Configuring Hardware on a Computer Running Microsoft Windows XP Professional
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Installing and Configuring Hardware Devices
- Working with Drivers
- Troubleshooting Hardware Devices
Module 30: Configuring the Desktop Environment
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Configuring User Desktop Settings
- Customizing the Desktop Environment
- Configuring System Settings
- Roaming User Profiles
- Using Solicited and Unsolicited Remote Assistance to Support Users
Module 31: Configuring Microsoft Windows XP Professional to Operate in Microsoft Windows Networks
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Examining Workgroups and User Accounts
- Creating and Authenticating Local User Accounts
- Configuring Local Security
- Configuring Logon Options in a Workgroup
- Configuring Networking Options in a Workgroup
- Joining a Domain
- Operating in a Domain
- Implementing Patch Management via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Module 32: Troubleshooting the Boot Process and Other System Issues
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Examining the Windows Operating System Boot Process
- Controlling System Settings During the Boot Process
- Changing Startup Behavior Using the Boot.ini File
- Using Advanced Boot Options to Troubleshoot Startup Problems
- Using the Recovery Console to Start the Computer
- Restoring a Computer to a Previous State
Module 33: Monitoring Resources and Performance
The following topics are covered in this module:
- Determining System Information
- Using Task Manager to Monitor System Performance
- Using Performance and Maintenance Tools to Improve Performance
- Monitoring Event Logs
- Configuring Program Compatibility
Module 34: Active Directory Disaster Recovery
This module explains basic concepts about maintaining Active Directory availability, including how to defragment, move, back up, restore, and monitor an Active Directory database.
Lessons
- Introduction to Maintaining Active Directory
- Moving and Defragmenting an Active Directory Database
- Backing Up Active Directory
- Restoring Active Directory
- Planning for Monitoring Active Directory