The MCP Cache on Microsoft Internet Information Server 4.0

This seems to be the hottest elective out there, but don't be fooled into thinking it's a cakewalk. IIS 4.0 is truly one of the most solid performers Microsoft puts out. While most people actually enjoy working with the product itself, understanding what actually goes into administering the package is another story. Microsoft has implemented the new Microsoft Management Console (MMC) in IIS 4.0 (and the NT Option Pack in general) and you will need to demonstrate complete mastery of the Console in order to pass this exam, as a significant number of the questions are simulations of the actual MMC. As of 26 February, 1999, this test has not gone adaptive, however that could change at any moment. To pass this exam, you'll need to display a solid understanding of anonymous access to sites, ODBC errors, subnet masking, use of the MMC, optimizing performance of Index Server, optimizing FTP and WWW services, creating and configuring FTP and WWW sites, NNTP and SMTP configuration and considerations, analysis using Site Server Express Content Analyzer, analysis using Usage Import and Report Writer, as well as numerous other topics.

Don't let the sheer fun and ease of use of IIS 4.0 give you a false sense of security. This test is deceptively difficult. You'll probably use a good portion of the allotted test time even if you generally complete the other exams quickly (this due to the large number of simulation questions). As a point of reference, I took over an hour to complete this exam, in contrast to the 40 minutes spent on Exchange 5.5. Be sure to cover ODBC errors and subnet masking thoroughly, as almost everyone seems to see these on the exam. And hands-on experience with IIS 4.o and the MMC is a MUST (I'll bet this isn't the first place you've heard that). Relax, settle in, and take your time with this one. Soon you'll be able to add the "+ I" to your business card!

Surprise! My first recommendation here is the Internet Information Server 4.0 Self-Paced Training Kit from Microsoft Press. While you're going to need an additional source for much of the technical detail, the exercises contained in this kit are excellent for becoming familiar with the MMC and IIS 4.0 in general. Toss in the fact that the kit also includes the training kit for Proxy Server 2.0, demo versions of IIS 4.0, Proxy 2.0, and NT Server 4.0, and this becomes an extremely wise investment.

Again, Sybex got me through the technical portions of this exam. The MCSE: Internet Information Server 4 book (Network Press) contains great technical content and many useful exercises to acquaint you with IIS 4.0 and the MMC. Also included is the usual plethora of sample questions in addition to The Edge Self-Tests for IIS 4.0 (over 135 questions on two tests).

Sybex also offers the "condensed version" of the above book in paperback. Packed with concise information, loads of questions, and practice tests, it is excellent preparation material.

The MCP Cache Study Guides for Exam 70-087

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The MCP Cache Study Questions for Exam 70-087 Coming Soon!

We're still looking for FREE, QUALITY, COMPLETE practice tests on IIS 4.0. If you know of any, please email content@mcpcache.com. In the meantime, check out Patrick de Boer's sample questions here.