MCSE/MCTS SQL Server 2008 R2 / 2012 Exam 70- 432 & 462 ExamFOCUS Study Notes & Review Questions

According to MS, the MCSA SQL Server track is intended for candidates who need to perform SQL Server installation, maintenance and configuration tasks. They often need to set up database systems and are responsible for making sure those systems are actually running efficiently. They also need to ensure that the data is backed up regularly, stored effectively, and that the data is highly secure. One will very likely run SQL Server 2012 on Windows Server 2012. There is the new SQL Server 2012 exam coded 70-462 that covers these topics: Install and Configure, Maintain Instances and Databases, Optimize and Troubleshoot, Manage Data, Implement Security, Implement High Availability. Exam 70-432, on the other hand, is all about configuring SQL Server 2008 R2. The topics covered include: Installing and Configuring SQL Server 2008 Maintaining SQL Server Instances Managing SQL Server Security Maintaining a SQL Server Database Performing Data Management Tasks Monitoring and Troubleshooting SQL Server Optimizing SQL Server Performance Implementing High Availability Your job may require that you master both SQL Server versions. SQL Server 2008R2 and SQL Server 2012 share many common features and mechanisms. The two exams have BOKs that look quite different. However, the actual knowledge items involved do overlap a lot so it actually makes sense to study both together. Throughout this book we use screen captures made out of SQL Server 2012. However, unless the text explicitly states a specific version, the contents can be applied towards both versions. We give you knowledge information relevant to the exam specifications. To be able to succeed in the real exams, you’ll need to apply your earned knowledge to the question scenarios. Many of the exam questions are written to be less straight forward. They tend to be framed within the context of short scenarios. The exams are not too difficult. However, coverage is very comprehensive – a wide range of topics are presented in the official topic lists. The exams do not ask you to answer hundreds of questions. In other words, only a small fraction of the official topics will be presented. This ExamFOCUS book focuses on the more difficult topics that will likely make a difference in exam results. The book is NOT intended to guide you through every single official topic. You should therefore use this book together with other reference books for the best possible preparation outcome.