Kitkatninja

We've upgraded to Windows 2008 R2 with relatively little hassle, we've also virtualised most of our servers. The only 2 problems that we've come across so far is problems with upgrading our DHCP server to 2008 r2, so we've left it as Windows 2003 (virtual, thank goodness for snapshots) and an initial problem with our Sophos Web Security & Control box, however that was a replication issue which has now been sorted. -Ken

Sweet, congrats. What's next on your plate? -Ken

I'm not trying to argue also, and I'm not trying to single out anyone. But I am speaking generally (not about going for the MCSE) about going for a fast-track bootcamp style course that says "get your MCSE in 14 days". You may want to pop round to Certforums, a forum that specifically deals with certifications if you want a wider view. And as to what your boss says... The people who go for these types of courses, who don't do the job, shouldn't go for it in the first place. I mean I would not do the 1 day course "C&G 2382-20 17th Edition update for Electrical Installation" instead of the 3 week full course and be classed as an Electrician. Or take only the theory test and say that I can drive, so why should IT be any different. After all the main topic of your thread was "Bootcamp Impressions", not "if you should go for the MCSE or not". I would say to go for the MCSE, whichever way you feel comfortable with, the above views like I said were for the "fast-track bootcamp style courses". Catch you later mate -Ken

That's actually a full time course - a boot camp is you so will. I mean apart from giving you the answers to the exam, I can't see them reducing 5 full days of training into 2 per module. I've taught up to MCSE at our local college and (for the most part, as it is very dependent on the module) everyone, including myself feel that the MS time frames aren't long enough. Both, it really depends on the organisation unfortunately. However it's not the qualification alone that enhances the career, but the experience that goes along with it. Professional certifications are there to reflect your job role and responsibilities, there is a growing number of IT/hiring managers that will disregard these higher certs if the experience does not reflect it. I agree with what nephilim has stated. -Ken

Why don't you see if the local colleges in your area do the MCSA/MCSA modules in the evening. That way you get the classroom learning in a suitable pace, rather than all in your face. To be honest, unless you're already doing all the tasks and more than what a MCSE is aimed, at all day every day. Then 14 days for 7 modules is too much too soon too fast. Considering that on average 1 module full time is a week, according to MS, plus the exams themselves are anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours (even if the 14 days didn't include the exams), I'd be sceptical on how much you'd learn. -Ken

Oh, you gave the answer out already -ken

I believe these two are what you're refering to: Computer config > Admin templates > System > Logon : Assign a default domain for logon Computer config > Windows settings > Security Settings > Security options: Interactive Logon: Don't display last username -Ken

To my knowledge, since Vista, MS has gotten rid of the "classic logon screen": http://hackspc.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/xp_logon_screen.gif A few people have requested to bring it back, but nothing so far -Ken

This person has posted the same post in various other forums, besides the 2005/2007 version of this exam has now been replaced with the 2009 version: See here. -ken

Congrats on the pass -ken

I was part of a team that did a NT4 to 2003, but that was about 6 or 7 years ago. I do remember one or two small teething problems (do not remember any specifics), but there was nothing major. At that point in time, the senior tech and the IT manager were very knowledgable and did a couple of trial runs before hand. -Ken

Yes, it's Sims Learning Gateway. It's Sharepoint based -ken

lol, not much to do over the summer hols? You're kidding right? The hols are when we get to do our projects and not just "firefight" the jobs... Can't speak for all school's, but at ours this is a short list of what we're doing: 1. Installation of 3 new PC suite (32 PC's in each) 2. Replacement of another suite, part of the rolling replacement cycle 3. Virtualisation of 16 servers 4. Domain/Forest upgrade to 2k8 5. Upgrade of our exchange server 6. Fibre runs 7. Installation of software on both all PC's as well as the VLE 8. Preparation of the new AD/e-mail accounts for the new intake, etc... There are more, but at this time of the morning, I'm not in work mode -Ken

We use to use Sims & Bromcom, but got rid of Bromcom last term. -Ken

Don't quote me, however I'm pretty sure that as long as the person doesn't have access to children (and lets face it during holiday's there aren't any in) by themselves they can work/volunteer in the school, provided they are supervised & the CRB is being processed. Added to that they can be checked against List 99. Like I said, don't quote me, personnel isn't my vocation -Ken

If you're running Windows 2008 with Hyper-V, try out the SCVMM program. We've using it and find it to be a very good piece of kit, the P2V convertor is excellent (one of the features that is excellent is letting you re-size the HDD's) and we've virtualised quite a few servers already with it, including a live Sims server. -Ken

Have you contacted any schools/college's to see if they are willing to take you on a volunteer basis? I know that we're taking on a volunteer sometime over the summer -ken

I agree, professional certifications are there to reflect your experience/job role and not to be used as a substitute. -Ken

Yes please -Ken

Hi Guy's/Gal's, I was wondering if anyone knew of any software to shutdown multiple remote PC's, that integrates with AD? But also has a report function built-in, eg how many PC's were left on, the amount of money saved by shutting down those PC's, how "green" we are and any other reports that may be requested. Thanks -Ken

Nice salary, wish it was closer -Ken

You may want to look at the Comptia A+, Network+ (as not everyone uses Cisco kit) and maybe even the Server+. On the non-technical side, maybe ITIL v3 Foundation & HDI/SDI Helpdesk Analyst. -ken

The pre-configured .VHD's are very useful, however you don't get to set-up Exchange. You only get to evaluate the installed product -ken

You can download Exchange 2010 here, however if you have never used Exchange before I would then strongly recommend starting out on Exchange 2003 on Server 2003. Alot of organisations use Exchange 2003, infact some large organisations are still using Exchange 5.5 & 2000 (some NHS trusts for example). Exchange 2007 brings in separate roles and 2010 brings in more enhancements, I believe that since you have had no exposure to Exchange, you may run into more complications hindering you rather than helping you. -ken

I forgot about that Just a question... You're looking to install Exchange 2007, why not just install it on Windows 2003? It'll save alot of hassle. If you're going to use Windows 2008, have you thought about trialing the beta of Exchange 2010? -Ken