Microsoft Certified System Administrator Plus 2003 (MCSA+)          (340 hours)

Course Overview/Description

MCSA+ is for those that hold one of the following third-party certifications or certification combinations: Security+ Certification, A+ and Network+ certifications or -A+ and Server+ certifications. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator for Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 (MCSA 2003) certificate program is designed to provide the students the skills needed to acquire entry-level employment in the field of network administration. The emphasis is on hands-on network administration and is supported by relevant theory. The students focus on communication, study, and self-learning skills in addition to the technical skills that make up the core of the program. Students receive instruction that provides preparation foundation for the MCSA series of exams. Graduates of the program can seek successful employment as computer technicians, systems support specialists, or network administrators.

NOTE: 2000 version also available

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should:

• Identify the tasks involved in supporting Windows 2003 networks.
• Understand how networking concepts are implemented in Windows 2003
• Configure Microsoft Windows 2003 Professional on stand-alone computers and on client computers that are part of a workgroup or domain.
• Install and configure Windows 2003 Server.
• Install, configure, manage and support a network infrastructure that uses Microsoft Windows 2003 server.
• Gain skills needed to create a networking services infrastructure design that supports the required network applications.
• Learn network solution technologies: including DHCP, IP, OSPF, RIP, and IGMP.
• Gain the knowledge and skills needed to design a security framework for small, medium, and enterprise networks by using Microsoft Windows 2003 technologies.
• Be prepared to take Microsoft exams 70-290 - Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment; 70-291 - Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure; 70-270 - Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows® XP Professional

Course Outline

• Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
  1. Introduction to Administering Accounts and Resources
     1. Multimedia
     2. The Windows Server 2003 Family
     3. Logging on to Windows Server 2003
     4. Installing and Configuring Administrative Tools
     5. Creating User Accounts
     6. Creating Computer Accounts
     7. Creating an Organizational Unit
  2. Managing User and Computer Accounts
     1. Modifying Users and Computer Account Properties
     2. Enabling and Unlocking User and Computer Accounts
     3. Creating a User Account Template
     4. Locating User and Computer Accounts in Active Directory
     5. Saving Queries
     6. Resetting User and Computer Accounts
     7. Moving Domain Objects
  3. Managing Groups
     1. Creating Groups
     2. Managing Group Membership
     3. Strategies for Using Groups
     4. Modifying Groups
     5. Using Default Groups
     6. Best Practices for Managing Groups
  4. Managing Access to Resources
     1. Overview of Managing Access to Resources
     2. Managing Access to Shared Folders
     3. Managing Access to Files and Folders Using NTFS Permissions
     4. Determining Effective Permissions
     5. Managing Access to Shared Files Using Offline Caching
  5. Implementing Printing
     1. Multimedia: Introduction to Printing in the Windows Server 2003 Family
     2. Installing and Sharing Printers
     3. Managing Access to Printers Using Shared Printer Permissions
     4. Managing Printer Drivers
     5. Implementing Printer Locations
  6. Managing Printing
     1. Changing the Location of the Print Spooler
     2. Setting Printer Priorities
     3. Scheduling Printer Availability
     4. Configuring a Printing Pool
  7. Managing Access to Objects in Organizational Units
     1. Multimedia: The Role of the Organizational Unit
     2. Modifying Permissions for Active Directory Objects
     3. Delegating Control of Organizational Units
  8. Implementing Group Policy
     1. Implementing GPOs
     2. Implementing GPOs on a Domain
     3. Managing the Deployment of Group Policy
  9. Managing the User Environment by Using Group Policy
     1. Configuring Group Policy Settings
     2. Assigning Scripts with Group Policy
     3. Configuring Folder Redirection
     4. Determining Applied GPOs
  10. Introduction to Security in Windows Server 2003
      1. Overview of Security in Windows Server 2003
      2. Using Security Templates to Secure Computers
      3. Testing Computer Security Policy
      4. Configuring Auditing
      5. Managing Security Logs
  
  
• Implementing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Hosts
  1. Reviewing the Suite of TCP/IP Protocols
     1. Overview of the OSI Model
     2. Overview of the TCP/IP Protocol Suite
     3. Viewing Frames Using Network Monitor
  2. Assigning IP Addresses in a Multiple Subnet Network
     1. Assigning IP Addresses
     2. Creating a Subnet
     3. Using IP Routing Tables
     4. Overcoming Limitations of the IP Addressing Scheme
  3. Configuring a Client IP Address
     1. Configuring a Client to Use a Static IP Address
     2. Configuring a Host to Obtain an IP Address Automatically
     3. Using Alternate Configuration
  4. Configuring a Client for Name Resolution
     1. Resolving Client Names
     2. Managing the ARP Cache
     3. Overview of NetBIOS
     4. Using Static Naming Methods
     5. Using Dynamic Naming Methods
     6. Summarizing the Name Resolution Process
  5. Isolating Common Connectivity Issues
     1. Determining the Causes of Connectivity Issues
     2. Network Utilities That You Can Use to Isolate Connectivity Issues
  
  
• Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Network Services
  1. Configuring Routing by Using Routing and Remote Access
     1. Multimedia: The Role of Routing in the Network Infrastructure
     2. Enabling and Configuring the Routing and Remote Access Service
     3. Configuring Packet Filters
  2. Allocating IP Addressing by Using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
     1. Multimedia: The Role of DHCP in the Network Infrastructure
     2. Adding and Authorizing a DHCP Server Service
     3. Configuring a DHCP Scope
     4. Configuring a DHCP Reservation
     5. Configuring DHCP Options
     6. Configuring a DHCP Relay Agent
  3. Managing and Monitoring Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
     1. Managing a DHCP Database
     2. Monitoring DHCP
     3. Applying Security Guidelines for DHCP
  4. Resolving Names
     1. Multimedia: Introduction to the Name Resolution Process
     2. Viewing Names on a Client
     3. Configuring Host Name Resolution
     4. Configuring NetBIOS Name Resolution
  5. Resolving Host Names by Using Domain Name System (DNS)
     1. Multimedia: The Role of DNS in the Network Infrastructure
     2. Installing the DNS Server Service
     3. Configuring the Properties for the DNS Server Service
     4. Configuring the DNS Zones
     5. Configuring DNS Zone Transfers
     6. Configuring DNS Dynamic Updates
     7. Configuring a DNS Client
     8. Delegating Authority for Zones
  6. Managing and Monitoring Domain Name System
     1. Configuring the Time-to-Live Value
     2. Configuring Aging and Scavenging
     3. Integrating DNS and WINS
     4. Testing the DNS Server Configuration
     5. Verifying that a Resource Record Exists by Using Nslookup, DNSCmd, and DNSLint
     6. Monitoring DNS Server Performance
  7. Resolving NetBIOS Names by Using Windows Internet Name Service
     1. Multimedia: The Role of WINS in the Network Infrastructure
     2. Installing and Configuring a WINS Server
     3. Managing Records in WINS
     4. Configuring WINS Replication
     5. Managing the WINS database
  8. Securing Network Traffic by Using IPSec and Certificates
     1. Implementing IPSec
     2. Implementing IPSec with Certificates
     3. Monitoring IPSec
  9. Configuring Network Access
     1. Introduction to a Network Access Infrastructure
     2. Configuring a VPN Connection
     3. Configuring a Dial-up Connection
     4. Configuring a Wireless Connection
     5. Controlling User Access to a Network
  10. Centralizing Network Access Authentication and Policy Management by Using IAS
  11. Managing and Monitoring Network Access
      1. Managing the Network Access Services
      2. Configuring Logging on a Network Access Server
      3. Collecting and Monitoring Network Access Data
  
  
• Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  1. Installing Microsoft Windows XP Professional
     1. Planning an Installation of Microsoft Windows XP Professional
     2. Installing Windows XP Professional from a Product CD
     3. Installing Windows XP Professional over a Network
     4. Upgrading to Microsoft Windows XP Professional.
     5. Transferring User Settings by Using the USMT
     6. Activating Windows XP Professional
     7. Troubleshooting Failed Installations
  2. Automating an Installation of Microsoft Windows XP Professional
     1. Introduction to Automating an Installation of Windows XP Professional
     2. Creating Answer Files
     3. Creating a Uniqueness Database File
     4. How Setup Uses Answer Files and UDFs
     5. Performing an Automated Installation of Windows XP Professional
     6. Introduction to Creating and Deploying an Image
     7. Preparing a Reference Computer
     8. Creating, Testing, and Deploying an Image
     9. Remote Installation Services
  3. Configuring Hardware on a Computer Running Microsoft Windows
     1. Installing and Configuring Hardware Devices
     2. Working with Drivers
     3. Troubleshooting Hardware Devices
  4. Managing Disks
     1. Working with Disk Management
     2. Working with Basic Disks
     3. Working with Dynamic Disks
     4. Preparing Disks When Upgrading to Windows XP Professional
     5. Managing Disks
     6. De-fragmenting Volumes
  5. Configuring and Managing File Systems
     1. Working with File Systems
     2. Managing Data Compression
     3. Securing Data by Using EFS
  6. Troubleshooting the Boot Process and Other System Issues
     1. Examining the Windows XP Professional Boot Process
     2. Controlling System Settings During the Boot Process
     3. Changing Startup Behavior Using the Boot.ini File
     4. Using Advanced Boot Options to Troubleshoot Startup Problems
     5. Using the Recovery Console to Start the Computer
     6. Restoring a Computer to a Previous State
  7. Configuring the Desktop Environment
     1. Configuring User Desktop Settings
     2. Customizing the Desktop Environment
     3. Configuring System Settings
     4. Understanding How User Profiles and Group Policy Affect Desktop Customization
     5. Using Remote Assistance
  8. Configuring TCP/IP Addressing and Name Resolution
     1. Configuring IP Addresses
     2. Troubleshooting IP Addresses
     3. Determining TCP/IP Name Resolution Methods
     4. Configuring a DNS and WINS Client
     5. Connecting to a Remote Host
  9. Configuring XP Professional to Operate in MS Windows Networks
     1. Examining Workgroups and User Accounts
     2. Creating and Authenticating Local User Accounts
     3. Configuring Local Security
     4. Configuring Logon Options in a Workgroup
     5. Configuring Networking Options in a Workgroup
     6. Joining a Domain
     7. Operating in a Domain
  10. Supporting Remote Users
      1. Establishing Remote Access Connections
      2. Connecting to Virtual Private Networks
      3. Configuring Inbound Connections
      4. Configuring Authentication Protocols and Encryption
      5. Using Remote Desktop
  11. Storing User Names and Passwords to Facilitate Remote Connections
  12. Configuring MS Windows XP for Mobile Computing
      1. Configuring Hardware for Mobile Computing
      2. Configuring Power Management Options for Mobile Computing
      3. Making Files, Folders, and Web Pages Available for Offline Use
  13. Monitoring Resources and Performance
      1. Using Task Manager to Monitor System Performance
      2. Using Performance and Maintenance Tools to Improve Performance
      3. Monitoring Event Logs
      4. Configuring Program Compatibility
      5. Determining System Information

Prerequisites/Audience

Must hold one of the following third-party certifications or certification combinations: Security+ Certification, A+ and Network+ certifications or A+ and Server+ certifications.

PC Requirements/Materials Included

This course is currently not compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.

It is Highly Recommended that students have a high speed internet connection (DSL or Cable) -Programs are only compatible with Microsoft Operating System and Internet Explorer.

Following is the list of software that must be downloaded:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5
• Excel Viewer
• Internet Explorer 6
• WindowsMedia Player 7.1 for WIN 98. WIN 2000 and WIN Me
• RealOne Player
• PowerPoint Viewer
• Word Viewer
• WinZip 8

Hardware requirements:
Minimum Monitor: 15" Super VGA Monitor (minimum) 17" is best

Minimum Processor: Pentium 300 or better

Network Adapter: 10 base T

Minimum RAM: At least 128MB

Minimum Hard Drive: At least 4 GB

Minimum CD Drive: CD-ROM drive (24x or greater)

Minimum Sound Card: 16 Bit

Minimum Video Adaptor: At least 8MB

Sound: Headsets (Microphone optional)

Minimum Screen Resolution: 800 x 600 true color (1024 x 768 is best)

Minimum Operating System: Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Professional

Internet Connection: Cable modem or ADSL


The materials included with this course are:
• Microsoft Curriculum textbooks
• Access to an online IT Library

Instructor Bio

Clara Margaret Czégény is our Senior Trainer and Online Support Specialist/Mentor for Academy ONLINE. She has also enjoyed a successful career as an IT Trainer at DeVry Institute of Technology in Mississauga and Shaw IT Business College in Hamilton, Ontario where she taught the MCSE curriculum as well as popular Desktop Applications and Internet/Intranet Web courses. Well-qualified for the position of MCT, Clara also completed several years in the Public Teaching sector where she proved her teaching skills with young students from Grades JK to OAC's. Her continued interest in training led her to earn an Honours Gerontology Degree from McMaster University where she polished her presentation skills and demonstrated a solid understanding of principles of adult education. Clara has achieved her Microsoft MCT, MCSE (NT4, W2K, W3K), MCSA (W3K), MCP+Internet certifications, CompTia A+ and Network+ certifications. She holds an Ontario Teacher's Certificate, and a B.A., Hons. B.A. and B.Ed, B.Sc.(Hons)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I register?
Click on the register button at the top of the page and follow the directions. It is important that you type all your information in the boxes, then print it out to sign.  Payment and sending instructions are in the bottom right corner of the form.

2. How much do the courses cost?
The fee is in the pink box at the top of the page.

3. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can!

4. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school.

5. How long does it take to complete a course?
The original course length is about 1 year. If you need more time, you will receive a 6-month extension at no charge. If you require another extension beyond the free 6-month extension, we will give you a 12- month extension at a charge of $200.00 U.S. (licensing fee) to Gatlin. These extensions will be consecutive (one after the other), so if you step away from the course and come back wanting to resume you may do so after paying a licensing fee. This fee may change from one year to the next. Please do not request an extension until you have almost run out of time (determined by end date). This way you may step away from the course for awhile if needed, and upon returning you may catch up, use the free extension, or pay for an additional license in order to complete the course.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. GES will ship all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.

7. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

• GES provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan at a slightly higher rate. Click here for more information on this loan program.

8. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school you registered with. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.

9. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

10. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

11. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

12. Can this course be taken on a Mac?
No.

13. How can I get more information on the course?
All of the information we have is available online under our course catalog (www.gatlineducation.com). If you have questions that are not answered online, please feel free to email us at courseinfo@gatlineducation.com or call 817-870-2870. We will answer your questions promptly.

14. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready.

15. Do the Microsoft and CompTIA programs get me prepared for actual certification?
The Gatlin online IT programs provide students the training for the exam. Once you complete your online certification coursework, it's time to take your certification exam. Microsoft, CompTIA, and LPI certification testing is administered by third-party vendors such as Prometric and Virtual University Enterprises (VUE), two leading providers of technology-based testing. Both offer a network of computer-based testing centers with thousands of locations worldwide. Exam costs range from $70 to $125. Once you have selected the exam you plan to take, you can register with Prometric or VUE online or via phone. For more information about Prometric, visit www.2test.com, and for more information about VUE, visit www.vue.com