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MCSA Microsoft Windows 8.1 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-687, 70-688, and 70-689

ISBN: 978-1-118-55687-0
672 pages
May 2015
MCSA Microsoft Windows 8.1 Complete Study Guide: Exams 70-687, 70-688, and 70-689 (1118556879) cover image

Description

Comprehensive, hands-on study guide for the Microsoft Windows 8.1 exams

The MCSA: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Complete Study Guide is a comprehensive package loaded with educational study tools, including a pre-assessment test, hands-on exercises, hundreds of review questions, exclusive practice exam questions, electronic flashcards, and over an hour of author-led videos. For IT students and professionals, getting certified on Microsoft Windows 8.1 can mean huge career opportunities. Over 90% of all personal computing devices run on Windows, and those certified on the newest version will be in high demand. This comprehensive resource prepares candidates to master all the exam objectives for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8.1 exams 70-687 and 70-688, as well as the Upgrade exam 70-689.

Through real-world scenarios and hands-on exercises, readers are given a solid background in the most essential concepts they need to know for exams. The book guides readers through installing and upgrading to Windows 8.1, configuring hardware and applications, configuring network connectivity and access to resources, monitoring and maintaining Windows clients, and more. This resource's specialized, practical focus is also a benefit to IT help desk and user support professionals who are simply looking to upgrade their skills in Windows.

  • Serves as an comprehensive, practical study guide for those preparing for their MCSA: Windows 8.1 certification
  • Covers all exam objectives and includes invaluable study tools
  • Guides readers through the installation, deployment, upgrading, and maintenance of Windows 8.1
  • Offers educational benefits for professionals looking to improve their Windows 8.1 knowledge and skills

MCSA: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Complete Study Guide promises not only to prepare readers for the MCSA: Windows 8.1 exams, but also for the scenarios and challenges they will encounter professionally once certification has been obtained.

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Table of Contents

Introduction xxvii

Assessment Test xl

Chapter 1 Introducing Windows 8.1 1

Navigating Windows 8.1 2

Using Gestures 4

Using Charms 5

Using Tiles 5

Using Alt Menus 6

Using the Start Menu 6

Showing Administrative Tools 7

Snapping Apps 9

Using Windows 8.1 Shortcuts 10

Understanding Authentication and Authorization 12

Account Types 12

PIN and Picture Passwords 15

Using the Windows Command Prompt 17

Launching the Command Prompt 17

Launching with Administrator Privileges 18

Command Prompt Basics 19

Using runas 23

System Variables 24

Commands and Paths 25

Using Copy and Paste with the Command Prompt 33

Capturing the Output 35

Creating a Batch File 35

Using Windows PowerShell and the PowerShell ISE 38

Windows PowerShell ISE 39

PowerShell Command Overview 42

Verbs and Nouns 44

Sending Output to a Text File 44

PowerShell Syntax 45

Running PowerShell Commands 48

Running PowerShell Scripts 49

Just a Glimpse 51

Summary 52

Exam Essentials 52

Review Questions 54

Chapter 2 Planning the Windows 8.1 Installation 59

Choosing a Windows 8.1 Edition 60

Windows RT and the Surface Tablet 63

Software Assurance 64

Evaluating Hardware and Compatibility Requirements 64

Considering x86 and x64 (32-Bit and 64-Bit) 65

Determining Screen Resolution 65

Choosing Between an Upgrade and a Clean Install 66

Windows.old Folder 67

Upgrade Paths 67

Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant 68

Upgrade vs. Migration 69

Designing an Operating System Installation Strategy 70

Windows 8.1 Images 71

Design Considerations 78

Summary 82

Exam Essentials 83

Review Questions 85

Chapter 3 Installing Windows 8.1 89

Performing a Local Installation 90

Installing and Configuring Windows To Go 94

Installing Windows To Go 95

Configuring Windows To Go 96

Using Command-Line Tools 97

Creating and Installing a VHD 99

Designing a Solution for User Settings 102

User Profiles 103

Folder Redirection 107

User Experience Virtualization 109

Migrating User Data 109

Windows Easy Transfer 110

User State Migration Tool 112

Folder Redirection for Migration 122

Summary 122

Exam Essentials 123

Review Questions 124

Chapter 4 Using Virtualization Technologies 129

Understanding Virtualization and Hyper-V 130

Reviewing Requirements for Hyper-V 132

Enabling Hyper-V 134

Configuring Virtual Switches 135

Creating Virtual Machines 138

Creating a VM for Windows 8.1 140

Installing Windows 8.1 in a VM 142

Creating a VM for Windows Server 2012 143

Installing Windows 2012 in a VM 144

Configuring Windows Server 2012 145

Promoting a Server to a DC 148

Joining Your Windows 8.1 System to a Domain 151

Logging On to the Domain 153

Creating and Manipulating Snapshots 154

Comparing Test and Production Networks 157

Configuring Virtual Machines 158

Designing a Virtual Application Strategy 159

Remote Desktop Services 160

Comparing RemoteApp and RemoteFX 161

Understanding App-V 162

Summary 162

Exam Essentials 163

Review Questions 164

Chapter 5 Networking 169

Understanding Network Connectivity in an Enterprise 170

Unicast, Multicast, and Broadcast 172

Understanding IP Addresses 173

IPv4 vs. IPv6 178

Resolving Names to IP Addresses 182

Basic Commands Used with Networking 185

Using the Network and Sharing Center 192

Understanding Network Locations Profiles 193

Configuring Network Locations 196

Configuring HomeGroup Settings 197

Configuring a Wired Network Interface Card 200

Configuring Wireless Network Settings 202

Resolving Connectivity Issues 210

Verifying Hardware and Cabling 211

Using Command Prompt Tools for Troubleshooting 213

Troubleshooting and Resolving Name Resolution Issues 214

Summary 216

Exam Essentials 216

Review Questions 218

Chapter 6 Windows Firewall and Remote Access 223

Configuring Windows Firewall 224

Firewall Limitations 227

Windows Firewall Exceptions 227

Windows Firewall with Advanced Security 229

Enabling a Port 232

Enabling a Protocol 234

Configuring Authenticated Exceptions 236

Configure Connection Security Rules (IPsec) 238

Configuring Remote Management 241

Remote Access Overview 241

Choosing the Appropriate Remote Management Tools 242

Configuring Remote Management Settings 243

Configuring Remote Desktop Settings 247

Configuring Remote Authentication 248

Connecting to a Remote System with Remote

Desktop Connection 251

Supporting VPNs 254

DirectAccess 258

BranchCache 258

Supporting Mobile Devices 260

Sync Center 261

Supporting Broadband 263

Summary 264

Exam Essentials 265

Review Questions 267

Chapter 7 Managing Windows 8.1 in a Domain 271

Workgroups vs. Domains 272

Domain Controllers 272

Joining a Domain 273

Authentication and Authorization in a Domain 275

Authentication 276

Authorization 276

Using Group Policy in a Domain 283

Group Policy and the GPMC 284

Group Policy Scope 286

Group Policy Nodes 288

Group Policy Settings 290

Summary 292

Exam Essentials 292

Review Questions 293

Chapter 8 Users and Groups 297

Overview of Windows 8.1 User Accounts 298

Account Types 299

Built-in Accounts 300

Local and Domain User Accounts 301

Logging On and Logging Off 302

Using Local User Logon Authentication 302

Signing Out of Windows 8.1 303

Working with User Accounts 303

Using the Local Users and Groups Utility 304

Using the User Accounts Option in Control Panel 306

Creating New Users 307

Disabling User Accounts 311

Deleting User Accounts 312

Renaming User Accounts 313

Changing a User’s Password 314

Managing User Properties 315

Managing User Group Membership 316

Setting Up User Profiles, Logon Scripts, and Home Folders 317

Troubleshooting User Account Authentication 322

Troubleshooting Local User Account Authentication 322

Using, Creating, and Managing Groups 323

Using Built-in Groups 324

Creating Groups 328

Managing User and Computer Groups in Intune 332

Summary 333

Exam Essentials 333

Review Questions 334

Chapter 9 Managing Security 339

Managing Security 340

Managing Security Configurations 340

Group Policy Processing 341

Using the Group Policy Results Tool 342

Group Policy Caching 343

Managing and Applying LGPOs 343

Configuring Local Security Policies 346

Support Authentication and Authorization by Using Account Policies 347

Using Local Policies 354

Configuring User Account Control 363

Managing Privilege Elevation 363

Registry and File Virtualization 366

Using Advanced Security Options 366

Configuring the Action Center 367

Performing a Manual Scan 367

Configuring Windows Defender 369

Other Security Options 371

Using BitLocker Drive Encryption 373

Understanding Smart Cards 374

Managing File and Folder Security 375

Folder Options 375

Securing Access to Files and Folders 379

Managing Network Access 380

Creating Shared Folders 380

Configuring Share Permissions 382

HomeGroup 383

Using Windows Update 383

Using System Center 2012 386

Microsoft System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection 386

Summary 386

Exam Essentials 387

Review Questions 388

Chapter 10 Managing Files and Disks on Windows 8.1 393

Understanding Files and Folders 394

File Basics 394

About Folders 396

Configuring Folder Sharing 399

Advanced Sharing Options 402

Using Public Folders 402

Advanced Sharing 403

Configuring OneDrive 404

Configuring HomeGroups 405

Managing File and Folder Security 410

Folder Options 410

Securing Access to Files and Folders 414

Determining Effective Permissions 419

Viewing Effective Permissions 420

Determining NTFS Permissions for Copied or Moved Files 421

Managing Network Access to Folders 421

Creating Shared Folders 422

Configuring Share Permissions 423

Dynamic Access Control 424

NTFS Auditing 425

Supporting Data Security by Using EFS 426

Managing Local Storage 427

Managing Disk Volumes and Filesystems 428

Configuring Disk Quotas 430

Managing Storage Spaces 432

Supporting Data Storage 433

Monitoring System Performance 434

Configuring Indexing Options 435

Controlling Access to Removable Media 438

BitLocker and BitLocker To Go 438

Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring 440

Summary 440

Exam Essentials 441

Review Questions 442

Chapter 11 Managing Windows 8.1 Hardware and Printers 447

Configuring Devices and Device Drivers 448

Signed and Unsigned Drivers 455

Installing, Updating, and Disabling Drivers 457

Managing Driver Packages 462

Resolving Driver Issues 463

Rolling Back Drivers 464

Configuring Driver Settings 465

Installing and Sharing Printers 466

Adding and Connecting to Printers 467

Connecting to a Shared Printer 470

Configure Location-Aware Printing 474

Monitoring and Managing Print Servers 476

NFC Tap-to-Pair 477

Summary 478

Exam Essentials 478

Review Questions 480

Chapter 12 Monitoring System Performance and Recovery 485

Using Task Manager 486

Reviewing the Enhancements 486

Task Manager 487

Using Task Manager 490

Remediating Startup Issues by Using the Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit 498

Using Event Viewer 498

Configuring Event Logs 499

Analyzing Event Logs 500

Configuring Event Subscriptions 502

Resolving Hardware and Device Issues 504

Using Performance Monitor 506

Data Collector Sets 509

Accessing and Using Reports 512

Using Resource Monitor 512

Optimizing Performance by Using Windows Performance Toolkit 513

Xperf.exe 513

XperfView.exe 514

Xbootmgr.exe 514

Windows Performance Recorder 515

Troubleshooting Boot Issues 517

Using System Recovery Options 518

Summary 520

Exam Essentials 521

Review Questions 522

Chapter 13 Recovery and Backup Options 527

System Protection 528

Enabling System Protection 528

File Recovery 531

Using File History 531

Creating a Recovery Drive 540

Summary 541

Exam Essentials 541

Review Questions 542

Chapter 14 Installing and Configuring Applications 547

Windows Store 548

Using the Windows Store 549

Navigating the Windows Store 550

Using Windows Intune 555

Supporting Desktop Apps 557

Configuring Application Restrictions 560

Summary 561

Exam Essentials 561

Review Questions 562

Appendix A Answers to Review Questions 565

Chapter 1 566

Chapter 2 568

Chapter 3 569

Chapter 4 571

Chapter 5 574

Chapter 6 575

Chapter 7 577

Chapter 8 578

Chapter 9 580

Chapter 10 581

Chapter 11 582

Chapter 12 584

Chapter 13 585

Chapter 14 586

Index 589

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Author Information

Jeffrey R. Shapiro, MSCD, MCT, MCSE, MCITP, has been involved with Microsoft in infrastructure — servers, desktops and networks — and software for more than 20 years. He has taught many courses on MCSE (NT 4.0, Windows Server 2000-2012), MCITP (Windows XP, Windows 8 and 8.1, SQL Server, IIS, Active Directory and more), MCSD (Visual Basic, C#, ASP, ASP.NET and the .NET Framework), networking fundamentals, and network security. Jeffrey has authored, coauthored, or contributed on more than 20 IT books. Darril Gibson is a veteran trainer who holds Microsoft, CompTIA, and (ISC)2 certifications. He has authored or coauthored more than 30 books.

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