How many machines necessary in order to embark on taking the following 1

[Calvenn]

Hello everyone,

I'm back again for some more advice. Basically, I plan on undertaking these exams (70-210,215, maybe 218) in the ensuing months and would like to know if it'd be adviceable to tackle all exams while utilizing only 2 machines, a Win2k advanced server desktop and win Xp/2k dual boot laptop client machine in this case.

As I stated earlier, I totally shifted my focus away from Microsoft to complete the CCNA and now realize that I'm lacking requisite knowledge due to this hiatus. For this reason, I'm on a mission to substantially improve my MS knowledge by dedicating additional time to performing practical exercises in my "mini" lab. I'm certain this will also pay dividends on the job and definately doesn't hurt my chances for possible future advancement opportunities, etc.

Anyhow, does it make any sense to proceed with the above approach if one is serious about building knowledge and ultimately passing the tests? Unfortunately, at the moment, I don't have access or should I say "the means" to purchase additional resources to improve my home lab in order to emulate a more complete network environment. I'm quite limited as you can imagine.

So, what do I need to look out for if I decide to stick with this setup for all 3 exa,, if that's even possible?

For my exam study material, I plan on using Syngress Osborne MCSE Win2k Professional/Server books, as well as Exam cram 2 Win2k Professional/Server for final review material. Anyone have any input on this?

I truly appreciate your dedication to assisting others and look forward to your insightful thoughts and advice. Thanks again.



MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Twinmoon]

I can only speak about the CCNA, but from my experence you need to understand, well, their lab. Beg/borrow/steal some routers and practice building, tearing down, and understanding Cisco's lab setup. I have heard that there are places you can go to to use their routerrs. I've also found Trancender helpful.

 

[Calvenn]

Twinmoon, I appreciate your input. I recently completed the CCNA and was able to acquire needed resources such as routers, switches, etc, which is really the main reason I'm now broke :-(

I'm looking forward to starting the MS exams though. I feel that the Cisco course has given a better and more refined perspective on networking in general and should aid tremendously as I take on some of the core MS topics such as Tcp/ip, DNS, DHCP, NAT, firewall security and security in general.

MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Calvenn]

So far, I'm hearing that a 2 system setup should be adequate for a majority of the MS tests. I will try to gain access and learn AD stuff at work as time progresses.

MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[zmann]

Calvenn,

I know you said your resources are limited. You might want to look at buying Virtual PC 2004, you can get it for $120 from amazon. With this you could realistically expand your environment to 4 or even 6 machines, granted 2 to 4 would be "virtual". I have 2 high end workstations I have it on and I basically have 3 DC's an Exchange, web and file/print server setup. I can perform almost any lab I want.

Just a thought.

Z

 

[Calvenn]

Zman,

That's fantastic! I heard of the technology, but never got around to actually looking into it. I performed some research and it looks like MS is developing or has developed virtual server 2003 as well!

Anyhow, this sounds like the solution for me at this time and I can't thank you enough for presenting it to me. What drawbacks can I look forward to with such a setup? It sounds like you have yours running flawlessly, is there such a thing?

Get back with me when you can and please give me some more detail about your setup. What led you to opt for Virtual PC in the first place? I truly beleive this could be a life saver. I would definately prefer to setup member servers, exchange servers, RIS, IIS, etc, to fully grasp how it all works out.

Thanks man.

MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[setnaffa]

depending on where you live, you could buy a couple of "disposable" PCs (Pentium 133-200, 128MB RAM, 2GB HD, CDROM, 14"-15" VGA monitors) for under $120... then you'd be able to work with "real" not virtual PCs...

Granted they're not so fast; but it really is easier for some folks to be able to physically separate the servers... and you may want that anyway for testing your network if you pursue additional Cisco certs...

Just my 2 cents...

Setnaffa is an MCP-W2K (working on MCSE-W2K) with a few other certs, too...

 

[Calvenn]

Thanks Setnaffa,

To be honest, I'm also lacking the real-estate at the moment to store additional physical computers, which is why this sounds like an ideal solution for me, but I also recognize the benefits of having the real thing as opposed to a virtual setup.



MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Nzarth]

Hi again Calvenn

I would not waste your money just yet on Virtual PCs or even real ones.

Buy your study material and then use the two machines that you already have.

If you feel that you are missing something in your studying or in your lab then look at these products.

I have passed the MSCE back in June 2003 and only used 2 PCs. One as a server and the other a workstation.

I did not once think "hey I need another PC otherwise I will fail this cert".

Just my 2 cents

 

[Calvenn]

Thanks for the re-assurance Nzarth. Let me ask you a question. How long have you been in the field and working with the Win2k OS? While using 2 machines do you feel that you now have a full grasp and can command or administer the system adequately?

I will definately start out with my current setup for the first 3 exams and hopefully by then I will be able to gauge my progress to determine if I'd be able to continue as you did. Again, my only hesitation stems from my lack of experience from the server side of the OS. As a systems/desktop support tech (Worked phone tech support for Cox Communications 2 years, 1 month at current job) I do work with AD and other critical areas in some capacity, so perhaps this may be enough familiarity to allow me to delve further into the various topics of concern.



MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Nzarth]

I have worked with W2K for nearly 4 years now on a daily basis and support all types of networks of various sizes and types. These networks include Exchange, SQL plus some are clustered.

To be honest using 2 machines did not give me a full grasp on W2K, my day to day experience did that. However, it did help me to past my cert and to try out things, plus it quickened the learning process. Making an error on your home lab is easier to swallow than making that mistake on a live business network.

The home lab will make you become more fimilar with the OS and will give you a greater understanding of what is happening in the background and how W2K works.

I look upon the Server as just a glorified workstation that does a few bits and pieces on the side (okay some major bits and pieces granted). Read up on 70-215 and that will give you a base for you to work on and day to day experience will build up on that.

Don't forget that some people have no IT experience at all and can pick up the books and have some knowledge about the subject. At least you have contact with the study material and you should breeze it.

Its a bit like me and my CCNA. I have purchased 2 routers and a switch plus all the study material. Will that make me a great Cisco engineer? I doubt it, but what it will do is make me understand and become fimilar with those products.

At least it will stop me from saying "What does that nice looking box do"

Just plunge into the books and check out the resources on the MS site and I am sure you will be fine.

Drop me a line if you need more help or advice and hopefully I can help




Nzarth

MSCA/MSCE (W2K), CCA

Working on CCNA

 

[Calvenn]

I appreciate your response. I followed the same route with purchasing routers and catalyst switches for the CCNA. A very good experience overall

Anyhow, I totally understand what you mean. However, I also feel you may have misunderstood me which is understandable. What I really meant to convey is the fact that Virtual PC gives me the ability to setup a more comprehensive lab as opposed to my current lab, and would allow me to gain reasonably strong practical experience in the various areas. You see, although my ultimate goal is to pass the exam, hence this topic, I would also like to be able to command the various critical aspects of the OS, especially on the job and for possible contract or consulting opportunities which are staring at me due to my Cisco background (Via a consulting company I contract for Target to upgrade their 2650 routers and other misc. tasks). I apologize if I wasn't clear enough on this issue from the beginning.

Thanks again.

MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Calvenn]

For further clarification, in your case with your 4 year experience, it has allowed you to develop a greater perspective of the OS, although in a production environment, it still goes a long way towards your developement and understanding which is what I'm trying to achieve for the most part.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that basically this approach (2 machines), due to your background, probably makes more sense compared to my situation.

As time goes on I should be able to take on greater responsibilities at work and this should help greatly!



MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Calvenn]

Also, with a 2 machine setup, which areas would pose major difficulties to duplicate. I know AD replication to be one of these areas. What else can I expect?

You've been very helpful, I appreciate your efforts.

MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA

 

[Nzarth]

I cannot comment on Virtual PC as I have never used it. No apology required . All I am saying is that for instance you have one box with Windows 2000 Server, if you then pass that exam and decided I wonder what SQL is like.

All you need to do is install SQL on the same box. Like wise with the client box, install Windows 2000 Profession on it and then again if you took the SQL exam you can add the SQL client on the Professional box.

This goes equally with Exchange.

The idea of Virtual PC sounds great, but then I have never used it and do not know if any how this would give you extra benefit or drawback.

Usually, when you take an exam, you will focus on just that exam (i.e. taking SQL then there is real no need for exchange to be on the machine as you should/will just focus on SQL).

For real solid day to day knowledge then obviously you cannot beat day to day experience rather than reading from a book.

That said doing the certs helped me alot and for some sick reason I like to extend my knowledge.

Don't get me wrong I am not saying do it this way because it is the right way. Just saying that it was right for me and I had no problems with a 2 machine setup.

Also it could save you $120 for the software that you might not even need to spend.

My point was just try on 2 machines and if you think you are missing something or you feel your lab is not quite right then go for Virtual PC.

Nzarth

MCSA/MCSE (W2K), CCA

Working on CCNA

 

[Calvenn]

Thanks buddy!

MCP NT Server 4.0, CCNA