What You'll Learn

• Key topics and concepts tested on the MCSA exams
• Structure of the Microsoft MCSA exams and the most effective test-taking strategies
• Use the Transcender test-preparation software to reinforce learning objectives, validate current knowledge, and review the most comprehensive and realistic exam questions
• Pinpoint your weak areas and strengthen them to ensure success on the MCSA exams

Course Outline

Microsoft Windows Server 2003

Title 1: Windows 2003 Server Features

This title introduces you to the Windows 2003 family, details the hardware requirements, and describes the new features of Windows Server 2003.

Title 2: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2003

Learn the pre-installation checks and installation methods for Windows Server 2003. After installation, learn about the computer management console, use the Manage the Server wizard, and understand Active Directory naming conventions.

Title 3: Understanding Active Directory and Managing Users

Learn Active Directory terminology and discover the benefits of a directory service. Explore grouping domains into a tree and trees into a forest. Learn how to organize resources and user accounts within the directory into organizational units. Combine organizational units into domains and create trees or forests using domains.

Title 4: Using Group Policy and Managing File Systems

Explore a powerful new feature, Group Policy. Learn how to create domain and organizational unit policies to control the user's desktop environment, install software, distribute logon and logoff scripts, and enforce security settings on Windows 2003 computers on your network. Also understand the new features of the file system including volumes partitions and types of hard disks. Learn how to configure user disk quotas and the Volume Shadow Copy Service.

Title 5: Security and File and Print Sharing

Learn the internal security features built into Windows Server 2003. Explore new methods of authentication using smart cards and new dial-in method occasion levels. Gain an understanding of the various devices Windows 2003 uses to provide security on both the host computer and the network. Learn how Windows 2003 uses security tokens, NTLM, Kerberos, and smart cards to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. Identify the means by which Windows 2003 controls access to user files and folders. Configure files and folders for various permissions. Encrypt files and folders to prevent unauthorized access. Understand how Windows 2003 uses Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) to provide secure transmission of data over a network. Learn how to share and manage shared folders through the directory. Add printers to the directory and move printer objects throughout the directory tree. Learn proper offline file configuration.

Title 6: IIS and Assigning IP Addresses

Explore the new features of IIS 6.0. Learn how to properly install and configure application services and understand e-mail protocols and services bundled in Windows Server 2003. Learn how to setup, configure and maintain DHCP on a Windows 2003 network and explore the new features of both services. In addition, find out how to configure a scope for assigning addresses, understand the concept of host names and their relationship to the domain tree, and learn about zone databases and how they are populated. Three labs are associated with this title: Assigning IP Addresses and Using DHCP, DNS Operations in a Small Organization, and DNS Operation in the Enterprise.

Title 7: DNS Infrastructure

Explore the configuration and setup of the domain name servers including name resolution domain, name resolution, and the creation of forward and reverse lookup zones. Take a look at the integration of DNS in Active Directory with directory integrated zones, then explore the delegation of subdomains and the process of querying root servers and following referrals throughout the DNS infrastructure. Explore new features of Windows Server 2003 including conditional forwarding and the creation of stubs zones.

Title 8: Active Directory Domains and Domain Controllers

Discover the Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) and its role in a domain, and learn to use Active Director Sites and Services manager to define and configure sites throughout a forest. Learn how to achieve operability between directories and how to synchronize directory services from vendors to work with Active Directory.

Title 9: Terminal Server and Troubleshooting

Explore the differences and similarities between Telnet service and Terminal Services. Learn the benefits of Terminal Services, how to configure users and servers, and hardware and bandwidth requirements. Step through the process of installing a terminal server and related software. Explore data encryption levels and the terminal server's remote control feature. Troubleshoot booting up and learn to repair the system.

Microsoft Windows XP

Title 1: Installing, Imaging, and Deploying Windows XP Professional

Learn the new features, design, and licensing requirements of Windows XP. Learn how to execute and configure user-mode applications. Understand the structure of Windows XP, kernel-mode services, multiple processor support, advantages and disadvantages of the different file systems. Learn the hardware requirements for Windows XP, and explore the different installation methods available as well as the steps necessary to remove Windows XP.

Title 2: Configuring Windows XP

Configure Windows XP starting at the Explorer shell and taking an in-depth look at the folder and file structure. Learn about the functionality available using Control Panel. Learn how to use the Task Manager with the new functionality provided with the Users and the Networking tab. Learn about the registry hives and how to use the integrated registry editor, Regedit. Understand registry infrastructure and how to backup and restore registry hives. Learn how to use the Program Compatibility Wizard and the benefits of using the application compatibility toolkit.

Title 3: Windows XP Workgroups and LAN/WAN Connectivity

Get a solid introduction to creating and managing users and groups. Learn about the built-in user accounts and their restrictions. Create a local account and set user rights. Learn about network concepts in Windows XP Professional and how to use TCP/IP and built-in tools. Understand NetWare connectivity features and the Internet Services features. Learn about the new networking features as they apply to both the workgroup and the domain infrastructure. Features include network bridging, using the files and settings transfer wizard, and wireless networking concepts.

Title 4: Windows XP and Active Directory, Group Policies, and Security Settings

Get a firm understanding about Active Directory from the client's perspective and how to administrate Active Directory from an XP client. Learn how to deploy group policies and software restrictions on XP clients.

Title 5: Managing Windows XP Mobile Clients and File Systems

Understand of the features available to mobile clients and the use of offline files and folders. Also understand the NTFS file system and its advanced features including dynamic disks, windows file protection, and how to use the Disk Management Console.

Title 6: Windows XP Security

Take a look at the process of local security and hardening the local computer system. Understand the security model and the use of encryption in Windows XP. Get an overview of object access including NTFS permissions and shares.

Title 7: Windows XP Remote capabilities and Services

Learn how to use the remote desktop and remote assistant features of Windows XP Create and use dial-up connections. Connect clients to the Internet through connection sharing. Learn how to use secure connections with PPTP and IP security. Learn about the core services executing below the hood of Windows XP.

Title 8: Troubleshooting, Monitoring, and Fine Tuning Windows XP

Understand the Windows XP boot process and how to create a fault tolerant boot disk. Use Safe Mode, Recovery Console, and Performance Monitor. Install a local printer and connect to a network printer. Learn how to share a local printer and troubleshoot print resources.

Microsoft Implementing Windows 2003 Networking

Title 1: Windows 2003 Networking Primer

Learn Windows 2003 Networking basics including: Selecting a Windows 2003 Operating System, the Domain Name System, Implementing the Windows 2003 Network, and Windows 2003 Protocols. In an installation lab, learn to configure the computer after it has been installed by an image, install the Windows 2003 Support Tools to the server, install the Windows 2003 Resource Kit to the server, and configure the computer to join a test domain. Also, learn Windows 2003 protocols and how to select a Windows 2003 operating system and implement the Windows 2003 Network.

Title 2: Windows 2003 Networking Services Part I: TCP/IP, Microsoft QoS, and Network Management

Discover IP addressing, QoS, and the concept of Network Management. First, master the process of identifying number formats and get a description of address classes. Learn about Internet Protocol Addresses, Assigning IP Addresses, Classless Interdomain Routing, Supernetting, and Variable-Length Subnet Mask. Learn the purpose of QoS, QoS components, the QoS process, and how QoS works in an organization's network. After completing the section on TCP/IP addressing, you will be able to convert IP addresses to binary, determine the subnet mask needed based on network specification, and answer questions using VLSM. In addition, learn to manage your network using Windows 2003. After completing the lab on analyzing network traffic you will be able to install and configure Network Monitor on the computer and run the SNMP utility from the Windows 2003 Resource Kit. You will learn Simple Network Management Protocol, Monitoring Networks, other Network Monitors, and analyzing Data Packets.

Title 3: Windows 2003 Networking Services Part II: DHCP

Learn to manage IP addresses and leases via DHCP. The labs demonstrate how to install and configure DHCP as well as how to set up scopes and run network monitor. You will learn Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, installing DHCP, MADCAP, and DHCP storage information.

Title 4: Windows 2003 Networking Services Part III: DNS

Learn to install and configure a DNS server and its components, which include zone and cache-only servers. The lab demonstrates how to install and configure DNS and describes the function of primary and secondary servers. You will learn the Domain Name System, Database Management, DNS services, DNS logs, Aging and Scavenging, Domain Controllers, configuring DNS Advanced Options, and DNS troubleshooting.

Title 5: Windows 2003 Networking Services Part IV: WINS

In this title, explore WINS and WINS characteristics, characteristics of NetBIOS, and name resolution and name renewal. The lab demonstrates how to install and configure WINS for operation in a network. You will learn Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS), if you need WINS, Windows Internet Naming Service server configuration, and how to manage the Windows Internet Naming Service Database.

Title 6: Windows 2003 Networking Services Part V: Network Traffic Security

This title describes various cryptographic algorithms and how data encryption keeps network traffic private. The labs demonstrate how to enable encryption via IPSec and apply various security policies. You will learn algorithms, Microsoft Certificate Services, installing Certificate Services, and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec).

Title 7: Windows 2003 Networking Services Part VI: Remote Networking and Routing

Learn about remote access options, RRAS, and RADIUS. Configure connections and explore authentication logs. In the lab on installing and configuring remote access you will learn to explain routing and remote access features, configure the dial-in server, configure setting on the client computer and server, establish the connection between the client and the server. You will learn Remote Access, Wide Area Network Technologies, Remote Access Protocols, Remote Access Security, Managing Remote Access, and Authentication Management. Learn the implementation and configuration of TCP/IP routing in Windows 2003. You will learn TCP/IP Routing, Router Strategies, TCP/IP Filters, Routing and Remote Access Services, Network Address Translation, and the implementation of Windows 2003 supported routing protocols such as RIP and OSPF.

Title 8: Windows 2003 Internet Services, RIS Services, and Interoperability

Discover the new features of IIS 6.0 as well as how to configure those that are most commonly used. Explore several of the new security wizards available in IIS 6.0, and get detailed information about the administrative architecture of IIS 6.0, including the different types of scripts that are available and the role of ASPs.

After the lab on completing and securing a web site, you will be able to create a web site, configure IIS to make the site available, and create security for the management web page on your web site. You will learn Internet Information Server 6.0, Administrative Architecture, Programmability Architecture, publishing on a Web Site, and configuring IIS 6.0. Learn to install and configure an RIS server and how to create the riprep image. You'll also learn how to integrate Windows 2003 with other operating systems such as UNIX, Macintosh, and Novell. You will learn integrating Windows with other operating systems, Network File Sharing, using LPR/LPD to Print, integrating Windows with NetWare, Service Advertising Protocol, and Microsoft and Apple Integration.

Microsoft Windows 2003 Security

Title 1: Windows 2003 Security Concepts and Hacker Threats

Get a solid introduction to security including physical and network security. Learn Windows 2003 security terminology and concepts including the use of access and permissions. View a demonstration lab that puts these concepts to use. Use the Windows 2003 Active Directory database to manage information for Windows 2003 domains. Understand the organization of domains into trees and forests. Learn about objects and their permissions. Get an introduction to some of the tools hackers can use to threaten the security of a network.

Title 2: Configuring User Accounts and Groups

Get an understanding of user accounts and groups in Windows 2003 systems. Learn about default user accounts and compare domain and local accounts. Understand the use of groups in Windows 2003. Learn about security principals and the difference between domain and local accounts. Understand the proper way to deploy groups and the new group membership rules in active directory.

Title 3: Configuring File Permissions

Learn how to properly set up and deploy file permissions on the NTFS file system. Understand the tools available to view and change permissions. Use the new centralized permission configuration tool for easier analysis of deployed permissions.

Title 4: Active Directory Security

Learn about the Active Directory design principles including forests and trees and the proper placement of domain controllers. Learn about delegating management at the OU level and how to define trusts between domains.

Title 5: Setting Enterprise Policy Using Group Policy

Learn about the use of Group Policy in Windows 2003 systems. Get an overview of the benefits of using Group Policy and learn the objects it can be applied to. Learn about the predefined Group Policies. Understand script configuration and the application of Group Policy. View demonstration labs that put these concepts to use.

Title 6: Security Policies and Authenticating Users

Get an overview of the use of access tokens and permissions in Windows 2003. Understand the differences between encryption methods. Learn about trusted third parties, public key certificates, and Kerberos tickets, and view demonstration labs that put these concepts to use. Learn how to define security for users and computer systems using the group policy editor. Learn how to properly define user rights and security options and to properly define logon security policies and audit policies for your Active Directory domains. Compare the traditional NTLM Windows NT authentication method and the new Kerberos Windows 2003 authentication method. Learn the security measures involved in configuring Kerberos and the various elements behind key strength.

Title 7: Configuring and Using Certificate Services

Explore public key cryptosystems, and learn which makes up a public and private key pair and how they are generated. Learn how this key pair is used in issuing certificates and how to determine if a certificate is authentic. View a demonstration lab that shows you how to install Microsoft Certificate Services and how to manage certificates locally.

Title 8: Smart Cards and File Encryption

Learn about the use of smart cards for authentication in Windows 2003 systems. Learn how smart card readers are installed and how smart cards are configured for user logon. Understand how smart cards are used for e-mail encryption and web transactions. Understand the process of encrypting files and adding a data recovery agent.

Title 9: SSL, TLS, and Signatures

Learn about shared secret keys and public key cryptography and how to configure outlook with certificates for secure e-mail communications. Learn about secure socket layer, transport layer security, and deployment steps.

Title 10: Authentication, Encryption, and VPNs

Learn how to set up a wireless LAN authentication and port base authentication.
Learn what makes network security vulnerable to attack. Find out how to guard your system from data capture, message stream modification, and replay attacks. Understand the use of protocols for encrypting and authenticating data. Learn how data is encapsulated using IPSec in tunnel mode. Configure an IP Security Policy and monitor security associations with the IPSecMon utility. Understand the overhead costs of authentication and encryption and how security lockdown can affect some basic services. Set up a virtual private network using the point-to-point tunneling protocol and L2TP encapsulation.

Title 11: Network Authentication and ISA Server

Learn about the dial-in access features of Windows Server 2003 lead and how to a radius server for back-end authentication. Set up remote access policies. Learn about the Internet security and Acceleration server that works with Windows Server 2003 as a basic firewall proxy and caching server.