Certification Crazy Blog

Windows Server 2012 video sessions…

Dave Andersson — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:17:26 +0000

Microsoft have put together a bunch of free video sessions (from their Jump Start series) covering various aspects of Windows Server 2012.

There are 12 videos in total adding up to 6+ hours of discussion and real-world demos. Check them out here.

Microsoft announce two new MCSE certification tracks

Dave Andersson — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:38:43 +0000

As part of their revamped MCSE program, Microsoft used the TechEd conference in Orlando to announce two new MCSE certifications based on Windows Server 2012, namely;

MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure
MCSE: Server Infrastructure

As the names imply, the two new certification tracks concentrate on desktop and server administration respectively.To earn one of these shiny new certifications you’ll first have to earn the MCSA certification (three exams) and then take a further two exams. And if you’re thinking about updating from an applicable MCITP then you’ll have to take three exams.

Consumerisation of IT – video series

Dave Andersson — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:54:04 +0000

What does Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter have in common with smartphones, iPads, and other portable devices? The answer, at least for IT Pros, is the administrative and security headaches that they potentially pose. So if you’re an IT pro (or aspiring to be one) check out this series of Jump Start videos from Microsoft on what they refer to as the ‘Consumerisation of IT’ and how your company can adapt to an ever-changing environment.

There are seven videos in the series:

1: Keynote—Enabling the Consumerization of IT
2: End-to-End Security & Access
3: User-Centric Application Delivery
4: Productive with Office 365
5: Information Protection
6: Cloud Security and Management with Windows Intune
7: Desktop Virtualization

Click here for more information and the videos.

If you’re a student, take advantage of DreamSpark

Dave Andersson — Mon, 28 May 2012 13:30:07 +0000

Just a reminder that if you’re a college or university student you should take advantage of Microsoft’s DreamSpark program (if you’re not already doing so).

DreamSpark is a program from Microsoft that allows students from over 80 countries to download free of charge a wide range of Microsoft software and development tools. All students need to do is register and provide proof of their student status (this can be done in a variety of ways).

Some of the products/software available are:

Microsoft SQL Server 2012
SQL Server 2008 R2 Developer
Windows Server 2008
Visual Studio 11
Kinect for Windows SDK
Visual C# 2008 Express
Pluralsight On-Demand training library

And much more. They’re all free, so if you’re a student sign up today on the official Microsoft DreamSpark website, start downloading, and get learning.

10 Free e-books from Microsoft Press

Dave Andersson — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:08:06 +0000

We’ve featured some of these before, but here’s a handy recap of the free titles that are available from Microsoft Press:

Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2
Understanding Microsoft Virtualization Solutions
Microsoft Office 365
First Look Microsoft Office 2010
Security and Privacy for Microsofot Office 2010 Users
Deploying Windows 7
Moving to Microsoft Visual Studio 2010
Programming Windows Phone 7

You can get to the download links here, and remember that they are all free – for now at least!

Free Webinar: Oracle Solaris 11 – What’s new

doc — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:42:15 +0000

There’s still time to register for Oracle’s online forum, ‘Oracle Solaris 11: What’s New Since the Launch’.

During the 2 1/2 hour session you’ll hear how Oracle Solaris 11 can help you:

Boost Productivity
Protect your data
Maximize systems utilization
Improve performance
And more.

The presentation is divided into 4 main sessions, each around 40 minutes in duration.

Click here to learn more about the event, the speakers and to register.

Where: Online
When: April 25th, 2012. 0900 – 1130 PT. View your local time here
Cost: Free

Free ebook: Monster Guide to Networking (career advice)

Dave Andersson — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:29:14 +0000

Much has changed for job-hunters and employers over the last decade or so. Long gone are the days when only through HR departments or employment agencies could you bring yourself to the attention of a prospective employer – job hunters now have a plethora of ways to market themselves and attract attention from the right people.

Likewise, employers themselves now have the ability to do extensive research on job applicants by tracking online footprints and other methods of online research. If you have an online presence of any kind you need to be mindful of how it portrays you.

So learning how to use the latest online tools to your advantage is the subject of a free e-book from Monster.com. The ‘Monster Guide to Online Networking’ covers the basics of social networking sites before moving on to other topics such as personal branding, how to network (socially) and even common mistakes to avoid.

It’s free, so have a read here.

Video: Inside Microsoft’s new MCSE and MCSD revamp

Dave Andersson — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:39:29 +0000

Check out this interesting ‘behind the scenes’ chat with two Microsoft employees involved with the latest incarnation of Microsoft certifications.

During the interview they cover topics such as the recent relaunch of Microsoft’s MCSE and MCSD certifications, the reasoning behind the revamp, the type of questions that candidates can expect to come across as well as touching on upcoming Windows 8 certifications. They also discuss reasons why you should think about getting certified and why the new wave of certifications may lead to fewer people becoming certified - thus making the new credentials even more valuable.

Free e-book – Security and Privacy for Microsoft Office Users

Dave Andersson — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:33:11 +0000

Microsoft Press are offering a free e-book aimed at basic-to-intermediate users of Microsoft Office products – in particular Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint (2010). The book covers topics such as Trusted Documents, Digital Signatures and Encryption. The book also touches on Office 365.

If you plan on taking any certification tracks relating to Microsoft Office products, or you’re an I.T. worker who supports users who use these products, make sure to download a copy.

You can get your free copy here

Cisco Career Development Fair – free and virtual

doc — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:56:00 +0000

Learning@Cisco are holding one-day Career Development Fair and they invite you to participate, for free.

Where: It’s virtual, so you can access it from wherever
When: April 26, 2012
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 GMT, 07:00 – 14:00 PT
Cost: Free

If you’re interested in, or already have, a career in IT networking then you should consider attending this virtual seminar. You can pick and choose which live sessions you’d like to participate in, covering the following topics:

• Demand for IT networking professionals in the United States and Europe
• Developing your career with Cisco certifications
• Getting started with Cisco authorized training resources
• How the Cisco Learning Network can help you succeed
• Cisco Learning Labs (powered by Cisco IOS Software on UNIX) demonstration
• How current industry trends impact the CCIE

There is also the opportunity to ask questions and to network with other attendees, so get in quick. More information and registration here