The Microsoft Learning Solutions group announced this week that it will be retiring the two upgrade exams for Windows 2000 next year, these exams are:

• Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003 for an MCSA already certified on Windows 2000
• Exam 70-296: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining Windows Server 2003 for an MCSE already certified on Windows 2000.

The official retirement of those exams will happen on 30 March 2008

Microsoft is encouraging users to take the exams soon if they want to upgrade and are offering those who take the upgrade and pass the exams 40 percent off the Windows 2003 to “Longhorn” upgrade exams when they are available.

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NOTE: Microsoft no longer retires certifications and doesn’t require recertification to maintain certification status

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Apple has updated its Boot Camp technology to provide support for the 32-bit version of Vista enabling Windows to load on a Mac, the necessary drivers are included to make Vista work with the Intel hardware in the latest Apple Macs.

The latest release also features an automatic update that lets Windows users keep their Apple drivers and other Mac software up to date and includes support for the Apple remote control from within Windows.

For more information on the Boot Camp technology CLICK HERE.

The Associated Press has recently reported that at least two US federal government agencies are refusing to upgrade their desktop and laptop computers with the new Microsoft Windows Vista operating system

Dan Mintz the Transportation Department’s chief information officer has been quoted as writing a memo to all staff stating that there is “no compelling technical or business case” to upgrade desktop and laptop computers to the new Windows Vista operating system, Office 2007 and Internet Explorer 7.

Technology staff will be busy with the agency’s move to a new headquarters and concerns over hardware, software and labour costs along with compatibility issues and limited funding are just some of the reasons he has given not to upgrade

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a worthwhile addition to the resume and an important step towards career progression for many networking professionals.This certification provides employers with a measure to identify qualified individuals who have the appropriate skills to be successful and earn recognition in the industry.

To achieve CCNA two options are available

The Two exam track

• INTRO – Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies exam 640-821, available until 6 November 2007

or

ICND1 – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 exam 640-822, available from 1 August 2007

• ICND – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices exam 640-821, available until 6 November 2007

or

ICND2 – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 exam 640-816, available from 1 August 2007

The Composite one exam track

• 640-802 CCNA, available from 1 August 2007

or

640-801 CCNA, available until 6 November 2007

.

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Candidates who choose to go the two-exam route will be able to “mix and match” between the current and new exams until the older ones expire

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The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) demonstrates that a network professional has the knowledge and skills required to manage Routers and Switches that form the network core, as well as edge applications that integrate voice, wireless, and security into the network.

The CCNP certification is designed for:

• Network and System Administrators
• Network and System Support Engineers
• Software Engineers
• Technical consultants

Required Exams

To achieve CCNP you must already have a valid CCNA qualification

In addition four further exams are needed, these are outlined below:

• Exam 642-825 - Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)

• Exam 642-845 – Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)

Plus a choice of:

• Exam 642-901 – Building Scalable Cisco Inter-networks (BSCI)

Plus

• Exam 642-812 – Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)

or

• Composite exam 642-892

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is is a widely recognised technical certification providing the skills to design, implement and administer a Windows based infrastructure.including Windows 2000, XP Professional and Windows Server 2003.The MCSE is designed for:

• Systems engineers

• Network engineers

• Technical support engineers

• Systems analysts

• Network analysts

• Technical consultants

The MCSE on Windows Server 2003 must pass seven exams, these include:

• One Core Client System Exam:

Install, Configure & Administer Windows XP Professional – exam: 70-270

• Four Core Network System Exams:

Manage & Maintain a Windows 2003 Server Environment – exam 70-290

Implement, Manage & Maintain a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure – exam 70-291

Plan and Maintain a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure.- exam 70-293

Plan and Maintain a Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure – exam 70-294

• One Core Design Exam

Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure – exam 70-297

or

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network - exam 70-298

• One Elective Exam

For further details on the MCSE track visit the Microsoft Web site

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NOTE: Microsoft has also designed an upgrade path for an MCSE on Windows 2000 to update to Windows Server 2003 by passing two exams: 70-292 - Manage and Maintain a Microsoft Server 2003 Environment and exam 70-296 – Plan, Implement and Maintain a Microsoft Server 2003 environment

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The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification is designed to provide the skills to Implement, manage and troubleshoot a Windows based Network including Windows 2000, XP Professional and Windows Server 2003.

The major responsibilities of an MCSA are

• Installation and configuration of parts of the system

• Management and administration of supporting systems

The MCSA is designed for:

• Network and system administrators

• Network engineers

• Network technicians

• Technical consultants

The MCSA on Windows Server 2003 must pass four exams, these include:

• One Core Client System Exam:

Install, Configure & Administer Windows XP Professional – exam: 70-270

• Two Core Network System Exams:

Manage & Maintain a Windows 2003 Server Environment – exam 70-290

Implement, Manage & Maintain a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure – exam 70-291

• One Elective Exam

For further details on the MCSA track visit the Microsoft Web site

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NOTE: Microsoft has also designed an upgrade path for an MCSA on Windows 2000 to update to Windows Server 2003 one exam is needed: Exam 70-292 - Manage and Maintain a Microsoft Server 2003 Environment

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Follow the basic steps shown below, they will keep you fstay ocused and achieve a qualification.

1. Assess the Amount of Work Involved

To help you assess the amount of work involved in a new course review the course content prior to starting, breakdown your work load into manageable modules. This way you can set goals to finish each module to suit your own schedule until the course is completed.

2. Put Things in to Practice

To help you understand the course content and make it more interesting, don’t just read the topics covered, put things in to practice using the available videos and tasks as guidance, set up a home lab where possible.

3. Set a Regular Study Timetable

This will allow you to work at your own pace, make sure that you take regular breaks and allow time to learn the materials and not just skip through them.

4. Communicate with others

If you don’t understand something, ask your online instructor questions or join Internet bulletin boards and chat rooms on your specific topic of study, these are easily found though an Internet search.