Earning an IT certification has always been one of the most amazing feats of every IT professional. Certifications are often dubbed as the gateway to industry success. Hence, completing one is for sure an ultimate boost to your professional career. And for those who want to acquire the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 credential, there are exams you need to pass first, which include exam 70-740. In this article, you’ll know all you need to tackle any question at the Microsoft 70-740 certification exam.
What MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification is all about
The MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification is the choice of those candidates who aim to get a position of a computer network specialist or a network systems administrator. It validates that you possess the top-notch skills to work in the Windows Server 2016 environment. And to gain this credential you need to pass three exams:
- 70-740- tests your skills to install, storage and compute with Windows Server 2016
- 70-741- checks how proficient you are with Windows Server 2016
- 70- 742- testifies how skillful you are with the identity functionality with Windows Server 2016
The initial step of MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification
Exam 70-740 is the test that assesses your specific skills in Windows Server 2016. These include installation of servers and workloads, implementation of storage solutions, and maintenance of server environments. This test holds an equal amount of importance, along with the two other exams 70-741 and 70-742 learn .
A detailed list of the skills polished by exam 70-740
There’s more to uncover aside from the main topics, which are installation, storage, and compute of Windows Server 2016 solutions. So, here’s an in-depth enumeration of the skills measured by this particular exam.
- Installation of Windows Server in both host and compute setting
This is the first line of abilities that you will practice―installing, advancing, and migrating workloads and servers along with creating, managing, and sustaining deployment images. These topics cover 10 to 15 % of the exam.
- Execution of storage solutions
Holding a bigger coverage at 15 to 20%, this area hones your proficiency in configuring disks and volumes, implementing data deduplication, and employing server storage. Some key concepts that you also need to understand include GUID partition table, VHD and VHDX files, Datacenter Bridging, Multi-Path IO, iSNS, and more.
- Carrying out of High Availability
High availability, together with disaster recovery alternatives in Hyper-V, is one of the most crucial concerns discussed in the exam. Therefore, this holds the biggest exam fraction at 30 to 35%. Aside from Hyper-V, this section also elaborates subject such as failover clustering, VM movement, storage spaces direct, and Network Load Balancing.
- Implementation of Hyper-V features
In this subject, you will be able to validate your expertise in Hyper-V, including main aspects such as storage and networking. More than that, this is where you will gain profound knowledge about virtual machine settings. All in all, this objective takes 20 to 25 % of the exam.
- Application of Windows Containers
This may have the smallest exam percentage at 5 to 10% but this is still a vital topic that needs to be addressed. It’s because this area sharpens your knowledge in deploying and managing Windows containers efficiently, which is a core feature of Windows Server 2016.
- Management of Server Environments
But of course, understanding about server installations is also an imperative matter; hence it takes 10 to 15 exam percentage. This way, you will easily maintain as well as monitor services and workloads to ensure business continuity.
The ultimate study guide for exam 70-740
Whilst there are lots of preparation options, it’s best to only use those that are highly recommended by experts. And here are some of them:
- Take advantage of various Microsoft online courses
Commence your learning with the training courses offered by Microsoft. There are three online materials you can use namely: INF 211x: Windows Server 2016: Infrastructure, INF 213x: Windows Server 2016: Basic Storage, and INF 215x: Windows Server 2016: Virtualization. All these resources are a significant foundation for your upcoming exam, so better don’t miss one!
If you’ve completed these online courses, move on with the instructor-led training that would be completed within 5 days. Ideally, it’s best that you have prior experience dealing with Windows Server so you won’t have a hard time during the short yet significant course. Since this is classroom training, you are given the chance to ask questions from your instructor. But if you can’t attend in person, you can still access such by attending remotely. If you think 5 days are quite restricted, nothing to worry because there’s also a self-paced training that comes with 3-month access.
- Hone your skills with Prepaway files
Yes, Microsoft official practice tests are highly valuable when you prepare for any certification exam. However, it’s not enough to fuel your expertise. But don’t fret because there’s something that can provide you with an outstanding collection of practice tests. Prepaway can be your go-to website if you’re looking for reliable exam dumps for exam 70-740. You simply download their exam files, along with their VCE exam simulator and you’re off to sharpen your skills to the fullest! And for this specific Microsoft exam, they’ve got a treat for you! Avail of their premium bundle offered at a discounted rate and enjoy three items for your exam preparation ―training lectures, a study guide, and a practice test!
- Spend time understanding the exam ref for 70-740
Even with the constant usage of online materials among exam takers, physical books are still cherished. And if you’re the type of person who can study well with a physical reference, then don’t miss the exam ref offered by Microsoft Press Store. This book also focuses on the exam objectives by giving a concise and clear discussion of the topics. Moreover, what-if situations are noted to give you more in-depth reach of the exam coverage. And for your convenience, this exam ref is also available via eBook and can be purchased from Amazon.
Conclusion
Passing the Microsoft 70-740 exam is an essential step on your way of earning the MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification. The best way to hone your skills before opting for this exam is to study the recommended material from Microsoft, Amazon, and Prepaway websites. Upon completion of exam 70-740, continue with your journey and get ready for another set of Microsoft certification test. Sooner or later, once you earn your MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification, all your sacrifices will bloom into benefits.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).