Sams Teach Yourself MCSE Windows NT Server 4 in 14 Days
(Publisher: Macmillan Computer Publishing)
Author(s): David Schaer, et al
ISBN: 0672311283
Publication Date: 12/15/97

Fourth, create your scenarios. It often is helpful to draw a diagram of the network on which you are basing your scenarios.

Fifth, write your questions based on the scenarios. When you write scenario-based questions, you will be able to look at the topics from several different angles. You will find that as you write the scenario-based questions, the answers can change based on minor adjustments in the exhibits. For example, you may write a question that tests someone’s knowledge in protocol selection on a LAN. You then could rewrite the same question with the addition of a router between the client and server. Choosing the proper answer then would depend on a greater depth of understanding.

Finally, reread your questions. Look for areas in your questions that might be ambiguous. Is the question technically accurate? Does it test for knowledge in the proper area? Why is it important?

There are only so many topics for which questions can be asked on an examination. Your goal in reviewing the study material through writing your own questions is not to create the questions as they will appear on the exam verbatim. Your goal is to ensure that you have considered each of the potential primary and secondary topics from all possible angles.

The Question Within the Question

There are no trick questions. Microsoft invests a significant amount of time in ensuring that questions are not ambiguous. This does not mean that they are obvious. It might not be apparent from a question what skill it is testing. Often, the main objective of a question is to test your knowledge of how different areas of NT work together.

Don’t be concerned about finding the right answer; worry about selecting the wrong one. You can answer each question correctly by eliminating the answers that are wrong. Don’t select your answer until you’ve eliminated all the other possible choices. Then, make sure that the answer you select is accurate within the context of the question.

Formulating a Hypothesis

Never leave an answer purely to chance. If you feel that you must guess on a question, guess wisely. In other words, formulate a hypothesis, an educated guess with a basis in fact. Carefully read the question that you are trying to answer, select the answer that looks most reasonable, mark the question by checking the box in the upper-left corner, and then move on. As you go through the exam, you will find that many questions are similar in content. Keep the question of which you were unsure in the back of your mind, and when you find a question or scenario that is similar, try to confirm your previous selection by extracting the answer from this new question.

You often can deduce the answer to a question from another question by means of comparison. For example, if a question were to ask, “NT Server 4.0 can provide file-level security when using which of the following file systems: FAT, HPFS, or NTFS?” Another question might ask, “What occurs to the file permissions when a file is copied from an NTFS partition to a FAT partition?” From the second question you learn that NTFS supports file permissions. Because the first question is looking for only one answer, it is obvious that NTFS is the correct response. The second question also now becomes easier, because NT supports file-level security only on NTFS partitions; moving the file to a FAT partition results in the permissions being lost.

1.2.3. The Day of the Exam

The day of your exam inevitably will bring with it a few anxieties. The best response is to relax and make sure that you have everything you need before going to the testing center.

At the Testing Center

Arrive at the testing center well in advance of your exam’s scheduled start time. Sign in with the proctor as soon as you arrive to ensure that there are no last-minute distractions before you go into the test room.

It might seem unsociable, but try to avoid talking with other testing candidates who also are waiting. Use the time remaining before your exam to review the fast facts and compose yourself for the exam.

What to Bring to the Testing Center

In addition to this guide, which you may bring to the testing site but not into the examination room, you will need to bring the following:

•  One picture ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)

•  One other form of ID with your name and signature (such as a credit card or ATM card)

Last-Minute Reviews

No matter how well you are prepared, you might feel that you have forgotten everything the moment you get to the testing center. Don’t worry, you have plenty of time to get your mind back on track before the exams begin. Use the fast facts for that last-minute review in the parking lot before going in to take your test. Reviewing the fast facts will bring what you learned in each chapter of this book to the forefront.

Relax: by this time you’ve seen the questions in this book enough to know the answers as soon as you begin reading the questions. When you take the actual exam, the questions should be an extension of your review.

Try to close your book at least five minutes before the exam begins. Meditate on the things you have reviewed and simply relax.

Shoot for the Moon

Passing the exam is certainly a goal you can obtain. Don’t go in with just the hope to pass; shoot for the moon. You could be the next one to get a perfect score.

1.3. How to Pass This Test

Exams 70-067 and 70-068 are two of the core exams required to become an MCSE. The success you have on these exams will set the stage for your performance on the electives. Unlike elective exams, which are narrowly focused on a specific topic or feature set, these exams take more of a shotgun approach to testing your knowledge.

1.3.1. Exam 70-067, Implementing and Supporting NT Server 4.0

This exam tests your knowledge of NT Server 4.0 in a single-domain environment. You should understand how to manage the individual server and its supporting services. Also be very familiar with managing users and groups as well as providing access to resources. You can download details of the exam and sample exams from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/Train_Cert/mcp/exam/stat/SP70-067.htm.

1.3.2. Exam 70-068, Implementing and Supporting NT Server 4.0 in the Enterprise

This exam is geared toward managing the heterogeneous environment including elements such as integrating UNIX and NetWare servers. The key elements in this exam are multiple domains and WAN links. Be very familiar with the issues pertaining to domains and trusts. You can find a complete list of the exam topics at http://www.microsoft.com/Train_Cert/mcp/exam/stat/SP70-068.htm.