Only 6 days
Classroom
08/01/2025 (Wednesday)
Overview
Get the knowledge you need to administer, support and configure Windows 8.1 on this accelerated six day course. Plus, earning this MCSA: Windows 8.1 certification will qualify you for a position as a computer support specialist.
As well as learning how to install and customise Windows 8.1 operating systems and apps, you’ll also study:
- Volume Activation for Windows 8.1
- Answer File creation
- Remote management tools
- Windows PowerShell
- User profile management
On this official course, you’ll get access to Microsoft Official Courseware and take both MCSA: Windows 8.1 certification exams onsite.
Curriculum
Windows 8.1 in an Enterprise Network Environment
- Managing Windows 8.1 in an Enterprise Environment
- Overview of Windows 8.1
Installing and Deploying Windows 8.1
- Preparing to Install and Deploy Windows 8.1
- Installing Windows 8.1
- Customizing and Preparing an Image for Deployment
- Volume Activation for Windows 8.1
Managing Profiles and User State in Windows 8.1
- Managing User Accounts and Profiles
- Configuring User State Virtualization
- Migrating User State and Settings
Tools Used for Configuring and Managing Windows 8.1
- Tools Used to Perform Local and Remote Management of Windows 8.1
- Using Windows PowerShell to Configure and Manage Windows 8.1
- Using Group Policy for Management
Managing Disks and Device Drivers
- Managing Disks, Partitions, and Volumes
- Maintaining Disks, Partitions, and Volumes
- Working with Virtual Hard Disks
- Installing and Configuring Device Drivers
Configuring Network Connectivity
- Configuring IPv4 Network Connectivity
- Configuring IPv6 Network Connectivity
- Implementing Automatic IP Address Allocation
- Implementing Name Resolution
- Implementing Wireless Network Connectivity
Configuring Resource Access for Domain-Joined and Non-Domain Joined Devices
- Configuring Domain Access for Windows 8.1 Devices
- Managing Non-Domain Devices
- Configuring Workplace Join
- Configuring Work Folders
Implementing Network Security
- Overview of Threats to Network Security
- Configuring Windows Firewall
- Securing Network Traffic
- Guarding Against Malware
Configuring File, Folder, and Printer Access
- Managing File and Folder Access
- Managing Shared Folder Access
- Configuring File and Folder Compression
- Overview of SkyDrive
- Managing Printers
Securing Windows 8.1 Devices
- Authentication and Authorization in Windows 8.1
- Implementing Local Policies
- Securing Data with EFS and BitLocker
- Configuring User Account Control
Configuring Applications for Windows 8.1
- Application Deployment Options in Windows 8.1
- Managing Windows Store Apps
- Configuring Internet Explorer Settings
- Configuring Application Restrictions in the Enterprise
Optimizing and Maintaining Windows 8.1 Computers
- Optimizing the Performance of Windows 8.1
- Managing the Reliability of Windows 8.1
- Managing Software Updates in Windows 8.1
Configuring Mobile Computing and Remote Access
- Configuring Mobile Computers and Device Settings
- Overview of DirectAccess
- Configuring VPN Access
- Configuring Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance
Recovering Windows 8.1
- Backing Up and Restoring Files in Windows 8.1
- Recovery Options in Windows 8.1
Configuring Client Hyper-V
- Overview of Client Hyper-V
- Creating Virtual Machines
- Managing Virtual Hard Disks
- Managing Checkpoints
Introduction to Troubleshooting Windows 8.1
- Common Windows 8.1 Troubleshooting Scenarios
- Overview of Windows 8.1 Architecture
- Overview of Troubleshooting Steps
Troubleshooting Computer Startup
- Overview of the Windows 8.1 Startup Recovery Environment
- Optimizing and Troubleshooting Startup Settings
- Troubleshooting Operating System Services Issues
- Recovering BitLocker-Protected Drives
Troubleshooting Hardware and Device Drivers
- Overview of Hardware Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Physical Failures
- Troubleshooting Device Driver Failures
- Monitoring Reliability
- Configuring the Registry
Remote Troubleshooting
- Using Remote Desktop
- Using Remote Assistance
- Remoting with Windows PowerShell
Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues
- Determining Network Settings
- Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues
Troubleshooting Group Policy
- Overview of Group Policy Application
- Resolving Client Configuration Failures and GPO Application Issues
Troubleshooting User Settings
- Troubleshooting Sign In Issues
- Troubleshooting User Profiles
- Troubleshooting Folder Redirection
- Troubleshooting USMT
Troubleshooting Remote Connectivity
- Troubleshooting VPN Connectivity Issues
- Troubleshooting NAP Issues
- Troubleshooting DirectAccess Issues
Troubleshooting Resource Access within a Domain
- Troubleshooting File Access Issues
- Troubleshooting File Permissions Issues
- Troubleshooting Printer Access Issues
Configuring and Troubleshooting Resource Access for Non-Domain Joined Clients
- Configuring and Troubleshooting Workplace Join
- Configuring and Troubleshooting Work Folders
- Configuring and Troubleshooting SkyDrive Access
Troubleshooting Applications
- Troubleshooting Application Installation Issues
- Troubleshooting Desktop Apps
- Troubleshooting Windows Store Apps
- Troubleshooting Internet Explorer
- Troubleshooting Client Hyper-V
Maintaining Windows 8.1
- Troubleshoot Windows Activation Issues
- Monitoring and Configuring Performance Options in Windows 8.1
- Protecting Windows 8.1 from Malware and Viruses
- Applying Application and Windows Updates
Recovering Windows 8.1
- Restoring Files in Windows 8.1
- Recovery Options in Windows 8.1
Exam Track
You'll sit the following exams, and gain your MCSA: Windows 8 certification:
- Exam 70-687: Configuring Windows 8.1
- Exam 70-688: Supporting Windows 8.1
What's Included
Microsoft Official Curriculum
- MOC 20687: Configuring Windows 8.1
- MOC 20688: Supporting Windows 8.1
Included:
- Managing And Maintaining Windows 8.1: Exam Ref 70-688 – ISBN 9780735684737
Prerequisites
As well as professional experience, Firebrand recommend you possess:
- At least two years of experience in IT
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including Transmission Control Protocol /Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and Domain Name System (DNS)
- Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) principles and fundamentals of AD DS management
- Understanding of the certificate security and working knowledge of the fundamentals of Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)
- Understanding of Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2012 fundamentals
- Understanding of Microsoft Windows Client essentials; for example, working knowledge of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and/or Windows 8
- Basic understanding of Windows PowerShell
- Basic awareness of Windows deployment tools (Windows ADK components: Windows PE, Windows SIM, VAMT, ImageX, USMT, and DISM concepts and fundamentals) but no actual prerequisite skills with the specific tools are assumed
Benefits
Seven reasons why you should sit your course with Firebrand Training
- Two options of training. Choose between residential classroom-based, or online courses
- You'll be certified fast. With us, you’ll be trained in record time
- Our course is all-inclusive. A one-off fee covers all course materials, exams**, accommodation* and meals*. No hidden extras.
- Pass the first time or train again for free. This is our guarantee. We’re confident you’ll pass your course the first time. But if not, come back within a year and only pay for accommodation, exams and incidental costs
- You’ll learn more. A day with a traditional training provider generally runs from 9 am – 5 pm, with a nice long break for lunch. With Firebrand Training you’ll get at least 12 hours/day of quality learning time, with your instructor
- You’ll learn faster. Chances are, you’ll have a different learning style to those around you. We combine visual, auditory and tactile styles to deliver the material in a way that ensures you will learn faster and more easily
- You’ll be studying with the best. We’ve been named in the Training Industry’s “Top 20 IT Training Companies of the Year” every year since 2010. As well as winning many more awards, we’ve trained and certified over 135,000 professionals
*For residential training only. Doesn't apply for online courses
**Some exceptions apply. Please refer to the Exam Track or speak with our experts
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