MCSE 2012 Track begins

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Hi All

thought I would share my experiences studying for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure 2012. I'm hoping that my 2003 studies, and on the job experience with NT4-2008 R2 as a Wintel Engineer will help make the 2012 exams as painless as possible.

I am going through the CBT Nuggets (Thanks work!) which are very good, run by James Conrad, sure most of us know him, really knows his stuff. I've also read the free kindle book "Introducing Server 2012" which can be found here, and bought this installing and configuring 2012 book here, which I have found to be also worth the money IMHO as I study best when I watch videos' at home, and mix some reading in when travelling, on my breaks in work etc.

The first thing I noticed after I got my 2012 VM setup, was how much has changed GUI wise from 2008. Peeking under the hood I've found everything I'm used to seeing, control panel, admin tools, network layouts etc, When you go into Start, which is also no longer visible, you have to go into the very bottom left of your screen for it to appear :S I've not seen Windows 8 but I believe this looks the same.

I have only installed a stand alone VM for the purposes of 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012. As my studies progress I will look at setting up a 2012 domain. First impressions are very good and I like how integrated 2012 is with Powershell.

I'll keep you updated on my progress and anything I've seen that helps me hopefully pass the exams. 70-410 booked for a week tomorrow :S

Cheers
James

 

Cheers mate. Top tip this far are the CBT Nuggets. If you've already worked with earlier Server OS's this deffo speeds up the old learning I've found. That said work paid for the Nuggets, I've not seen any other vendors but sure likes of Trainsignal will have good offerings. I suppose it just depends on what your employer has opted for or if you've got to pay how much they cost, thankfully I've not had to consider that on this occasion.

 

Yeah roles on demand etc, I am really enjoying studying for it. If its self funded mate price has to be a factor doesn't it. Unless you're doing really well contracting or something ha ha

 

Awesome thread mate, my turn to be inspired to kickstart my 70-410 studies.

 

Thanks all. Getting right into all of this again. A summary of what's new in 2012 can be found here. I am interested in understanding how this is a cloud focused OS. Cloud isn't all that new but my employer is focusing heavily now in this area so I figured its time I get with the program.

Dawn now that you're a published author I reckon some nice shiny new 2012 certificates would be the icing on the cake for you

Craigie you know me mate, if theres no pressure theres no motivation! A week today my good man. I've got a lot to get through but have 3 days off next week for it so taking it seriously. CBT Nuggets on 70-410 really are spot on though, not that they aren't usually, but I'm confident that between having my trial VM of 2012, the Nuggets and the book I mentioned I'll be able to pass this. Sometimes I need a few books and some white papers, websites, blogs etc but I already feel confident.

I recently found this free MS resource with links to a trial copy of the OS. It's got everything you need to get you started and can be done in your lunch break. My 2012 VM is just on VMware Workstation on my laptop at the moment because that's all you need for 70-410.

 

Cheers Shini. Do you ever being an admin mate? You were pretty bad ass as I recall

 

Yeah, I’m working on a Server 2012 migration just now and I have all the usual apps pinned on the desktop – looks weird!

Must be a better way!

 

A few things freak me out about the GUI but I'm putting that down to me being set in my ways ha ha. MS are really pushing Powershell on this aren't they mate. I like the way a lot of admin tools give you the option to display what you've just done in the GUI as PS Script tho, that is very cool.

 

Deffo mate – hopefully got another Server 2012 box going in next week as a replacement DC at a remote office.

I have Exchange 2013 running in the lab as well – big jump from 2010 as it is mostly all web based but I have found it slightly easier to setup from 2010 which can be quite cluttered in places.

 

Good work Cragie, I've always fancied knowing more about View, I hear its very good. Once my 2012 studies are done I am deffo getting stuck back into all things VMware. They have some cloud melarky to aim for now so thats probably a must.

Sparky you'll be adding Messaging expert to your long list of achievements if you haven't already my good fellow. I think I'd need to be able to stop time to learn everything I'd want to tho don't you think. The days are definitely shorter since I had kids :S

 

Thanks Onoski, I am similar although I skipped the 2008 exams and opted for 2012 as I suspect these might be my last MS certs, maybe, never say never. I want to concentrate on VMware and AD too so hopefully get some courses.

Studying is going well, just finished all of the Nuggets which were excellent. The modules on AD were a really good refresh which is what I wanted. I opted to start all of these exams from the start rather than upgrading as I figured it would be a good, one last refresh on things I should know inside out by now anyway. Looking forward to the exam on Thursday. I'll let you know how I get on