Anyone currently studying for MCSA 2012?

I am starting to study for MCSA 2012 and looking for someone that is currently studying it to bounce ideas off each other. If anyone is interested feel free to send me a message.

Thanks.

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unfbilly11

Is anyone on here currently studying for the 70-411? I would love to go through it with someone and review notes. There are a few things that I'm really having a tough time getting my head around. For example, Managed Service Accounts and SPNs...Also, pretty much everything in the Network Policy Server objectives. I feel like I have a good grasp on everything else besides these 2 sections.

Also, I have notes for the 70-410 that I would be willing to share with everyone if you'd like. They are in Evernote (I can export to .html format) but it looks like this forum only accepts a few different file types. I'd be happy to share if someone can show me a way.

ThePrimetimer

Been off this thread for a couple days. Kids and Life sure take up quite a bit.

At any rate, I would like to be added to the Google Hangouts. Not sure what I need to do, but let me know. This should be a good motivator to get me going to MCSA.

pjd007

mastermind2009 wrote: »

http://www.amazon.co.uk/70-410-Installing-Configuring-Windows-Server/dp/1118882318/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1400145426&sr=1-2&keywords=70-410+Installing+%26+Configuring+Windows+Server+2012+R2+Lab (still to be released )

@ £91 that seems quite expensive.

Shdwmage

MrJimbo19 wrote: »

I love to hear how this runs noise wise, I have been eyeing a similar box and have only dealt with the 2u and larger and noise on anything older than the g7 was kinda bad. thanks for any insight you may have!

Now that is setup and running I can tell you its not very loud. It's loud when you first turn it on, but I haven't had it under enough load to really need the fans to kick up.

MSSoftie

No worries with starting. MCSA is near entry level for servers. There is also a desktop MCSA which is also good but doesn't lead to MCSE. Sounds like you already have a lot on your plate though. The PMP is no joke.

Good Luck

EspiOne

I am re-using the PC I build for my Server 2008 Study.

AsROCK H87M Pro4
Xeon E-31220V3 @ 3.1Ghz
32GB Ram
1TB WD GREEN
AMD Radeon HD 6350 GPU, dual monitor connection (DMS-59 connector)
Thermatake Urban SD1
Thermatake TR-500 Watt PSU

$800 total.

Used some old 150GB Drivea to help with Caching and ISOs, as not use main drive for anything else but OS and VMs.

Installed Server Eval, Data Center 2012. 180 days.

With 32GB, I am applying 1Gb to 1.5 GB ram to each server and 512MB to each OS. Dynamic RAM.

I have set up 8 Servers.

Servers:
DC-1 (Domain) (DHCP/DNS)
DC-2 (Domain Rep)
WSUS (Update Server)
DP-1 (Deployment)
DP-2 (Deployment 2)
FILE (File Server)
CORE-1 (Read Only File)
CORE-2 (Read Only File)

Clients: (not set up yet)
3 to 4 Windows 7
3 to 4 Windows 8

Since I am actually study for 70-417, I will need to cover all 3 exam and cover alot more ground. Exam pack is for 417/415/416. So I will be looking at more Virualization.

I have additional set up 1 X200 Thinkpad with 8GB with 5 server VMs.

This is just the start, I will be working on apply roles to all the Servers and adding them to the domain. I will keep the forum posted.

MrJimbo19

Shdwmage wrote: »

Now that is setup and running I can tell you its not very loud. It's loud when you first turn it on, but I haven't had it under enough load to really need the fans to kick up.

Awesome, thanks for getting back to me.

hsvrunlover

I have been really trying to decide between the W8 and W7 versions of the MCSA.

Shdwmage

For the desktop OS i'd go with 7, for servers I am going with 2012 because we are getting ready to migrate here at work.

Snow.bros

FullTilt151 wrote: »

I focused my studying on the Zacker book along with a test lab. I failed. I dont think the book is in depth enough honestly. I have the mastering R2 book now.

It's really a dissapointment IMHO, if you want to use this book rather compliment it with 70-410 Training Guide and try and add in Technet as one of your material it really helps to get you prepared for the exam.

EspiOne

hsvrunlover,
I say take all the Win 7 Exam 780/785/786, then take the upgrade for both Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

I started out with 271/272 MCDST in XP, this allowed me to take 70-682, upgrade to Win7, thus allowed me to take 70-689. I am not sure if getting MCSA (680/685) allows you to take 70-689, but 70-686 does allow you to take 70-417, upgrade to Server 2012. (unfortunately the upgrade to Vista had expired, so I had to take 620/623, I thought about 622, but move on to Win7, call me a completest)

So you can look at the least exam route or more exam route.

Window 7, 680/685= MCSA + Windows 8, 689 = MCSA (need to ck whether you can take 70-689) Expiration on Win7 Exams, I am not sure.
Vs, Windows 7 680/685 = MCSA or Windows 8, 687/688 = MCSA

Windows 7, 686= EDA + Windows 2012, 417 = MCSA Server 2012.

Of course, 689 and 417 are bridge exams, Windows 8 is two part, 687/688, fail one part, fail entire exam.
Same with 417, I will be taking 417 in about 3 to 4 months.

I studied for 70-689 for close to 6 months, and passed on first try.

My two cents.

Asif Dasl

While it is possible to do 70-680/70-685/70-686 and then upgrade to MCSA 8.1 with 70-689 and to MCSA 2012 with 70-417.

I would really doubt that the MS Press 70-417 book is good enough to fill in the gaps required to pass the MCSA 2012 from MCITP:EDA.

That's just my opinion though.

EspiOne

Asif Dasl,
I would agree that the MS Press 70-417 book is not enough, I have also purchased the Sybex, although, books are not enough, I have and in the process of setting up my lab, (read previous post), I have used Server 2008 Hyper V to set up my lab since I began my study of Window 7 and Vista and then Windows 8. Now the last 5 months, my study of Server 2008, did not go so well, I did all the labs, and read like 4 books, MS Press and Sybex, but I will state that experience or the knowledge to know "where you need to go to make a change" counts a lot for those exams. I expect to run into the same issue with Server 2012, but I hope I did not leave my Server 2008 study without at least gaining some knowledge, hope that helps me as I move to Server 2012.

As a Desktop Support/Helpdesk, it has been very frustrating to be told "you don't work on the servers" when I have requested training on servers. So my experience only comes from hands on labs.

Thanks for your opinion.

Asif Dasl

You've got a nice lab there EspiOne!

Yeah, experience counts on these exams more than it should in my opinion - there should be something after MCSE which tests real life configuration (IMO). The books should be far better than they are but maybe if you used the Mastering Server 2012 R2 book by Mark Minasi then maybe you could pass 70-417 from MCITP:EDA first time.

But that's a big book, the MCSA 2012 R2 book from Sybex isn't out until September. Even then it's all over the place and only really suited for 70-417. Good luck with your exam anyways! Hopefully passing MCSA will get you some better hands-on work with servers.

EspiOne

Asif Dasl,
Thanks for the advice, I just realized that the Sybex Book I order is not R2,

[h=1]MCSA Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-410, 70-411, 70-412, and 70-417[/h]William Panek

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118544072,miniSiteCd-SYBEX.html , shoot, paid $63 for it.

I looked over the Mastering Server 2012 R2, only $35, so I ordered it. Thanks for the encouragement, I will keep the forum posted on my progress and any questions.

Shdwmage

EspiOne wrote: »

Asif Dasl,
Thanks for the advice, I just realized that the Sybex Book I order is not R2,

MCSA Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-410, 70-411, 70-412, and 70-417

William Panek

Sybex: MCSA Windows Server 2012 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-410, 70-411, 70-412, and 70-417 - William Panek , shoot, paid $63 for it.

I looked over the Mastering Server 2012 R2, only $35, so I ordered it. Thanks for the encouragement, I will keep the forum posted on my progress and any questions.

A lot of the material covered in the first book you ordered is still valid. The R2 update didn't bring a drastic changes and MS released a pretty good guide listing the changes you need to study.

Asif Dasl

Yeah Shdwmage is right, you could get by without the R2 version... September is a long time to wait just for that book. Have a read of the free Introducing Server 2012 R2 book from MS though. The Mastering Server 2012 R2 is supposed to be a good one, it's on my reading list after I've taken VCAP-DCA.

Free ebook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 - Microsoft Press - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

techu

Hi,

Im interesting in the group. pls add me.
I have already went through the reference exam book and plural sights videos, I am currently going through the mastering server 2012 book and watch the cbt nugget videos. I also have hyper v setup on my windows 8.1 to lab.

sbhawk

Hey guys, I am currently studying for the 70-410. I'm a domain admin in my 2008 R2 domain functional level. I work in and out with Server 2008 R2 all day.

I have a lab on my PC
AMD FX-8350 8-core CPU
16GB RAM
240GB SSD
2x2TB Raid 0 = 4TB
640GB HDD
AMD Radeon 5450HD
Win 8.1 Enterprise with Hyper-V
I also have a technet subscription

I am using the Sybex: Master Server 2012 R2 by Mark Menasi
VERY good book IMHO. However, there really is no designation for 70-410/411/412 material. It's just one gigantic book.

1. Can you invite me to google hangout?
2. Anyone using this book to study for the exam? If so, did you read the entire book then take each exam? Or take the 70-410 after certain chapters.

Much help appreciated! Good luck all!

techwizard

I too, am interested in the Windows Server 2012 hangout group. Please pm me or w/e I need to do to be added.

My prep material for the Windows Server 2012 (MCSA) track is as follows:

1) Testout's MCSA: Windows Server 2012 (I actually have the library suite, but it contains this) The courses for each exam module is roughly estimated at 43hrs each, for a total of approx. 129hrs.

2) Exam Ref 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2

3) Exam Ref 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012 R2

4) Exam Ref 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 R2 Services

5) Mastering Windows Server 2012 R2 (this book is a beast, can be used as a weapon, it is 1668 pages)

6) Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out: Configuration, Storage, & Essentials

I plan to attempt 1 month prep/sit for each exam, and hopefully get MCSA in 3 months. I have already started on the 70-410, and have put in approximately 8 of 43 hrs of 70-410 on testout's course. I have installed evaluation version of windows server 2012 on my VMware workstation machine. I have been following allong with the courses, attempting to reproduce some of the "labs" and such, and using the books to supplement the testout course.

FullTilt151

I'd like an invite to the group as well. Working on 410 now.

shyguyIT

Anyone wanting to join PM me your gmail address and I will send an invite.

kr1ps

Greetings,

I cant send you a message, its say i dont have permission to do that.

Plehar

Kr1ps, here the same. It seems that we need to have at least 10 posts to be able to use the PM system. (kind of spammers protection).
This is what I've received after the registration:
"To prevent new users from sending unwanted private messages to other members new member won't be able to use the PM functionality till they have 10 posts in the forums. (If you are an actual person with no intention to spam, reply to this message and we'll speed up the process. Note this is not required for posting in our forums.)"

Plehar

I would like to join the group too. Currently studding for 70-412. 410 & 411 already taken.

EspiOne

sbhawk wrote: »

Hey guys, I am currently studying for the 70-410. I'm a domain admin in my 2008 R2 domain functional level. I work in and out with Server 2008 R2 all day.

I have a lab on my PC
AMD FX-8350 8-core CPU
16GB RAM
240GB SSD
2x2TB Raid 0 = 4TB
640GB HDD
AMD Radeon 5450HD
Win 8.1 Enterprise with Hyper-V
I also have a technet subscription

I am using the Sybex: Master Server 2012 R2 by Mark Menasi
VERY good book IMHO. However, there really is no designation for 70-410/411/412 material. It's just one gigantic book.

1. Can you invite me to google hangout?
2. Anyone using this book to study for the exam? If so, did you read the entire book then take each exam? Or take the 70-410 after certain chapters.

Much help appreciated! Good luck all!

You may want to consider running your 2012 VMs LAB inside 2012, there may be some slight differences about running VMs in 2008 R2 and 2012 R2, which may be worth noting for the exams. I completely rebuild my VM enviroment. Installed 2012 R2 and just started making SysPreped 2012 R2 VMs from the ISO. I am using some 2008 R2 VMs also. The great thing about 2012 R2 VMs, is dynamic RAM, with 16GB, you can load them with 1GB to 1.5GB and turn off VMs if not used. Just a suggestion

daviddws

I've decided to dive into MCSA 2012 as well, with the end goal being a MCSE. I'm going to try and get all this done by December!

kr1ps

Yes,

I want to join.

sbhawk

EspiOne wrote: »

You may want to consider running your 2012 VMs LAB inside 2012, there may be some slight differences about running VMs in 2008 R2 and 2012 R2, which may be worth noting for the exams. I completely rebuild my VM enviroment. Installed 2012 R2 and just started making SysPreped 2012 R2 VMs from the ISO. I am using some 2008 R2 VMs also. The great thing about 2012 R2 VMs, is dynamic RAM, with 16GB, you can load them with 1GB to 1.5GB and turn off VMs if not used. Just a suggestion

I'm running my hyper-v manager on Windows 8.1 so it has the same features as 2012 R2 Hyper-V including NIC Teaming, Virtual Switches, Dynamic Memory, and Generation 2/VHDX VMs. You better believe there are benefits! Also, I'd be missing out on a large portion of the exam.

And just got word that I'll be getting 4 free sticks of 8GB = 32GB of RAM in my desktop. Just had a nerd moment. True story.

EspiOne

Got my copy of "Mastering Server 2012 R2" last week, WOW that is one thick book.

May sound like a simple answered question, but should I be using as a reference book or a guide book, I only ask because this gonna take me forever..

I have currently reading thu the MS Press and Sybex and working on some of the labs, but honestly most of the lab are installing Server and Server Core, which I already did. Getting thu, 70-410. But both books are for 70-417.

Any comments would be appreciated.