MCSA 70-687 Cert Guide: Configuring Microsoft Windows 8.1

The study guide helps you master all the topics on the MCSA 70-687 exam, including the following: Installation and upgrades, including VHDs Migrating users, profiles, and applications Installing, configuring, and securing applications Configuring Hyper-V virtualization Configuring TCP/IP, network settings, and network security Configuring and securing access to files and folders, including OneDrive and NFC Configuring local security, authentication, and authorization Configuring remote connections and management Configuring and securing mobile devices Managing disks, backups, and system/file recovery MCSA 70-687 Cert Guide: Configuring Microsoft® Windows 8.1 is a best-of-breed exam study guide. Best-selling authors and expert instructors Don Poulton, Randy Bellet, and Harry Holt share preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding and retention of exam topics. The book presents you with an organized test preparation routine through the use of proven series elements and techniques. Exam topic lists make referencing easy. Chapter-ending Exam Preparation Tasks help you drill on key concepts you must know thoroughly. Review questions help you assess your knowledge, and a final preparation chapter guides you through tools and resources to help you craft your final study plan.   The companion CD contains the powerful Pearson IT Certification Practice Test engine, complete with hundreds of exam-realistic questions. The assessment engine offers you a wealth of customization options and reporting features, laying out a complete assessment of your knowledge to help you focus your study where it is needed most. Well-regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, and challenging review questions and exercises, this study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that will enable you to succeed on the exam the first time.   Don Poulton (A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA, MCSE) is an independent consultant who has worked with computers since the days of 80-column punch cards. He has consulted extensively with training providers, preparing study materials for Windows technologies. He has written or contributed to several Que titles, including Security+ Lab Manual, MCSA/MCSE 70-299 Exam Cram 2, and MCTS 70-620 Exam Prep. Randy Bellet (Network+, MCSE, MCSD, MCDBA) has worked in IT since 1981, and has written multiple applications for the banking, insurance, and food industries. Now on the faculty of ECPI University, he has developed courses in network security and programming. Harry Holt has worked as a computer operator, programmer, LAN administrator, network engineer, DBA, and project manager. He has used his skills to improve efficiency in organizations including Fortune® 500 companies, financial institutions, government agencies, small partnerships, and sole proprietorships.   Master MCSA 70-687 exam topics for Windows 8.1 configuration Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes Review key concepts with exam preparation tasks Practice with realistic exam questions on the CD  

Table of Contents:
Introduction xviii   Chapter 1 Introducing Windows 8.1 2 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 3 Foundation Topics 7 Leading Up to Windows 8.1 7     Windows 8.1 8     Windows 8.1 Editions 9 New Features of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 12     Productivity Improvements 12     Security Improvements 15 A Quick Tour of Windows 8.1 18     Windows 8.1 Search 20     Configuring the Windows 8.1 Taskbar 23         Taskbar Properties 24         Navigation Properties 25         Jump Lists Properties 27         Toolbars 27     Windows 8.1 Apps 28     Libraries 29     Windows 8.1 Settings 30         PC and Devices 31         Accounts 34         OneDrive 36         Search and Apps 37         Privacy 39         Network 40         Time and Language 42         Ease of Access 42         Update and Recovery 44     Administrative Tools 45     Control Panel 46         System and Security 47         Network and Internet 49         Hardware and Sound 50         Programs 52         User Accounts and Family Safety 53         Appearance and Personalization 54         Displaying File Extensions 55         Clock, Language, and Region 55         Ease of Access 55     The Computer Management Snap-in 55 Evaluating Hardware Readiness and Compatibility 57     Windows 8.1 Hardware Requirements (Including Screen Resolution) 57     Hardware Compatibility 58     Using 32-Bit or 64-Bit Windows 59     Choosing Between an Upgrade and a Clean Installation 60     Software Compatibility 63     Determining Which SKU to Install 65     Determining Requirements for Windows Features 65 Exam Preparation Tasks 66     Review All the Key Topics 66     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 67     Definitions of Key Terms 67   Chapter 2 Installing Windows 8.1 68 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 69 Foundation Topics 75     Performing a Clean Installation 75         Performing an Attended Installation 75         Performing an Unattended Installation of Windows 8.1 81         Dual-Booting Windows 8.1 90         Refreshing Windows 8.1 92         Troubleshooting Failed Installations 92     Upgrading to Windows 8.1 from a Previous Version of Windows 95         Preparing a Computer to Meet Upgrade Requirements 97         Upgrading the Computer to Windows 8.1 97         Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 99     Upgrading from One Edition of Windows 8.1 to Another 100     Installing as Windows To Go 102         Preparing USB Drives for Windows To Go 103         Using Windows To Go on a Host Computer 107     Using a VHD 108         Understanding VHDs 109         Types of Virtual Hard Disks 109         Tools Used with Virtual Hard Disks 110         Configuring a VHD for Native Boot 111         Installing Windows 8.1 to a VHD 114         Booting VHDs 118     Installing Additional Windows Features 120         Client Hyper-V 121         Miracast Display 122         Pervasive Device Encryption 123         Virtual Smart Cards 123         Secure Boot 124     Configuring Windows for Additional Languages 124 Exam Preparation Tasks 126     Review All the Key Topics 126     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 128     Definitions of Key Terms 128   Chapter 3 Migrating Users and Applications to Windows 8.1 130 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 131 Foundation Topics 135     Migrating Users and Their Profiles 135         User State Migration Tool 135         Windows Easy Transfer 142     Configuring Folder Redirection 147         Benefits of Folder Redirection 147         Redirecting Library Folders 148         Implementing Domain-Based Folder Redirection 150     Configuring Profiles 154         Implementing Roaming Profiles 158         Establishing Mandatory Profiles 161         User Profiles and Operating System Versions 162 Exam Preparation Tasks 163     Review All the Key Topics 163     Definitions of Key Terms 163   Chapter 4 Configuring Devices and Device Drivers 164 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 165 Foundation Topics 169     Installing and Configuring Device Drivers 169         Device Setup 170         Device Stage 171         Updating Drivers 174         Using Device Manager 175     Maintaining Device Drivers 179         Managing and Troubleshooting Drivers and Driver Signing 180         Managing Driver Packages 183     Resolving Driver Issues 185         Using Device Manager to Resolve Driver Conflicts 185         Using Windows 8.1 Rollback to Resolve a Problem Driver 189     Configuring Driver Settings 191         Driver Verifier 191         Configuring Driver Settings 193         Advanced Driver Settings 194 Exam Preparation Tasks 196     Review All the Key Topics 196     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 197     Definitions of Key Terms 197   Chapter 5 Installing, Configuring, and Securing Applications in Windows 8.1 198 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 199 Foundation Topics 203     Installing and Configuring Desktop Applications 203         Configuring Application Compatibility Mode 203         Using the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) 205         Using Windows Installer 207         Configuring File Associations and Default Program Settings 213         Managing App-V Applications 220     Using Windows Store Applications 225         Introduction to Windows Store Apps 225         Installing and Updating Windows Store Apps 226         Managing Windows Store Content 228     Configuring Application and Hardware Restrictions 230         Setting Software Restriction Policies 231         Application Control Policies 236         Configuring Assigned Access 245 Exam Preparation Tasks 246     Review All the Key Topics 246     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 247     Definitions of Key Terms 247   Chapter 6 Configuring Internet Explorer 248 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 249 Foundation Topics 253     Configuring Internet Explorer 11 and Internet Explorer for the Desktop 253         Internet Explorer Interfaces 255     Configuring Compatibility View 256         Deleting Browsing History 257         Using Group Policy to Configure Compatibility View 258     Configuring Security Settings 260         Configuring Internet Explorer Security Zones 261         Configuring Protected Mode in Internet Explorer 263         Configuring the SmartScreen Filter 263         Privacy Tab Settings 266         Content Tab Settings 269         Advanced Tab Settings 269     Managing Add-ons 271         Configuring Providers 273         Using Accelerators 275         Using InPrivate Browsing Mode 275     Configuring WebSockets 277         Configuring WebSockets in Windows 8.1 279         Using Group Policy to Configure WebSockets 280     Configuring Download Manager 280         Working with Download Manager 281         Using Group Policy to Configure Download Manager 284 Exam Preparation Tasks 284     Review All the Key Topics 284     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 285     Definitions of Key Terms 285   Chapter 7 Configuring Hyper-V 286 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 288 Foundation Topics 292     Understanding VHDs 292         Creating and Configuring VHDs 292         Mounting VHDs 296     Creating Virtual Machines 297         Enabling Client Hyper-V in Windows 8.1 298         Deploying Virtual Machines 311         Using Virtual Machine Checkpoints 315     Creating and Configuring Virtual Switches 318         Using an External Virtual Switch 321         Using Internal Virtual Switches 322         Using Private Virtual Switches 323         Connecting Virtual Machines 323 Exam Preparation Tasks 325     Review All the Key Topics 325     Definitions of Key Terms 325   Chapter 8 Configuring TCP/IP Settings 326 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 327 Foundation Topics 332     Understanding the TCP/IP Protocol Suite 332         Configuring TCP/IP Version 4 334         Configuring TCP/IP Version 6 339         Dynamic IP Addressing 343     Connecting to Wired Networks 344         The Network and Sharing Center 344         Using the Network and Sharing Center to Set Up a TCP/IPv4 Connection 346         Implementing APIPA 350         Connecting to a TCP/IP Version 6 Network 351     Configuring Name Resolution 354         Configuring TCP/IPv6 Name Resolution 356         Disabling IPv6 357     Configuring Network Locations 357         Setting Up New Network Connections 358         Connecting to Existing Networks 359         Setting Up Network Sharing and Discovery 359         Using Internet Connection Sharing to Share Your Internet Connection 361     Resolving Connectivity Issues 365         Windows 8.1 Network Diagnostics Tools 365         Using TCP/IP Utilities to Troubleshoot TCP/IP 367         Troubleshooting IPv4 and IPv6 Problems 372 Exam Preparation Tasks 376     Review All the Key Topics 376     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 377     Definitions of Key Terms 377   Chapter 9 Configuring Networking Settings 378 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 379 Foundation Topics 384     Connecting to Wireless Networks 384         Wireless Networking Protocols 385         Setting Up a Wireless Network Connection 386         Managing Wireless Network Connections 389     Managing Preferred Wireless Networks 392         Wireless Network Profiles 393     Configuring Network Adapters 396         Troubleshooting Network Adapter Issues 398     Configuring Location Aware Printing 401 Exam Preparation Tasks 403     Review All the Key Topics 403     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 403     Definitions of Key Terms 403   Chapter 10 Configuring and Maintaining Network Security 404 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 405 Foundation Topics 410     Configuring Windows Firewall 410         Basic Windows Firewall Configuration 411     Configuring Windows Firewall with Advanced Security 416         Configuring Multiple Firewall Profiles 418         Configuring New Firewall Rules 420         Configuring New Connection Security Rules 424         Modifying Rule Properties 426         Configuring Notifications 427         Group Policy and Windows Firewall 428     Configuring Authenticated Exceptions 430     Configuring Network Discovery 432     Managing Wireless Security 435 Exam Preparation Tasks 438     Review All the Key Topics 438     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 439     Definitions of Key Terms 439   Chapter 11 Configuring and Securing Access to Files and Folders 440 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 442 Foundation Topics 449     Configuring Shared Folder Permissions 449     Using the Network and Sharing Center to Configure File Sharing 449     Sharing Files, Folders, and Printers 450         Modifying Shared Folder Properties 452         Use of the Public Folder for Sharing Files 457         Mapping a Drive 457         Command-Line Administration of Shared Folders 458         Password-Protected Sharing 459         Media Streaming 459     Configuring Homegroup Settings 460         Creating a Homegroup 460         Joining a Homegroup 462         Modifying Homegroup Settings 463 Configuring NTFS Permissions 464     NTFS File and Folder Permissions 465         Applying NTFS Permissions 466         Specifying Advanced Permissions 468         NTFS Permissions Inheritance 472         Taking Ownership of Files and Folders 474     Effective Permissions 474         Viewing a User’s Effective Permissions 475     Copying and Moving Files and Folders 476         Copying Files and Folders with NTFS Permissions 476         Moving Files and Folders with NTFS Permissions 477         Using the Mouse to Copy or Move Objects from One Location to Another 478     Practical Guidelines on Sharing and Securing Folders 478 Configuring Data Encryption 479     Encrypting File System Basics 480     Preparing a Disk for EFS 482     Encrypting Files 483     Backing Up EFS Keys 484     Decrypting Files 485     EFS Recovery Agents 486 Configuring File Libraries 487 Configuring OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) 492     OneDrive app 493     OneDrive Desktop 496     OneDrive Settings 497         File Storage 497         Camera Roll 498         Sync Settings 498         Metered Connections 499 Configuring Near Field Communication 500 Configuring Disk Quotas 502     Some Guidelines for Using Quotas 505 Configuring Object Access Auditing 506     Enabling Object Access Auditing 506     Specifying Objects to Be Audited 508 Exam Preparation Tasks 510     Review All the Key Topics 510     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 511     Definitions of Key Terms 511   Chapter 12 Configuring Local Security Settings 512 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 513 Foundation Topics 518     Configuring Local Security Policy 518     Configuring Account Policies 519         Password Policies 520         Account Lockout 521         Unlocking an Account 523     Configuring Local Policies 523         Audit Policies 523         Security Options 526 Configuring User Account Control 528     Features of User Account Control 529         Application Prompts 532     Running Programs with Elevated Privileges 534     User Account Control Options 535     User Account Control Policies 537 Configuring Secure Boot 541     Enabling UEFI Secure Boot 542     UEFI Partition Requirements 544 Using SmartScreen Filters 545 Exam Preparation Tasks 548     Review All the Key Topics 548     Definitions of Key Terms 549   Chapter 13 Configuring Authentication and Authorization 550 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 552 Foundation Topics 557 Controlling Windows Logon 557     Windows 8.1 Lock Screen and Logon Prompts 557     Configure Picture Password 559 Managing Credentials 563     Adding, Editing, and Removing Credentials in Credential Manager 565     Windows Credentials Backup and Restore 567     Web Credentials 568 Managing Certificates 569     Requesting Certificates 572 Configuring Smart Cards and PINs 574     Virtual Smart Cards 575     Smart Card Group Policies 577     Configuring Biometrics 578         Biometric Devices 578         Group Policies for Biometrics 579     Configuring PINs 579         Managing the Use of PINs 581 Configuring User Rights 581     Managing Local Accounts and Groups 581     Controlling User Rights 584 Setting Up and Configuring a Microsoft Account 585     Signing In Using a Microsoft Account 585         Domain Accounts 587     Managing the Use of a Microsoft Account 588 Exam Preparation Tasks 589     Review All the Key Topics 589     Definitions of Key Terms 589   Chapter 14 Configuring Remote Management and Remote Connections 590 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 591 Foundation Topics 596 Configuring Remote Authentication 596     Remote Authentication Planning 596         Remote Access Authentication Protocols 597     NTLM and Kerberos Authentication 599     Remote Authentication Group Policies 600 Configuring Remote Assistance and Easy Connect 601     Configuring Remote Assistance 602     Configuring and Using Easy Connect 608 Configuring Remote Desktop and Remote Management Settings 609     Remote Desktop 609         Establishing a Remote Desktop Connection with Another Computer 610         Configuring the Server Side of Remote Desktop 612         Selecting a Nondefault Port 613     Using Windows Remote Management Service 614         Using Windows Remote Shell 616 Using Windows PowerShell and MMCs for Remote Management 616     PowerShell and PowerShell ISE 617     PowerShell Remoting 620     Using MMC Snap-ins for Remote Management 623 Configuring VPN Authentication and Settings 624     Understanding Remote Access 625     Establishing VPN Connections and Authentication 626     VPN Connection Security 630     Enabling VPN Reconnect 631 Managing Broadband Connections 632     RD Gateway and DirectAccess 632         RD Gateway 633         RD Gateway Policies 635         DirectAccess 635 Exam Preparation Tasks 637     Review All the Key Topics 637     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 638     Definitions of Key Terms 638   Chapter 15 Configuring and Securing Mobile Devices 640 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 641 Foundation Topics 646 Configuring Offline File Policies 646     Client Computer Configuration 646     Server Configuration 649     Use of the Sync Center 650     Offline File Policies 653     Using the Always Offline Mode 655     Configuring Transparent Caching of Offline Files 657 Configuring Power Policies 658     Configuring Power Options 659         Power Plans 660         Additional Power Plan Options 661         Advanced Power Settings 663     Battery Meter 665     Power Management and Group Policy 667     Windows Mobility Center 668 Configuring Wi-Fi Direct 670 Configuring BitLocker and BitLocker To Go 671     BitLocker Drive Encryption 672         Enabling BitLocker 674         Managing BitLocker 677     BitLocker To Go 678     BitLocker Policies 680         Operating System Drives 680         Fixed Data Drive Policies 682     Use of Data Recovery Agents 683 Configuring Startup Key Storage 687     Preparing a Computer Without a TPM to Use BitLocker 687     Syskey Startup Keys 690     Configuring Remote Wipe 692         Device Management with Windows Intune 693 Configuring Location Settings 694     Configuring System Location 695     Configuring Windows App Location Settings 696     Location Settings Group Policies 697 Exam Preparation Tasks 698     Review All the Key Topics 698     Definitions of Key Terms 699   Chapter 16 Configuring Windows Update 700 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 701 Foundation Topics 704 Configuring Updates to Windows 8.1 704     Configuring Windows Update Settings 705     Checking for New Updates 709     Using a WSUS Server with Windows 8.1 710 Configuring Windows Update Policies 710 Reviewing Update History and Rolling Back Updates 714 Updating Windows Store Applications 715     Other Tools for Managing Windows App Updates 718 Exam Preparation Tasks 720     Review All the Key Topics 720   Chapter 17 Disk Management 722 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 723 Foundation Topics 728 Managing Disks and Volumes 728     Basic and Dynamic Disks 729         Working with Basic Disks 731         Converting Basic Disks to Dynamic 736         Working with Dynamic Disks 737     Troubleshooting Disk Problems 739     RAID Volumes 741         Creating a RAID-0 Volume 742         Creating a Spanned Volume 744         Creating a Mirrored Volume 744         Creating a RAID-5 Volume 745         Using DiskPart to Create Striped, Mirrored, and RAID-5 Volumes 745         Managing and Troubleshooting RAID Volumes 746 Managing File System Fragmentation 747     Optimizing Drives 747     The Defrag.exe Command-Line Tool 750     Error Checking 751 Managing Storage Spaces 751     Creating a Storage Space 752     Managing Storage Pools and Storage Spaces 754     Managing Storage Spaces with PowerShell 757 Exam Preparation Tasks 758     Review All the Key Topics 758     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 759     Definitions of Key Terms 759   Chapter 18 Managing and Monitoring System Performance 760 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 761 Foundation Topics 766 Configuring and Working with Event Logs 766     Viewing Logs in Event Viewer 767     Customizing Event Viewer 769     Creating Tasks from Events 770     Using Event Log Subscriptions 771         Configuring Computers to Forward and Collect Events 771         Configuring Event Log Subscriptions 772 Managing and Optimizing Computer Performance 775     Reliability Monitor 775     Resource Monitor 777         CPU Tab 779         Memory Tab 779         Disk Tab 779         Network Tab 780     Performance Monitor 780     Data Collector Sets 784         Creating Data Collector Sets 784         Using Performance Monitor to Create a Data Collector Set 788     Optimizing and Troubleshooting Memory Performance 789     Optimizing and Troubleshooting Processor Utilization 792     Optimizing and Troubleshooting Disk Performance 792     Command-Line Utilities 794 Configuring Task Manager 794 Configuring Additional Performance Settings 798     System Configuration Utility 799         General Tab 799         Boot Tab 800         Services Tab 800         Startup Tab 801         Tools Tab 801     Action Center 802     Configuring Services and Programs to Resolve Performance Issues 803 Configuring Indexing Options 805 Exam Preparation Tasks 808     Review All the Key Topics 808     Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory 809     Definition of Key Terms 809   Chapter 19 Configuring System Recovery Options 810 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 811 Foundation Topics 815 Creating a USB Recovery Drive 815 Performing System Restore 817 Rolling Back Drivers 821 Performing a Push-Button Reset 822     Refreshing Your Computer 823     Resetting Your Computer to Original Installation Condition 827     Advanced Startup Options 830         Performing a System Image Recovery 833     Using the USB Recovery Drive 836 Configuring Restore Points 837 Exam Preparation Tasks 840     Review All the Key Topics 840     Definitions of Key Terms 840 Chapter 20 Configuring File Recovery 842 “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz 843 Foundation Topics 846 Using File History to Protect Your Data 846     Setting Up File History 847     Adding Additional Folders to File History 851     Creating a System Image 852     Using Wbadmin to Back Up Data 854 Restoring Previous Versions of Files and Folders 855     Using File History to Restore Damaged or Deleted Files 856     Using Wbadmin to Recover Data 858 Recovering Files from OneDrive 859     OneDrive and the Recycle Bin 859     OneDrive Version History 861 Exam Preparation Tasks 863     Review All the Key Topics 863     Definitions of Key Terms 863   Appendix A Answers to the “Do I Know This Already? Quizzes 864   Glossary 900   Index 922   On The CD: Appendix B Memory Tables Appendix C Memory Tables Answer Key Practice Exam 1 Answers to Practice Exam 1 Practice Exam 2

About the Author :
Don Poulton (A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA, MCSE) is an independent consultant who has been involved with computers since the days of 80-column punch cards. After a career of more than 20 years in environmental science, Don switched careers and trained as a Windows NT 4.0 MCSE. He has been involved in consulting with a couple of small training providers as a technical writer, during which time he wrote training and exam prep materials for Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Don has written or contributed to several titles, including Security+ Lab Manual (Que, 2004); MCSA/MCSE 70-299 Exam Cram 2: Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows 2003 Network (Exam Cram 2) (Que, 2004); MCSE 70-294 Exam Prep: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (Que, 2006); MCTS 70-620 Exam Prep: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring (Que, 2008); MCTS 70-680 Cert Guide: Microsoft Windows 7, Configuring (Que, 2011); MCTS 70-640 Cert Guide: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (Que, 2011); and MCTS 70-642 Cert Guide: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring (Que, 2012). In addition, he has worked on programming projects, both in his days as an environmental scientist and more recently with Visual Basic, to update an older statistical package used for multivariate analysis of sediment contaminants. When not working on computers, Don is an avid amateur photographer who has had his photos displayed in international competitions and published in magazines such as Michigan Natural Resources Magazine and National Geographic Traveler. Don also enjoys traveling and keeping fit. Don lives in Burlington, Ontario, with his wife, Terry.   Randy Bellet After establishing himself as a retailer in Richmond, Virginia, curiosity about the fledgling small computer industry brought Randy Bellet into the IT field in 1981. Beginning with the TRS-DOS operating system on a Radio Shack Model III and “sneaker-net,” he automated his and other businesses, initially programming spreadsheets using one of the original versions of VisiCalc. Hardware consisted of 32K of RAM, monochrome monitors, and no hard drives. Data was stored on floppy disks that really flopped. After the PC-XT and its clones arrived, he followed the market and extended his skills into the networking of PCs and XENIX servers and wrote applications for the retail and pager industries. As PCs became commonplace and their connectivity a necessity, Randy configured Windows client-server networks for small and medium-sized businesses, and wrote n-tier applications on various Windows platforms ranging from Windows 3.1 through Windows 2008 Server for the medical, insurance, food, and leisure industries. As organizations expanded and scaled their uses of PCs, extracting data from mainframes for use in Windows applications became a specialty. Since 1999, Mr. Bellet has been on the faculty of ECPI University, delivering and developing courses in Network Security and Programming, and writing ancillary instructor materials. Certifications include CompTIA Network +, MCSE, MCSD, and MCDBA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and marketing from New York University, and a master’s degree in IT from Virginia Tech.   Harry Holt started his career in the early 1980s while working in trust accounting, where he discovered the advantages of Lotus 123 over paper spreadsheets, and how much better D:Base was at tracking transactions than a cabinet full of 3x5 index cards. That prompted a career change, and Harry took advantage of the burgeoning IT program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s prestigious School of Business to hone his knowledge. Harry gained experience over the years in most technical roles in the industry—from computer operator, programmer, LAN administrator, to network engineer, DBA, and project manager, among others. He has used his skills to improve efficiencies in a range of organizations including Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and even small partnerships and sole proprietorships. Exploring aspects of the computer industry both professionally, as a hobby, and as a volunteer for various non-profit organizations, Harry gained a working knowledge of many types of systems from large IBM z/OS mainframes, VAX systems, and Unix platforms, to Windows, Macintosh, and Linux systems. He can program in a variety of development languages and platforms, and enjoys collaborating in open source projects. Harry has a bachelor’s degree in IT with a PMP certification, and is currently working as a Cyber Applications Manager in Richmond, Virginia.