In-Depth
The Guide to Windows 2000 Wisdom: Get to Those Tests
Procrastination can affect your certification. What are you waiting for?
Recently, I watched a mad scramble of test takers as people tried to
finish their Windows NT 4.0 MCSEs by Dec. 31. Microsoft extended the deadline,
so I expect to see a similar panic when the deadline arrives again. So
far, I haven’t witnessed a similar level of motivation (or panic) among
current MCSEs who are trying to upgrade to a Windows 2000 MCSE. As a trainer,
that concerns me. I suspect most people are suffering from a healthy dose
of procrastination and a major lack of study time. I’m sure I would have
taken longer to complete the tests myself if it hadn’t been a job responsibility.
The Dec. 31, 2001 deadline for upgrading to a Win2K MCSE is approaching
faster than we like to think, and there’s nothing to suggest that Microsoft
will extend the deadline. If you haven’t started yet, it’s time to create
a study and testing schedule. I recommend a schedule that finishes your
Win2K MCSE by early fall at the latest. Then, if something goes wrong,
you still have some time left before the deadline.
If you’re planning to take exam 70-240 (the Windows 2000 accelerated
exam for MCPs who have passed the three core NT exams), keep in mind that
if you don’t pass the exam, you can’t take it again. I strongly suggest
that you plan to take this exam by early summer. If you put it off too
long and fail the test, you’ll be rushing to take all four core exams
before the Dec. 31, 2001 deadline arrives.
On a lighter note, here’s my favorite interface feature. I really like
the way you can expand items on the Start Menu. To give it a try, right
click the Taskbar | Properties | Advanced. Among the options, you can
expand the Control Panel, Printers, and Network and Dial-Up Connections.
If, for example, you expand Control Panel, you can use the Start Menu
to navigate directly to any applet in the Control Panel. Very slick.
About the Author
Jill Gebelt, MCSE, MCT, has been a Computer Science Instructor and a river guide. Jill currently works as an independent contractor in Salt Lake City. She also holds A+, Network+, and CCNA certifications.