Essential Information
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification has been replaced with the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) designation. While there's no new MCSE certification focusing specifically on Windows XP because of the operating system's age, there is a desktop infrastructure specialization for candidates who would like to demonstrate their expertise in using Windows Server 2012 to manage desktop environments and applications. It's worth noting that Microsoft's Windows Server 2016 courses will eventually replace Windows Server 2012 courses after that operating system's release.
Training for this MCSE certification is available at colleges, universities, and Microsoft-affiliated computer training centers. Students can take courses individually or as part of certificate and associate degree programs designed for current and prospective IT professionals. A working knowledge of server hardware and Windows operating systems is among the most common prerequisites for these classes.
A few of the concepts covered in MCSE courses include the following:
- Installing and configuring server and client computer hardware and software
- Configuring and installing the Windows Server 2012 operating system and applications
- Connecting servers with other servers and networks via networking equipment and software
- Deploying updates on existing networks, desktops, and servers
- Troubleshooting and fixing network issues
- Configuring, monitoring, and protecting Windows Server 2012 security and data
- Implementing access permissions for your applications, encrypting data, and managing users
- Configuring and managing print services
List of MCSE Certification Courses
Installing and Configuring Windows Servers
Students in this course go over the installation, configuration, and post-installation steps for Windows Server 2012. They also learn how to set up user accounts and activate permissions once it's been deployed. Additional topics of study cover techniques for troubleshooting problems with network communication and infrastructure, managing storage space, and configuring print services.
Administering Windows Servers
This course covers steps for configuring domain name systems and managing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). Students also learn how to create user and group accounts, manage group policy infrastructure, deploy software, and update applications. They explore processes for monitoring network access protection, encrypting files, and generating storage reports.
Configuring Windows Server Services
Students are introduced to the services designed to increase storage, manage file access, and ensure software security. They learn how to deploy Active Directory Rights Management Services, implement server backup or data recovery services, and improve service availability.
Implementing Desktop Infrastructure
Introductory course topics teach students how to deploy desktop operating systems. Students also examine techniques for developing and implementing operating system settings, encrypting files, and planning software updates. Additional topics of instruction cover methods for protecting desktops from data loss and designing an infrastructure to provide remote desktop services.
Implementing Desktop Application Environments
Students learn how to design a distribution strategy for desktop applications. They also find out how to determine application and operating system compatibility and deploy or remove software.
