Exam 70-656:

TS: Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Configuring

Published:July 01, 2008
Language(s):English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Chinese (Simplified)
Audience(s):IT Professionals
Technology:Windows Server 2008
Type:Proctored Exam

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Preparing for an Exam
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  • The most effective way to prepare to take an exam.
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  • Exam question types and formats.
  • Exam time limits and number of questions asked.
We recommend that you review this preparation guide in its entirety and familiarize yourself with the FAQs and resources on the Microsoft Certification website before you schedule your exam.
Exam Topics Covered
Candidates for this exam are IT professionals who focus on configuring desktops. These professionals include network administrators, SMS (configuration manager) administrators, field consultants, technical business consultants, and any technical workers who are responsible for the types of tasks that can be automated or improved by using the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP).
Candidates are also expected to have the following:
  • Active Directory knowledge and concepts, including Group Policy
  • Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 knowledge and experience
  • fundamental knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 2005
  • fundamental knowledge of Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services
  • fundamental knowledge of Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003
  • fundamental knowledge of Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM)
  • experience managing Windows-based desktops in an Enterprise environment
Credit Toward CertificationWhen you pass Exam 70-656: TS: Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Configuration
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam.

The information after “This objective may include but is not limited to” is intended to further define or scope the objective by describing the types of skills and topics that may be tested for the objective. However, it is not an exhaustive list of skills and topics that could be included on the exam for a given skill area. You may be tested on other skills and topics related to the objective that are not explicitly listed here.
Configuring Group Policy Objects (GPOs) by Using Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM)
  • Configure Group Policy Object Roles.
  • Configure AGPM. This may include, but is not limited to: Install and configure AFPM, configure an AGPM Server Connection, Approve a pending GPO, create a controlled GPO, Edit a controlled GPO, Review a controlled GPO
  • Deploy a controlled GPO.
  • Manage controlled GPOs. This may include, but is not limited to: Create, edit or review a controlled GPO
Monitoring Desktops by Using Microsoft Desktop Error Monitoring (DEM)
  • Install DEM. This may include, but is not limited to: Using SCOM Setup Wizard, hardware and software prerequisites for DEM
  • Configure the Management Server for client monitoring. This may include, but is not limited to: Client Monitoring Configuration Wizard
  • Configure Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) administrative template settings.
  • Configure clients for client monitoring.
Managing Software Inventory by Using the Asset Inventory Service (AIS)
  • Deploy AIS clients. This may include, but is not limited to: using Group Policy, using SMS/ConfigMgr, deploying the AIS client manually, computer groups
  • Manage computers that report to AIS. This may include, but is not limited to: AIS computer management tasks, retire a computer, run computer reports and reports on retired computers
  • Configure software inventory by using AIS. This may include, but is not limited to: Force a software inventory update, run software reports, generate software reports
Repairing and Diagnosing Computer Systems by Using the Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT)
  • Install and configure DaRT. This may include, but is not limited to: Crash Analyzer
  • Restore deleted files. This may include, but is not limited to: Search, when files are recoverable, how long files are recoverable, what are the variables
  • Recover computer systems. This may include, but is not limited to: ERD Commander, boot disk, networking and system tools
Configuring Application Virtualization Servers
  • Configure the Application Virtualization infrastructure. This may include, but is not limited to: Application Virtualization Streaming Server, Application Virtualization Sequencer, Application Virtualization clients, branch offices / micro branch offices
  • Configure Application Virtualization components. This may include, but is not limited to: Component interaction, Application Virtualization Management Console, Lightweight Streaming Server, Application Virtualization Management Web Service, Application Virtualization data store, Application Virtualization Management Server, Application Virtualization clients
  • Install Application Virtualization servers. This may include, but is not limited to: System requirements, upgrading
  • Configure Active Directory for Application Virtualization. This may include, but is not limited to: Security groups, multiple domains/forests
  • Configure security for Application Virtualization. This may include, but is not limited to: Firewalls, certificates, TLS
Configuring Application Virtualization Clients
  • Deploy Application Virtualization clients. This may include, but is not limited to: Terminal Services client, standard client
  • Deliver and maintain virtualized applications. This may include, but is not limited to: Deliver pre-configured applications, configure multiple application versions, maintain centrally managed applications
  • Manage Application Virtualization clients. This may include, but is not limited to: Client Management Console, root node, System Tray / SFTTray.exe switches, disconnected operation mode
  • Configure client options. This may include, but is not limited to: Application node, File Type Associations node, Desktop Configuration Servers node, Automate client configurations with SFTMime
Deploying and Managing the Application Virtualization Sequencer
  • Install the Application Virtualization Sequencer. This may include, but is not limited to: Paths, parse items, exclusion items, wizard settings
  • Configure the Application Virtualization Sequencer infrastructure. This may include, but is not limited to: Virtual Drive (Q), Partitioning
  • Sequence applications for virtualization. This may include, but is not limited to: Sequencing wizards, Package Configuration Wizard, Installation Wizard, Application Wizard
  • Manage application sequencing. This may include, but is not limited to: Upgrading existing sequencer packages, perform package branching, install a hard-coded application into a virtual environment, sequence a web-based application, sequence an application using the MSI utility
Preparation Tools and ResourcesTo help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Learning Plans and Classroom Training
Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
Microsoft Press Books There are no Microsoft Press books currently available.
Practice Tests
Microsoft Online Resources
  • Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack: Visit the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack Web site for detailed product information.
  • Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to connect with your peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your certification path and studies.
  • TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions, best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and chats.
  • MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.
Have Questions? For advice about training and certification, connect with peers: For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:
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