Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS)

Color depth is a term that describes the number of bits used to represent the color of a single pixel in a bitmap image. It is also referred to as bit depth, as it is directly related to the number of bits used for each pixel.

A network printer is a printer that is not physically attached to the user’s computer but it is installed over a network. Any user connected to the network can install it and then use it. It is accessible to any computer that is connected to the network.

A local printer is a printer that is attached to a stand-alone computer. Users of only that computer are able to use the printer.

A default printer is a printer that accepts print requests automatically unless any other printer is specified manually. When more than one printer is installed on a computer, then one printer has to be a default printer to which all the print requests are sent automatically.

In the previous post of “Windows Automatic Updates“, I have talked about Windows Automatic Updates and their use. In this post I will be discussing about configuring the Windows Update settings.

The steps to configure the Windows Update settings are as follows:

1. Open the Control Panel window, and click Security.



2. In the Security window, click Windows Update.



3. In the left pane of the Windows Update window, click Change settings.



4. The Change settings dialog box will appear. Select the update options, and click on the OK button.

Windows Automatic Updates include the latest security and critical updates and service packs. These updates ensure that the computer is protected against the latest viruses and other security threats. Through Automatic Updates, Windows automatically downloads the latest updates on the computer on a pre-determined schedule.

Windows Update can be setup to automatically update your PC by automatically downloading and installing both Important updates and Recommended updates in Windows Vista. Windows Update is a free service built into Windows. It is designed to help you keep your PC more secure, reliable, compatible with devices, and able to run new features that may enhance your experience. With Windows Update, you can easily get the following:

For security reasons, a firewall is essential for a computer. It prevents any malicious program from running. It is a set of related programs configured to protect private networks connected to the Internet from intrusion. It regulates the network traffic between different computer networks. It permits or denies the transmission of a network packet to its destination based on a set of rules.

Sometimes there is a need to allow certain programs to pass through the firewall. In this post, the procedure to configure firewall to allow certain programs is discussed.

The steps for configuring firewall access for specific programs are as follows:

I am an MCAS: Windows Vista. I gave the exam at the Certiport center. I passed the 77-600 exam with 837 marks out of 1000. The total number of questions were 38 and the time alloted was 50 minutes. The questions were of simulative type and multiple choice type. In the simulation questions, the environment of Windows Visted was provided and I was asked to perform a particular task. In the MCAS exam, your practical knowledge is tested.

Internet Explorer 7+ provides the following security features to help protect security and privacy when a user surfs the Internet:

1. Protected mode: The protected mode feature of IE 7+ prevents a computer from saving the files or programs of a Web site. Protected mode makes it more difficult for malware to be installed. In case such a program is installed, it makes difficult for the program to damage a user’s file and other operating system files. Protected mode is enabled by default for Internet, local intranet, and restricted sites. However, it is not enabled for trusted sites.

The Microsoft exam 77-600 consists of multiple choice questions and simulation questions. In the simulation type questions, you will be given an environment of Windows Vista and have to perform a given task. Before giving the exam, you must have hands-on practice to accomplish the following tasks:

1. Managing Windows Firewall.
2. Locking a computer.
3. Managing Windows Internet Explorer security.
4. Configuring local user accounts.
5. Managing network connections.
6. Managing remote access to your computer.
7. Connecting to another computer.
8. Managing devices and drivers.
9. Managing display settings.
10.  Managing Windows Explorer settings.
11.  Managing and securing folders.

The different power plans available in Windows Vista are as follows:

1. Balanced: This power plan offers full performance when a user needs it and saves the power during periods of inactivity. It balances energy consumption and system performance by adjusting the processor speed of a computer to match the user’s activity.
2. Power Saver: This power plan saves the power by reducing the system performance and extending the battery life.
3. High Performance: This power plan maximizes system performance and responsiveness but consumes the most energy.

By getting MCAS certified, you can prove your expertise in using the latest Microsoft Office programs and the Windows Vista operating system. Getting certified will help you to differentiate yourself in today’s competitive job market, broaden your employment opportunities by displaying your advanced skills, and result in higher earning potential. Research indicates that certified individuals have increased competence, productivity, and credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients.

Candidates must pass one certification exam in order to earn the MCAS credential:

1. MCAS: Windows Vista for the Business Worker (Exam 77-600)
2. MCAS: Microsoft Office Word 2007 (Exam 77-601)