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Microsoft has advanced to the next testing phase for its Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 operating systems by issuing Release Candidate "Escrow"-build versions of Service Pack 2. Various news accounts, published this week, suggest that the build is being made available for testing.

The releases apparently are only available to private testers via Windows Update. The Escrow build, reported as "6002.16659.090114-1728," represents a final bug-fixing stage. It signals that no new features are being planned for the forthcoming RC version, a near-final release.

Resource: Testing Begins for Vista SP2 Release Candidate

Interesting article about Windows 7. Everyone is talking about the GUI features, but what about the new security features?

Microsoft has released a public beta of its next client operating system, Windows 7. Everybody’s talking about the interface changes: the new taskbar, omission of the sidebar, a new look for Windows Explorer. Under the hood, there are more changes, including new and improved security features. Let’s look at 10 security features that have been changed or added in Windows 7.

Read it here: Top 10 changes to security in Windows 7

Along with the recent announcement that Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard is scheduled to ship in about a year, initial information on the corresponding new certification requirements has been released.

Basically, the program will retain the same structure but have updated exams. The exam prices will remain the same at $200 each as well. OS X 10.5 exams will continue to be available and have no planned retirement date

Windows Vista, the OS that everyone loves to hate. Despite its enhanced security, improved CPU scheduler and excellent stability, it’s still the flawed gem in many critics’ eyes. But can Microsoft win back the XP crowd with its upcoming Windows 7 offering? The fact is, they have to.

20 Things Windows 7 Must Include

Information Security Certifications are part of the credentialing landscape for an information security professional, and in many ways, those just generally interested in the subject.

Setup32.com writers have put together the definitive list of the top 50 information security certificates and certification paths for those who are serious about getting their information security certification.

In fact, the sheer number of credentials can make navigating the security certification landscape a dizzying experience. Simply identifying the vast array of offerings can be time consuming and overwhelming — never mind determining which certification best fits your situation.

Microsoft’s exam 70-290, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment is a core networking system requirement for the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003, and MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 certifications.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003 credential is intended for IT professionals who work in the typically complex computing environment of medium to large companies. An MCSA candidate should have 6 to 12 months of experience administering client and network operating systems in environments

The official domains of 70-290 exam are:

• Managing and Maintaining Physical and Logical Devices
• Managing Users, Computers, and Groups
• Managing and Maintaining Access to Resources
• Managing and Maintaining a Server Environment
• Managing and Implementing Disaster Recovery

Within these domains, Microsoft might ask realistic and complex simulation questions involving the administration of Microsoft windows andits use in a Medium to Large Scale environment. However, there is no set exact format, as the exam tends to change with time. The exam 70-290 contains multiple choice, drag and drop, multiple answer, and simulation based questions with a total somewhere between 45 and 70. In order to pass the exam, you must achieve a 700 out of 1000.

• Tips to help you pass the 70-290 exam

Configuring Windows Vista

The 70-620 exam is a multiple choice, computer based test that will certify a candidate as a Microsoft technology specialist on Windows Vista Desktop Support and analysis. This exam and certification is a replacement for the older Microsoft MCDST (Microsoft certified desktop support technician) certification that was available in a two exam format.

Candidates for Exam 70-620: TS: Windows Vista, Configuring, should have at least one year of experience in the IT field. They typically provide phone support at the tier-1 or tier-2 level in a wide range of environments, including retail stores and the medium-sized organization or enterprise environment.

Candidates should have experience resolving issues concerning network connectivity, desktop operating systems, security, and applications. Their experience should also include addressing logon problems, performing password resets, and resolving most issues with desktop applications.

The 70-620 exam will ask a varied number of questions that will challenge both a candidates understanding of Windows Vista and its differences between Windows XP. Additionally, candidates will be expected to understand many of the new features and important aspects of the new Vista features, such as optimization, the Aero desktop, and mobile computing.

The official domains of this exam are:

• Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Post-Installation System Settings
• Configuring Windows Security Features
• Configuring Network Connectivity
• Configuring Applications Included with Windows Vista
• Maintaining and Optimizing Systems That Run Windows Vista
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Mobile Computing

Related certifications:

• MCITP: Consumer Support Technician
• MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician
• MCSA on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000
• MCSE on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• MCITP: Enterprise Administrator