Welcome to the
Imagine Cup Information Technology Invitational
The IT Invitational highlights the art
and science of developing, deploying, and maintaining IT systems
that are efficient, functional, robust and secure. In most
scenarios, IT professionals have a base set of tools and techniques,
but still have to work through custom needs and configurations that
require an intimate understanding of how all the pieces fit
together. IT professionals also have to know how to manage,
administer, monitor, and maintain the systems for ongoing network
security and reliability. The IT invitational challenges students to
demonstrate their proficiency in understanding not only the theory
of how Microsoft Windows-based networks and applications work, but
also how to keep them working. This includes core file and
print services, e-mail messaging, database systems, document
collaboration and sharing, network virtualization, unified
communications, and systems management.
Round 1 will consist in an online quiz
based on 30 questions. The area of study is based on Microsoft
Technologies that can be used for network infrastructure services,
directory services, communication on-line and off-line service,
database service, file and printing services, security and
management services.
What are the dates of the IT Round 1 tests? (You only have to take 1 of the 5 quizzes). ***Note you can take all of the quizzes, only your BEST score will count!
|
Date |
Day |
PST (-8) |
GMT |
EU (+1) |
China (+8) |
|
11/25/2007 |
Sun |
7:00 AM |
3:00 PM |
4:00 PM |
11:00 PM |
|
12/27/2007 |
Thur |
12:00 PM |
8:00 PM |
9:00 PM |
4:00 AM
|
|
1/9/2008 |
Wed |
4:00 PM
|
12:00 AM |
1:00 AM |
8:00 AM |
|
1/20/2008 |
Sun |
7:00 AM |
3:00 PM |
4:00 PM |
11:00 PM |
|
1/31/2008 |
Thur |
12:00 AM |
8:00 AM |
9:00 AM |
4:00 PM |
Recommended Learning Prep Materials for IT Challenge Participants
General knowledge in IT
- Microsoft® Encyclopedia of Security
- Microsoft® Encyclopedia of Networking
- Microsoft® Windows® Security Resource Kit
- MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-620): Configuring Windows Vista™ Client
- Introducing Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003
Working with MS products
Working with a products can have an advantage in Round 1, Which Products are included? http://www.microsoft.com/servers/default.mspx.
You can begin reading with product overview for each other. Also you can download versions of software, install and work with them on your computer or on virtual machines.
If your university has a MSDN AA program you can access the software via e-Academy. Ask at your student support or visit this site to see if your university/faculty is enrolled in this program.
Recommended this list of learning materials:
- Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment.
- Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure.
- Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure.
- Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure.
- Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network.
Microsoft Virtual Labs on MSDN site or on the TechNet site.
Another great resource is represented by Microsoft Webcasts. You can get a general preview of products and technologies. Visit this link: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/webcasts/default.mspx
Refinement level
One of the biggest achievements for 2007 year is lunching
in product environment of using
PowerShell scripting technologies that
extends command prompt operations and WHS. My favorite books about PowerShell are:
-
PowerShell Unleashed and
-
Microsoft® Windows PowerShell™ Step By Step
You should also know generalities or details about using and administering the Microsoft Office Product family. As security and management services, read about ISA 2006, SMS, MOM, WSUS and more.