The desktop support technician is often called upon to help with logon problems and to set up or resolve issues with resource access. Logon errors can be caused by simple issues such as network connectivity or use of incorrect credentials, an inability to contact authenticating servers, account misconfigurations, or even name resolution. This course provides technicians with an understanding of the authentication and authorization process, and the various user account policies and settings that can restrict the logon event. It also covers troubleshooting printer access, working with problems with file and printer sharing, and the role of User Account Credentials in causing local or network resource access issues. The course describes how account auditing can be used to troubleshoot some logon or access problems, and the role Credential Manager plays in accessing network or Internet resources using Windows 7. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the Microsoft exam: 70-685 Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician. Passing this exam will earn the learner Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician certification.

Norman Vincent Peale, who stressed the need for analyzing a problem at a granular level, once said, 'When a problem comes along, study it until you are completely knowledgeable. Then find that weak spot, break the problem apart, and the rest will be easy.' A fact-based, honest analysis happens at two key steps in the problem-solving process: first when you analyze problems to identify the root causes, and then, when you evaluate and analyze potential solutions to determine the one that has the maximum chance of success. Several tools are used for analysis and evaluation at each of these steps. Examples of tools that help find the root causes of the problem are the cause-and-effect diagram and five-why analysis. Cost-benefit and force-field analysis help in choosing the best solution. This course helps you recognize the value of honest, fact-based analysis and demonstrates how the application of a few tools greatly assists you when determining the root cause of a problem and the best solution. The course first discusses problem analysis, illustrates steps to follow when analyzing problems, and outlines the tools used for uncovering the root causes. It then describes how to use evaluation and analysis when choosing the best solution from the alternatives available, as well as some of the tools you can use to assist in your endeavors. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Windows 7, Microsoft's newest operating system, enables users to customize their Windows experience by modifying and adjusting many of the features that Windows 7 provides. Using Windows 7, you can change the programs that appear on the Start menu and taskbar, and how they appear, which ensures quicker access to features and programs you use most. Windows 7 also provides different desktop themes and gadgets to personalize and enhance the Windows 7 interface. This course introduces customization in Windows 7 and provides detailed instructions that enables you to customize the desktop, Start menu and taskbar. So instead of working with the generic Windows 7 interface, you can work in a customized way that improves your productivity and user experience.

The latest Microsoft operating system, Windows 7, is efficient, fast, and available in a variety of editions to suit different business and personal computer needs. This course introduces the main features of Windows 7 and provides an overview of the desktop, including the taskbar and the Start menu. It also demonstrates how to manage files and folders using Windows Explorer and how to use Windows Search to locate files and folders on your computer.

This course provides the desktop support technician with guidelines for preventing the infection of client systems by malicious software, how to identify possible infections, and an overview of the tools available to resolve any infection. It will also detail how Windows Firewall can be used to block unwanted content, but allow needed programs and services to be accessed. Also covered are the configuration options provided by the Advanced Security Snap-In, which provides advanced rules and monitoring settings for remote or standalone client systems but can also be configured through Group Policy in the Enterprise environment. To ensure overall vulnerability management of the operating system this course also stresses the importance of the Windows Update process, and provides the information needed to configure Windows Update, verify installed updates, or remove troublesome updates. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the Microsoft exam: 70-685 Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician. Passing this exam will earn the learner Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician certification.

With each new version of the Windows operating system, new interface elements and enhancements have been made to provide better visual effects and easier access to the tools and utilities that are provided to use and manage them. This course demonstrates how to use the Windows interface, including built-in tools such as Administrative Tools, the Control Panel, and command-line utilities to manage the Windows operating system. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

There have been numerous versions of Windows over the years, and each has added new abilities and components. Each new version of the Windows operating system provides better and more efficient features to improve the user's interaction with the operating system and computer. This course compares Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7 as well as 32-bit vs. 64-bit operating systems. It will also demonstrate how to install Windows, device drivers, and migrate user's files and applications using USMT. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Windows networking has improved considerably in Windows 7, but you will still be required to verify the configuration settings and troubleshoot problems for your clients. The good news is that Windows 7 comes with new built-in troubleshooting tools, as well as the trusted command-line utilities you're used to from previous operating systems. When it comes to network connectivity problems, the hardware should always be checked first. Windows 7 provides new and effective troubleshooting functionality using the Troubleshoot Problems link in the Network and Sharing Center, which should be your next step in troubleshooting. This course also provides you with the necessary background on the proper setup of wireless and remote access connections and the key parameters to check if a client is experiencing problems establishing a VPN or DirectAccess connection. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the Microsoft exam: 70-685 Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician. Passing this exam will earn the learner Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician certification

This course provides the desktop support technician with an overview of managing Internet Explorer 8, in particular, in relation to browser security features such as Enhanced Security Configuration, Security Zones, Trusted Sites, and Protected Mode. Also included are guidelines on how to handle ActiveX controls and browser add-ons. These types of add-ons can often cause errors or unexpected behavior. In addition, the basics of securing sites with certificates and solving certificate errors are covered. Also covered are two key encryption processes used on client machines - the Encrypting File System (EFS), BitLocker and BitLocker To Go. It provides an overview of EFS and control of the EFS status can be used as a troubleshooting tool. It’s also important to understand the effect of using BitLocker on client systems; know how this technology verifies system integrity and what circumstances may require BitLocker to be suspended. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the Microsoft exam: 70-685 Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician. Passing this exam will earn the learner Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician certification.