A new Microsoft certification for desktop support technicians could be useful for help-desk personnel and others engaged with end-user desktops. The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential focuses primarily on support of Windows 2000 and Windows XP desktops, with some focus on troubleshooting applications.

The MCDST certification focuses on topics such as installing and managing hardware and peripherals; managing Active Directory clients; installing software; managing permissions; configuring the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF, also known as the Windows Firewall); troubleshooting network connectivity; configuring the desktop, remote desktop features, file systems, and Outlook Express; and configuring Office.

To obtain the certification, candidates will need to complete two examinations, both of which are new. Exam 70–271 covers support and troubleshooting of Windows desktop OSs, and Exam 70–272 covers support and troubleshooting of applications running on Windows desktop OSs. Microsoft also recommends that candidates have six months' experience working with desktop OSs.

The exams for the MCDST certification do not count toward other certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, but the certification does count as an elective toward that credential. More information about the certification is available at www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcdst.