Windows XP (70-270) Part 2: Security, Printers and Disks
If you’re supporting legacy Windows XP systems or prepping for the 70-270 exam, security vulnerabilities and device misconfigurations are costing organisations real money. This module drills into access controls, printer deployment, and disk optimisation—the practical skills that separate competent admins from reactive firefighters.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for IT support staff, junior sysadmins, and certification candidates who need to lock down XP environments and troubleshoot hardware integration. Note: Windows XP reached end-of-life in 2014, so this is best suited to legacy system maintenance or exam preparation rather than new deployments.
What This Course Covers
Part 2 focuses on three critical operational areas: security hardening (user permissions, NTFS security, authentication protocols), printer management (installation, sharing, troubleshooting across networks), and disk administration (partitioning, file systems, defragmentation, quota management). You’ll work through real-world scenarios—configuring secure shared printers, implementing access restrictions, and optimising disk performance on resource-constrained systems.
The course emphasises practical application over theory. Expect hands-on labs where you configure security policies, deploy printers to workgroups, and diagnose disk bottlenecks. David Davis structures each topic to build confidence in exam scenarios whilst developing skills immediately applicable to production environments still running XP infrastructure.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- IT Support Technicians: Need hands-on competency in XP security, printer troubleshooting, and disk management to handle daily support tickets and reduce escalations.
- Junior Systems Administrators: Preparing for CompTIA A+ or Microsoft 70-270 certification; require structured, exam-aligned content on legacy systems administration.
- Legacy System Maintainers: Supporting organisations still running XP in isolated networks or critical infrastructure; need current best practices for security hardening and device configuration.
May not suit:
- Modern Windows Administrators: If you’re working exclusively with Windows 10/11 or Server 2019+, this course won’t transfer directly; XP’s architecture and security model differ significantly.
- Non-Technical Learners: Assumes foundational Windows knowledge (file systems, user accounts, networking basics); not suitable as an absolute beginner’s entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Windows XP (70-270) Part 2: Security, Printers and Disks take?
6 hours total. Most learners complete it over 2–3 weeks, mixing video lessons with hands-on labs. You can accelerate through pre-recorded content or slow down to practise labs multiple times.
Is this course still relevant if Windows XP is obsolete?
Yes, if you’re supporting legacy systems, prepping for the 70-270 exam, or working in organisations with XP in isolated networks. It’s not for new deployments, but it’s essential knowledge for maintenance and compliance in certain sectors.
Do I need Part 1 before taking Part 2?
Strongly recommended. Part 2 assumes you’ve covered Part 1 fundamentals (installation, basic configuration, user management). Starting with Part 2 will create knowledge gaps.
What hands-on labs are included?
Pluralsight provides sandboxed environments where you configure security policies, set up network printers, manage disk partitions, and troubleshoot common issues—all without risking production systems.
Will this help me pass the 70-270 exam?
Yes. This course directly aligns with exam objectives for security, printers, and disk management. Combine it with Part 1 and practice exams for comprehensive 70-270 preparation.
Course by David Davis on Pluralsight. Duration: 6h 0m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
