Microsoft Desktop Support PRO Windows 7 Enterprise Administration 70-686

Choosing the Proper SKU Activation Methods KMS vs. MAK Virtualization and Licensing Relevant Exam Objectives: Plan and manage client licensing and activation; Plan and manage a physical hardware and virtualization strategy Description: In this nugget we first learn what goes into selecting the correct Windows 7 edition for your organization. We then cover how the Windows 7 activation process works, paying particular attention to the Key Management Server (KMS) and Multiple Activation Key (MAK) methods. Finally, we examine how virtualization affects client licensing.

What is Virtualization? Microsoft Virtualization Options Physical vs. Virtual Desktop Environments Deploying Native Boot VHDs Relevant Exam Objectives: Plan and manage a physical hardware and virtualization strategy Description: In this nugget we cover virtualization from the ground up, first considering the question, "What is virtualization, and how does it work?" We then launch into a detailed discussion and demonstration of the major Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) offerings, including Remote Desktop Services (RDS), Hyper-V, and System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM).

Customizing the Reference Image About ImageX and Sysprep Testing the Customized Image About the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Relevant Exam Objectives: Design a custom image Description: In this nugget we extend upon what we covered in the previous nugget. That is, we learn how to customize and deploy a reference image. Relevant tools include Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE), ImageX, Sysprep, and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) solution accelerators.

Desktop Usage Profiles GPO Processing Deploying Standard System Settings Relevant Exam Objectives: Design standard system settings Description: In this nugget we cover some common methods that IT administrators apply consistent security and user experience settings to the Windows 7 desktops that they manage. Therefore, we will cover common desktop usage scenarios as well as how best to deploy Group Policy to accomplish our management goals.

Managing Privacy Settings Administering Security Settings Implementing Compatibility Features Understanding Accelerators Deploying IE 8 with the IEAK Relevant Exam Objectives: Define Windows Internet Explorer settings; Identify and resolve Internet Explorer issues; Identify and resolve authentication and authorization issues Description: In this nugget we perform a deep-dive into the new features of Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Web browser. By the end of this nugget you will fully understand how to apply privacy settings, security zones, compatibility features, and Accelerators to improve the security and user experience with IE 8. To ensure IE 8 consistency across your domain, we will conclude this nugget by learning how to deploy IE 8 by using the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK).

How LTI Works Planning Considerations for LTI Using the MAP Toolkit Relevant Exam Objectives: Design a lite-touch deployment strategy Description: In this nugget we learn all about Lite-Touch Installation (LTI), one of the two primary deployment mechanisms on which you will be tested on the 70-686 exam. Here we will consider how to plan for LTI, as well as how to implement previously mentioned Microsoft tools to actually perform Lite-Touch installations of Windows 7.

What is User State? Migrating User State with WET Migrating User State with USMT Relevant Exam Objectives: Design a user state migration strategy Description: Installing a "loaded" Windows 7 operating system with standard applications and settings is one thing--migrating the user's documents and settings from their previous environment is another. Therefore, in this nugget we learn how to use the Windows Easy Transfer (WET) tools as well as the User State Migration Tools (USMT) to make user state migration as straightforward and snag-free as possible.

Creating Shims with the ACT Deploying RDS RemoteApps Relevant Exam Objectives: Manage application compatibility Description: In this nugget we introduce a two-part mini-series on mitigating application compatibility problems in Windows 7. Specifically we cover two technologies here: the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT), and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) RemoteApps.

2007 Office System Editions Deployment Process Overview Using the Office Customization Tool (OCT) Relevant Exam Objectives: Design a delivery or deployment strategy Description: If you work in a Microsoft shop, then dollars to donuts you need to deploy and maintain the 2007 Office System. In this nugget we examine the Microsoft best practices for doing so. Topics include differentiating the manifold Office 2007 editions, deployment planning process, and use of the Office Customization Tool (OCT) and deployment points.

Migrating from Windows XP Hardware Incompatibilities Disappearing Applications Internet Explorer 8 Relevant Exam Objectives: Analyze the environment and choose appropriate deployment methods Description: We complete this nugget series by examining on a meta-level some common pitfalls IT administrators have in migrating their desktop infrastructure to Windows 7. Specifically, we will address XP to 7 migration, addressing hardware incompatibilities, the case of applications and features that were removed by Microsoft in the Windows 7 release, and finally some Internet Explorer 8 mitigation strategies.