Dave's Befudlements and Ephinanys

Windows 7 Information “Snacks”

exelby — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:49:50 +0000

I am in the process of trying to find good information on Windows 7 so that I can take the certification test soon. I would like to obtain a charter certification, but that ship has probably sailed, its been out for a while. But anway, I found this information about Windows 7 online at Microsofts site

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/format-learning-snacks.aspx

And this one, with more information besides their snacks;

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/windows.aspx#tab1

The first link is a bunch of information “Snacks”, and a lot of it seems to be more or less an infomercial. I’m looking for some in depth information about it, or some insight into how much of it is actually the same as the Vista test. I imagine they are closely related.

The Haunting in Connecticut

exelby — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:06:01 +0000

Wow, could this movie have been made much worse? None of the characters seemed like the main character. The plot was eh.., ok I guess, but it could have been done a lot better. I hate that I’ve watched all the movies I cared to watch on Netflix and now I am left with going through stuff that Netflix’s recommends me. This stuff is horrible! “The eye lids were not cut to make them see, it was to make them unseen!”. What kind of line is that, and how does that make any sense at all??

Unreal

Micro$oft Welcome Kit’s

exelby — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:56:36 +0000

Back in February I started taking the Microsoft Certifications that correspond with my experience and education. The tests are $120 each. No problem. I know that being certified will provide me with benefits such as a second look from employers, the ability to call myself “David Exelby, MCP” (who does that?), and Microsoft Swag.

I took the Active Directory 2008 and Vista Desktop Configuration certifications. I passed. I logged into Microsoft, did the usual sign up, and clicked the option for my welcome kit to arrive in the mail. I got it like a week or so later, no problem.

I recently took the MCITP Enterprise Support Certification. I passed. Logged on to Microsoft and no where could I find where to get my welcome kit. I didn’t understand because there was no email, no mention of it on the MCP site, nothing. I had to send an email to a Microsoft representative.

I received an email back like two days later, informing me that in steps to be more “Green” that the welcome kits were no longer available. I couldn’t believe it. I looked all over Google, Microsoft’s website, everywhere! I couldn’t find it. The following was the exact email I received;

Hello David,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding MCITP Welcome kit.

We value your time and appreciate your efforts for contacting us in this matter.

We would like to inform you that, effective 01st July 2009 Microsoft has stopped the shipment of member kits and physical certificates. The certificates are now available in a digital format on the MCP member site. You may download your original certificate by visiting the link below.

https://www.mcpdigitalcert.com/MCPDownload/CertificateManager.aspx

However if you wish to have your physical certificates shipped to you, you may place an order for the same through the MCP member site. The certificates would be shipped with a nominal shipping and handling charge of US$9.95 and an additional US$ 0.99 for each additional certificate.

Also, the plastic wallet cards are no longer available in physical form. Virtual business cards will be made available beginning in August 2009, please watch Born to Learn (http://borntolearn.mslearn.net) for the announcement.

If there is anything else we can do for you, please let us know. Thank you for contacting Microsoft.

If I am paying $120 dollars a test, and have to take multiple tests to get a “MCITP” title, they could at least send me a key chain or something.

Oh and one other thing, if Microsoft is listening, having Steve Ballmer sign your certification is no where near as cool as having Bill Gates. I’m just saying.