The best learning resources for Microsoft Specialist: Windows 10

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Ed Jones works for Firebrand Training, a Microsoft Gold Learning Partner. He has worked in the IT training and certification industry for the past 4 years. He is a tech enthusiast with experience working with SharePoint, Windows Server and Windows desktop.

Since launching back in July, it is reported that Windows 10 has been installed on more than 100 million devices. The new operating system is a significant advancement on Windows 8.1. There are some powerful new features and security enhancements for IT pros in the enterprise version of Windows 10, including Device Guard, Windows Passport and Task View. As an IT pro looking to unleash the benefits of Windows 10 Enterprise edition, Microsoft is preparing to launch the latest series of Windows aligned certifications and official curriculum.

Windows 10 certifications inbound

First up is the new Microsoft Specialist: Windows 10 certification, which will align to exam 70-697 Configuring Windows Devices. The exam is currently available in beta and is expected in the coming months.

There are currently two Microsoft Official Curriculums (MOCs) planned for launch which appear in a two part setup and align to exam 70-697:

This credential focuses on developing and demonstrating the skills required to configure, manage and maintain Windows 10 operating systems in an enterprise environment. It includes utilising security features - such as Windows Hello and Microsoft Passport - to protect your systems and data from modern security threats.

Preparing to attain the Microsoft Specialist certification in Windows 10?

Despite the latest MOCs being unavailable, if you’re considering preparing for Windows 10 certification, there are multiple resources available to help you build the knowledge required for exam 70-697. We’ve scoured the web and collected them for you below:

Microsoft Virtual Academy

Undoubtedly the world’s largest collection of free online learning resources for Microsoft technology, the Virtual Academy has a dedicated Windows section.  Learn a full range of skills, like how to simplify planning and deployment — to ease migration from earlier versions of the Windows operating system. You can even look at step-by-step guides for planning and implementing advanced security features in Windows to keep your enterprise systems safe.

There are a series of resources dedicated to Windows 10, which will help develop the Windows 10 knowledge needed to pass the exam. Below are two great starting points:

  • Preparing Your Enterprise for Windows 10 as a Service - learn the nitty-gritty of Windows 10 as a Service: how to deploy it, modernising your infrastructure and discover other recommended resources.
  • Getting Started with Windows 10 for IT Professionals – as an IT Pro, familiarise yourself with all the new features in Windows 10 which address the shift in the digital ecosystem towards a mobile workplace. You’ll also discover the new Windows 10 deployment and management, runtime provisioning, Mobile Device Management (MDM), secure authentication and other features encompassing the use of Windows 10 as an enterprise Operating Ecosystem.

 

Free eBook: Introducing Windows 10 for IT Professionals, Preview Edition

Check out this free eBook from Microsoft titled Introducing Windows 10 for IT Professionals, Preview Edition , written by Ed Bott. This book focuses on the important elements of Windows 10 for Enterprises, including management, deployment, and security — all of which are crucial to the long-term well-being of the company you work for. It helps you to understand what’s new in the Windows 10 Technical Preview, with an insight into the features which will be available in the finished version of Windows 10, which aren’t yet implemented.

Neowin

Neowin, a community for IT Professionals, has a dedicated Windows 10 section, which will keep you up-to-speed with the latest news and updates on Windows 10. Under the Forums section, you can discuss various topics including web design, programming, software discussion, support, etc.

WinBeta

Titled as “your source for Windows 10 and Microsoft news”, this is a great site for all the latest features and updates available. You can also access hundreds of Windows 10 how-to guides to build your knowledge. Or you can head to the forum and converse with likeminded professionals, sharing your experience of the new operating system. You can discuss new features, issues and potential migration strategies as well.

Thurrot

Created by Paul Thurrot - renowned Windows expert - this is your first port of call for all the latest news on Windows 10 including development, execution and system builds. Paul’s expert insight and analysis will help round your knowledge of the new operating system and its capabilities in the enterprise. Thurrot also provides a valuable repository of free tools and regular webinars to assist you working with Windows 10.

These resources will help build critical knowledge and prepare you for the Windows 10 exam. If self-study doesn’t work for you, there will be a range of traditional courses launching in the coming months. You can already book on to Firebrand’s accelerated Windows 10 course and secure your seat on the first course.

So there you have it, the top Windows 10 resources we could uncover, do you have any more sources which you have been using? Share them with us in Comments below.

Resources

techradar pro - "More than 100 million people are now using Windows 10" Microsoft Specialist Exams

Microsoft Virtual Academy:

Neowin Winbeta.org Thurrot