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Bryan Sullins

Seven Required Topics to Study for Virtualization Certification

Here are seven must-study items for anyone new to virtualization.
Submitted by Bryan Sullins on Sun, 09/06/09 - 8:57am.

I recently acquired the VCP Certification. Although that certification is centered, of course, on VMWare, I would like to talk more specifically about Virtualization technologies for all the major vendors: Microsoft (Hyper-V), VMWare (vSphere), and Citrix (XenServer), rather than vendor-specific information.  I think this will help anyone out there new to Virtualization, because virtualization changes the game a bit.

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The Importance of Reading RFC's

Here I list some important RFC's that will augment your studying and prepare you for real-world networking.
Submitted by Bryan Sullins on Sat, 08/29/09 - 3:30pm.

Recently I taught the Network+ class. It's one I teach rarely, and that's too bad because it's one of my favorites; molding new minds and all that. I was reminded of the basics of networking: TCP/IP and its standard behavior, the three-way handshake and all that jazz.

How does one learn the inner workings of protocols? You learn them by reading RFC's, the standard way of documenting all protocols in networking. This will help in your studies of the protocols for exams as well as give you a leg up when it comes to real-world implementation.

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How Relevant is Windows 7 Certification?

My take on Windows 7 Certification
Submitted by Bryan Sullins on Sun, 08/02/09 - 9:44am.

Whenever a new Microsoft Product comes out, there's always the ensuing analysis of its relevance in the industry. Let's not get into a discussion of what happened with Vista just yet, that's just too cliché.

But, what I can say is that in my line of work as an Enterprise-level training provider, we're already getting client requests for Windows 7 classes and certifications. And some of those are from our biggest clients.

That was not the case for Windows Vista upon its release.

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VMWare VI3 Snapshots and Their Misconceptions

Here I talk about the proper best practices for Snapshotting VM’s so that you can minimize downtime in your VI3 infrastructure.
Submitted by Bryan Sullins on Sun, 07/26/09 - 9:14am.

Looking at people's VMWare implementations, the most common problem I see is people who run on snapshots for an extended period of time. And by that I mean months. This can cause downtime issues for you in the future. Here I talk about the proper best practices for Snapshotting VM's so that you can minimize downtime in your VI3 infrastructure.

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The New Features of Windows Server 2008 that All MCITP’s Should Study

Here are the major changes in Windows Server 2008 that will help you focus on the MCITP exams.
Submitted by Bryan Sullins on Sat, 07/11/09 - 7:55am.

It would be stating the obvious to say that the MCITP is harder than the MCSE; it is by a long shot. But what I found when I upgraded is that it is deceptively so. Here are the major changes in Windows Server 2008 that will help you focus on the MCITP exams. Although this is not an all-inclusive list, this should help you concentrate on the major changes that will take up most of your time studying.

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Six Windows 7 Features Admins Will Actually Care About (and Four They Won’t)

Here's a deeper look at the reasons Admins will want to bring Windows 7 to their users.
Submitted by Bryan Sullins on Fri, 07/03/09 - 8:27am.

I am running the Windows 7 Beta and I can't help noticing that many of the new features or enhancements are items Admins couldn't care less about.  It takes a deeper look to find the reasons Admins will want to bring Windows 7 to their users. Of the "who-cares?" items, here's my top four:

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Passing a Microsoft Exam: Nine Sure-Fire Ways to Increase Your Chances

While no method can guarantee you’ll past your next cert test, this process is sure-fire for increasing your chances of passing.
Submitted by Bryan Sullins on Fri, 07/03/09 - 7:51am.

I can't tell you how many people I train who don't have a defined method for passing Microsoft Exams. With my background as a trainer and a Microsoft Test-taker (I've taken 17 total Microsoft Exams, over nine years), I have developed a method that I know can help anyone.

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About Microsoft Cert and Training Zone

Bryan Sullins, MISM

MCITP, MCSE, MCT, A+, Network+, Linux+, LPIC-2, Security+, CEH

Bryan worked with computers as a hobby up until 1999, when he got into computers and networking professionally as the Network Administrator for Easter Seals Arizona. Shortly thereafter, he began his career as a Technical Trainer for New Horizons in his native Phoenix, Arizona. Bryan has taught Windows, Security, Linux, and VMWare on and off as one of the lead Technical Instructors for New Horizons Northeast since 2001. During his time away from New Horizons, Bryan has worked stints as a Security and Microsoft AD consultant at everything from Small Businesses up to large Enterprise Organizations.

 

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