At the workplace when in the future the company upgrade to Microsoft 365 (used to called Office 365), even other companies already got Microsoft 365, especially the company bureau we run (not naming the company one this blog) also have Office 365. My line manager and I decide to learn more about Microsoft 365. Since I am certified on MCSA Office 365 which means I have the knowledge and experience in Office 365. However throughout the years the Office 365 has changed a lot, even 3rd party MSP (Management Service Provider) will also tell you that it changes a lot with features, hence the reason the name changed from Office 365 to Microsoft 365. I learned a lot from Microsoft 365 since I got Office 365 myself. The book I used is the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Exam reference guide as there are no office study guide at the time as of this date of the blog and use Microsoft learn to know the more about how Microsoft 365 works as when it comes to cloud, there are more and new features since the Office 365 days. Because of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic all training centres are close during the pandemic. So I decide to try out OnVue Online Proctor which Pearson VUE uses. I could of easily book the exam in my home but because I got a lot stuff in my bedroom, I decide to book it at my workplace as this is due to Online Proctor policy. I use the small meeting room at my workplace and clear the area and set up the PC. I use the Kiosk PC. In the workplace I have to use the Guest network as Online Proctor do not allow connect to Corporate Network due to VPN, Security and Firewall which is required not to use for the exam. Also do not forget not recommend Wireless network and must have Webcam in place.
The Online Proctor Process: Wen you log in to you Microsoft Account, you have to go to the scheduled exam and when you sign in, you have to download the OnVue software for remote login for the examiner with the access code. Then you will be ask to use your mobile phone and will provide you a link to go to on your personal mobile, then one you go to the web link. On the web link, 1st it will ask you for a selfie picture. 2nd, it will ask you to take a photo of your ID, either your passport or Drivers license. Once verified, you will ask to take 4 pictures of each side of your desk (front, back, left and right). You can try again and make sure each pictures are high quality and not blur as the proctor will not accept it and you got to take it again. After you complete the photos and all verified, you go back to the PC and refresh. Finally you tick agreement before you start, this is where you wait for the Proctor to talk to you (this takes minutes) and once it all clear, you can start the exam. I have done this exam twice as the 1st time I fail as I was close and this time I pass with a huge score as a comeback. My experience as doing Online Proctor it is a different environment from the training centre and I enjoyed it. My advice to anyone who taking exam in the workplace make sure you print a Test Exam signs on the door (Exam in progress, Do not disturb, please be quiet, etc) so no one can knock at the door or come in or else the exam gets cancelled - This this Proctor rules or you can try during booking 'Out of Office' hours if the managers allow you to. Also make sure if you have to set up the PC, do this in 1 hour before the exam as you still have to do the ID check in process before the exam. I will you all well if you are thinking about Online Proctor. More information about Online Proctor: https://www.pearsonvue.co.uk/Test-takers/OnVUE-online-proctoring.aspx
I did a previous post about all of the On-Premises Certification (MCSA, MCSE, MCSD) will retire on 30th June this year. Good news for people who is still plan to earn the certifications. Due to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic, the retirement will be now be extended to 31st January 2021. So you got plenty of time to do so. Since as of this blog I am posting I cannot book any exams for now as most of the training centres are closed. I may have to try online proctor which will be the best course of action. As for the last 2 Microsoft Office Specialist 2019/365 Exam as I got the last 2 left (Outlook and Access Expert) which are still not released yet. (Again as of this post) For more information: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/community-blog-post.aspx?BlogId=8&Id=375289
I was looking up some IT forums and been inform that all of the Premises Certifications (MCSA, MCSA & MCSD) are retiring and removing the 3rd Generation Certifications and focus more on the 4th Generation Certifications as Microsoft Role based exams. What is 3rd and 4th Generation Certifications? Then I will explain: Each generation goes by the Microsoft Desk Side and Server Side OS and Technologies. The table will show you:
You notice that there are no Windows Server, Exchange and SharePoint 2019, that is because they will be integrated with Azure and Microsoft 365 which is cloud (4th Generation). Basically the 4th Generation will be cloud based certifications which Microsoft will be focus on and no more Premises Certification. You see the 1st to 3rd Generations were the days of MCSA, MCSE, MCSD, MCP, MCTS, MCITP. If you are doing the remaining 3rd Generation exams to achieve MCSA or MCSE then you got to achieve them before July as you will no longer obtain the Certifications. If you have obtain the Certification before 30th June, this will be remain active on the Transcript. More Information:
Unlike my previous one I done 4 years ago, this time I decide to go back to practice, now I have improved my skills. In this video, I decide not just improving my skills on wiring network jack, I also purchase Trendnet TC-9O8C6 which a 8 port mini Patch Panel. Wiring 2 ports connecting to the double wall port face plate. As you see in the video I still use the outdoor Cat6 cable which is designed for Weatherproof.. Because the Cat6 cable are designed for outdoor which is weatherproof the shield of the cable is very thick which is more challenging just like the previous one I have done. Since I improved doing wiring using the thick cable, then I use normal ethernet cable at work it was easy to wire. The idea of me doing the patch panel practice is that way when I am expose to the large patch panel e.g. 48 port and wiring long cable between offices in the building I become more confident at the real world environment. I even made sure I did a test on my laptop to confirm that the wiring I have done connect to the internet successfully.
I got this message again when I was servicing Windows 7. This time with a final reminder. I just have to post this as this is a final reminder of anyone using Window 7 and the End of Life cycle and a new picture. This is it: 14th January 2020 is when it comes to an end. I know some people are afraid to let go of Windows 7, I know it was an excellent Operating System. Now it is time to upgrade to Windows 10.
