Introduction
The Configuring Windows 8.1 exam (70-687) is separated into seven sets of objectives. This book contains seven chapters that clearly detail what those objectives are and what you can expect to see on the exam. While most certification books focus on how to perform tasks as they relate to the exam objectives, this book covers the general, high-level knowledge you need to know to answer questions regarding why and when you’d actually perform those tasks.
We assume you’ve been working in a related industry for a while and have the general knowledge needed to support Windows 8.1; we assume you feel almost ready to take the exam. Thus, in this book you’ll only see how-to steps and walkthroughs when we feel that it’s something you might not have done before or might be confusing. For example, we include steps that show how to set up a virtual machine and install an operating system on it, as well as steps that walk you through configuring options for VPM Reconnect, but we won’t offer steps for installing a device driver or configuring Windows Update. We’ll also include things you might not think you need to study or even know; we’ll offer exam tips that include command-line tools and parameters and PowerShell commands for performing tasks, and we’ll offer links to resources on the internet we feel would benefit you on the job and on the exam.
This book covers every exam objective, but it does not cover every exam question. Only the Microsoft exam team has access to the exam questions themselves and Microsoft regularly adds new questions to the exam, making it impossible to cover specific questions. You should consider this book a supplement to your relevant real-world experience and other study materials. If you encounter a topic in this book that you do not feel completely comfortable with, use the links you’ll find in the text to find more information and take the time to research and study the topic. Great information is available on MSDN, TechNet, and in blogs and forums.
Microsoft certifications
Microsoft certifications distinguish you by proving your command of a broad set of skills and experience with current Microsoft products and technologies. The exams and corresponding certifications are developed to validate your mastery of critical competencies as you design and develop, or implement and support, solutions with Microsoft products and technologies both on-premises and in the cloud. Certification brings a variety of benefits to the individual and to employers and organizations.
More Info: All Microsoft certifications
For information about Microsoft certifications, including a full list of available certifications, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-default.aspx.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank the people at Microsoft Press for having faith in my work once again, and for selecting me to write this book. I enjoy writing for the Microsoft team, specifically with Karen Szall, my acquisitions and project editor. She is positive, informative, and friendly, and is always around when I need her. (She’s also very patient when I completely ruin a writing template or accidentally edit it!) I’d also like to thank my technical editor, Randall Galloway, for meticulously reading every word and correcting my missteps. Of course, the book would not flow as you would expect without a copy editor, and mine was incredible; thanks Teresa Horton.
Finally, I’d like to acknowledge my family, including Cosmo, Jennifer, my dad, Andrew, and even little Allie, for being patient while I work my odd hours and sometimes stay in my “writer’s head” long after my work is complete for the day. I’d also like to call out my literary agents and representatives, including Stacey Barone, Katrina Bevin, and Renee Midrack at Studio B.
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Preparing for the exam
Microsoft certification exams are a great way to build your resume and let the world know about your level of expertise. Certification exams validate your on-the-job experience and product knowledge. Although there is no substitute for on-the-job experience, preparation through study and hands-on practice can help you prepare for the exam. We recommend that you augment your exam preparation plan by using a combination of available study materials and courses. For example, you might use the Exam Ref and another study guide for your “at home” preparation, and take a Microsoft Official Curriculum course for the classroom experience. Choose the combination that you think works best for you.