The Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist (MCAS) certification is the globally recognized standard for validating expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of business productivity programs. Earning an MCAS certificate acknowledges you have the expertise to work with Microsoft Office programs. To earn the MCAS certification, you must pass a certification exam for Microsoft Windows Vista. Additional exams are available for the Microsoft Office desktop applications of Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel, Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Outlook, or Microsoft Office Access. (The availability of Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist certification exams varies by program, program version, and language. Visit www.microsoft.com and search on Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist for exam availability and more information about the program.) The Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist program is the only Microsoft-approved program in the world for certifying proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
It means this book has been approved by the Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist program to be certified courseware for learning Microsoft Windows Vista and preparing for the certification exam. This book will prepare you for the Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist exam for Microsoft Windows Vista. Each certification level has a set of objectives, which are organized into broader skill sets. Throughout this book, content that pertains to a Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist objective is identified with the following MCAS certification logo and objective number below the title of the topic:
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Table . Windows Vista Objectives
Objective | Skill | Page | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
WINV-1 | Protecting Your Computer | |||
WINV-1.1 | Manage Windows Firewall | |||
WINV-1.1.1 | Display the status of Windows Firewall | |||
WINV-1.1.2 | Configure the firewall access for specific programs | |||
WINV-1.2 | Manage malicious software (also called malware) protection | |||
WINV-1.2.1 | Display the status of spyware-protection and virus-protection | |||
WINV-1.2.2 | Remove or restore programs blocked by Windows Defender | |||
WINV-1.2.3 | Remove, enable, or disable programs running on a computer | |||
WINV-1.2.4 | Monitor all programs using Windows Defender | |||
WINV-1.2.5 | Choose not to monitor specific programs | |||
WINV-1.3 | Configure Windows Update settings | |||
WINV-1.3.1 | Configure automatic update settings | |||
WINV-1.3.2 | Manually update Windows Vista | |||
WINV-1.3.3 | Display a list of installed updates | |||
WINV-1.4 | Lock a computer | |||
WINV-1.4.1 | Change the screen saver delay time | |||
WINV-1.4.2 | Manually lock a computer | |||
WINV-1.5 | Manage Windows Internet Explorer security | |||
WINV-1.5.1 | Configure Windows Internet Explorer security settings | |||
WINV-1.5.2 | Use the Phishing Filter | |||
WINV-1.5.3 | Configure history and temporary internet files settings | |||
WINV-1.5.4 | Configure privacy settings | |||
WINV-1.5.5 | Allow selected pop-up windows | |||
WINV-1.6 | Configure local user accounts | |||
WINV-1.6.1 | Create a standard password-protected local user account | |||
WINV-1.6.2 | Require a new user to change his/her password when logging on for the first time | |||
WINV-1.6.3 | Disable a local user account | |||
WINV-2 | Managing Mobile and Remote Computing | |||
WINV-2.1 | Manage the computer power state | |||
WINV-2.1.1 | Configure power settings and options | |||
WINV-2.1.2 | Place a mobile device in Sleep mode | |||
WINV-2.1.3 | Place a mobile device in Hibernation mode | |||
WINV-2.2 | Manage network connections | |||
WINV-2.2.1 | Choose a network connection | |||
WINV-2.2.2 | Find and connect to an available wireless network | |||
WINV-2.2.3 | Check the status of a wireless network connection | |||
WINV-2.2.4 | Remotely connect to a network at your workplace | |||
WINV-2.3 | Manage remote access to your computer | |||
WINV-2.3.1 | Allow remote desktop connections to your computer | |||
WINV-2.3.2 | Specify who can connect to your computer by using Remote Desktop Connection | |||
WINV-2.3.3 | Disable Windows Remote Assistance | |||
WINV-2.4 | Connect to another computer | |||
WINV-2.4.1 | Connect to a computer by using Remote Desktop Connection | |||
WINV-2.4.2 | Connect to another computer by mapping a drive | |||
WINV-2.4.3 | Connect to another computer by browsing a network | |||
WINV-2.4.4 | Connect to another computer by accessing shared folders | |||
WINV-2.5 | Access files stored in shared network folders when your computer is offline | |||
WINV-2.5.1 | Set up your computer to use offline files | |||
WINV-2.5.2 | Make a file or folder available offline | |||
WINV-2.5.3 | Resolve synchronization conflicts | |||
WINV-2.5.4 | Synchronize folders between computers | |||
WINV-2.5.5 | Synchronize folders between computers by using the PC-to-PC Sync feature | |||
WINV-2.5.6 | Make the content of a favorite website available offline | |||
WINV-3 | Managing Software, Disks, and Devices | |||
WINV-3.1 | Manage software | |||
WINV-3.1.1 | Create a restore point | |||
WINV-3.1.2 | Install a software program | |||
WINV-3.1.3 | Uninstall a software program | |||
WINV-3.1.4 | Install a software update | |||
WINV-3.1.5 | Configure a program to use Compatibility mode | |||
WINV-3.2 | Manage disks | |||
WINV-3.2.1 | Ascertain the amount of available space on a hard disk | |||
WINV-3.2.2 | Ascertain whether a hard disk is partitioned | |||
WINV-3.2.3 | Check a hard disk for problems | |||
WINV-3.3 | Manage devices and drivers | |||
WINV-3.3.1 | Enable and disable devices | |||
WINV-3.3.2 | Update or install a device driver | |||
WINV-3.3.3 | Roll back a driver to a previous version | |||
WINV-3.3.4 | Safely remove PC Cards and USB devices | |||
WINV-3.4 | Manage display settings | |||
WINV-3.4.1 | Adjust your display resolution | |||
WINV-3.4.2 | Adjust the display refresh rate | |||
WINV-3.4.3 | Select the display color depth setting | |||
WINV-3.4.4 | Adjust icon size | |||
WINV-3.5 | Configure multiple monitors | |||
WINV-3.5.1 | Adjust the monitor resolution of a secondary monitor | |||
WINV-3.5.2 | Extend the desktop onto a second monitor | |||
WINV-3.5.3 | Select the primary monitor | |||
WINV-3.6 | Install and configure a printer | |||
WINV-3.6.1 | Install a local printer | |||
WINV-3.6.2 | Change the default printer | |||
WINV-3.6.3 | Locate and install a network printer | |||
WINV-3.6.4 | Share a printer that is connected to your computer | |||
WINV-3.6.5 | Make drivers available for other operating systems | |||
WINV-4 | Managing Files and Folders | |||
WINV-4.1 | Manage Windows Explorer settings | |||
WINV-4.1.1 | Show and hide file extensions | |||
WINV-4.1.2 | Show and hide protected operating system files | |||
WINV-4.1.3 | Show hidden files and folders | |||
WINV-4.1.4 | Configure Windows Explorer layouts | |||
WINV-4.2 | Manage and secure folders | |||
WINV-4.2.1 | Create a folder | |||
WINV-4.2.2 | Rename a folder | |||
WINV-4.2.3 | Add a folder shortcut to the Start menu | |||
WINV-4.2.4 | Add folders to the Favorite Links list | |||
WINV-4.2.5 | Configure NTFS permissions on folders | |||
WINV-4.2.6 | Set the folder type | |||
WINV-4.3 | Share folders | |||
WINV-4.3.1 | Share a folder on a hard disk | |||
WINV-4.3.2 | Secure a share by adding permissions for specific users | |||
WINV-4.4 | Search for files and folders | |||
WINV-4.4.1 | Specify whether a folder should be indexed | |||
WINV-4.4.2 | Search by using a virtual folder | |||
WINV-4.4.3 | Search by using wildcards | |||
WINV-4.4.4 | Search by using keywords | |||
WINV-4.4.5 | Redisplay the results of a previous search | |||
WINV-4.4.6 | Filter results of a search | |||
WINV-4.5 | Organize files within folders | |||
WINV-4.5.1 | Change the way files are displayed within folders | |||
WINV-4.5.2 | Display or hide file and folder details | |||
WINV-4.5.3 | Group files by details | |||
WINV-4.5.4 | Sort files by details | |||
WINV-4.5.5 | Stack files by details | |||
WINV-4.6 | Manage files | |||
WINV-4.6.1 | Add metadata to a file | |||
WINV-4.6.2 | Remove properties and personal information from a file | |||
WINV-4.6.3 | Create, delete, rename, and move files | |||
WINV-4.6.4 | Copy data files to a CD or DVD | |||
WINV-4.7 | Back up and restore files and folders | |||
WINV-4.7.1 | Back up files and folders | |||
WINV-4.7.2 | Schedule backups | |||
WINV-4.7.3 | Restore files and folders from a backup file | |||
WINV-4.7.4 | Restore a previous version of a file | |||
WINV-5 | Collaborating with Other People | |||
WINV-5.1 | Collaborate in real time | |||
WINV-5.1.1 | Sign in to a local collaboration network | |||
WINV-5.1.2 | Start a local collaboration session | |||
WINV-5.1.3 | Join an existing local collaboration session | |||
WINV-5.2 | Present information to an audience | |||
WINV-5.2.1 | Prepare your computer for presenting information | |||
WINV-5.2.2 | Display information on an external display device | |||
WINV-5.2.3 | Connect to a network projector | |||
WINV-6 | Customizing Your Windows Vista Experience | |||
WINV-6.1 | Customize and modify the Start menu | |||
WINV-6.1.1 | Customize the Start menu | |||
WINV-6.1.2 | Pin and unpin items from the Start menu | |||
WINV-6.1.3 | Configure a program to start automatically | |||
WINV-6.1.4 | Add a program to the Start menu | |||
WINV-6.2 | Customize the taskbar | |||
WINV-6.2.1 | Display the Quick Launch toolbar on the taskbar | |||
WINV-6.2.2 | Add a toolbar to the taskbar | |||
WINV-6.2.3 | Move the taskbar to the right side of the screen | |||
WINV-6.2.4 | Automatically hide the taskbar when not in use | |||
WINV-6.2.5 | Customize the notification area | |||
WINV-6.3 | Personalize the appearance and sound of a computer | |||
WINV-6.3.1 | Change the appearance of a computer | |||
WINV-6.3.2 | Arrange desktop icons | |||
WINV-6.3.3 | Change the sound settings | |||
WINV-6.3.4 | Change the screen saver | |||
WINV-6.3.5 | Change the mouse settings | |||
WINV-6.4 | Manage the Windows Sidebar | |||
WINV-6.4.1 | Display the Windows Sidebar | |||
WINV-6.4.2 | Configure the Windows Sidebar | |||
WINV-6.4.3 | Add gadgets to the Windows Sidebar | |||
WINV-6.4.4 | Download a gadget from the Internet | |||
WINV-7 | Optimizing and Troubleshooting Your Computer | |||
WINV-7.1 | Increase processing speed | |||
WINV-7.1.1 | Expand memory cache by using Windows ReadyBoost | |||
WINV-7.1.2 | Manually defragment a hard disk | |||
WINV-7.1.3 | Adjust power options for best performance | |||
WINV-7.2 | Locate troubleshooting information | |||
WINV-7.2.1 | Locate information in Help and Support | |||
WINV-7.2.2 | Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base from Help and Support | |||
WINV-7.3 | Locate system information | |||
WINV-7.3.1 | Ascertain the CPU usage of the computer | |||
WINV-7.3.2 | Ascertain the page file usage of the computer | |||
WINV-7.3.3 | Display the amount of installed RAM and the processor speed | |||
WINV-7.3.4 | Ascertain the hardware and devices installed on a computer | |||
WINV-7.3.5 | Ascertain the system performance rating | |||
WINV-7.4 | Repair a network connection | |||
WINV-7.4.1 | Ascertain the IP configuration of the computer | |||
WINV-7.4.2 | Ping another computer to ascertain connectivity status | |||
WINV-7.4.3 | Enable and disable a network connection | |||
WINV-7.5 | Recover from software errors | |||
WINV-7.5.1 | Identify and terminate unresponsive programs | |||
WINV-7.5.2 | Repair a software installation | |||
WINV-7.6 | Troubleshoot printing errors | |||
WINV-7.6.1 | Discover the status of a printer | |||
WINV-7.6.2 | Pause, restart, and delete print jobs and queues | |||
WINV-7.7 | Recover the operating system from a problem | |||
WINV-7.7.1 | Use advanced startup options | |||
WINV-7.7.2 | Restore the computer to a previous point | |||
WINV-7.7.3 | Repair the Windows Vista installation | |||
WINV-7.8 | Request and Manage Remote Assistance | |||
WINV-7.8.1 | Enable Windows Remote Assistance invitations | |||
WINV-7.8.2 | Limit the time that a Remote Assistance invitation is available | |||
WINV-7.8.3 | Request Remote Assistance through Help and Support | |||
WINV-7.8.4 | Disable Remote Assistance invitations | |||
Every Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist certification exam is developed from a list of objectives based on how Microsoft Office programs are actually used in the workplace. The list of objectives determine the scope of each exam, so they provide you with the information you need to prepare for MCAS certification. Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist Approved Courseware, including the On Demand series, is reviewed and approved on the basis of its coverage of the objectives. To prepare for the certification exam, you should review and perform each task identified with a MCAS objective to confirm that you can meet the requirements for the exam.
The Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist certification exams are not written exams. Instead, the exams are performance-based examinations that allow you to interact with a “live” Office program as you complete a series of objective-based tasks. All the standard ribbons, tabs, toolbars, and keyboard shortcuts are available during the exam. Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist exams for Office 2007 programs consist of 25 to 35 questions, each of which requires you to complete one or more tasks using the Office program for which you are seeking certification. A typical exam takes from 45 to 60 minutes. Passing percentages range from 70 to 80 percent correct.
After you fill out a series of information screens, the testing software starts the exam and the Office program. The test questions appear in the exam dialog box in the lower right corner of the screen.
The timer starts when the first question appears and displays the remaining exam time at the top of the exam dialog box. If the timer and the counter are distracting, you can click the timer to remove the display.
The counter at the top of the exam dialog box tracks how many questions you have completed and how many remain.
If you think you have made a mistake, you can click the Reset button to restart the question. The Reset button does not restart the entire exam or extend the exam time limit.
When you complete a question, click the Next button to move to the next question. It is not possible to move back to a previous question on the exam.
If the exam dialog box gets in your way, you can click the Minimize button in the upper right corner of the exam dialog box to hide it, or you can drag the title bar to another part of the screen to move it.
Carefully read and follow all instructions provided in each question.
Make sure all steps in a task are completed before proceeding to the next exam question.
Enter requested information as it appears in the instructions without formatting unless you are explicitly requested otherwise.
Close all dialog boxes before proceeding to the next exam question unless you are specifically instructed otherwise.
Do not leave tables, boxes, or cells “active” unless instructed otherwise.
Do not cut and paste information from the exam interface into the program.
When you print a document from an Office program during the exam, nothing actually gets printed.
Errant keystrokes or mouse clicks do not count against your score as long as you achieve the correct end result. You are scored based on the end result, not the method you use to achieve it. However, if a specific method is explicitly requested, you need to use it to get credit for the results.
The overall exam is timed, so taking too long on individual questions may leave you without enough time to complete the entire exam.
If you experience computer problems during the exam, immediately notify a testing center administrator to restart your exam where you were interrupted.
To learn more about the Microsoft Certified Applications Specialist program, read a list of frequently asked questions, and locate the nearest testing center, visit: