I did my usual skill refreshment by using G-Metrix and I almost forgotten all my PowerPoint skills and I could not wait until I did the exam.
When I did the exam, I was focusing of brushing up my skills. As soon as I completed the exam, the remote got disconnected from my end. Got lucky as I press 'Submit Project' or else it would time expire.
I did contact the Trainer to get me reconnected and he knew I pass the exam as the exam was walk in the park. However I almost got a perfection. I got 1 wrong answer somewhere. But I was so close to perfection to get a maximum of 1000 points.
Now I am the PowerPoint specialist there is only one exam left, and that is Outlook Associate.
Currently, there are debates between the Microsoft Trainers and Microsoft Education board about the restructure of the Microsoft Outlook Certification which is the reason why as of this date of this article blog post, the Outlook Apps is not released yet. I am not sure when Outlook will be released.
Until then, I will take a break from Microsoft Office Specialist Certification until Outlook arrive and when it does, this will be the last exam for me to become the 'Microsoft 365 Apps: Grand Slam'.
In 2019, I achieved 2 certifications I achieved was Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate and Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert and I renewed them with the Assessment test ever since.
Months ago Microsoft informed that some Certifications will be renamed because of the reflection of the technology.
It was originally from August but they move it to September.
As of 6th September 2023 my 2 certifications has been changed Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate -> Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate
Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert -> Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert
Now instead of 2 exams, you now just have to pass 1 exam to get the Certificate.
The reason why the Desktop Certification change to Endpoint is because the Desktop Support Certifications is not just about Desktop PCs and Laptop. It is more than that Desktop Support as now the Endpoint which featuring Microsoft Intune now also deal with devices such as mobile devices. Not just Microsoft, but also Macintosh OS and Samsung Android OS. Include a bit of Linux.
Desktop Technician like myself now not just do PCs and Laptops. We also image and deploy mobile phones. At my workplace I do a lot of Intune work deploying Android OS on the Samsung Work phones and also set up Kiosk phones.
Even the name changed, however I always be the Desktop Technician guy.
This exam was a walk in the park as I am been expose to Microsoft Word for 2 decades and 5 years of utilising all the tools.
However I use G-Metrix practice exam to refresh my skills as I sometimes forget about all the tools because in life on the daily basis and at the workplace that we all use a fraction of the tools when using the Microsoft Office packages.
Associate Version: I done many practices on the test and when I sit in the exam and this exam was so easy to pass. However I did not get the best score as it was almost 900 points. But still I am happy with the results because 'pass' is a 'pass' and as long as I pass. I get the certificate.
Expert Version: The exam was tricky, however thanks to G-Metrix to refresh my skills. I manage to pass with ease. A good score of over 800 points. Also watch out for Macros task.
Now I not just completed the Word Double, I also completed the Exam side of the exams. Now, I got only Associates left which are PowerPoint and Outlook.
After I done a retake and I become the Expert on Microsoft 365 Apps. I feel like the burden has been lifted because I have pass the beast of the Microsoft Excel Expert exam.
On my previous blog talking about completing the Excel Double aka both Excel Associate and Excel exams, where I always mention how challenging Excel Expert is. Only the Excel Expert 2016 version where I pass the exam in one go which had a better score than other versions.
The question is how did I become the 1st man in London, United Kingdom history to become MOS on Microsoft 365 Apps?
Well I tell you:
The general Certificate pathway is you have to pass Word, Excel and PowerPoint to become an Associate and pass Word Expert and Excel Expert including Associate Certificate to become Expert level.
The Certification pathway has also as an elective route. Since I have the Grand Slam in Office 2019, I only require pass any 1 of 4 Associate Exam to become an Associate Level and then any 1 of 2 Expert Exam to become an Expert.
So basically saying I got complete either Word Double or Excel Double to become an Expert in an instant.
I never know that achieving the Grand Slam gives you a shortcut to Certification goal.
This exam was very interesting because I had to go
through delays because of the bookings and I missed one as I was late, so it
was rescheduled within a fortnight.
This time, the Training Provide use a new remote
tool called 'Quick Assist'. This is a Microsoft version of 'TeamViewer'. You
require Microsoft Account to use it.
My exam experience was much smoother than the
previous web-based counterpart.
Let us get to the 2 Excel Exams:
Associate Version:
I done many practices on the test and when I sit in the exam, the task was a
bit complex, however I learn the refresher skills on how to create basic
formulas and charts. I have done well on the exam and pass with a score above
800 points which I am happy with.
Expert Version:
When it comes to Excel and the Expert exams, the Excel Expert is definitely the
beast of them all because of complex formulas to learn.
When I took this exam for the 1st time, I was
completely confused on how to do the formulas. Even I did a lot of practice
with G-Metrix tests. The test was featuring Macros, Vlookup, Pivot Chart and
tables. End up failing the exam.
After I fail the exam, I remember all the projects
and tasks then I start practicing all of the tools and formulas and how to
learn them as I had to refresh my Excel skills when it comes to Advance
Formulas.
I spend time writing notes on each sections on how
to learn the Expert skills.
I had to wait another 2 weeks to get a retake and I wish it was 1 week as I was
ready for a rematch.
Then 2 weeks later, I finally had an opportunity to do a retake.
As soon as I done a retake, the project and task was in different order, but
the same as the previous attempt which means I know the tasks off by heart (no,
there are no dumps on Microsoft Office Exams).
After I took the test, I thought I smashed the exam
with ease because this was the exactly the same questions/tasks/projects as
before.
When I got the exam results, I thought that I would
get at least 800 points or more, however I pass on the dot (700 points) which
was not I was expected. I was not happy at first because I pass on the dot, but
I expect better results.
But at the end of the day, it does not matter how
good the score is, I pass, and I am happy with it.
I am now not just completed Excel Double (Associate
and Expert), I also become the 1st man in London, United Kingdom history to
become certified as Microsoft Office Specialist - Expert: Microsoft 365 Apps.
After few months of announcement about my journey to MOS Microsoft 365 Apps certifications, I finally get to sit in the exam.
The layout is a bit different from the 2019 counterpart, however when I did the last exam by remote, it was via some Virtual session which was not bad and good.
This remote was using an App called QuickAssist which a Microsoft Remote Assistant App and I been told that I am the 1st person to do the Microsoft 365 Apps version of the exam.
The 1st exam was Microsoft Excel Associate which as MO-210. It was an interesting exam.
I will go more in depth with the Excel version on my next topic as I require to pass the Expert version. Not looking forward to it because Excel Expert is the toughest one.
Since I pass Excel Associate and done the Grand Slam in Office 2019 which was the prerequire, I manage to get the Associate Level.
I am happy with the exam and a lot of thinking when it comes to instructions.
Before I get into this post, I will mention about my previous post about how I am planning to do the new MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) in Office 365 Apps certification. However I put this on hold because there were delays of the online proctor which will start in months from now and some providers did not do the exams at the time. So until then, I decide to learn ITIL v4 until the online proctor becomes available to do the new MOS exams.
Now, let us get into ITIL v4
The reason for the title because I did the ITIL Course in 2012 and this was based on ITIL v3. The readers who do not know what ITIL acronym is. ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library.
The reason decide to do the new ITIL v4 exams because I like to keep myself up to date with the ITIL process model.
When I look at the ITIL v4, there are few differences then the previous ITIL. I learn about that the practice management has evolved such as Continual improvement, IT Security Management as now alot of things are now in the cloud. Portfolio Management has merge with Service Portfolio and Business Relationship management.
Unlike v3, v4 has now got 4 key framework components (Service Value System (SVS), Service Value Chain (SVC), 4 Dimensions of Service Model and ITIL Guiding Principles. The Service Lifecycle is now become Service Value System such as Continual Service Improvement where the organisation/company evaluate the technology and resources they use (what need to keep, upgrade and change).
PeopleCert now governs ITIL, Prince2, DevOps and Scrum. Even Axelos runs ITIL but I have to book the ITIL exam from PeopleCert.
I remember I book the ITIL v3 exam over 10 years ago. When I took the exam, 1st was through ISEB which I failed 1st and then I done a retake from EXIN which I pass a long time ago when I received 'ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management'. Over a decade later into 2023. I took the v4 exam and I just passed. Even I studied and practice hard for 2 months.
I remember a decade ago technicians told me that is a dry and boring subject which I agree, even now it still is, however it is worth it.
Since I pass the exam, PeopleCert has change the rules saying that is anyone pass the ITIL v4, new version of Prince2 and other exams run by PeopleCert is now become a 3 year certification. Basically means I have to renew every 3 years which is understandable.
My view about the 3 years is I am not worried because if my new one expired as I have no plans to renew it after 3 years, I still keep the 10 year old ITIL Certificate which is good for me.
The question to IT people out there is "Is the ITIL Certification is worth it?" I say 'Yes'. Because it may be a 'dry subject' however you will learn who the whole of how the IT Services works in general. Also many people say that this will also help you get to the IT Service Desk Role before you move up in the IT world.
Microsoft announced over a month ago about this new Office Certifications called Microsoft 365 Apps.
About this new Certification this Specialist is will be focus on 365 based subscriptions instead of 2022 version because the 365 version Office packages will always be up to date than the one-off license.
Anyone just like me who had the previous Certification which was called Office 2019/365 which was based on hybrid because it was based on 2019 now be renamed to Microsoft Office 2019. Basically, remove the word '365'.
Here is the video from Certiport:
Unlike the previous where I need to pass all 7 exams to become the Grand Slam, this one I only need to pass all 6 exams to become the Grand Slam.
The reason there are only 6 to pass to become the Grand Slam is because the Microsoft Board of examinators now only focus on the specific and essential packages. The one package they remove on this exam is Microsoft Access as this is not an essential package business user.
The only 6 are Word & Excel Double (Both Associates and Expert). 2 solos PowerPoint and Outlook. Now let's got to the 2 exhibits of the Certification pathway.
Microsoft Office Specialist Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps)
I looked at my Pathway requirements, since I pass all my Office 2019 exams, I only require passing any 1 exam to become the Associate otherwise I would have to pass 3 of 4 exams to become Associate.
Microsoft Office Specialist Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)
On my Pathway requirements, since I pass all my Office 2019 exams, Including Associate Certificate I only require passing any 1 Expert exam to become the Expert otherwise I would have to pass both 2 exams to become Expert.
Once the exams are released, I be looking forward to do and pass the exams.
During the time, I was learning how to do the Active Directory and Domain join. At the time I build an infrastructure, the organisation did not had enough budget, but enough to turn a workstation into a Server. It was running on Windows Server 2008 R2 which was current at the time before Windows Server 2012 (not R2).
Also at the time, I did not know how to set the DNS to point to the Server so I had to manually assign the IP address to each PC at the time because I did not know how this works until years after I found out about the router settings which I will mention on this article.
(This is going to be a long read.)
Then many years later I had a call from my friend who run his business for 10 years (not mention the company name on this blog).
I did tell him I do not want to do another IT Support work as I want to get off that role as I am working at my main job for 4 days per week.
I reduce days because of my circumstances during the Covid19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) Pandemic and the lockdown at the time and I my skills has evolve and wanted to hone it higher.
Instead of another IT Support, I want to do the Technical Architect (as a Sessional Consultant and Advisor) which he agrees to.
When you do the Infrastructure Design, you need look at the current IT Infrastructure, explain the current situation, look at the cost of the upgrade. In some cases, you make get calls asking for support, but you are not here for Support or quick fix because your role is to look at the bigger picture and the overhaul. Expert version of Microsoft Certifications (such as the old MCSEs) will teach you this if you an Engineer or Management level. The issue was the staff are getting frustrating due to slow PCs and I could not do any troubleshooting as the issue will not be solved by making the PC faster on the Hard Drive. Because I am working at my main job, I go on certain days to fit around on my non-working days. First I did was to go into the office and assess the IT Equipment. Find out what hardware the Desktop PCs uses, the cabling, patch panels and the software they are using. Then document the issues raised and look at the cost of upgrade.
Since he agrees to the business plan, I first I look at building the Server which is running on Server 2022 which is the latest Server OS as of this blog. Proceed with the task as I can come in when I am available and plan the days carefully.
The next part is to get my Server sold to him for the company which he did then tidy up the office so I get the PDU and the HP Switch to do the cabling and patching for the small office. Give the staff in the small office new Extension sockets.
The next part is building a Server was easy as I build this many times during my lab days, setup up Active Directory, Group Policy, connect to Microsoft 365 Cloud to make it hybrid. Enable password writeback which is a good idea so the users can change password from the cloud and synchronise back to the premise. Set up the DNS and DHCP so it can point to Server and Router.
Most PCs I saw are old, but still good. They are slow because they are all using the Hard Drive, so all the PCs are BIOS updated and replaced with SSD (Solid State Drives) because as of 2020, all news PCs and laptops are now using SSD and built in TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to be modern and security compliance. Reinstall Windows 10 Professional to every PCs. If any PCs are Home version, they also need to be Professional so it can be domain joined. At the time I still have to manually assign DNS IP address because I could not figure out how to make it automatically point the DNS to Server and router
(I did manage at the end which I will explain on the last paragraph).
The next task is to look at the Microsoft 365 tenant and look at subscription licenses who to assign, had to purchase more and upgrade to Business Premium even it cost more because it has Geo and cloud Security policy (Conditional Access Policy).
Now back to how I fix the DNS settings: It took me months figure out (thanks to YouTube) on how to make the PCs automatically assign DNS to Server and router as I normally manually assign each PCs to the Server and Router to join the domain. It was mentioned which I did is I had to configure the DNS from the router and make it point to the router and Server IP. Since this works, I remove the manual settings from each PC so it can automatically point so any new PCs installed I can join the domain normally. On top of it all, with the Business Premium which comes with Azure Premium v1, I cannot do Security compliant, I can also onboard Antivirus on each PCs.
The reason it was a 3-month project because I was working the main job and waiting for more orders of parts and equipment to resume the work, otherwise, it would be quicker.
It was a bit demanding first as I told the staff in the business that I had to prioritise the structure first before working on desktops.
However overall, I really enjoyed it as I officially build a live-production environment. The infrastructure is currently 25% premises and 75% cloud and gain a lot of confidence on how to build an infrastructure.
The staff are very happy there because all PCs are running on Solid Sate Drives.
Here is the picture of the Server.
I do enjoy that Server as I made many IT upgrade video on this Server until it was sold to the business.
Here is the video upgrade before it was no longer in my home.
Through out the years, Internet Explorer was the powerhouse Brower in history when it was began in 16th August 1995.
My thoughts is the Internet Explorer was very reliable browser, then years later Google Chrome came into the picture and become my favourite browser. Throughout the years it have grow and evolve with new features. It will be sadly missed, now I currently use more of Chrome as my suitable browser which I use daily and default browser is Edge.
It was originally name Microsoft Internet Explorer after version 6. Then version 7 to 11 (last version) it was called Windows Internet Explorer which introduce Tabs. Then on Windows 10, they introduce a new browser based on Chrome called Microsoft Edge.
Internet Explorer, you will Rest In Peace. Born: 16th August 1995 Died: 15th June 2022
Day 1 and 2 are theory until the 2nd half of day 2 where I did the practical. 3rd day I did more practical and mock test to real exam.
The Theory Section: I learn more deeper into Health and Safety and more of electrical theory such as AC (Alternate Current) and DC (Direct Current). Also just like the 101 course about the Earthing (Ground). Then I learn about the Ohms law and how the voltage works. The part is I learn about the Ethernet Cable, understanding about Cat 5 to Cat 7/8 and the attenuation. Discussing about the Network Topology and how it works and understand more about the network tools we use to do the cabling.
The Practical Section: This is my favourite part as I am more of a hands-on/practical person. I had this student came to this course to renew his card or license and he was very experienced. I did few videos on my YouTube and some post on Facebook with pictures showing me doing wiring on patch panel and wall socket. I look at most of the videos and they use the normal cable cutter however he show me a different tool that way I can be due diligent on cutting the cable. He show me this unusual tool. This tool has a nob which can adjust the blade height (picture) that way you can cut the skin of the ethernet cable carefully.
He explain to to cut it more professionally and pull the skin off carefully before you get to the 4 pair twisted copper.
I finally manage to create a Ethernet cable as I use to struggle on how to create a cable, but thanks to him I manage and successfully create a Cat6 Cable. I also done a Patch panel lesson and terminating cable which I am very good at because I done few videos on it. What I have been told that I got to use the B side wiring not the A side. A side is T568A and B side is T568B. T568A standard is the American version and T568B standard is the British version. Since I live in the UK, then I use the T568B Standard. The next day I had to create a faulty wiring to purposely show an error results by using a Network Cabling Auditor tool called Ideal Lantek 3. Ideal Lantek 3 is a Cable Certification tool is to audit cable wiring if the cables are terminated successfully. This is a powerful this is use for auditing and to make sure the wiring is to meet the 'Certified Network Standards' which each cable test has to 'pass' before using the patching into live environment. I enjoy using the tool however the tool is very expensive to purchase. I really enjoy the practical as this will help me at my workplace.
Test and Exams: I did few mock test and practice test before the real one. Which I learn from. Then I did the real exam. Some were tricky. However I manage to pass which I am happy with the results.
I finally doing the City & Guilds Course to learn about the Data Cabling, however this one is an essential core course. I am not going to mention the company name unless they want me to, however they are very excellent Training providers.
The last time I done City & Guilds was over 20 years ago when I was doing my NVQs. It was boring as this is all theory but it is a core subject and boring are the essentials unfortunately if anyone reading this:
I learn new things such as:
- The PUWER rules (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). This is where the user is responsible for the work tools and equipment. Using the correct tools which is intended to do for the task.
-Using the correct voltage between 110v vs 240v. Recommend 110v tools. Ladder 4 to 1 rules. 4 meters per 1 meter wide. Basically when you use the ladder, it is about how to use it correctly or else you fall.
- Asbestos - When you go to sites to do cabling, you have to learn about asbestos as you be going across ceilings and walls, mostly ceilings to wiring as you be feeding the cables between the ceiling and walls.
- Classes of Laser, there are 7 classes of lasers from low to high. High laser class is more dangerous than the other.
- I learn about the Health and Safety, identify the safe practices, learn about the SI Units and symbols and principles of data communication.
- Ohms law
- Wavelength
- Types of cabling we use such as coaxial to ethernet. Also mention about Fibre Optic.
I done the exam and I failed by 1 question which is unlucky for me as it was close.
Update on 8th April:
I did a retake of the exam which I failed at the time and manage to pass with flying colours. What a comeback. I finally pass both exams which I am now relieved.
For few years ago, I made few YouTube Videos of myself learning how to do some RJ45 Cabling. One terminating from Wall Point to Point and another is from the mini Patch Panel. Also I challenge myself by using thick outdoor shielded Cat6 cable as it was hard because the cable is thick.
Then it turns out it was easy to do on the normal ethernet cable.
Video below from YouTube:
I decide to do this course so I can get further exposure into cabling so before I do the official City and Guilds version, I went for an basic induction.
It was an online course via Microsoft Teams and it was basically just me and the tutor as it was Covid talking about the history of Telecommunication date back from the prehistoric and the pre-bible days (Greek and Rome eras). All the way to the present.
I am not going into detail about it as it was much as it was a teaser as to the real thing. I learn a lot about the history of telecommunications and it was very interesting.
I will do another one when I do the Official City & Guilds version which next few months depending on the Coronavirus situation.
When I first time heard about Windows 11 is coming soon I was thinking: 'I wish they stay with Windows 10 build forever as Microsoft stated.'
My thoughts is so far that it look like Android style Apps like you see on Chromebook.
I like the new layout of the settings.
I have no problem with Windows 11 coming out, in the business environment point-of-view: IT staff and manager in the future have to talk about upgrading to Windows 11 and retrain the end users. With the Windows 10, the users can learn and adapt for a very long time.
This will good for Home consumers.
I made a video on YouTube for a quick Tour as I use Windows 10 Insider preview. Enjoy.
I made a video about the build version number and someone was asking me and do a video request video about what does the numbers mean.
This is the diagram:
Here is the video I made:
As you see from the diagram that it goes by 4 digits.
The 1st 2 represent the year and the 2nd 2 represent the month number.
Example: Build 1909 = September 2019.
Remember, please do not get mixed up by the release date versus the build date as the version goes by the month and the year it is build. Then a month later Microsoft does a release dated based on the build.
On my previous post I written a blog about how Microsoft introduce the Renewal Assessment to people who are currently certified can keep their Certifications up do date.
I had an email from Microsoft Certification regarding one of my certifications need renewing which is the Desktop Administrator Associate. The mail notifying me that my Certificate will expire within 6 months meaning I got to do the Renewal Assessment.
When I saw this email to remind me about the Certification is going to expire, I was thinking:
I decide to let it expire as it serviced it's purpose because I will not have the time to study and practice again for the same exam. Also spending more money doing a resit the 2 same exams I passed 2 years ago. When I saw this Assessment, I was like, why not. It is free and it was announced by Microsoft before Christmas.
I went to my Certification profile from my Hotmail account to look at my Certification status and it say 180 days to renew my certificate.
Since I was eligible to renew, I been sent to do the Renewal Assessment. On the assessment test is based on my skills, knowledge and experience.
- I had 25 questions to complete within 40 minutes
- The passing score is 72% - If you fail, you get a 2nd attempt straight away, if 2nd fail the retake every 24 hours.
When I done the assessment I failed few times as I need to practice and the test was very hard, but once you practice again and refresh my skills, I manage to pass the assessment.
I had another email to congratulate on my renewing.
After I pass, my certification has extended for another year.
My advice for anyone who is doing a Renewal Assessment:
1. Practice and do the course modules on Microsoft Learn
Remember even you pass the exam less than 2 years ago and you are certified, the content updates every month especially Cloud Technology and I am talking about Microsoft 365 features.
2. Retake at least every 3 days Even you get a 24 hours retake after the 2nd attempt, do not rush, just practice and learn, you still got 6 months to pass, 6 months is a long time just to pass an assessment.
3. After you pass, evaluate what you learn Do not forget, you get another year extension. This will keep your skills, knowledge and your Certificate up to date.
From December 15th Microsoft decide to do a new approach, which is called Microsoft Renewal Assessment.
What is Microsoft Certification Renewal Assessment? Renewal Assessment is skill Assessment test to test your knowledge and experience based on your current Exam and Certification 6 months before your current certification expires.
If you are either Certified in Associate or Expert level which normally it is certified for 2 years, instead of resitting the exams again, the Assessment appears 6 months before current Certificate expire from Microsoft Learn
This will start from March 2021 targeting role based Certifications.
My thoughts: I say this is the best thing Microsoft done because I can do this test instead of me having to resit and paying for the 2 same exams I passed 2 years ago just to renew my certificate. The best part of all, it is free.
I made a YouTube video after I done a Asus PC upgrade so I decide to make a separate video to understand more about the Windows OS Hardware Standard.
What is Windows OS Hardware Standard?
Windows Operating System Hardware Standard is the term I come up with since 2014 when Windows XP retired and using the recommended/average hardware specifications when running Windows OS.
Why I come up with the term 'Windows OS Hardware Standard"?
The standards is based on PC which are long term investments and becoming future-proof. Future-Proof is refer as hardware PC or Servers has long term sustainability which usually lasts 10 years. More then 10 years if the PC taken care of and the condition. Also run on new Operating System such as Windows 7, 8 or 10 by upgrading the motherboard to the recommended specifications or usually maximum CPU and RAM performance on the motherboard. Also when I refurbish PC I make sure the hardware is worth upgrading or just dispose to recycle.
Understanding and the story of the OS Standard
Beginning:
I am going into details to this may be a long read on how this came up:
I done this PC Technician work for over 15 years however I learn about PC when me and my brother was curious about how PC works - RAMs and CPU. We were curious about how fast the PC goes.
My brother does other things since decades ago and now back to me.
Before I was 1st IT Certified in 2009 (CompTIA A+) this was during the era of Windows XP. I was getting good motherboard but I want to push my memory to the motherboard limits to see how fast my PC goes. When it goes above 2GB then the speed does not go fast anymore as it reach the top speed. Suddenly I discovered the 4GB RAM limit because at the time it was running on 32 bit Windows which read 3.25GB. Upgraded BIOS on some motherboard with read 3.5GB. It does not matter how much memory you put, even you put 6GB of RAM, it will show 3.25 because of the 32bit limit.
I did not think of the CPU at the time because it was hard and expensive to buy.
During XP days before I was CompTIA Certified, I had friends getting normal PC and they get slow and bad performance, most people do not know how or some are lazy to housekeep their PC (Usual defrag, virus scan, Windows update) and they want to resort to buy a new PC or laptop.
When look at their PC they usually have Pentium 3 or 4 at the time, my best solution is to put more memory and upgrade to maximum that way it is more faster which always long term.
Windows 7 Hardware Standard:
In 2014 when Windows XP Retired because of the 'End of Lifecycle' (7th April 2014) this is where the Standard Came in because I had a lot to people came to me for advice bcause when Windows OS become 'End of Lifecycle' basically means Microsoft will not support the OS and you have to upgrade to the latest Windows. At the time there were Windows Vista, 7 and 8, however I prefer Windows 7 at the time because Windows Vista is no good and Windows 8 has flaws at the time because 8.1 has improved it.
During the upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 I have to access each PC is it worth upgrading or tell them to buy a new PC.
How I decide the Windows 7 Hardware Standard?
I access each PC if the memory is DDR2 or higher. No point of having DDR1 memory as this is too old to run Windows 7.
Also the CPU is upgradable to Pentium D (Dual Core version of Pentium 4), but I prefer Core Duo or higher as it is better to have 2 Core PCs.
If they are below the Hardware requirement then they have to buy a new PC and if they are upgradable, then I suggest them to upgrade their PCs.
At the time I was against 64 bit as the software has a lot of flaws at the time because of hardware drives.
In 2015, 64-bit has improved on Windows 7 OS so I recommend 64 bit from then on as it will be no point on having 32-bit have 4GB limit and 64-bit has 128GB RAM limit (way plenty) and start recommend Quad Core CPUs instead of Dual Cores and Memory can go up to 8GB RAM Maximum.
Windows 7 End of Lifecycle and Windows 10:
Now in January 2020, 6 years later Windows 7 has reach the End of Lifecycle. I had few people asking me for advice since 2014 when migrating from Windows XP to 7, this time from Windows 7 to 10 (do not bother with Windows 8).
This time another assessment:
I have to make sure if the memory is DDR3 or higher. DDR2 memory is OK but too old and recommended memory is 8GB of RAM or more.
Also the CPU is upgradable to Core 2 Quad as 4 Cores are the way forward and preferable for Windows 10 as it has new build every 6 months. If it is either i3 or i5, then make it i7.
It is pointless having 32 bit Windows as 64 bit is the Standard now. Solid State Drive is a bonus as it is faster then a Hard Drive and now become the norm.
On my video on HPE Gen 10 plus upgrade I mention on the 3 Tiers (Red, Yellow and Green) CPU see this video on between the Timestamp: 12:25 to 14:45.
The question is What is the Red, Yellow and Green Tier? As I explained on the video briefly, the Red is overclock, Yellow is the performance and the Green is the safe. These are based of the TDP (Thermal Design Power).
When I was looking for a CPU upgrade page to see which CPU I can use for my HPE Gen10 MicroServer Plus. As you know me, I like to buy and upgrade the maximum CPU for my PC or Server as possible.
However when it comes to the MicroServer high CPU uses a lot of power consumption so I like to keep it safe and have it balance so this will not cause any overheat between the CPU and the heatsink.
Now, here is the screenshot from the website and look carefully:
If you look at the chart carefully you see the maximum CPU capacity for HPE gen10+ is Xeon E-2288G which is 8 cores/16 Threads, however because of the maximum level this uses 95w TDP (Thermal Design Power) which is Red and overclock and because of this is not under 130w and not recommended CPU, this is under the Red Tier because of huge consumption. On my video i chose Xeon E-2236 because even it is on the Yellow Tier (Orange) as it is consuming 80w TDP, it is running Power under 130w and it is recommended. I could of go for E-2246 which is 200MHz higher but I could not find one at the time which is safe to use.
Now what is the point of the CPU Traffic light Tier?
If you understand about TDP (Thermal Design Power), basically means unlike the PC when you can buy a better heatsink fan with high TDP watts, the MicroServer has its own stock CPU coolers with wattage limitations meaning when using higher CPU this will overheat the CPU because of the stock cooler.
After you read this, when you buy the higher CPU and do overclocking - Remember! Please do this at your own risk.
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