Exam 70-687:

Configuring Windows 8

Published:	September 17, 2012
Language(s):	English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), Chinese (Simplified)
Audience(s):	IT Professionals
Technology:	Windows 8
Type:	Proctored Exam

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Overview

Preparing for an Exam

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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.

Audience Profile

Candidates for this exam are IT professionals who configure or support Windows 8 computers, devices, users and associated network and security resources. The networks with which these professionals typically work are configured as a domain-based or peer-to-peer environment with access to the Internet and cloud services. The IT professional could be a consultant, full-time desktop support technician, or an IT generalist who administers Windows 8-based computers and devices as a portion of their broader technical responsibilities.

Credit Toward CertificationExam 70-687: Configuring Windows 8: counts as credit toward the following certification(s):

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8

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 Measured

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.

Install and Upgrade to Windows 8 (10-15%)

Evaluate hardware readiness and compatibility.

This objective may include but is not limited to: determine whether 32 bit or 64 bit is appropriate; determine screen resolution; choose between an upgrade or a clean installation; determine which SKU to install

Install Windows 8.

This objective may include but is not limited to: install as Windows to Go; migrate from Windows XP or Windows Vista; upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8 or from one edition of Windows 8 to another edition of Windows 8; install VHD

Migrate and configure user data.

This objective may include but is not limited to: migrate user profiles; configure folder redirection; configure profiles

Configure Hardware and Applications (10-15%)

Configure devices and device drivers.

This objective may include but is not limited to: install, update, disable, and roll back drivers; resolve driver issues; configure driver settings

Install and configure desktop applications.

This objective may include but is not limited to: set compatibility mode; install and repair applications by using Windows Installer; configure default program settings; modify file associations; manage App-V applications

Install and configure Windows Store applications.

This objective may include but is not limited to: install, reinstall, and update Windows Store applications; restrict Windows Store content; add internal content (side loading); disable Windows Store

Control access to local hardware and applications.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure AppLocker; configure access through Group Policy or local security policy; manage installation of removable devices

Configure Internet Explorer.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure compatibility view; configure security settings; manage add-ons; configure websockets; configure Download Manager

Configure Hyper-V.

This objective may include but is not limited to: create and configure virtual machines; create and manage snapshots; create and configure virtual switches; create and configure virtual disks

Configure Network Connectivity (15-20%)

Configure IP settings.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure name resolution; connect to a network; configure network locations; resolve connectivity issues

Configure networking settings.

This objective may include but is not limited to: connect to a wireless network; manage preferred wireless networks; configure network adapters; configure location-aware printing

Configure and maintain network security.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure Windows Firewall; configure Windows Firewall with Advanced Security; configure connection security rules (IPSec); configure authenticated exceptions; configure network discovery; manage wireless security

Configure remote management.

This objective may include but is not limited to: choose the appropriate remote management tools; configure remote management settings; modify settings remotely by using MMCs or Windows PowerShell

Configure Access to Resources (10-15%)

Configure shared resources.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure shared folder permissions; configure HomeGroup settings; configure file libraries; configure shared printers; set up and configure SkyDrive; configure Near Field Communication (NFC)

Configure file and folder access.

This objective may include but is not limited to: encrypt files and folders by using EFS; configure NTFS permissions; configure disk quotas; configure object access auditing

Configure local security settings.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure local security policy; configure User Account Control (UAC) behavior; configure Secure Boot; configure SmartScreen filter

Configure authentication and authorization.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure rights; manage credentials; manage certificates; configure smart cards; configure biometrics; configure picture password; configure PIN; set up and configure Microsoft Account

Configure Remote Access and Mobility (10-15%)

Configure remote connections.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure remote authentication; configure Remote Desktop settings; establish VPN connections and authentication; enable VPN reconnect; manage broadband connections

Configure mobility options.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure offline file policies; configure power policies; configure Windows to Go; configure sync options; configure WiFi direct

Configure security for mobile devices.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure BitLocker and BitLocker To Go policies; configure startup key storage; configure remote wipe; configure location settings (GPS)

Monitor and Maintain Windows Clients (10-15%)

Configure and manage updates.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure update settings; configure Windows Update policies; manage update history; roll back updates; update Windows Store applications

Manage local storage.

This objective may include but is not limited to: manage disk volumes; manage file system fragmentation; manage storage spaces

Monitor system performance.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure and analyze event logs; configure event subscriptions; configure Task Manager; monitor system resources; optimize networking performance; optimize the desktop environment; configure indexing options

Configure Backup and Recovery Options (10-15%)

Configure backup.

This objective may include but is not limited to: create a system recovery disk; back up files, folders, and full system; schedule backups

Configure system recovery options.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure system restore; determine when to choose last known good configuration; perform a complete restore; perform a driver rollback; perform a push button refresh or reset; configure startup settings

Configure file recovery options.

This objective may include but is not limited to: configure file restore points; restore previous versions of files and folders; configure File History

Preparation Materials

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

20687B: Configuring Windows 8 (5 Days)

Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.

Microsoft Press Books

Training Guide: Configuring Windows 8
Exam Ref 70-687: Configuring Windows 8

Practice Tests

MeasureUp(Measureup.com)

Microsoft Online Resources

Learning Plan: Get started with a step-by-step study guide that is based on recommended resources for this exam.
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.
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.

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