Subscribe to the TST RSS Feed

RSS Feed

    Subscribe to Train Signal Training via RSS

    get real-time updates   •   more info

RSS by Email

    Or Subscribe via Email

    no spam   •   more info

Windows 7, Preinstalling for OEMs (Exam 70-683)

Posted on January 14th, 2010 by Mike Rodriguez 1 Comment »

Mike RodriguezRecently I posted a quick overview of Windows 7 certifications where I discussed the difference between MCTS and MCITP certs and briefly introduced all of the current Windows 7 exams.

I also posted a more in-depth article on the Windows 7, Configuring Exam 70-680.

Today we’ll move on to Windows 7, Preinstalling for OEMs — Exam 70-683.

 

Windows 7 Exam 70-683: Overview

Exam 70-683 is created to measure an individual’s ability and experience in preinstalling Windows 7 for OEM machines. Individuals interested in this exam should have experience using the Microsoft OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK), imaging tools, deployment tools, etc. They should also have at least one year of experience working with and troubleshooting desktop image deployments and installations.

After passing this exam, you will have earned the title of Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCT) in Preinstalling Windows 7 for OEMs.

Windows 7 Exam 70-683: Skills Measured

The 70-683 exam measures various skill sets. These skill sets are divided into four groups, including:

  • Preparing the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) Environment,
  • Creating a Base Image,
  • Configuring the Image for Deployment,
  • and Deploying and Updating the Image.

This exam is fairly small in terms of skills measured compared to other Windows 7 exams in its category, such as the Configuring Windows 7 exam. I’ll go over each of these skill sets in detail and outline the topics Microsoft expects you to know when you take the exam.

 

  •   Preparing the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) Environment

The Windows OEM Preinstallation Kit is a set of tools that support the automated installation and customization of Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008.

The 70-683 exam tests your ability and knowledge of preparing the tech computer for OEM Preinstallation Kit installation. This includes verifying and fulfilling hardware and software requirements, configuring the network environment, and installing necessary services such as the Microsoft .NET Framework.

You will also need to know how to install and configure the OEM Preinstallation Kit’s tool set and configure the reference computer. Configuring the reference computer includes installing Windows 7 and configuring the network environment.

 

  •   Creating a Base Image

This objective is fairly self explanatory. You’ll need to know how to configure a base image by applying OEM-specific content such as logos, support, information, help files, contact information, and recovery programs. This also includes configuring an answer file, which entails automating installation and post-installation tasks such as configuring desktop settings, user preference folders, time zones, scripting, and verifying licensing.

Finally, you’ll need to know how to prepare and install applications and devices for use in the base image. This includes applying drivers and software such as peripheral devices, installing system updates, command-line scripts, hot fixes, and preparing post-deployment software.

 

  •   Configuring the Image for Deployment

The third objective includes configuring users, finalizing the image, auditing the image, and capturing the image. Let’s start out with configuring users. First off, you’ll need to be able to add additional users to the image, configure user settings and user-specific applications, and apply group policy.

The next subsection is about finalizing the image. Finalizing the image basically means modifying default preferences such as logos, folder locations, wallpaper, and screensavers. Essentially, you are just making sure everything looks and works correctly. It also goes over verifying all other settings you have configured.

Next is auditing the image. This includes using SysPrep, a tool used to prepare an operating system for disk cloning and restoration, and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool is an all in one tool that replaces the older applications like PkgMgr (Used to install, remove, or update Windows packages,) PEImg (The windows Preinstallation environment,) and IntlConfg (Used to configure international settings such as language and locale settings,) which are all now retired.

 

  •   Deploying and Updating the Image

This final section covers deploying an image for installation, updating an image, and modifying the answer file.

Deploying the image entails selecting a deployment method and which tools you plan to use, configuring network settings, and preparing the installation source. Updating the image includes updating software and applying patches within an image. Finally, modifying the answer file includes similar content listed above such as adding file content and changing existing file content.

 

MCTS: Windows 7, Preinstalling OEMs

As a brand new exam (released in November of 2009), this is a great way to expand your credentials with a new certification. Completing the 70-683 exam will earn you the title of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist for Windows 7, Preinstalling OEMs.

While at first you may not see this exam as something that would have a huge market outside of OEM manufacturing, the certification actually proves to businesses that you can handle professional deployment, configuration, and maintenance of a large sized network of computer systems.

Much like the Enterprise Desktop Administrator certification, this exam proves your skills on many different levels, which can be seen as extremely valuable to employers even out of the OEM market. If you are interested in becoming certified, this certification exam is a great route to go.

So study hard, and good luck!


 

Related Posts:

Tags: , , , ,


 

One Response to “Windows 7, Preinstalling for OEMs (Exam 70-683)”

Leave A Comment: