Microsoft Certification Renewal Assessment

From December 15th Microsoft decide to do a new approach, which is called Microsoft Renewal Assessment.

What is Microsoft Certification Renewal Assessment?
Renewal Assessment is skill Assessment test to test your knowledge and experience based on your current Exam and Certification 6 months before your current certification expires.

If you are either Certified in Associate or Expert level which normally it is certified for 2 years, instead of resitting the exams again, the Assessment appears 6 months before current Certificate expire from Microsoft Learn

This will start from March 2021 targeting role based Certifications.

My thoughts:
I say this is the best thing Microsoft done because I can do this test instead of me having to resit and paying for the 2 same exams I passed 2 years ago just to renew my certificate.
The best part of all, it is free.

More information:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/renew-your-microsoft-certification

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-learn-blog/stay-current-with-in-demand-skills-through-free-certification/ba-p/1489678

I be looking forward to this Assessment Test and let you know my experience on my next post.

Windows Operating System Hardware Standard

I made a YouTube video after I done a Asus PC upgrade so I decide to make a separate video to understand more about the Windows OS Hardware Standard.

What is Windows OS Hardware Standard?

Windows Operating System Hardware Standard is the term I come up with since 2014 when Windows XP retired and using the recommended/average hardware specifications when running Windows OS.

Why I come up with the term 'Windows OS Hardware Standard"?

The standards is based on PC which are long term investments and becoming future-proof. Future-Proof is refer as hardware PC or Servers has long term sustainability which usually lasts 10 years. More then 10 years if the PC taken care of and the condition. Also run on new Operating System such as Windows 7, 8 or 10 by upgrading the motherboard to the recommended specifications or usually maximum CPU and RAM performance on the motherboard. Also when I refurbish PC I make sure the hardware is worth upgrading or just dispose to recycle.

Understanding and the story of the OS Standard

Beginning:

I am going into details to this may be a long read on how this came up:

I done this PC Technician work for over 15 years however I learn about PC when me and my brother was curious about how PC works - RAMs and CPU. We were curious about how fast the PC goes.

My brother does other things since decades ago and now back to me.

Before I was 1st IT Certified in 2009 (CompTIA A+) this was during the era of Windows XP. I was getting good motherboard but I want to push my memory to the motherboard limits to see how fast my PC goes. When it goes above 2GB then the speed does not go fast anymore as it reach the top speed. Suddenly I discovered the 4GB RAM limit because at the time it was running on 32 bit Windows which read 3.25GB. Upgraded BIOS on some motherboard with read 3.5GB. It does not matter how much memory you put, even you put 6GB of RAM, it will show 3.25 because of the 32bit limit.

I did not think of the CPU at the time because it was hard and expensive to buy.

During XP days before I was CompTIA Certified, I had friends getting normal PC and they get slow and bad performance, most people do not know how or some are lazy to housekeep their PC (Usual defrag, virus scan, Windows update) and they want to resort to buy a new PC or laptop.

When look at their PC they usually have Pentium 3 or 4 at the time, my best solution is to put more memory and upgrade to maximum that way it is more faster which always long term.

Windows 7 Hardware Standard:

In 2014 when Windows XP Retired because of the 'End of Lifecycle' (7th April 2014) this is where the Standard Came in because I had a lot to people came to me for advice bcause when Windows OS become 'End of Lifecycle' basically means Microsoft will not support the OS and you have to upgrade to the latest Windows. At the time there were Windows Vista, 7 and 8, however I prefer Windows 7 at the time because Windows Vista is no good and Windows 8 has flaws at the time because 8.1 has improved it.

During the upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 I have to access each PC is it worth upgrading or tell them to buy a new PC.

How I decide the Windows 7 Hardware Standard?

I access each PC if the memory is DDR2 or higher. No point of having DDR1 memory as this is too old to run Windows 7.

Also the CPU is upgradable to Pentium D (Dual Core version of Pentium 4), but I prefer Core Duo or higher as it is better to have 2 Core PCs.

If they are below the Hardware requirement then they have to buy a new PC and if they are upgradable, then I suggest them to upgrade their PCs.

At the time I was against 64 bit as the software has a lot of flaws at the time because of hardware drives.

In 2015, 64-bit has improved on Windows 7 OS so I recommend 64 bit from then on as it will be no point on having 32-bit have 4GB limit and 64-bit has 128GB RAM limit (way plenty) and start recommend Quad Core CPUs instead of Dual Cores and Memory can go up to 8GB RAM Maximum.

Windows 7 End of Lifecycle and Windows 10:

Now in January 2020, 6 years later Windows 7 has reach the End of Lifecycle. I had few people asking me for advice since 2014 when migrating from Windows XP to 7, this time from Windows 7 to 10 (do not bother with Windows 8).

This time another assessment:

I have to make sure if the memory is DDR3 or higher. DDR2 memory is OK but too old and recommended memory is 8GB of RAM or more.

Also the CPU is upgradable to Core 2 Quad as 4 Cores are the way forward and preferable for Windows 10 as it has new build every 6 months. If it is either i3 or i5, then make it i7.

It is pointless having 32 bit Windows as 64 bit is the Standard now. Solid State Drive is a bonus as it is faster then a Hard Drive and now become the norm.

HPE Gen10 Plus MicroServer CPU Tier

On my video on HPE Gen 10 plus upgrade I mention on the 3 Tiers (Red, Yellow and Green) CPU see this video on between the Timestamp: 12:25 to 14:45.

The question is What is the Red, Yellow and Green Tier?
As I explained on the video briefly, the Red is overclock, Yellow is the performance and the Green is the safe. These are based of the TDP (Thermal Design Power).

Why did call it by the traffic lights?

The answer is simple: Prior to my upgrade of the CPU, I looked at the information from the Homeserver Show website on the section - CPU Page.

When I was looking for a CPU upgrade page to see which CPU I can use for my HPE Gen10 MicroServer Plus. As you know me, I like to buy and upgrade the maximum CPU for my PC or Server as possible.

However when it comes to the MicroServer high CPU uses a lot of power consumption so I like to keep it safe and have it balance so this will not cause any overheat between the CPU and the heatsink.

Now, here is the screenshot from the website and look carefully:

Link Here

If you look at the chart carefully you see the maximum CPU capacity for HPE gen10+ is Xeon E-2288G which is 8 cores/16 Threads, however because of the maximum level this uses 95w TDP (Thermal Design Power) which is Red and overclock and because of this is not under 130w and not recommended CPU, this is under the Red Tier because of huge consumption. On my video i chose Xeon E-2236 because even it is on the Yellow Tier (Orange) as it is consuming 80w TDP, it is running Power under 130w and it is recommended. I could of go for E-2246 which is 200MHz higher but I could not find one at the time which is safe to use.

Now what is the point of the CPU Traffic light Tier?

If you understand about TDP (Thermal Design Power), basically means unlike the PC when you can buy a better heatsink fan with high TDP watts, the MicroServer has its own stock CPU coolers with wattage limitations meaning when using higher CPU this will overheat the CPU because of the stock cooler.

After you read this, when you buy the higher CPU and do overclocking - Remember! Please do this at your own risk.

HPE Proliant MicroServer Gen10 Plus - Tour & Upgrade

I Many months ago I saw a new MicroServer called Gen10 plus which I find this interesting because this Server better than the original Generation 10.

The Plus Version is wider and smaller than the original.

I am very happy that they bring back the Intel because even AMD Soldiered down CPU did some benefits with the performance, however I prefer upgrading the CPU than soldiered down because you never know if you wanted a more speed and performance, so reinstating Intel CPU upgrade is a better choice Hands-Down!

I am also happy and that they bring back iLO as an option because on the original Gen10 MicroServer, they remove the iLO because the MicroServer are for Small Business which makes sense on why the do not need iLO.

Since HPE change the policy on removing at the time a lot of Server Technicians and Engineers were upset of HP's decision so they bring it back as an option for the Plus version.

The iLO 5 is sold separately which is now introduce as the iLO Enablement Kit (Part #P13788-B21) that way he Engineers can do remote work once again.

The Server has 4 LANs and 2 Graphics port, 1 VGA and DisplayPort.

As for the memory, it is still 32GB of RAM which as more MHz than the previous one.

Also rumour that it can go up to 64GB RAM.

I mention about the Green, Yellow and Red Tier on the CPU which is based on TDP and people who like to overclock CPU which uses higher power consumption (up to Xeon E-2288G) which is you will see on my next post.

I decide to have Xeon E-2236 because I wanted to have 6 Cores instead of 4 cores.

When I purchase the Server, I decide to buy the Entry level version (Intel i3 and 8GB RAM) because I can save some money and I am going to upgrade it anyway for a better one.

Enjoy my Tour and upgrade video.

Microsoft Office Specialist 2019/365 Grand Slam

Now I have completed all the Grand Slam for the 3rd time (2013, 2016 & 2019) now my Microsoft Office Specialist journey is over and now reached my destination, which means there are no more Microsoft Office exams left as I have done them all.

During the Office 2019 exams, I never fail not even one of the 2019 exams as I because the veteran. I almost got a fail at the last exam which was Access Expert.

The Office 2019 exams was an strange and an enjoyment journey as when I started the 2019/365 Series I moved to another test centre as this was on demand, then I became the Office Specialist Associate. On top of all, I become the 1st man in London, UK history to become Microsoft Office Specialist Expert on Office 2019 which was before Christmas. Then suddenly the exam was delay until May because of the Coronavirus. When May come and I found out Outlook and Access was released, this is when I can finally get to finish the 2 last chapters, Associate and the Expert Tier to get the Grand Slam.

I purchase the vouchers from the Training Centre for a debut and then I decide to buy 6 more vouchers for each one which last for a year. Luckily I get to use all of the vouchers before it expires and be wasted because of the Coronavirus.

During the last 2 exams when the pandemic and the training centres were closed, the provider get me to do the exams from home or work by RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) via Web browser.

I find the online proctor very easy to use. Unlike Pearson Vue Online Proctor as you do not require your ID because your Certiport login and the voucher is your login.

It is not about the journey, but it is also about the destination. And my destination is the Grand Slam.

What next?

Well, I have completed all of the exams and until then, there are no more Microsoft Office Specialist Exams left as they are all done.

Before I close this post and that is:

I have gained a lot of wealth of knowledge with the experience I have gained throught in less than 2 years and learned a lot.

I like to shout out to Microsoft Press books as it helped me learn new skills and special thanks to G-Metrix as the best practice test resources.

If you need to do practice test, G-Metrix is the best, Invest your money into the practice test and if you are ready, buy the MOS Vouchers and book the test.

G-Metrix website:

Software = https://support.gmetrix.net/download

Practice test and courses = https://www.gmetrix.com

Microsoft Office Specialist 2019 - Part 7: Access Expert

Before week for the exam, I did a practice test which was refreshing and walk in the park. When I booked the exam, I was going to take a day off to do the exam.

However, because my manager plan to take a week off which he did I could not and decide to take 2 hours off my IT work as I get to do the exam in my office during the working hours, some of my work colleagues know about it.

And how do I end the final exam of the 2019 series?

At my workplace where all Microsoft Office Specialist Journey ends.

On the day I had to tidy up the office and set up the PC, put a ‘Exam in progress’ sign on the door to get it prepare and not to get disturbed.

On to the exam:

The exam itself was tricky, even the task was easy, however some were very tough which I manage to overcome.

It involved tables, linking table relationships and editing queries, Report and Forms.

When I completed the exam. I got lucky as there are more task so I can increase the odds of better scoring of the exam.

I manage to pass by over 50 points, when I pass I was overjoyed as I am not just completed all of the Expert Tier of the MOS 2019/365 and I now become the Grand Slam.

After this there are no more Microsoft Office Specialist exams left as I have completed it all.

Link for Online Proctor for Certiport:

https://prodigylearning.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360007467517

Exams required:

Exam MO-500: Microsoft Access Expert (Access Expert and Access Expert 2019)

Microsoft Office Specialist 2019 - Part 6: Outlook Associate

During the pandemic the last 2 exams were on severe delay of it and then finally officially released this month (June 2020) because of the lock down. But I have been told that is was released at end of May 2020.

Even I am the 1st man in London, UK history to become Microsoft Office Specialist Expert in 2019/365 I decide to get the last 2 MOS exams, Outlook and Access Expert to get the Grand Slam and complete the set.

When I use the G-Metrix practice test, it was not just practice test, there was also questions to take to test your knowledge.

Because of the lock down I cannot book the exam in the classroom so it was decided to do the exam at home or office.

The exam was done at home in my house. The proctor Administrator will provide you the link by email and you get to the live exam session on the time you book. Once the time is scheduled you be RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) like you log in to another PC or Server by remote via a website.

Once you been RDP to the classroom PC you choose the exam you want to take the test, follow the procedure and let the Proctor Administrator type his credentials. After that you start your exam right at my home.

On the exam itself. Only Outlook uses to classic task based questions as Outlook is not a project package, but understand the fundamentals of how you use it.

I learn something new, which is the @user on the body text which is new feature on Outlook which is called a 'mention' when you mention someone's name.

I done well on the exams and passed with flying colours as it become much easy when you learn the previous versions of Outlook and the exam layout is the same.

Since I have passed Outlook Associate. I have completed all of the Associate Tier of the MOS 2019/365.

I really enjoyed taking the exams at home as it was comfortable as long as you do not abide by the Online Proctor rules.

Link for Online Proctor for Certiport:

https://prodigylearning.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360007467517

Exams required:

Exam MO-400: Microsoft Outlook (Outlook and Outlook 2019)

Online Proctor exams & Microsoft 365 Fundamentals

At the workplace when in the future the company upgrade to Microsoft 365 (used to called Office 365), even other companies already got Microsoft 365, especially the company bureau we run (not naming the company one this blog) also have Office 365. My line manager and I decide to learn more about Microsoft 365. Since I am certified on MCSA Office 365 which means I have the knowledge and experience in Office 365.
However throughout the years the Office 365 has changed a lot, even 3rd party MSP (Management Service Provider) will also tell you that it changes a lot with features, hence the reason the name changed from Office 365 to Microsoft 365.

I learned a lot from Microsoft 365 since I got Office 365 myself.
The book I used is the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Exam reference guide as there are no office study guide at the time as of this date of the blog and use Microsoft learn to know the more about how Microsoft 365 works as when it comes to cloud, there are more and new features since the Office 365 days.

Because of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic all training centres are close during the pandemic. So I decide to try out OnVue Online Proctor which Pearson VUE uses.
I could of easily book the exam in my home but because I got a lot stuff in my bedroom, I decide to book it at my workplace as this is due to Online Proctor policy.

I use the small meeting room at my workplace and clear the area and set up the PC. I use the Kiosk PC. In the workplace I have to use the Guest network as Online Proctor do not allow connect to Corporate Network due to VPN, Security and Firewall which is required not to use for the exam. Also do not forget not recommend Wireless network and must have Webcam in place.

The Online Proctor Process:
Wen you log in to you Microsoft Account, you have to go to the scheduled exam and when you sign in, you have to download the OnVue software for remote login for the examiner with the access code.
Then you will be ask to use your mobile phone and will provide you a link to go to on your personal mobile, then one you go to the web link.
On the web link, 1st it will ask you for a selfie picture. 2nd, it will ask you to take a photo of your ID, either your passport or Drivers license. Once verified, you will ask to take 4 pictures of each side of your desk (front, back, left and right).
You can try again and make sure each pictures are high quality and not blur as the proctor will not accept it and you got to take it again.

After you complete the photos and all verified, you go back to the PC and refresh.
Finally you tick agreement before you start, this is where you wait for the Proctor to talk to you (this takes minutes) and once it all clear, you can start the exam.

I have done this exam twice as the 1st time I fail as I was close and this time I pass with a huge score as a comeback.

My experience as doing Online Proctor it is a different environment from the training centre and I enjoyed it.

My advice to anyone who taking exam in the workplace make sure you print a Test Exam signs on the door (Exam in progress, Do not disturb, please be quiet, etc) so no one can knock at the door or come in or else the exam gets cancelled - This this Proctor rules or you can try during booking 'Out of Office' hours if the managers allow you to.
Also make sure if you have to set up the PC, do this in 1 hour before the exam as you still have to do the ID check in process before the exam.

I will you all well if you are thinking about Online Proctor.

More information about Online Proctor:
https://www.pearsonvue.co.uk/Test-takers/OnVUE-online-proctoring.aspx

Microsoft Certifications Retirement Extension

I did a previous post about all of the On-Premises Certification (MCSA, MCSE, MCSD) will retire on 30th June this year.

Good news for people who is still plan to earn the certifications.

Due to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic, the retirement will be now be extended to 31st January 2021. So you got plenty of time to do so.

Since as of this blog I am posting I cannot book any exams for now as most of the training centres are closed.

I may have to try online proctor which will be the best course of action.
As for the last 2 Microsoft Office Specialist 2019/365 Exam as I got the last 2 left (Outlook and Access Expert) which are still not released yet. (Again as of this post)

For more information:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/community-blog-post.aspx?BlogId=8&Id=375289

Microsoft On-Premises Certification Retiring in July

I was looking up some IT forums and been inform that all of the Premises Certifications (MCSA, MCSA & MCSD) are retiring and removing the 3rd Generation Certifications and focus more on the 4th Generation Certifications as Microsoft Role based exams.

What is 3rd and 4th Generation Certifications?
Then I will explain:
Each generation goes by the Microsoft Desk Side and Server Side OS and Technologies. The table will show you:

You notice that there are no Windows Server, Exchange and SharePoint 2019, that is because they will be integrated with Azure and Microsoft 365 which is cloud (4th Generation).

Basically the 4th Generation will be cloud based certifications which Microsoft will be focus on and no more Premises Certification. You see the 1st to 3rd Generations were the days of MCSA, MCSE, MCSD, MCP, MCTS, MCITP.

If you are doing the remaining 3rd Generation exams to achieve MCSA or MCSE then you got to achieve them before July as you will no longer obtain the Certifications.

If you have obtain the Certification before 30th June, this will be remain active on the Transcript.

More Information:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-is-retiring-its-mcsa-mcsd-and-mcse-certifications-in-june-2020/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/retired-certifications.asp

Wall Port Cabling Learning - Face Plate to Patch Panel

Unlike my previous one I done 4 years ago, this time I decide to go back to practice, now I have improved my skills.

In this video, I decide not just improving my skills on wiring network jack, I also purchase Trendnet TC-9O8C6 which a 8 port mini Patch Panel. Wiring 2 ports connecting to the double wall port face plate.

As you see in the video I still use the outdoor Cat6 cable which is designed for Weatherproof.. Because the Cat6 cable are designed for outdoor which is weatherproof the shield of the cable is very thick which is more challenging just like the previous one I have done.
Since I improved doing wiring using the thick cable, then I use normal ethernet cable at work it was easy to wire.

The idea of me doing the patch panel practice is that way when I am expose to the large patch panel e.g. 48 port and wiring long cable between offices in the building I become more confident at the real world environment.

I even made sure I did a test on my laptop to confirm that the wiring I have done connect to the internet successfully.

Windows 7 End of Life Cycle - Last Time

I got this message again when I was servicing Windows 7. This time with a final reminder. I just have to post this as this is a final reminder of anyone using Window 7 and the End of Life cycle and a new picture.

This is it: 14th January 2020 is when it comes to an end.

I know some people are afraid to let go of Windows 7, I know it was an excellent Operating System. Now it is time to upgrade to Windows 10.