Exam Preparation for the MCDST Certification

Target Audience
This hands-on lab prepares students who are currently providing end-user support in a Microsoft Windows XP operating environment with a review of the objectives covered on the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) certification exams. It is intended for current Windows XP end-user support personnel.

Pre-Requisites
Before attending this hands-on lab, students must have the following pre-requisites:Have experience with resolving issues for end users who are running Windows XP.Be employed in an end-user or helpdesk support role at the 200 level (this translates into Tier 2 or Tier 3 helpdesk staff).Have knowledge of configuring and using Microsoft Office applications.Have 50%-75% of the skills reflected in the preparation guides for exams 70-271 and 70-272.

Purpose
After completing this hands-on lab, students will be:Prepared to take exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System; this includes: Troubleshooting the installation of a Windows XP desktop operating system, managing and troubleshooting access to resources, configuring and troubleshooting hardware devices and drivers, configuring and troubleshooting the desktop and user environments, troubleshooting network protocols and services.Prepared to take exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System; this includes: configuring and troubleshooting applications, resolving issues related to usability, resolving issues related to application customization, configuring and troubleshooting connectivity for applications, configuring application security.

Course outline

1. Preparing for Exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
2. Preparing for Exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

Module 1:Preparing for Exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

• This session provides hands-on activities that review the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for MCDST exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.

• Installing Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional.
  
• Managing and Troubleshooting Access to Resources.
  
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers.
  
• Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop and User Environments.
  
• Managing and Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services.
  
• Session Review.
  

Module 2:Preparing for Exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

• This session provides hands-on activities that review the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for MCDST exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.

• Configuring and Troubleshooting Applications.
  
• Resolving Issues Related to Usability.
  
• Resolving Issues Related to Application Customization.
  
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Connectivity for Applications.
  
• Configuring Application Security.
  
• Session Review.