MCTS 70-640 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring [Paperback]

Don Poulton (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0789737914 | ISBN-13: 978-0789737915 | Publication Date: September 21, 2008 | Edition: 1

MCTS Exam Cram

Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring

 

Exam 70-640

 

Don Poulton

 

Covers the critical information you’ll need to know to score higher on Exam 70-640!

 

Utilize new features of Windows Server 2008 related to Active Directory

Install and configure Active Directory forests and domains

Plan and implement an Organizational Unit structure

Plan and manage Active Directory infrastructure components, such as operations masters, global catalogs, read-only domain controllers, and sites

Plan, implement, and manage Active Directory using Group Policy

Plan and manage Active Directory roles, including Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services, Active Directory Rights Management Services, and Active Directory Federation Services

Deploy software in Active Directory using Group Policy

Utilize Active Directory features to manage users and groups

Back up and restore Active Directory, and rebuild an Active Directory domain controller from backup

Deploy and manage a public key infrastructure using Active Directory Certificate Services

 

CD Features MeasureUp Practice Questions!

Detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers

Multiple test modes

Random questions and order of answers

Coverage of each 70-640 exam objective

 

WRITTEN BY A LEADING EXPERT:

 

Don Poulton, MCSA, MCSE, A+, Network+, Security+, has been involved in consulting with small training providers as a technical writer, during which time he wrote training and exam prep materials for Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. More recently, he has written or co-authored several certification volumes on Security+, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista, published by Que Publishing.

 

informit.com/examcram

ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-3791-5

ISBN-10: 0-7897-3791-4

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Don Poulton, MCSA, MCSE, A+, Network+, Security+, has been involved with computers since the days of 80-column punch cards. After a career of more than 20 years in environmental science, Don switched careers and trained as a Windows NT 4.0 MCSE. He has been involved in consulting with a couple of small training providers as a technical writer, during which time he wrote training and exam prep materials for Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.

 

In addition, Don has worked on programming projects, both in his days as an environmental scientist, and more recently with Visual Basic to update an older statistical package used for multivariate analysis of sediment contaminants.

 

When not working on computers, Don is an avid amateur photographer who has had his photos displayed in international competitions and published in magazines such as Michigan Natural Resources Magazine and National Geographic Traveler. Don also enjoys traveling and keeping fit.

 

Don lives in Burlington, Ontario, with his wife, Terry.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

Welcome to MCTS 70-640 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring. This book aims to help you get ready to take—and pass—Microsoft Certification Exam 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring. This book contains information to help ensure your success as you pursue this Microsoft exam and the Technology Specialist or IT Professional certification.

This Introduction explains the new generation of Microsoft certifications centering on Windows Server 2008 and how the Exam Cram series can help you prepare for Exam 70-640. This chapter discusses the basics of the MCTS and MCITP certifications, including a discussion of test-taking strategies. Chapters 1 through 9 are designed to remind you of everything you need to know to take and pass the exam. The two sample tests at the end of this book should give you a reasonably accurate assessment of your knowledge and, yes, I've provided the answers and their explanations to the tests. Along with the explanations are some particularly useful links to more information on each topic. Each answer also includes a reference to the chapter in the book that covers the topic.

Read this book and understand the material, and you'll stand a very good chance of passing the test. Use the additional links to the other materials and points of reference, and along with actual product use, you will be in excellent shape to do well on the exam.

Exam Cram books help you understand and appreciate the subjects and materials you need to pass Microsoft certification exams. These books are aimed strictly at test preparation and review. They do not teach you everything you need to know about a topic. Instead, they present and dissect the questions and problems that you're likely to encounter on a test. These books work to bring together as much information as possible about Microsoft certification exams.

The MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certification requires you to have a strong knowledge of the features of Active Directory in Windows Server 2008, in particular the newer features. To move on to the next level, you have to drill down into each feature significantly. The MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) Windows Server 2008 Administrator and Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator certifications require considerable in-depth information about the particulars of each of the Windows Server 2008 features.

Every Microsoft Windows Server 2008–related certification starts off with Exam 70-640, which this book prepares you for, as well as Exam 70-642, TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring. From there, if you continue along any of the tracks, each of the IT Pro certifications mandates that you pass one or two other Windows Server 2008–specific exams. Exam 70-646, PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator, completes the requirements for the MCITP: Windows Server 2008 Administrator certification. The MCITP: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator certification requires that you pass two additional exams, 70-643, TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring, and 70-647, PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator. Furthermore, the Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator certification requires that you pass one client exam related to Windows Vista, either 70-620, TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring, or 70-624, TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops.

Content included in this book is also covered in the upgrade exams provided by Microsoft for individuals holding the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) titles on Windows Server 2003. More specifically, this includes Exam 70-648, TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist, and 70-649, TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist. Individuals wishing to pass either of these exams will find the content in this book helpful for learning the Active Directory portions of these exams.

The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Program

The MCP Program includes a new generation series of professional certifications as well as a series of traditional program tracks. Each program track boasts its own special acronym. (As a certification candidate, you need to have a high tolerance for alphabet soup of all kinds.)

New Generation Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft has revamped its certification tracks to target individuals' efforts toward the level of detail representing their existing or anticipated employment needs and capabilities. These tracks are simpler and more specifically targeted than the older certification tracks. In many cases, they can be achieved by passing fewer exams than was the case with the older tracks.

• MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)— Typically consisting of one to three exams, these certifications enable you to target your learning program to specific Microsoft technologies. MCTS certifications are available in a broad range of Microsoft technologies, and more will be added as newer technologies become online.

• MCITP (Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional)—By taking one to three additional exams beyond the MCTS level, you can achieve a comprehensive set of IT skills enabling you to be successful at a range of specialized jobs such as design, project management, operations management, and planning. Currently, MCITP certifications are available in the fields of Business Intelligence Developer, Customer Support Technician, Database Administrator, Database Developer, Enterprise Messaging Administrator, Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Enterprise Support Technician, Exchange Messaging Administrator, Windows Server 2008 Administrator, and Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator.

• MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer)—Similar to the MCITP certification, this enables you to achieve a comprehensive set of developer-related job skills. Current MCPD certifications are based on .NET Framework 2.0 applications that use Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and include Web Developer, Windows Developer, and Enterprise Applications Developer. Additional certifications will be released as newer technologies emerge.

• MCA (Microsoft Certified Architect)—Enables you to prove a top level of IT business and design skills. Individuals aspiring to this certification must have at least 10 years of advanced IT experience including at least three years of experience as an IT architect. They must also have strong technical and managerial proficiency and follow a rigorous mentoring program that culminates in an oral examination by a panel of certified architects. You can specialize in Messaging or Database or pursue a more general Infrastructure or Solutions program.

Traditional MCP Program Tracks

The traditional program tracks that Microsoft has followed for a number of years certify individuals on technologies up to and including Windows Server 2003:

• MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)— Anyone who has a current MCSE is warranted to possess a high level of networking expertise with Microsoft operating systems and products. This credential is designed to prepare individuals to plan, implement, maintain, and support information systems, network, and internetworks built around Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 and its BackOffice Server family of products.

• The Windows Server 2003 MCSE is the last certification that Microsoft plans to award on this program. Obtaining this credential requires an individual to pass six core exams and one elective exam. The core exams include four networking system exams, one operating system exam, and one design exam. Beginning with Windows Server 2008, the MCSE has been replaced by the MCITP credential already mentioned.

• MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)— This certification program is designed for individuals who are systems administrators but have no need for network design skills in their current career path. An MCSA on Windows Server 2003 candidate must pass three core exams plus one elective exam. Beginning with Windows Server 2008, the MCSA has been replaced by the MCTS and MCITP credentials already mentioned.

• MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)—This is the least prestigious of all the certification tracks from Microsoft. Passing one of the major Microsoft exams qualifies an individual for the MCP credential. Individuals can demonstrate proficiency with additional Microsoft products by passing additional certification exams.

• MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer)—The MCSD credential reflects the skills required to create multitier, distributed, and COM-based solutions, in addition to desktop and Internet applications, using new technologies. An MCSD must pass three core exams and one elective exam. The last iteration of the MCSD program validated competency in the 6.0 level of Microsoft Visual C++, Microsoft Visual FoxPro, or Microsoft Visual Basic. Beyond this level, this certification has been replaced with the MCPD already mentioned.

• MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator)—The MCDBA credential reflects the skills required to implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. To become an MCDBA, you must pass a total of three core exams and one elective exam. The core exams involve SQL Server administration, SQL Server design, and networking systems. Beginning with SQL Server 2005, this certification has been replaced with the MCITP: Database Developer and the MCITP: Database Administrator certifications.

• ...

Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Que; 1 edition (September 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789737914
• ISBN-13: 978-0789737915
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Computers & Technology > Certification > Microsoft
  • #66 in Books > Computers & Technology > Computer Science > Software Engineering > Information Systems

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I passed with 916 thanks to this book, October 18, 2009

By 

SysAdmin-E dot com (Mid-Atlantic area USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MCTS 70-640 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (Paperback)

This a very good book to prep for the exam. I'm surprised that there aren't more reviews for this book. This is one of the better IT books that I've read. If you have MCSA/MCSE-level knowledge of AD 2000 or 2003, this book is the only book that you'll need to prep for the exam. I'm talking about knowledge in actually designing and configuring AD, DNS, GPOs, and security; not simply managing AD. AD itself has not changed very much from 2000 to 2008.

The book does a great job of covering pretty much all the exam objectives in an easy to read manner. The only annoying thing about the book was that it put all the references at the end of the book in an appendix instead of at the end of each relevant chapter. I can see how that is a matter of preference, so other readers might like that. But overall, one couldn't ask for a better exam prep book.

I'm not sure what the other reviewer meant about some of the terms used in the book not matching up with MS terminology. I didn't run into this inconsistency at all. I also took the MeasureUp exam included on the CD and the terminology seemed to match. BTW, the MeasureUp exam is very easy to use and was pretty tough (it looks like you only get one 50 question exam on the CD, but can pay for the full version to get more). For the Exchange exam that I took last month, I actually bought a full Transcender exam and that was terrible. The Transcender interface looks like it hasn't changed in 15 years and for a paid product, I found a few errors. Anyway, I think if you really want to purchase a practice exam, use Measure Up (MS actually has them listed on the preparation materials section of the exam site).

The exam number is now 083-640 for English only. I had no indication that the exam number was renamed, and Prometric's site didn't have anything to alert me of this. So now I know why I couldn't select English as the language for 070-640. Duh!

Anyway, half of the exam consisted of two labs using fully functional VMs to do eight tasks each. I then had thirty regular questions for the rest of the exam. The lab caught me off guard because I didn't prepare for it, but it was actually easier than the questions after I got over the initial shock. The lab used real VMs, so you could actually go to the help system to find answers to the questions or browse the file system to look for a certain file name for a command or file if you couldn't remember the full name. I don't know if they deduct points if you use the help system. I'm not even sure how they grade the lab since I didn't get a breakdown of the scores for each section, but overall I got 916/1000, so I think the labs helped me a lot.

You definitely need hands-on skills and practice, not that you couldn't get by with some of the ridiculously easy lab tasks such as changing a group scope from global to universal. The keys to passing this exam are the following:
1.) Previous design and configuration experience with either AD 2000 or 2003. Can you set up AD from scratch and configure a child domain and DNS?
2.) Read all the chapters in this book and take the MeasureUp exam on the CD. I didn't take the big exam at the end of the book, but I did take each end-of-chapter exam.
3.) Set up a lab. I used Hyper-V and had 1 root domain with 2 DCs and one child domain with 1 DC. I also had 1 XP VM. I also installed a stand-alone CA on one of the DCs.
4.) Some supplemental materials on AD FS and possibly CA if you haven't worked with either before (which I think many sys admins haven't since these aren't the most common roles in use). You can just read a few short articles on MS on these topics--I don't think you'll need to go in depth and start reading white papers.
5.) Give yourself about a month to read the book and practice on your lab. I could have taken the exam in a month but I got real busy at work and then had an issue with scheduling with Prometric (BTW, this is one of the worst commercial Web sites. I consistently got the "Web site is down" messages on several occasions and navigating through to find a test center was not the most user friendly). Anyway, it ended up taking me 6 weeks from the start of reading this book to taking the exam, but I was pretty much ready in 4 weeks.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worked for me!, February 11, 2009

By 

Russell W. Kiel - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MCTS 70-640 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (Paperback)

I just used the ExamCram 70-640 book to prepare me for taking, and passing, the Microsoft MCTS exam 70-640. It worked like a charm. What I liked about it was how quickly it got to the point about most things, that kind of thing works for me. This is different from the MS Press books I've seen that walk you through practice sequences, there aren't any here. I used VMWare Workstation to run a couple of servers and a couple of workstations and can't even come near to expressing how important that is. If I have one beef it's that some of the terms used in this book were different from what Microsoft, or MeasureUp, or Transcender practice tests would use but it's small matter. I've managed a fairly complex Windows network for eleven years so I had a good base to draw from. It's a leap from "real world" to "test" for me but once I found the groove i thought this book was quite good.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It hits all the major points, April 13, 2010

By 

Ray Darragh "RLD" (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MCTS 70-640 Exam Cram: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (Paperback)

Positives: The book cuts out alot of junk that I did not need inorder to pass the test. I also felt that the book was easier to read and easier to continue reading unlike the other 70-640 book I was reading before I got this book. The 100 things to remember before taking the test was handy and easy to read when I had a few minutes to kill each day.

Negatives: The instructions and examples will show you how to install and setup your active directory but it does not give you the type of in depth that would be needed to answer some of the questions on the test. The book does not hit some of the finer points that are asked in the practice test.

Overall: I passed the test and felt confident going in because of the book but I felt I had to read the book a few times because my practice test were not high. If you need a book that easier to read than most study guides, and already understand the basics of AD, I would recommend this book.