How do you get to be a VCP on vSphere 4?

VMware have now officially announced the variety of ways in which people can obtain the new VCP on vSphere 4 certification. As I mentioned in previous posts, the path for each person depends on whether they’ve attended official VI3 training (like we provide at Global Knowledge) and/or their current status as a VCP.
The various “upgrade” paths are:
Current VCP on VI3 (until 31st December 2009)
1. Pass the VCP on vSphere 4 exam – either attend the vSphere 4 : What’s New course to gain the necessary skills and knowledge, or self-study
Current VCP on VI3 (from 1st January 2010)
1. Attend the vSphere 4 : What’s New course
2. Pass the VCP on vSphere 4 exam

Attended official VI3 course, but not yet taken VCP on VI3 exam

1. Pass the VCP on VI3 exam (only available until early 2010) OR attend the vSphere 4 : What’s New course

2. Pass the VCP on vSphere 4 exam

Current VCP on ESX 2.x (until 31st December 2009)

1. Pass the VCP on VI3 exam

2. Pass the VCP on vSphere 4 exam

Current VCP on ESX 2.x (from 1st January 2010)

1. Pass the VCP on VI3 exam (only available until early 2010)

2. Attend the vSphere 4 : What’s New course

3. Pass the VCP on vSphere 4 exam

None of the above

1. Attend the vSphere 4 : Install Configure Manage or vSphere 4 : Fast Track courses

2. Pass the VCP on vSphere 4 exam

VCP4 Exam Blueprint Study Notes

VMwarlogo Section 1 – Plan, Install and Upgrade VMware ESX/ESXi

Objective 1.1 — Install VMware ESX/ESXi on local storage Knowledge

Tools

Objective 1.2 – Upgrade VMware ESX/ESXi Knowledge

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Objective 1.3 – Secure VMware ESX/ESXi Knowledge

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Objective 1.4 – Install VMware ESX/ESXi on SAN Storage Knowledge

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Objective 1.5 – Identify vSphere Architecture and Solutions Knowledge

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Section 2 – Configure ESX/ESXi Networking Objective 2.1 – Configure Virtual Switches Knowledge

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Objective 2.2 – Configure vNetwork Distributed Switches Knowledge

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Objective 2.3 – Configure VMware ESX/ESXi Management Network Knowledge

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Section 3 – Configure ESX/ESXi Storage Objective 3.1 – Configure FC SAN Storage Knowledge

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Objective 3.2 – Configure iSCSI SAN Storage Knowledge

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Objective 3.3 – Configure NFS Datastores Knowledge

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Objective 3.4 – Configure and Manage VMFS Datastores Knowledge

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Section 4 – Install and Configure vCenter Server Objective 4.1 – Install vCenter Server Knowledge

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Objective 4.2 – Manage vSphere Client plug-ins Knowledge

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Objective 4.3 – Configure vCenter Server Knowledge

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Objective 4.4 – Configure Access Control Knowledge

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Section 5 – Deploy and Manage Virtual Machines and vApps Objective 5.1 – Create and Deploy Virtual Machines Knowledge

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Objective 5.2 – Manage Virtual Machines Knowledge

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Objective 5.3 – Deploy vApps Knowledge

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Section 6 – Manage Compliance Objective 6.1 – Install, Configure and Manage VMware vCenter Update Manager Knowledge

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Objective 6.2 – Establish and Apply ESX Host Profiles Knowledge

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Section 7 – Establish Service Levels Objective 7.1 – Create and Configure VMware Clusters Knowledge

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Objective 7.2 – Enable a Fault Tolerant Virtual Machine Knowledge

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Objective 7.3 – Create and Configure Resource Pools Knowledge

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Objective 7.4 – Migrate Virtual Machines Knowledge

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Objective 7.5 – Backup and Restore Virtual Machines Knowledge

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Section 8 – Perform Basic Troubleshooting and Alarm Management Objective 8.1 – Perform Basic Troubleshooting for ESX/ESXi Hosts Knowledge

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Objective 8.2 – Perform Basic Troubleshooting for VMware FT and Third-Party Clusters Knowledge

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Objective 8.3 – Perform Basic Troubleshooting for Networking Knowledge

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Objective 8.4 – Perform Basic Troubleshooting for Storage Knowledge

  • Identify storage contention issues
  • Identify storage over-commitment issues
  • Identify storage connectivity issues
  • Identify iSCSI software initiator configuration issues
  • Interpret Storage Reports and Storage Maps

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Objective 8.5 – Perform Basic Troubleshooting for HA/DRS and VMotion Knowledge

  • Explain the requirements of HA/DRS and VMotion
  • Verify VMotion functionality
  • Verify DNS settings
  • Verify the service console network functionality
  • Interpret the DRS Resource Distribution Graph and Target/Current Host Load Deviation
  • Troubleshoot VMotion using topology maps
  • Troubleshoot HA capacity issues
  • Troubleshoot HA redundancy issues

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Objective 8.6 – Create and Respond to vCenter Connectivity Alarms Knowledge

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Objective 8.7 – Create and Respond to vCenter Utilization Alarms Knowledge

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Objective 8.8 – Monitor vSphere ESX/ESXi and Virtual Machine Performance Knowledge

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Prerequisites and Application for the PMP Certification

The PMP exam is offered by PMI as a computer test.

During four hours of testing time, 200 multiple-choice questions have to be answered. Each question has 4 answer options, out of which one is right. 175 of these 200 questions are scoring, the other die 25 questions are undergoing a test by the candidates.

Participants have to answer app. 75% (?, estimated number, the actual passing score is no more communicated by PMI) correctly, following a weighted scoring process.

The test result is assessed immediately at the end of the session. Candidates who do not pass on the first attempt have an option to repeat the test.

Exam Locations

The exams are performed at Prometric Testing Centers, which are available in many countries. Please see the Prometric website to locate a center nearby.

Exam Languages

The exam language is English.

PMI provides aids (translations on a mouseclick) for the following languages:

– German               – Korean

– French                 – Mandarin-Chinese

– Hebrew               – Portuguese (Brazil)

– Italian                  – Russian

– Japanese           – Spanish

Exam Times

The exam date can be appointed at a convenient time during normal working hours.

Application

  1. Download PMP Credential Handbook
  2. Online application at https://www.pmi.org/certapp

Exam costs

Prerequisites

Please see pages 4 and 5 of the PMP Credential Handbook.

A brief overview can also be found here.

CCNP Self-Study Resources from Cisco Press (New Exam)

CCNP® (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification indicates advanced knowledge of networks. It is the second stage of the Network Installation and Support track, and it teaches the installation, configuration, and operation of LAN, WAN, and dial access services for medium-to-large networks with multiple protocols. The content emphasizes topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN) and broadband technologies. Learn more about CCNP certification from Cisco Systems®.

Prerequisites

Valid CCNA certification or any CCIE Certification.

New Exams Announced Jan. 25, 2010

The three required exams may be taken in any order.
642-902 ROUTE, Implementing Cisco IP Routing
642-813 SWITCH, Implementing Cisco Switched Networks

642-832 TSHOOT, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (Available April 30, 2010)

New Exams

Materials Covering All CCNP Exams
CCNP Routing and Switching Official Certification Library
CCNP Routing and Switching Quick Reference
CCNP Routing and Switching Foundation Learning Library

CCNP 642-902 ROUTE Exam
CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Official Certification Guide
CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Cert Kit
CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Cert Flash Cards Online
CCNP ROUTE Portable Command Guide
CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Quick Reference
Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE) Foundation Learning Guide

CCNP 642-813 SWITCH
CCNP SWITCH 642-813 Official Certification Guide
CCNP SWITCH 642-813 Cert Kit
CCNP SWITCH 642-813 Cert Flash Cards Online
CCNP SWITCH Portable Command Guide
CCNP SWITCH 642-813 Quick Reference
Implementing Cisco Switched Networks (SWITCH) Foundation Learning Guide

CCNP 642-832 TSHOOT
CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Official Certification Guide
CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Cert Kit
CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Cert Flash Cards Online
CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Quick Reference
Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT) Foundation Learning Guide

PS: Send the Request to [email protected]

CCNA Simulator – Packet Tracer 5.2

Packettracer521 Packet Tracer version 5.2 is a minor new release that includes new and additional functionality not available in Packet Tracer version 5.1. The CCNA Security curriculum requires the use of Packet Tracer 5.2. While there are no curricula requirements that make it necessary to move to version 5.2 for CCNA Discovery or CCNA Exploration, you may want to upgrade to the new version to take advantage of the improvements and new features included in this release.
Packet Tracer 5.2 supports activities authored in Packet Tracer 4.0, 4.1, 4.11, 5.0 and 5.1. Packet Tracer 5.1 has been replaced by Packet Tracer 5.2 and is no longer available for download. Please note that the last two courses of the CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration curricula require Packet Tracer version 4.11 at a minimum, and both curricula are fully compatible with Packet Tracer 5.2.

You can download both the Packet Tracer application and tutorial files in one download package. However, due to the large file size it is faster to download the application by itself, if that is all you need. Choose the download option appropriate for your needs.

Figure 1. Packet Tracer’s drag-and-drop interface allows students to configure and validate system architecture

Figure 2. Multiuser games provide fun learning opportunities for collaboration and competition

Figure 3. The physical workspace provides a graphical view of the logical network

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Figure 4. The Activity Wizard enables the creation of customized learning activities

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Windows Full EditionLinux-Ubuntu Full Edition

Boson NetSim for CCNP 7.06 (Crack)

Boson NetSim® software is an application that simulates Cisco® Systems’ networking hardware and software and is designed to aid the user in learning the Cisco IOS command structure.

The simulate scripted labs for the end user’s experience, without actually simulating what is really happening within the network. NetSim™ utilizes Boson’s proprietary Network Simulator® and Router Simulator® software technologies along with the Boson Virtual Packet Technology® engine to create individual packets that are routed and switched through the simulated network, allowing NetSim to build an appropriate virtual routing table, and simulate true networking. This technology allows many users of the Boson NetSim to go far beyond the scope of the examples in the included labs.
Boson offers three certification-focused products, NetSim for CCENT 7.0, NetSim for CCNA 7.0 and NetSim for CCNP 7.0. Each supports the technologies and skills you will need for the respective certifications.
Boson NetSim software offers more versatility and support than any other aftermarket software. NetSim software also includes a comprehensive lab menu that contains lessons and labs coveringrouting protocols, Cisco devices, switching, topological design, and much more.

Next, i will tell you that how to crack the Boson Netsim for CCNP 7.06(contain CCNA lab also),it’s simple, following me:

Step1:  Download and install Boson Netsim for CCNP 7.02 (Install in the default path)| Download

Step2:  Download Boson Netsim for CCNP 7.06 backup  | Download and “mscon43demo.dll”file | Download

Step3:  Open the following folder,

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\BosonSoftware\Boson NetSim for CCNP 7.0 (Need to Select Folder Options in the show all hidden files and folders, see below exhibit)

Copy the Boson Netsim for CCNP 7.06 backup files (in folder) and the “mscon43demo.dll”file to above folder, and cover.

Now, you can open the Boson Netsim for CCNP 7.0 software, and select “Use Demo Version”

And you will see Lab interface shown below:

Ok.

CCNA Certificatation FAQs & Tips

faq CCNA is a long topic to talk about and there are many tips that can help you save much time when sitting in the exam hall. From the comments here and information from other places, this article tries to summarize all the CCNA frequently asked questions to save you some time. Please feel free to ask anything that you are unclear about CCNA so that all of us can help you. I will update this article frequently to bring you the newest information about this exam.

1. Please tell me how many questions in the real CCNA exam, and how much time to answer them?

Until now, you have 90 minutes to answer 50 questions in the real CCNA exam but if your native language is not English, Cisco allows you a 30-minute exam time extension. But there are a few requirements to get this extension, so the best way is asking your teacher or mentor before taking the exam.

2. How much does the CCNA Exam 640-802 cost? And how many points I need to pass the exam?

It now costs $250

The passing score is 825/1000.

3. How many ways can I get the CCNA certification?

There are 2 ways to achieve this certification:

  • By taking two exams ICND-1 640-822 and ICND-2 640-816
  • By taking only one CCNA 640-802 exam

4. I got the CCNA certification, will this certification expire?

CCNA certification is valid for three years. To recertify, pass the ICND2 exam, or pass the current CCNA exam, or pass a CCNA Concentration exam (wireless, security, voice), or pass the current CCDA exam, or pass any 642 – XXX professional level or Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam.

5. After completing the INTRO exam (ICND 1), students currently have a three-year window in which to complete the ICND exam (ICND 2) to earn CCNA certification. Will this option still exist?

Yes, students will still be able to take and pass the first exam (INTRO or ICND1) and have a three-year window to pass the second exam (ICND2), before the first exam expires.

6. If students fulfill the exam requirements for the CCNA certification, will they also receive CCENT certification?

No, students who certify at the CCNA level will not earn CCENT certification. The purpose of the CCENT certification is to provide an option for those who aren’t ready for CCNA.

(Information from http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html)

7. Which sims will I see in the CCNA exam?

The popular sims now are EIGRP, VTP and Access-list 2 sims but no one can guarantee you will not see other sims in your exam. So the best way is practicing all sims on this site.

8. How many points will I get for one sim?

Well, Cisco doesn’t tell how many points you will get for each correctly solved sim but from my experience, you will get from 80 to 100 points for each sim. Cisco maybe is a bit rude for sims because you will just get a few points (or nothing!) if you can’t solve the sim completely. So be careful with the sims and try to write all the commands on paper many times before taking this exam.

9. In the real exam, I clicked "Next" after choosing the answer, can I go back for reviewing?

No, this is a very important thing about CCNA exam. You can just go forward!

10. What is the key to pass CCNA?

The CCNA exam covers many aspects of networking and most of the topics will be asked. But the most important topic is subnetting so make sure you understand how to subnet. Of course other topics are important too so you shouldn’t bypass them.

11. Can I use short commands, for example "conf t" instead of "configure terminal"? Will I get full mark for short commands?

It is another big question in the CCNA exam. Some reports said that you can use the "Tab" and short commands but some said they didn’t work. Sometimes the simulator in the exam doesn’t accept short commands and marks as "incomplete command". Besides, no one can guarantee it will cost points or not if you use short commands so my recommendation is you should learn the full commands.

12. What are your recommended materials for CCNA?

There are many options you can choose, but below are materials used and recommended by many candidates:

Books:

  • Sybex CCNA 6th edition by Todd Lammle
  • Cisco Press ICND1 & ICND2 Certification Guide
  • CCNA Networking Academy 1-4
  • Cisco 640-802 CCNA Portable Command Guide
  • Cisco Discovery and Cisco Exploration study guide

The difference between CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration is "CCNA Discovery is designed for students with basic PC skills and can be delivered as an independent curriculum or integrated into broader courses of study at secondary schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities. CCNA Exploration is designed for students with advanced problem solving and analytical skills, such as those who are pursuing degrees in engineering, math, or science". (Reference from "new CCNA faq").

Video Training:

  • CBT Nuggets
  • Train Signal
  • Testout

From my point of view, these video are just optional materials and they cost much, you can definitely pass the CCNA exam without buying them. If you have strong budget and want to learn in a more comfortable way then buy them! (but it is difficult to pass if just listening to them without reading books, believe me!)

Simulators (luckily, they’re the best and free):

  • Packet Tracer (and you can get real exam labs on my site here)
  • GNS 3

GNS 3 is really good and it uses real IOS so all the commands are available but these IOS are copyrighted so it is hard to get. Besides, GNS 3 needs much RAM to run so from my experience you should use the Router c2600 with 64MB RAM to run if your labs are simple (like assign IP addresses, hostname, RIP…). If you need to configure OSPF or EIGRP, use higher router. These two simulators are enough to practice labs for CCNA but if you want to learn about other simulators, check out my Free Router Simulators article. Packet Tracer is light, quick and convenient for common tasks but sometimes it doesn’t act like real devices. A good point of Packet Tracer is that Cisco has many good labs (.pkt files) to practice with.

Websites & Forums:

About Dumps…

If you use dumps like pass4sure, Testking or ActualTest… make sure you understand the concept behind each question. It’s a very big mistake if you just learn which answer is correct without understanding the concept. Notice that in the real CCNA exam, you will be given different IP addresses, subnets and more options to choose; so it is easier to understand them than to learn them by heart. Finally, my advice is you just should use dumps as a final review after finishing the CCNA course.

13. How much time should I spend on each sim?

You should not spend more than 15 minutes for each sim. Recall that you only have 90 minutes so if you spend 15 minutes for each sim x 4 sims = 60 minutes. The 30 minutes left is for solving 40 multiple choice questions. If you are not a native English speaker and have 30-minute expansion (ask the mentor to confirm) than you can spend 20 minutes for each sim.

14. Can I pass without doing sims?

As mentioned above, each sim will cost you from 80 to 100 points. In the real exam you will have to solve 4 sims that give from 320 to 400 points. Suppose you answered all other questions perfectly then you will get 600 to 680 points but the passing score is 825. It means that you surely fail if ignore them.

From the calculation above, if you missed only one sim the chance to pass is average but if you missed two, the chance to pass is very, very low.

15. I need to know if the exam questions are the same in all the geographical locations?

Yes, the exam questions are the same in all geographical locations. But notice that Cisco has a pool of questions and each time you take the exam, a number of random questions will show up so you will not see all the same questions as the previous exam.

16. I am going to take the exam in a few days and i wonder can we have a pen and paper for ip calculations or calculator itself?

You are not allowed to bring a calculator or anything else to the exam hall. You will receive a rough paper or a small board to write everything you need during the exam time. However, you should bring a pen or a pencil because sometimes the exam hall doesn’t have one (yes, some exam centers are not good Sealed) and maybe it will make you more comfortable.

17. I failed the exam. Will I see the same questions and sims in my next try?

Cisco has a pool of questions and sims so you will see some same (but surely not all) questions in your next exam. Luckily, the sims are the same (read question 7 for popular sims in the exam).

18. In the exam, how can I access to the routers in the simulator?

As you can see in the exam, there is always one PC connected to the router you need configure. Just click on this PC to be taken to the CLI of the router (no need to type telnet … or do anything else). Of course it is not true in real life but maybe Cisco did it that way to save you some time!

19. I am going to take the exam in a couple of days. Where can I get newest information from candidates who have just passed the exam?

You can visit the Share your experience section in this site, scroll down to the bottom of that page to read newest information about CCNA exam.I really want to say thanks to all candidates who are willing to share experience after taking the exam. It is an invaluable gift for CCNA candidates.