Introduction

MCSA/MCSE Windows XP Professional Exam Prep (Exam 70-270) is designed for network administrators, network engineers, and consultants who are pursuing the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certifications for Windows XP Professional. This book covers the "Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional" exam (70-270), a core exam for the MCSA and MCSE certifications. The exam is designed to measure your skill and ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot computers running Windows XP Professional. Microsoft not only tests you on your knowledge of the desktop operating system, but it has purposefully developed questions on the exam to force you to problem-solve in the same way that you would when presented with a real-life error. Passing this exam demonstrates your competency in administration.

This book covers all the objectives that Microsoft has established for exam 70-270. It doesn't offer end-to-end coverage of the Windows XP operating system; rather, it helps you develop the specific core competencies that you need to master as a network administrator. Also, this book has been updated to include coverage of the SP2 release. In the book, you will see special SP2 icons by the new SP2 material the 70-270 exam covers. You should be able to pass the exam by learning the material in this book, without taking a class.