MCP Badge has Arrived

I am so happy that I received an email from Acclaim that I received a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) Badge.
This one I received is the MCSA Windows 10.
I am also have "Charter Member" status of this certification.

Generalist vs Specialist - Why I am called a 'Generalist'

Since I was called an IT Generalist last year by a company which I will not name. I took the time to do the research about the 2 skillset - Generalist and Specialist.
The topic is quite interesting because the generalist is a person who is almost 'Jack of all trade' and specialist focus on one skill.
Here is the link to a google search "Generalist Specialist".
You can compare the difference in depth detail.

https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=generalist+specialist

The YouTube video give you my thoughts regarding the Generalist and Specialist.

IT Solutions & why I do not use the term 'Solutions' on my work

I made a video and speaking my mind about the term 'IT Solutions' and why I do not use the term Solution on my platform and work.

I could of add more and there were more to add but I got most off my chest whilst I was doing this video.

The problem with the term is customers and end-users love the 'Solution' as a buzz-word but do not understand that the Solution is a 2-way street.
In most cases whilst people love to hear the solutions and 'ask what is the solution?' But unfortunately they do not want solutions because you have to look at the cause of the problem and admit it is a problem and when it comes to solution to the problem, the solution requires compromise.

When I say compromise it means it takes team work, time, money and investment to do so.
This is where I include the Horse & the water scenario. If anyone heard of the scenario it goes like this: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink".
This is another term for saying "You can provide them with solution, but you can't force them to act upon the solution".

Audio & Video Recording - Mobile Style (Part 1)

I start using a Rode Microphone which uses Phantom 48v Adaptor and connect to my Samsung phone so I can do professional recording on Audio. Also I can do Video Log in my phone and the Microphone attached.

Microsoft Certified Professional Digital Badges

Microsoft now introducing MCP Digital Badges
If you are Microsoft Certified on you get a Certified badge.

Only some will be elegible for badges e.g. MCSA Office 365, Windows 10, Server 2012.
I cannot wait for mine as it will be add to my portfolio.

https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/posts/introducing-digital-badges-for-microsoft-certified-professionals

MCSE Restructure (Again)

I went to my Microsoft Transcript as at the moment and I see 3 new Certification Paths - MCSE Mobility, Productivity and Cloud Platform & Infrastructure.

The existing certification will retire in April 2017 to replace the new ones.
Anyone who has either:

MCSE Private Cloud or Server Infrastructure will be awarded MCSE Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
- MCSE Enterprise Devices and Apps will be awarded MCSE Mobility

- MCSE Data Platform or Business Intelligence certification will be awarded MCSE Data Management and Analytics
- MCSE Messaging, Communication or SharePoint will be awarded MCSE Productivity
If you have not got the certs yet you can pass one of the elective exam path (just one!) to become either MCSE Cloud Platform & Infrastructure, MCSE Mobility, MCSE Data Management and Analytics or MCSE Productivity.

The existing certification will retire in April 2017 to replace the new ones.
Also the new MCSE will be annual certifications.

The certification gets easier but it can be annoying at the same time when it is keep on changing.
Also this annual subcription based Certificate, some people call it like money making business because at the end I pass exams based on skills and knowledge.

https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/posts/microsoft-streamlines-technical-certifications

Help/Service Desk, Mobile-Style!

I purchase the Logitech headset with the Microphone/headphone socket and the Microphone/Headphone adaptor so I can connect to my Samsung mobile phone that way I can do Service Desk/HelpDesk any where and on the move.

Passing Cisco CCNA Exam

After I pass 2 cisco exams to become Cisco CCNA. I got to say they are the hard as hell.
The good thing is I pass the 2 before they retire.
The exams I pass was 100-101 CCENT (ICND1) & 200-101 CCNA (ICND2).

I have to study fast as the exam retires and end up doing the new version of the course 100-105.
I watched a lot of Cisco videos bundle CCNA, CCDA, CCNP and labs from my course provider. Also I got a new Cisco book 100-105 which is the new version if keep my skills up to date.

Remember this:
I am no Cisco expert but I have lots more to learn on the Cisco.
Understand the IPv4, Switch, commands and practice with labs.
If you do not have the equipment - buy some.
Watch some Cisco Videos.

Windows 7 - Sorry to Interrupt

I was rebuilding a Laptop and reinstall Windows 7.
Then I come across this.
You get this when you install an outdated Windows 7 (not SP1).
Microsoft is really pushing you to upgrade to Windows 10.

Windows 10 Free upgrade is Over!

Well that's all folks for 1 year free Windows 10 upgrade.
Now you have to pay for an upgrade.

There are other way around the free upgrade

1. If you have DVD-ISO or USB media.
2. Digital Media Licence meaning using Windows 7 or 8 serial key on Windows 10.

Network Printer - Ethernet vs Wi-Fi

My view on Network Printer regarding Wired (LAN) or Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN).

To me in my experience I mentioned that I prefer LAN as I have no issues in the long run.
Example: Most people I deal with always prefer Wi-Fi printer but every time I set up perfectly and in few days later I get calls that the printer does not connect because of the signal even there connected.

Wiring Cat6 RJ45 Jack

I made a video on wiring a Cat6 RJ45 cabling to a Cat6 Jack on the Wall Port.
This is showing myself doing cabling as I am still learning and improving on how install Wall Port.

Adding email address on Facebook

Since I notice that my friends end up creating another Facebook profile because they forgot their password or their email address. Also they lost their old email account and the password so they resort to create a new email account and new Facebook profile. Next thing they have to do friend request all of their friends (some cases over hundreds to thousands of  friend) they have on their old profile.
Instead of creating a new Facebook profile I decide to make a video on how to add an 2nd email account.
If you have 3 email account then have 3 emails on your same profile that way you have a backup email so if you lose your old one you can remove it which saves you a lot of headache.

Windows 10 - Windows Defender PUP add-on

This video will show you how to add a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) add-on to Windows Defender so the Windows Defender can detect PUP.
Step by Step instructions using Registry Editor.

Source = http://www.howtogeek.com/245717/how-to-make-windows-defender-scan-for-potentially-unwanted-programs

Active Directory - Marvel Organisation Unit

After months of my Marvel OU project. I can get to show you the Active Directory of the Marvel Organisational Unit.
The OU has lots of Security & Distribution Group. Also over 2500 users.

MCSA: Windows 10 (Charter Member)

The previous day after I pass Microsoft Exam 70-697: Windows Configuring Devices. I feel relieved that I pass as I used Windows 10 since the Technical Preview Stages last year since day 1, months before the Official release in July 2015. I am not just certified as Microsoft Specialist but also MCSA: Windows 10 with my 2nd Charter Member status (1st was MCSA: Windows 8).

How I pass the exam was I learn from Windows 7/8 as skills transfer, practice Windows 10 and do labs of Windows InTune with a bit of Server 2012 Active Directory as it is quite tricky though. Use Microsoft Technet and IT expert members.

Toshiba T1950CT Laptop - Part 2

I saw this laptop from one of the organisation and I decide to show it because this is part of the classic PC/Laptop. Very old-skool.
Note: I redone the audio as the original audio was when I was in the office and not to upload work conversation.

Toshiba T1950CT Laptop - Part 1

I found of the ‪old school Laptop and should be in the Classic museum of IT.
Laptop which runs on Pentium 1, 8MB RAM & 240 MB Hard Drive.

HP Proliant MicroServer Gen8 - DVD-RW & Solid State Drive

This is a follow up video from the SATA RAID Card.
This video focus of people who want to use DVD Burner and SSD at the same time on the top of the server with the splitter.

LED USB Key Lamp

I brought this USB key lamp on ebay and it is very impressive. I actually like it. IT is very bright. This is 1.5 watts (5 volts of power).

Wall Port Cabling Learning - Part 2

This is the video of me demonstrating of the cabling and successfully connected to the internet.

On Part 1, you saw a video showing me done cabling using Cat6 STP connecting between the 2 face plates.

You also see a clip of me Wiring Cat6 to Network Point as I was practising doing so.

Wall Port Cabling Learning - Part 1

I learn how to do cabling using Cat6 cable and Cat6 Wall Port.
I purchase Kortex brand cables which is 1000ft (305m) absolutely long and these are Copper based cables. The wires are design for outdoor cabling which is thick as it has got plastic in the middle. The cables is between 30cm between ports and it works successfully.

You can see more photos on Facebook.

CompTIA Books Collection

I got the CompTIA Master Sybex Collection which are the updated version of the CompTIA Exams.

It is good to buy the latest ones even though you are certified on the previous version that way you keep your skills up to date.

CompTIA A+ (2015) 220-901 & 220-902
CompTIA Network+ (2015) N10-006
CompTIA Security+ (2014) SY0-401
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (2015) CAS-002

Ad-Blocker - Why need it?

Normally I do not use Google Chrome because Internet Explorer is better.
Now since I got Chrome I install 2 extensions: Ad-block and Facebook Ad-block.
The reason I use chrome with the extension because I go to certain website and one IT forum which have this java script problem that crashes my browser. Now since I use Chrome with the ad-block extension and I can go on the website freely.
The main point of this is very easy - I understand that the web developer like to make money with ads and lose revenue by me blocking ads and I respect that. But some ads are overkill and clogs up the bandwidth of the website and causes popups and blocking the ad made me easier and for example - YouTube: I do not always have the time to watch adverts before I watch the video as some IT task requires troubleshooting and results and need to get to the point when getting important information and ads are the last thing to see and slow my time.

If you thinking about the best ad-block extensions for Google Chrome which are: Ad-block and Facebook Ad-block.

Screenshot of 2 Ad-Block

HP Proliant MicroServer Gen8 - SAS/SATA RAID Controller

This is where I install Caddy Adaptor & SAS/SATA Array card in the HP Proliant MicroServer Gen8 so I can boot from the Caddy adaptor and use the front Hard Drive slot on Array card focus on RAID & file Storage. This is useful as a File Server.

Parts installed:
SATA HDD Caddy Adaptor
Mini-SAS SFF-8087 to 4 SATA Cable
SATA 22 Pin Male to Hard Drive Slimline Micro SATA 16 pin Adapter
IBM LSI ServerRAID M1015 SAS/SATA PCIe RAID Controller