This Introduction explains the new generation of Microsoft certifications centering on Windows Server 2008 and how the Exam Cram series can help you prepare for Exam 70-640. This chapter discusses the basics of the MCTS and MCITP certifications, including a discussion of test-taking strategies. Chapters 1 through 9 are designed to remind you of everything you need to know to take and pass the exam. The two sample tests at the end of this book should give you a reasonably accurate assessment of your knowledge and, yes, I've provided the answers and their explanations to the tests. Along with the explanations are some particularly useful links to more information on each topic. Each answer also includes a reference to the chapter in the book that covers the topic.

Read this book and understand the material, and you'll stand a very good chance of passing the test. Use the additional links to the other materials and points of reference, and along with actual product use, you will be in excellent shape to do well on the exam.

Exam Cram books help you understand and appreciate the subjects and materials you need to pass Microsoft certification exams. These books are aimed strictly at test preparation and review. They do not teach you everything you need to know about a topic. Instead, they present and dissect the questions and problems that you're likely to encounter on a test. These books work to bring together as much information as possible about Microsoft certification exams.

The MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certification requires you to have a strong knowledge of the features of Active Directory in Windows Server 2008, in particular the newer features. To move on to the next level, you have to drill down into each feature significantly. The MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) Windows Server 2008 Administrator and Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator certifications require considerable in-depth information about the particulars of each of the Windows Server 2008 features.

Every Microsoft Windows Server 2008–related certification starts off with Exam 70-640, which this book prepares you for, as well as Exam 70-642, TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring. From there, if you continue along any of the tracks, each of the IT Pro certifications mandates that you pass one or two other Windows Server 2008–specific exams. Exam 70-646, PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator, completes the requirements for the MCITP: Windows Server 2008 Administrator certification. The MCITP: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator certification requires that you pass two additional exams, 70-643, TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring, and 70-647, PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator. Furthermore, the Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator certification requires that you pass one client exam related to Windows Vista, either 70-620, TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring, or 70-624, TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops.

Content included in this book is also covered in the upgrade exams provided by Microsoft for individuals holding the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) titles on Windows Server 2003. More specifically, this includes Exam 70-648, TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist, and 70-649, TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist. Individuals wishing to pass either of these exams will find the content in this book helpful for learning the Active Directory portions of these exams.