Next on my schedule - 219

Pavlov

Anybody have any thoughts on what the best way to prepare for the case study format would be? How similar to 217 is the content?

Webmaster

I'll list the main exam objectives and give my 2 cents:

Requirements:
- A 70-219 book (Personally I liked the New Riders training guide, but the MCSE Training Kit is a good start also, just be sure to get the errata) (a good place to search for the best price for text books would be www.certyourself.com/books.shtml)
- A fictional company (I'll try to give more details later)

1. Analyzing Business Requirements
Read, read, read. It doesn't matter if your experienced in this matter or not, you need to know this the MS way. Nothing technical in this part.

2. Analyzing Technical Requirements
This is all about assessing and analyzing network environments. I found it to be a bit similar to some CCDA topics. Also be very familiar with Performance Monitor and how to find bottlenecks (which counters to use).
Also know what impact ADS will have on management, support and (existing) applications (Exchange 2000)

3. Designing a Directory Service Architecture
This is a part where 70-217 knowledge can be helpful. Although it's more about 'what, where and how much of them' and not actually how to do it. It contains a LOT of DNS, some WINS even, planning of Group Policy (not which policy to use, but where to link it.), know the built-in group types and their characteristics (schema admins, enterpise admins), schema modification and last but not least: Design an Active Directory implementation plan(phased approach).

4. Designing Service Locations
This is also a part where 70-217 knowledge can be helpful. It's mostly about where to place servers/services such as DNS, DHCP, Domain Controllers, Global Catalog, FSMO's etc. while considering performance, fault tolerance, functionality, manageability, and interoperability.
Also know everything about FRS in large environments and site design.

I think the best way to prepare (prepare for the exam, but also for the real deal) is to create your own case/fictional company(ACME?) by taking parts of case studies you will find in books or on the MS site and make up employees with special requests, wishes or requirements. e.g. CEO(wants 2 new locations), network admin (want better security, centralized administration), Exchange Admin (doesn't want users to blame him anything during move to AD ), etc...

Hope this helps!

Case studies at MS
(these are not really like the exam cases but they get you thinking the right way.


Exam details/Objectives:

Cross

Here's my suggestion to you Pav.

I took the 219 and 221 exam for my MCSE. 219 was four cases if i recalled well enough and 48 or 49 questions. It's the easiest of all 3 design exams.

Not to give credit to Transcender but their cases were tougher and direct to preparing for the exam

Pavlov

Transcender was definitely more difficult than the actual test - passed it today with a 972

Cross

Close to perfection Pav. Congrads. One more for you to be MCSE

Pavlov

Decisions... Decisions...

Still contemplating that last one. Perhaps a poll is in order

Webmaster

Congrats Pavlov! Well done!

Carpe Porcus

Way to go Pav!

Congratulations on the pass, I will be sitting the exam in the next few weeks to finish off my MCSE.

Pavlov

You are going to do just fine on the 219 Carpe. Best to you when you finally take it. Be sure to let us know.