Take my MS Certifications blog with you.
Microsoft Certification – Study Strategy Poscast
Lenght: 11:58
File Size: 11,235KB
Created: 5/27/2007
Related blog entry: http://blog.cygen.com/index.php/2006/10/25/study-strategy/
MS Certification Podcast
May 27th, 2007New Certifications are Shedding the Older Cert’s Bad Rap.
May 10th, 2007The new MCPD and MCITP certifications are more difficult than the previous generation MCSD and MCDBA, which adds implicit value to the newer certifications. Brain dumps usually gave the exact test you’d eventually take. Microsoft has since caught onto the rampet exploiting of these certifications.
What is Microsoft doing about paper MCSEs and the “brain-dump” Web sites?
A. Adding simulation technology will make it more difficult for the so-called brain-dump Web sites to be effective. In addition, Microsoft has a team that works to find the illegal brain-dump Web sites, and then we take appropriate legal actions.
Source: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/newgen/faq/default.mspx
Expect Microsoft to continue making certifications more difficult to obtain and testing more of your knowledge and skills. This will only add value to those that are earning certifications. Paper certs will are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
Additionally, I haven’t heard anything about brain dumps producing exact exam questions, as use to occur on the previous generation exams. Microsoft probably continues to grow the question bank for each exam, using only the newest questions and therefore obseleting any brain dump.
As well, Microsoft continues to pursue legal action against brain dump sites:
Over the years, lawsuits initiated against several sites, including CheetSheets.com (a.k.a. Cheet-Sheets.com), TestKiller/TroyTec.com, and Test4U.net, have met with varying degrees of success. Open source software certification programs will no doubt be keeping a watchful eye on the recent lawsuit initiated by Microsoft against exam prep website TestKing.com. The lawsuit alleges that by distributing Microsoft’s actual test questions, the owners of TestKing are in violation of federal law 18 USC 1832, which protects trade secrets and intellectual property. Microsoft claims that TestKing is offering test questions that are “identical or substantially similar” to the ones found on Microsoft’s copyrighted certification exams.
Source:http://business.newsforge.com/business/06/09/13/1558209.shtml?tid=35
70-431 SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance
January 11th, 2007This is an account of my experience studying for the 70-431 exam.
– Studying time –
Start date: 12/14/2006
End date: 5/18/2007
Time per day: avg 1.5 hours, M-F
– Exam Format –
195 minutes
50 questions (35 multiple choice, 15 simulations)
These are the materials I used:
- Microsoft E-Learning:
Course 2936: Installing and Securing Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005
SQL Server E-Learning courses
- MeasureUp download version for 70-431: SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance
- MSDN study guide for 70-431.
An excellent article with great details:
Exam 70-431: Covering the Bases
- Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online (August 2006)
I found this webcast helpful:
MSDN Webcast: Introducing Full-Text Search in SQL Server 2005
December 10, 2004
Although this was a beta, the information is still relevant.
Go through all of these. Kimberly Tripp is excellent:
A Primer to Proper SQL Server Development
I got through the first 1/2 hour and that was with skipping parts. The presenter is extremely dry and very fast in clicking around without explaining things. You may get more out of it.
“MSDN Webcast: Introducing Replication in SQL Server 2005—Level 200″
Original Air Date: December 10, 2004
Feature comparison. Know this:
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/features/compare-features.mspx
Tuning Up SQL Server 2005 Databases
http://www.developer.com/db/article.php/3607186
Long but good general article on partitioning
SQL Server 2005
Partitioned Tables and Indexes
Author: Kimberly L. Tripp, Founder, SQLskills.com
Indexing De-fragmentation with SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2005 Part 1 Introduction
November 12, 2004
SQL Server 2005 Part 2 – High Availability and Scalability Enhancements – Database Mirroring
November 29, 2004
I went through all of the Microsoft 2936 E-Learning course. The course was ok. You may find it useful but spend time on other items I’ve outlined here and if you have extra time, go through this course.
Some helpful links I used:
SQL Server 2005 Books Online glossary of terms: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms165911.aspx
I usually avoid online courses. The Microsoft E-Learning course for SQL Server (2936) seemed ok and was free with my MSDN account. Although I finished the SQL Server course I started, I didn’t take another E-Learning course.
I did read the ExamCram for 70-431
Last Updated: 2/26/2007
– My Test Experience –
5/19/2007 – Round 1
The Empire Strikes
Off with his head! That pretty much describes my first attempt. After initializing the exam, I couldn’t get it to start the test. After clicking the resume test button, a window would flash and disappear. I had to wait a few minutes for the moderator since the little office was packed with people. After that minor issue was cleared up, the test software said 35 questions and 1:05 hours to complete. I was wondering where the other 15 questions went. I wasn’t aware of the simulations at this point. I completed the 35 questions with 5 minutes to spare. I did some looking over and finished the first section. Now the 15 question simulation starts. Ok, that explains the format. I wasn’t prepared for simulations. These are all about your knowledge of using Studio. While going through the simulations, my machine crashed twice and had to be rebooted. It takes about 5 minutes each time. I completed the simulations, did some reviewing and completed the test. Unfortunately, my score was 630.
I mention the score to help you understand how the test is scored. It isn’t a normal scoring format. Looking at the Sectional Results from my test result print out, I missed six simulations. It seems you can only miss four, which is a 730. Five missed gives a 670 and nine missed is a 600. I beleive what happens is that more weight is given to the section that you miss. Although I scored over 80% on the multiple choice and that was 70% of the test, it didn’t carry much overal weight. It only added 30 points to my overall score. Some practical advise is to make sure you can do much of the T-SQL that you mean in Studio. Since Studio can actually script out most all of its functions to T-SQL, it’s a good hands on learning experience. Fortunately I had purchased exam insurance for this exam. Now to round 2.
6/1/2007 – Round 2
Return of the Jedi
I would have completed this exam much sooner but a series of other events stepped to the front of the line. This round went off without a hitch. Everything went well. I did the exam in much less time than the first and ended with a nice score. There are many repeats. Going back and learning Studio better, after the first exam, helped much. The best advice I can give for this exam is to make sure you know Studio.
Good luck all!
Updated: 6/2/2007
After The Test
November 20th, 2006After The Test
After completing your exam, you may or may not receive an email from Microsoft containing registration information to the MCP Members site. If after a couple of weeks this email doesn’t reach you, try emailing Microsoft with your contact and exam details at mcphelp_at_microsoft_dot_com. Microsoft is pretty good about getting back to you with registration information. You should be completely setup within 4 days or so of emailing the MCP Help address. If you still have problems logging into the site, just reply to the Help address with details of what is happening.
Once you have an MCP ID access code and can log into the MCP Members site, check that your transcript is correct (view your transcript). Now that everything is setup and ready, your transcript can be made available to employers upon request by simply creating a public link in the Members site. You can also setup use of the MCP logo. As you advance in certifications, don’t forget to upgrade your logo. Microsoft has all of the rules laid out nicely as to how the logos can be displayed. It’s easy to create a logo with their logo builder tool.
You may need to request the actual certification (paper) be mailed to you by emailing the MCP Help address above.
Other Certification News
November 16th, 2006Certification Transcript Unification
November 16, 2006
A possible unification of certification transcripts may be in the works. For those of us that have certifications from different areas, there isn’t one place for employers and others to view your entire certification transcript. It’s usually composed of several sites. For example, Microsoft Office related certification transcripts are at MCP Member Site.
Exam Insurance
November 16, 2006
Heres an interesting concept – Exam Insurance. Get two chances to pass your Microsoft Certification exam. Or, pass on your first try and save 25% on your next exam. Prices vary by location.
You can locate insurance providers here: http://www.exampartners.com/. Once you purchase insurance, the provider will give you a voucher number, which you use to then take the test. Prices can range from $145 – $170 ($170 is retail). The price includes the exam fee. Shop around for the best deal. Also, make sure the provider corresponds with the testing center you want to use. Some providers can only sell vouchers for certain testing centers. For example, New Horizons works with Prometric but not SQLSoft.com.
Unfortunately, any discount vouchers you may have can’t be applied when purchasing insurance.
(updated 5/12/2007)
Microsoft’s exam insurance program will be ending on June 30th, 2007. If you want to use exam insurance, you’ll need to take the exam before this date. You’ll also need to give yourself enough time to take any possible second (free) exam before June 30th. I don’t know when the next exam insurance program will start up again. Microsoft periodically runs these programs for a finite period. Then some time later, another similar program starts. Rules usually change with each program.
(updated 5/15/2007)
10 year old MCP
November 16, 2006
To Upgrade or Not?
November 14th, 2006From what I�ve heard about 70-552 (WinPRO) by people who have taken it, the exam is 90 questions with a 4 hour time limit. It is composed of three exams. You must pass all exams to pass 70-552. All three exams are taken at once. Studying for this exam is similar to studying for .NET Foundations, MCTS:Win, and MCPD:WinPRO exams. Don�t make the mistake of buying a book for 70�548 (WinPRO) and believe it will be enough. This exam is extremely difficult. Put aside the time and be thorough.
If I were going to upgrade, I’d elect not too. Given the length and difficultly of the upgrade exams, I would start from the bottom with .NET Foundations, go through MCTS and on to MCPD. If you are ready to take an MCPD upgrade exam, you should be able to pass .NET Foundations and an MCTS exam. Taking the exams seperately is a much less stressful environment than basically taking all three at once. You can also gauge your progress better since you have very targeted sections (each exam leading to MCPD) to take practice test against. Once you feel ready for one exam, take it, then proceed to the next in the same way. Taking them all at once for one upgrade exam is similar to taking a college course that only offers a comprehensive final. It’s do or die. Having the option, I’d avoid that scenario.
If you have an MCAD designation, the upgrade paths are:
70-552 – WinPro Upgrade (prep guide)
70-551 – WebPro Upgrade (prep guide)
70-553 – EA Pro Upgrade (prep guide)
.NET 3.0 Exams
November 14th, 2006With .NET 2.0 exams being released in May 2006, we’re still a ways away from any announcement of releases for .NET 3.0 exams. In fact, .NET 3.0 RTM won’t be released until November 30, 2006 to coincide with the release of Vista. Retail release is scheduled for January 30, 2006.
Does this mean you should not worry about .NET 3.0? It’s likely the current 2.0 exams will be around for a long time. .NET 3.0 does not replace .NET 2.0, as 2.0 did with 1.1. .NET 3.0 is an extension of 2.0. .NET 2.0 is the core of 3.0. Therefore, I see the MCTS and MCPD tracks as prerequisites to showing a complete understanding of .NET 3.0. The sooner you begin using 3.0, the better you will be when any 3.0 exams are released.
Who is writing software for .NET 3.0 anyway? Production wise, probably very few. I imagine there are some shops with pre RTM 3.0 projects underway but probably in a specialized manner. Meaning, those that have more control over their clients’ environment. But again, learning 3.0 early on puts you into a league of an extreme few. You’ll be in demand as businesses start seeking out 3.0 solutions.
Do I need to install Vista to use .NET 3.0? No. You can develop on XP now. The benefit of Vista is the new operating system features. If you plan to target the Vista platform, than yes – Vista is necessary. Vista gives you all of the 3D animation, glass, and other OS specific features.
Start developing for .NET 3.0
Pre RTM (Release To Manufacturers) 3.0 Framework
Visual Studio 2005 Extensions for .NET 3.0
Windows Vista Development Center
Additional Resources on .NET 3.0
Assessing the Business Need Behind .NET Framework 3.0
When is .NET not .NET?
10/25/2006
NetFXGuide Intro Video to .Net Framework 3.0 (Very nice)
A 4 minute high-level introduction to Net 3.0, for those who don’t know yet what is all about.
11/6/2006
Code Snippets
November 5th, 2006Include tracking code in your header file.
This code also keeps from tracking any admin related activity in WordPress. In the example below, pages that include “preview” or “wp-admin” are excluded. As well, two IP addresses are being excluded.
Located near top of header.php.
<?php
global $wp_query;
$page_id = $wp_query->post->ID;
$url= $_SERVER['PHP_SELF'];
$ip= $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR'];
$preview = (@$_GET['preview']) ? $_GET['preview'] : false;
$isWPAdmin = strstr($url, "wp-admin");
$isfhcrc= strstr($ip, "000.111.000.111");
$ishome = strstr($ip, "111.000.000.111");
if((!$isWPAdmin) && (!$preview) && (!$isfhcrc) && (!$ishome))
{
?>
insert javascript here
< ?php } ?>
Display post title following by blog name in bar of browser (great for bookmarking).
Located near bottom of header.php.
< title>
<?php wp_title(''); print_r(" | ");
bloginfo('name'); ?>
</title>
Show category title and description for posts belonging to a category.
If the post is not in a category, the blog title and tag line will display. Located at bottom of header.php.
<h1><?php wp_title(''); ?></h1>
< div class="description">
<?php
if( !is_page() )
{
$category = get_the_category();
echo $category[0]->cat_name;
print_r("
");
echo $category[0]->category_description;
}
else
{bloginfo('description');}
?>
</div>
Include the sidebar for single posts.
In SinglePost.php
<div id="content" class="narrowcolumn">add the sidebar() above the footer at the bottom:
<?php get_sidebar(); ?>
<?php get_footer(); ?>
Includes not working?
If you’re having problems getting an include to work:
include "somefile.php";
Try this instead:
require_once(dirname(__FILE__) . '\\somefile.php');
Display something depending on the category you are in.
Change 3 to which ever category you are interested in.
<?php if ( in_category('3') ) { ?>
do something
?>
Place a news flash at the top of each posts in a certain category
Add this to the bottom of your header.php file. Then create a PHP file to hold news flash content and upload into your themes\yourtheme folder. The PHP file can be plain text. Using a PHP file for content now allows you to edit the content from Presentation | Theme Editor. Continue adding ORs to the first IF statement for additional categories. Then inside the main IF, add IF statements to handle each category.
<?php if(in_category('3')) { ?>
<div style="background-color: white;
margin: 5px auto;
padding: 5px;
width: 660px;
border: 1px solid #666666;
font-size: 1.2em">
<?php if(in_category('3')){
$content = file_get_contents(TEMPLATEPATH . '/flashSomeCatName.php');
echo $content; }
?>
</div>
<?php } ?>
Remove >> from the title bar and preceding descriptions
Replace occurances of wp_title(); with
wp_title(”);
About My WordPress
November 5th, 2006I’m running WordPress 2.0.5 on a hosted server. The theme is a modified version of the default. I usually have a category-x.php file for each category. I like these since it allows introducing a category and great control over how posts are displayed. I also use the following plugins:
Ajaxified Comment Preview 0.1 beta 1 Allow your visitors to preview their comments before submitting. By C.H.Weng.
Code Auto Escape 2.0 Automatically escape code within tag By Priyadi Iman Nurcahyo.
mimeTeX 1.1 Use
I had to install the modified version located here http://www.anlak.com/?page_id=66. Then there was a modification to using includes that I’ve mentioned in the code snippets.
Filosofo Home-Page Control .82 Allows you to put pages on the same permalink level as the blog’s directory and to set which page you want to be the home page. Go to Options Home-Page Control to adjust the settings. Works in WordPress versions 1.5+ By Austin Matzko.
Feedburner Feed Replacement 2.1 Forwards all feed traffic to Feedburner while creating a randomized feed for Feedburner to pull from. By Steve Smith.
Script Enabler 1.1 Enables you to use script tags in your posts without them getting horked up. By Otto.
Thanks to this script for the dynamic categories.
The polling (voting) you may see on some pages is thanks to Democracy AJAX Poll.
Thanks to exploding-boy.com for all of the small dynamic bookmarks in my sidebar (watch for small PHP errors).
Last update: 1/24/2007
Exploring the Relation Between Software and Mathematics
November 4th, 2006This is an introductory article to this category. In Software and Mathematics, I write about how methods in mathematics can improve software development. Important is gaining a fundamental understanding of why software development is such a problematic process.
There are many software packages and techniques that will help in improving the software development process. However, these will never solve the software complexity issue. That is, the large amount of errors released in production software and time needed to go back and find errors. Not to mention the new errors introduced in correcting the old ones.
To understand why software can’t fix software and current development methods will only provide small improvements, it is necessary to think about the software development process at a very basic level. At root of software errors and the archaic software life cycle is complexity. Software analysis programs and various methods don’t deal with this fundamental issue. They may be thought of as bandaides – providing some type of relief, allowing you to develop new software and introduce more complexity. Only after the software is complete and released do you realize how little these programs and techniques helped.
Understanding what is meant by complexity and employing methods in your development process to avoid it will give you more return than any type of program available that aides in discovering errors.
Complexity is largely mathematically based as is software development. Both work in a certain type of system referred to as a nonlinear dynamic system. I could give completely intuitive descriptions about complexity and mathematical foundations in software development. However, this only leads to misinterpretation. It’s important to speak about complexity and software development in their native languages, which is rigorous and doesn’t leave room for misinterpretation. That language is mathematics and also the predicate calculus.
You’ll find articles related to the above discussion in the Software and Mathematics category. Hopefully you will gain a fundamental understanding of the software development process and know enough to find material on your own for further reading. I hope this is a new fruitful discovery for you as a software developer.