Free Training from VMware

Posted on 3rd September 2012 by Alex Galbraith | Permalink Comments Off on Free Training from VMware

It’s been a while since I last made a post as I have had a rather busy summer working on the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Now that they are coming to a close I finally get the opportunity to take my first bit of actual time off this year! Before that I thought I would post a wee reminder to all those currently studying for their VCP, VCAP-DCD or VCAP-DCA.

Now that VMworld 2012 has come to a close, VMware (very kindly) release all of the 2011 sessions for free on the VMworld.com website! As you can see from my VMware VCAP-DCD 4 Exam Prep Guide, the VMworld sessions are an invaluable training resource when studying for your advanced exams in particular.

To access the content, simply go to the VMworld website, sign up for a free account and access the 2011 content below:

http://www.vmworld.com/community/sessions/

The top 10 most popular sessions from this year are also available gratis:

http://www.vmworld.com/community/conference/us/learn/top10

I will soon be posting a guide for the VCAP5-DCD with reviews of many of the sessions when I begin studying for it, but first I need to get my last MCSE:Private Cloud exam out of the way… more info coming soon.

Related Posts:
VMware VCAP-DCD 4 Exam Prep Guide

Certification, VMware , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MCTS: 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization Exam Review

Posted on 23rd April 2012 by Alex Galbraith | Permalink Comments Off on MCTS: 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization Exam Review

So I just got back from sitting my 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization exam this morning and I thought I would jot down a few thoughts from the exam (NDA permitting!).

First, I would say it’s actually one of the easier MS exams I’ve actually sat (and I’ve been doing them for about 7 years now). I don’t know if this is because I have a virtualisation background or whether the exam itself would be easy for newer members of the IT community, but either way it could have been a lot worse!

I would say the exam content sticks fairly well to the exam “skills measured” table on the 70-659 page. The problem with this page is it’s very general, and doesn’t give you any specific details on source materials etc, like you normally get on for example a VMware Exam Blueprint. I would suggest that you look at the topics covered but always remember to research into the “corners” so to speak, i.e. look into the fringe areas which you may not use every day, such as P2V, SAN migration, Authorization Manager, etc. Also make sure you understand the use cases for each type of technology, e.g. PRO, CSVs, the Self Service Portal, etc, and finally make sure you know all your numbers e.g. ports and maximums. MS is always keen to check you know these values, even though they change frequently between OS versions (and even service packs)!

Most importantly, I go back to my final recommendation from my MCTS: 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization Exam Prep and Study Guide, which is to build your own home lab, using at least full fat Server 2008 R2, plus a Hyper-V 2008 R2 server, and just test, test, test. Play with it and break it as much as possible, and look into every menu option as specific options in specific menus is always another MS favourite for testing. If you build and configure every item from the skills measured list, you should have a good chance when you come to the exam.

Finally, for all existing VMware-trained professionals, I definitely recommend the Microsoft Virtual Academy courses mentioned in my previous blog post, specifically the following courses, which do a good job of translating your existing VMware knowledge into “Hyper-V speak”:

Next on my agenda was originally to go onto do the MCTS desktop virtualisation and the MCITP exams, but as MS have completely overhauled their certs again I will be holding off until June now, when I should be able to take the 70-246 exam and jump straight to MCSE: Private Cloud certification. At least my wife and kids will get to spend a bit more time with me until then! 🙂

Related Posts:
MCTS: 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization Exam Prep and Study Guide

Certification, Microsoft , , , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft Releases MCSA and MCSE Certs (again?!)

Posted on 12th April 2012 by Alex Galbraith | Permalink Comments Off on Microsoft Releases MCSA and MCSE Certs (again?!)

Out with the old, and in with the… older? With a whisper as quiet as a fart in a storm (I haven’t even received an email on this yet, and only found out through the twitter-sphere), Microsoft have released the information on the complete overhaul of their certification system, and by overhaul, I mean putting it back to the way it was pre-2008! The MCITP cert will be replaced by the trusty old MCSA and MCSE, but with a slight difference… the acronym.

The qualifications are now as follows:

  • MCSA: Microsoft Certified Solutions Advisor
  • MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert
  • MCSM: Microsoft Certified Solutions Master

After a lengthy chat I had with a very friendly MS live advisor, I can summarise the facts as follows:

  • If you are an existing MCITP: Enterprise Administrator you will get the MCSA qualification for free (and no requirement to take the 70-646 SA exam). This should be automatically updated on your transcript some time soon. UPDATE: I have heard a rumour that this will be on April 24th.
  • The MCSE: Private Cloud will be considered a higher level cert than the MCITP.
  • The new 70-246 and 70-247 will not be released until June, which seems to match with my checks on the Prometric site, where the earliest date available at my local test centre is 8th June.
  • If you have passed the 70-659 exam already, you will be allowed to skip the 70-247 Private Cloud Configuration and Deployment with System Center 2012 exam, as long as you pass your MCSE by January 31st 2013.

When I first heard that they were changing the certs I was a bit annoyed (having just started down the MCITP Virtualization Administrator track), but as it turns out it’s pretty good! Based on the above, I’ll complete my 70-659 exam (which is free anyway) next week, take a break and await the release of 70-246 Private Cloud Monitoring and Operations with System Center 2012. Then it’s only one exam for the MCSE… easy!

I would highly recommend anyone who hasn’t already taken advantage of this offer, get your free 70-659 exam voucher and do the exam now! I have posted my 70-659 study guide here which is now updated with the info on the free 70-659 training for MS partners!

For those interested in the word from the horses mouth, here follows the transcript of my chat:

Jeffrey: Hello, I'm Jeffrey with the Microsoft Certification Guidance Team.
John: hi
Jeffrey: Hi John
John: I'm trying to understand this new MCSA stuff
Jeffrey: I can see here that you have a question about getting the MCSA 2008
John: I'm already an MCITP Enterprise Admin in 2008
John: Do I have to still do 70-646 Server Admin exam just to get the MCSA 2008?
Jeffrey: That is great to hear. That already qualifies you as an MCSA in Private Cloud
John: Ah right, that's good. So when does that get updated onto our transcripts?
Jeffrey: Excellent question. There is no updates yet at this time since the announcement is still new - but you should have it in your records soon
Jeffrey: If you want to further upgrade to the MCSE in Private Cloud - you just need 2 exams
Jeffrey: Exam 70-247 
Jeffrey: Exam 70-246
John: right, thanks. I also have one other question then
Jeffrey: Go ahead
John: I'm currently studying towards MCITP: Virtualization Administrator
John: This now seems a bit pointless as you appear to be replacing this cert with MCSE Private Cloud
Jeffrey: That is great to hear
John: would the MCSE be considered a "higher level" cert?
Jeffrey: Excellent question. Yes - the new MCSE will be considered as a higher certification path
Jeffrey: The new Microsoft Certified Solution Expert (MCSE) credential focuses on the ability to design and build technology solutions, which may include integrating multiple technology products and may span multiple versions of a single technology.
John: The following page also seems to recommend that we do 70-659 as a pre-req for the MCSE, even though it's not required? http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/cloud.aspx
Jeffrey: You can also see the latest training resources for this technology in this link. I can further recommend that you check on them regularly as training resources are usually updated once they have been set for release
Jeffrey: System Center 2012 - Latest Training Courses and Materials 
Jeffrey: Great question. Currently all the exams you need to upgrade towards the MCSE in Private is not offered until June this year
Jeffrey: However, you can use Exam 70-659 as a substitute for the new exam Exam 70-247
Jeffrey: Exam 70-659 counts as credit towards the Private Cloud certification until January 31, 2013.
Jeffrey: After January 31, 2013, you will be required to pass Exam 70-247 to achieve the private cloud certification.
John: right
John: ah thats good. So if I pass 70-659 in a week, then I only need one exam to be MCSE?
Jeffrey: Exactly. When you are ready to take an exam, you can register with Prometric. Prometric serves as the exam provider for all IT and Developer exams.
Jeffrey: Exam Location and Registration Steps - Prometric 
Jeffrey: If you would like to take instructor-led training, you can use the Class Locator tool to find training near you
Jeffrey: Class Locator 
John: Great stuff, that's a lot more clear now... (and saves me doing extra exams I don't need to!) :)
John: Thanks for your help
Jeffrey: You are most welcome. Just one more thing
Jeffrey: Since you are interested in taking up the Virtualization exam - let me also show you  another exam offer we have for this path
Jeffrey: How to Register - Jump Start Online Class for Virtualization 
Jeffrey: The Jump Start package for US$99 includes attendance at one online Jump Start training session and a voucher good for Exam 70-659.
Jeffrey: This next link will show you the current training resources we have available for this exam
Jeffrey: Learning Plan for Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization (70-659) 
Jeffrey: I just wanted to make sure that we cover everything you need to know.
John: Thanks for that
Jeffrey: You are most welcome. We understand that getting a  certification is a big step and we would like to give you all the  help you need
Jeffrey: If you have a moment, we would appreciate you taking a short survey for us. The survey will appear when you click the “close” button on the chat.
Jeffrey: Have a great day John!

 

Here’s also a few more links for further information:

UPDATE: The following graphic is now available which summarises things quite succinctly:

Certification, Microsoft , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MCTS: 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization Exam Prep and Study Guide

Posted on 4th April 2012 by Alex Galbraith | Permalink Comments Off on MCTS: 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization Exam Prep and Study Guide

So having passed my VCAP exam last week, I barely have time to catch my breath before getting fired into the 70-659 Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization exam, which I am taking with my free 70-659 exam voucher! As usual I have summarised my prep materials / study guide below for anyone interested.

As with many MS exams, the first thing that happens when you look for some study materials for an exam is that you have to trawl through all the search results peppered with spammy brain dumps etc, to find any nuggets of actual material useful to those of us who actually want to learn the subject, very annoying! To be honest there isn’t a huge amount of information out there, but the best of what I found / used has been is condensed below:

  • Official Microsoft Exam Page
    Links to all official source material, exam reqs, etc
  • Official MS E-Learning Collection 10215
    I find the MS official training a little dry (some might say tedious!), but it does cover all the basics and the lab simulations are useful, if a tad flakey… 15-20 hours training for £120 is cheap compared to classroom learning, but does depend on you being a little more disciplined, and buying the books would work out cheaper if you are on a tight budget.
    UPDATE: If you are an MS partner then use the following link and code to get the 70-659 and 70-669 training for FREE for 2 months (subscription ends July 31st)!
    Collection 10215: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Server Virtualization [Code: 8062-COL10215-1445] http://bit.ly/HbDVTf
    Collection 10324: Implementing and Managing Microsoft® Desktop Virtualization [Code: 8430-COL10324-8932] http://bit.ly/H6pUrd
  • Mastering Microsoft Virtualization by Tim Cerling & Jeffrey Buller
    Not actually read this yet but it comes recommend by many other people. I always recommend if you are going to buy these books, buy them on Kindle. Why kill a few trees for a book you will only read once or twice, and have it clog up your book shelves for years to come. Also it’s cheaper on Kindle!
  • Mastering Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 by Michael Michael & Hector Linares
    I haven’t read this as yet, mainly due to time restrictions, but plan to do so for the 70-693 MCITP Windows Server 2008 R2, Virtualization Administrator exam. If you do have time it is recommended reading. VMM 2012 is now out as RTM, though I assume the exam is still based on 2008. No sign of any 2012 books as yet, but I’m sure they’ll be coming soon.
  • Mastering Hyper-V Deployment by Aidan Finn
    Again I haven’t actually read this one yet so can’t review at this time, but I plan to for the 70-693.
  • Virtual Training Boot camp for Exam 70-659 TS: Windows Server 2008 R2 Virtualization – Free!
    A welcome offer from MS to get partners interested in Hyper-V by offering what is in effect a full 70-659 course, crammed into 2 days of LVCs (Live Virtual Classes) using Microsoft Office Live Meeting. Mine was run by a QA trainer called Paul Gregory, who was very friendly and competent. If you do a Google search for the exact title above, you may even find the slide decks from this course… 😉
    It was a great offer, so I also recommend you keep an eye on the MS Events website for future similar offers. I believe they have some Windows 8 Tech days coming up shortly…
  • Microsoft Virtual Academy Courses – Free!
    For a free resource these courses are superb! There are many hours of training available, and MS encourage you to watch more (via a bit of obvious geek-tosterone based competition / ranking) you are awarded points for each course you complete, which can then be tracked and compared to other people in your own country and across the world. Be prepared to wade through the marketing BS (particularly for the overview-type presentations), but a very good resource either way.
    Note: there is quite a bit of repetition in the courses, so I will try to highlight as I go, which are the best use of your time (unless of course you’re a rank whore, in which case do them all!). The courses I completed are as follows:

    1. Microsoft Virtualization for VMware Professionals – The Platform
      A good intro to Hyper-V where all of the features are translated for VMware-trained folk such as myself, presented in a fairly informal manner.If you don’t watch any of the other videos, watch this one! 11 videos @ 20-30 mins each.
    2. Microsoft Virtualization for VMware Professionals – Management
      A continuation of the previous course. There’s a lot of marketing material in this related to systems which may or may not come up in the exam, though depending on your experience with the MS System Center range of products, this may be of use to you. Personally I’m used to products like BMC Patrol, Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus, HP Openview, Altiris DS/NS etc, so this was quite interesting for me.
    3. Microsoft Virtualization for VMware Professionals – VDI
      I would say this would be more useful for the next exam in the MCITP track (70-669 TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Desktop Virtualization), but is included in this list for reference. I will probably take this later when I have some time.
  • Microsoft Server Virtualization Training by TrainSignal
    I haven’t actually used this one but a few people recommended it to me, and the TrainSignal courses are usually of a pretty high standard. The only drawback is that it’s nearly $300, but that’s still way cheaper than a live course.
  • Blog Post Series by Joseph Yedid
    This series covers a number of different subjects based on the exam outline / “skills measured“, which are very much like VMware exam blueprints, minus the links! These posts are also mirrored by Ruth Morton’s Technet blog.
  • Technet Blog Series by Chris Avis
    Another great series of posts going into the detail for everything you need to know. The above link goes to the most recent post which can then link you to all the others. His first post also has a load of other study resources linked off it which you should check out!
  • Official MS Virtualisation Blog
    If you’re a VMware person, hold onto your hat for some serious politicking, but there is some interesting content if you have time for a browse.
  • Exam review by Matt McSpirit
    A few useful tips here on the exam itself, and what to study.
  • Hyper-V White Papers by Aidan Finn
    This site is run by MS MVP Aidan Finn, who has co-authored a load of books on MS products.
  • Build a Home Lab
    I cannot recommend this enough. The best way to learn Hyper-V is to play with it, that way you have seen the ins and outs, the great bits (like Dynamic Memory), and the downright ugly ones (like simply setting up SCOM to then get PRO working – use SQL Server 2008, not R2, as R2 doesn’t work properly without a load of fiddling)!
    My home lab runs under VMware Workstation 8 on Windows 7 64-bit, with an Intel Core i7 920 and 24GB of RAM. I run 2 Hyper-V hosts, one is full fat 2008 R2 Enterprise, and the other is Hyper-V Server. Clustering is not officially supported, but does work, and this way you get to practice both worlds (GUI and CLI).
    To get Hyper-V to run like this you need to do a couple of fixes to your hypervisor VMs when you create them. See Velimir Kojic’s blog postfor more info on this, but the headline points are:

    1. Enable virtualisation of VT-x/EPT. This is the same as you would do for virtualising ESX/ESXi under Workstation 8, allowing nested 64-bit VMs.
    2. Add the following line to your VMX files:
      hypervisor.cpuid.v0 = “FALSE”
  • More to links to follow…

Please feel free to submit any worthwhile links to study materials and I will include them above.

Certification, Microsoft , , , , , , , , ,