Microsoft VTS

Join the Microsoft Virtual Training series

Enhance your technical skills with interactive webinars for core customer technical scenarios.

Local training and events

Take advantage of the latest Canadian Microsoft training and events to help you develop your team’s talent.

Let’s get started

Find your role, select a product or solution and pick the learning path for your skill level to begin the recommended training for Microsoft products and solutions.

Server Technician

What Is a Server Support Technician?

A server support technician manages, repairs and analyzes an organization’s servers, making sure everything is running, up to date and secure.

Other duties of a server support technician may include the following:

  • Running routine security and vulnerability scans
  • Assemble and install physical hardware as and when required
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of equipment and connections
  • Oversee the disposal of obsolete and sensitive equipment
  • Install and support software packages
  • Operate and monitor complex computer systems, and network infrastructure
  • Know the different server types; Authentication, database, mail, web, file and print, virtual and host servers

A server technician needs to analyze the performance of an organization’s servers and resolves any issues that may arise. Someone in this role should have great problem-solving skills and be highly knowledgeable in Windows and other Server Operating systems. They are also responsible for installing hardware, racks and operating systems.

Many technical staff may work remotely and on a contractual basis, working where the problems occur. Strong verbal and written communication skills are an essential requirement for this position. People in this role must be able to work independently, with minimal to no supervision. Some of these people may very well end up as server or network design architects.

IT Career

Changing Career

Mainly (but not only) for my students in the Edmonton area, attending the ITC program at MCG Career group. You are attending a course that will propel you into a new career, an IT career, and one that you should be excited to be part of. The following tips may help you move forward and enjoy the ride.


1. Don’t just step, but jump out of your comfort zone.

2. Don’t worry too much about the first test, “IT Fundamentals”. Just focus on the content being covered each day and keep moving forward.

3. You are in a class that has various levels of IT competence, but don’t compare yourself to these. The only person you have to compete with is yourself. Attend classes at all costs and concentrate on learning something new each day.

4. One thing, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your instructor / mentor or teammates. Peer learning is always an essential skill builder for today’s technology workforce.

5. Know your 30-second “About Me” by heart and be able to give it at a moment’s notice. This statement requires that you know exactly where you want to be and what it takes to get there. I will post more about this next week.

6. Have a short term career plan ready to discuss during interviews, and consider how potential managers and other company leaders might serve as mentors and role models to get to your goals.

7. Connect and build relationships with co-students from the current class and if possible past classes to. Building a professional network should begin on the first day of class or as soon as possible thereafter.

8. Technical skills are essential to a good IT career but mastery of soft skills like communication and active listening are just as important. The critical soft skills for any IT professional are communication, collaboration, critical observation, problem solving and leadership. Possessing any or all these will set you up ahead of the crowd.

9. Great interviews begin with research, so start with the companies website and document their strong points and vision statement and work around them. The interviewer wants to know that you will fit in with the current employees and not disrupt the status quo.

10. Professional organizations and networking events are a great way to network and meet potential employers. This informal environment will be less pressure to discuss potential opportunities than a formal interview.

11. Great interviews are a conversation that is the result of planning and questions prepared ahead of time.

12. You are in the ITC program for a reason, so as soon as possible set goals for yourself, both short and longer term. This will help give you direction, and help you ask the right questions ahead of time.

13. LinkedIn is a great career tool while climbing the IT ladder. Get a head start on establishing an online presence by setting up an account. Do remember that past achievement will be an asset no matter what industry it comes from. Recruiters are always scouring here to find new clients. Connect with others and professional groups. Be there when the recruiters or companies post or search for professionals in your area.
Reflecting on the above, you have to start somewhere, so keep calm set yourself a goal and a task list, work through it one step at a time and you will be amazed how soon your actions will get you to where you want to be. You have to remember the golden rule! you control your own destiny, if you wait on others for direction, you will never be able to really go out and have fun in your new career.

We Share Knowledge

The 9 mistakes

The 9 mistakes that you as owner of a Small Business Website Should Never Make!
A) Rely on a third-party website (social media) as your primary website
B) Relinquish control by outsourcing web tasks
C) Start creating a website without a strategy or goal
D) The website design doesn’t reflect your branding and vision
E) There are no well-defined prompts for visitors to take action
F) Do not let creativity (or design) outweigh a conversion factor
G) Today any website should be built to accommodate mobile devices
H) Always consider SEO for your primary website
I) Never set it and forget about it, connect to Google analytics and monitor success and update content when necessary.

On my next post I will expand on the above.

Windows super admin

GodMode is a special folder in Windows that gives you quick access to over 200 tools and settings that are normally tucked away in the Control Panel and other windows and menus. This Mode is most helpful for advanced Windows users that work in IT, or any advanced Windows enthusiasts.

Most customers, will not see a use for having this Mode enabled on their Windows 10 systems. It’s like having your developer settings enabled on your smartphone. If you want to try it out, though, here’s how to enter God Mode in Windows 10.

How to enter God Mode in Windows 10

  1. Make sure your Microsoft system account has administrator privileges.
  2. Right-click on the Windows 10 desktop and “Create a new folder.”
  3. Right-click the the new folder and rename the folder: “GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}” press enter and you’re all set!
  4. Manage to your hearts content!

TestOut

TestOut

  • Hands-On Lab Simulations
  • Comprehensive Learning Material (Videos, Demos, Text Lessons, Quizzes)
  • Full Length CompTIA A+ Practice Exams

Try TestOut FREE for 7 Days  +  Enter code “GoCertify” to save 75% on training each month.