ITSkillBuilder - Microsoft Official eLearning

General Questions:
Question: What is ITSkillBuilder?
Answer: ITSkillBuilder is a new application that provides 12 month subscriptions to hundreds of Official Microsoft E-Learning courses and other IT industry relevant courses such as ITIL Foundations V.3. These courses provide comprehensive training to Information Workers (business professionals, end users and consumers), IT professionals and developers. E-Learning courses are highly interactive and many include hands-on labs which allow the learner to interact with live test servers running full Microsoft systems and tools software.

Question: What is Microsoft E-Learning?
Answer: Official Microsoft E-Learning courses are designed for maximum skills-transfer in minimal time and provide accurate, relevant, and engaging learning on Microsoft Technologies direct from the source. E-learning is an excellent way to educate IT Professional and Developer staff for deploying new technology. And, E-Learning eliminates time and location boundaries so that your staff can study when and where it’s convenient for them.

Question: Where do I find information about Microsoft Certifications?
Answer: Follow this link to find out more about Microsoft Certifications

Question: What is the difference between Information Workers, IT Professionals, and Developers?
Answer: Microsoft has organized their e-learning content by the three typical job roles held by individuals who would need to know how to use their software. These three categories of users are:

Information Workers: Information Workers are individuals whose jobs require them to have basic to advanced skills with Microsoft Office Applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook and other Microsoft Office applications.
IT Professionals: IT Professionals are individuals that are required to understand and work with (architect, deploy or support) any of Microsoft’s platform or system products including Windows Server, SQL Server, IIS, SharePoint Server, Vista and Office System, for example.
Developers: Developers are individuals that are required to design and/or program desktop or web applications using Microsoft platforms and tools such as .Net, ASP, SharePoint, and Visual Studio, for example.

Question: What is ITIL?
Answer: The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a set of concepts and policies for managing information technology (IT) infrastructure, development and operations. ITIL gives a detailed description of a number of important IT practices with comprehensive check lists, tasks and procedures that can be tailored to any IT organization.

Question: What is MindMuze?
Answer: MindMuze is an award winning Canadian e-learning publishing company that distributes the ITIL course package (see Question: What is ITIL?).

Question: How often do prices change on ITSkillBuilder?
Answer: ITSkillBuilder strives to maintain prices that are competitive in the market place. We aim to have our Official Microsoft E-Learning courses at a price that is a fixed percentage lower than Microsoft.com prices. However, we have no control over the timing and the frequency of price changes from Microsoft and therefore ITSkillBuilder prices do not always reflect the discount we look to maintain. As a result, please be aware that all prices are subject to change without notice.

Using This Portal:

Question: How do I edit my user profile?
Answer: Click the Profile tab in the top bar of navigation to enter the user profile edit page. There you can edit the details that you entered when creating an account. Click the Save button when you are finished editing each page of information.

Question: How do I find the course(s) that I want?
Answer: All courses can be found in the "Course Catalogue" tab found in the top bar of the site. Once inside the tab, you have three options to locate your desired course:

The default option lists the different catalogues of courses available broken out into a variety of groupings. Choose the desired option and the list will change to display the subjects covered by that catalogue (e.g. Access 2002 XP, Excel 2007, Windows Vista). Choose the desired subject and the list will change to display the various courses available in that catalogue’s subject.
Underneath the Course Catalogue tab are two options. The "Advanced" option allows you to search for your desired course using various keywords, price ranges, course types, etc. After entering information to narrow down your search, click the “Search” button and ITSkillBuilder will retrieve the courses relevant to the search.
The "Course Collection/Library Registration" option underneath the Course Catalogue tab allows you to search for the Course Collections (Microsoft E-Learning courses grouped by relevancy) or Libraries (complete libraries of Microsoft E-Learning grouped by job position). After entering information to narrow down your search, click the "Search" button and ITSkillBuilder will retrieve the collections or libraries relevant to the search.

Question: How do I register for a course?
Answer: Once you find your desired course in the course catalogue, clicking the course title will bring you to the "Course Information" page specific to that course. Clicking "Add to Cart" will bring up a message window asking "Are you sure you want to register?". Clicking "OK" will bring you to the course registration page. At this point, you can either continue shopping, which will allow you to add more courses to your cart, or you can continue through the payment process allowing you to pay for the courses that are in your cart. Currently, you can purchase courses using VISA or Master Card.

Question: How do I launch a course?
Answer: All of your registered courses can be found in your Learning Plan tab located in the top navigation bar. Once you enter this tab, you will find a list of your registered courses. Click the “Launch” button and you will enter into the course.

Question: How do I view which courses I have completed?
Answer: All of your completed courses can be found in your Achievement Record tab located in the top navigation bar. Once you enter this tab, you will find a list of your completed courses.

System Requirements

Question: What are the minimum hardware and software requirements for taking Official Microsoft E-Learning courses?
Answer: System Requirements:

Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or higher
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP 1
Microsoft® XML Core Services 3.0 or higher
JavaScript Enabled
Cookies Enabled
Macromedia® Flash® Player 7 or higher
Adobe® Reader® version 4.0 or higher
Windows Media Player 8
Pop-up blockers Disabled
Sound must be enabled
Screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher
256 MB of RAM or more
400 MHz processor or faster
56Kb/sec or faster connection to the internet

Important Information Regarding Labs
Labs integrated with e-learning courses have specific requirements that can be found on their Product Description tab. Labs require a connection through Ports 5800-5821 and 5900-5921. Check with your network administrator to see if these ports are available, or if you are accessing from home, read about opening ports in Windows XP here. When you launch the lab, the lab system will step you through any configuration changes you need to make. If the ports cannot be opened on your system, we can provide tunneling software for you to install which enables labs to utilize port 80, a standard port for web traffic that is open on most networks.

Question: Are there any additional software requirements for taking courses?
Answer: Courses may require additional plug-ins for viewing. To get more information on plug-ins click the FAQ link from any page. On the FAQ Table of Contents page click Important Downloads in the Getting Started section.

Lab Information
The list of virtual lab Frequently Asked Questions below will help you get started with your lab and address some initial questions you may have. There is an expanded FAQ list offered once you're in the lab. You might find it useful to print this page as you will not be able to interrupt your lab once it has begun.

Question: What is virtual lab technology?
Answer: Virtual lab technology is real, hands-on experience with real servers. It's not a simulation or a computer-based training program. Each lab provides an experience similar to working on a production network at a company. Each one is designed to teach a certain aspect of working with specific equipment.

Question: How do I access labs?
Answer: To access a lab, select your course and click the Lab link within the course outline. When you click the lab link the Lab Information page will display with detailed information about the lab. A lab typically lasts about one hour. Click Launch Lab to take a lab instantly. If equipment is available, the lab will start initializing and will display a message indicating the lab is being prepared. A countdown clock will display time remaining for initialization. You'll see the Network diagram in the top pane and, the Content or Tool page selected, in the bottom pane. Once the lab has initialized and the devices are all ready, the lab will be set to a running state. When the lab is in running state, you'll see the time remaining in the lab countdown clock along with a Quit Lab button. You will receive a three minute warning before the lab ends. If the time expires for the lab, the Network diagram will disappear from the Content pane and you'll see a message display in the left pane. This message will indicate that the lab has ended. Note: Remember, it is important to schedule a lab prior to taking it to ensure equipment is available.

Question: Can I get copies of the exercises for use on my own equipment?
Answer: No, the lab exercises and the learning interface are copyrighted intellectual property. As part of the terms and conditions for your registration, each student is asked to affirm that:

They will not print or copy course or lab materials, except as expressly provided in the directions.
They will not copy, modify, distribute, or publish any or all components of the course or lab, including graphics, tests, exercises, or text.

A note about virtual lab System Requirements
Note: It's important to note that virtual labs are not supported on the Mac.
Windows Users
Please reference Help from within the specific lab system for more detailed information.
Browser Requirements.
Please reference Help from within the specific lab system for more detailed information.

Question: Can I take virtual lab training using cable modem service or modified browsers (AOL, @Home, RoadRunner)?
Answer: Please note that virtual labs cannot be accessed with a Gateway.net or AOL browser. These browsers use a modified version of Internet Explorer in addition to restricting services on various ports. Students using modified browsers should run Internet Explorer to access the labs. To access virtual labs:

Minimize your modified browser window, but don't end your browser session. It's important that the modified browser be kept running.
Begin a new browser session using Internet Explorer.
Login to the site.
Click the link to your virtual lab Exercise on My Learning.

These directions are applicable for @Home and RoadRunner or any other ISP that uses a customized browser.

Question: How do I take the labs if I'm behind a firewall or using a proxy?
Answer: If you're behind a firewall or using a proxy, contact your network administrator to confirm that your connection access is not restricted. If access is restricted, ask your network administrator what access options can be made available to you. For example, you can access the Lab system through a commercial ISP account. You may also choose to use the Firewall Tunneling Options located within the lab console under the Tools section, Verify Connection link.

Question: What resources does my computer need to use virtual lab technology? The web-based content can be viewed with current versions of Internet Explorer.

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Browser Information
Here's everything you need to know about browsers and the Microsoft E-Learning site: WARNING: If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158, this site may not work properly and the following instructions may not apply. It is suggested that if you run into problems with this version that you upgrade to a new version. To check what version you are running, go to Help -> About Internet Explorer.

Question: What's a Browser?
Answer: Web browsers are software applications that locate and display Web pages. One of the most popular browsers is Microsoft Internet Explorer. It's a graphical browser, meaning it displays graphics as well as text. In addition, most modern browsers can present multimedia information, including sound and video, though they require plug-ins for some formats. Internet Explorer isn't the same as Windows Explorer, a file management tool for Windows users.

Question: What Browser(s) Can I Use?
Answer: ITSkillBuilder allows users the flexibility of numerous browsers in which to pursue their learning experience:

Microsoft PC Macintosh

Browser One of:

Internet Explorer 6.0 – 7.0

Netscape Version 7.2 or greater

FireFox 1.07 – 3.0*

*3.0 may have trouble displaying the correct formatting normally found in ITSB One of:

Safari

Netscape Version 7.2 or greater

Note: You will need to use Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP 1 to run Microsoft E-Learning courses.

Question: Which Browser am I Using?
Answer: To discover which browser you're using:

Go to the menu items across the top of the browser window.
Select the support menu item.
Select About... to see the browser name and version.
If you're using a browser other than the full release of Internet Explorer, look for menu options similar to Support>>About. Microsoft E-Learning refers to all browsers that aren't the standard version of Internet Explorer as modified browsers.

Please note that Microsoft E-Learning doesn't support Beta versions of any browsers. Use only final browser releases when accessing Microsoft E-Learning.

Question: Does Microsoft E-Learning Support Beta Browsers?
Answer: Microsoft E-Learning doesn't support Beta versions of ANY browsers. It's our goal to keep up with the latest industry trends; however, we can't support Beta browsers. Please use the full release version of a standard browser when using Microsoft E-Learning.

Question: Does Microsoft E-Learning Support Modified Browsers
Answer: There are many Web browsers, but quite often, they're just customized (modified) versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer that other companies legally distribute.

We call these customized versions kit browsers, custom browsers, or modified browsers. After Microsoft released their code, several ISPs (Internet Service Providers) modified the code slightly and released these versions to their customers. These versions are perfectly legal, and generally okay to use, except when you're using Microsoft E-Learning. Some examples of modified browsers are @Home, BellSouth, and AT&T WorldNet.

Question: Browser Settings
Answer: These are the required browser settings you must have to access Microsoft E-Learning. (Having the proper browser settings is one of the things you must do to connect to Microsoft E-Learning.)

Accept browser cookies.
Enable JavaScript on your Web browser.
Refresh browser at every page visit.

Browser Settings: Security and Browser Cookies
Your browser must be set up to accept browser cookies. To accept cookies and turn off the notification feature in the standard browsers: Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP1 or SP2:

From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
In the dialog box, select the Privacy tab.
The default selection, Medium, allows cookies to be stored.
Select OK to close the dialog box.

Browser Settings: Enable JavaScript
Microsoft E-Learning makes extensive use of JavaScript. (Internet Explorer uses ActiveX to implement JavaScript.) JavaScript is a scripting language used by Web designers to design dynamic, interactive Web sites that can display different information to different viewers accessing the same URL. You must be sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser to use Microsoft E-Learning. To enable JavaScript in the standard browsers: Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP1 or SP2:

From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
In the dialog box, select the Security tab.
Be sure that your Security level is set to Medium. The ActiveX controls that are necessary to use Microsoft E-Learning are set by default in the medium security level. Click Default Level to view the security level slide. Select OK to close the dialog box.

Browser Settings: Refresh Browser Pages
To ensure that you're seeing the latest data on Microsoft E-Learning pages, you must set your browser to refresh every time it loads a page. To set your browser to refresh every time (in the standard browsers): Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP1 or SP2:

From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
Under Temporary Internet Files, select Settings.
Under Check for newer versions of stored pages, select Every visit to the page.
Select OK to close the dialog box.

New Enhanced Format FAQ

Question: Some of the course content is not displaying.
Answer: Check to see if you have pop-up blocker software enabled on your computer. If you do, adjust the pop-up blocker settings to allow pop-ups from this content.

Question: Sometimes a Security Information dialog box appears.
Answer: Microsoft recommends that you upgrade your browser to the newest version (Internet Explorer 6 SP1) for free at http://microsoft.com/windowsupdate. For more information about browsers and Microsoft E-Learning site, read Browser Information on the E-Learning FAQ page.

Question: I use keyboard shortcuts, but some functionality isn't accessible via shortcut combinations.
Answer: You can see a list of the available keyboard shortcuts in the enhanced format courses by taking these steps: launch the viewer, select Help, and then select Viewer Help. Under Topics Covered, choose Accessibility Features.
Wherever possible, the courses have been designed to accommodate a variety of accessibility issues. Please note, however, that simulations in Course 2008 and Course 2286 are not available via keyboard shortcuts at this time.

Question: Some of the Flash media will not display in the course I'm taking when I use keyboard shortcuts.
Answer: Microsoft recommends using the latest version of the standard browser (Internet Explorer 6 SP1), which you can download for free at http://microsoft.com/windowsupdate.

Question: Some keyboard shortcuts are not working when I use navigation features.
Answer: The Icon view of the content wheel is not accessible via the following shortcuts using the following ALT and CTRL keyboard combinations: ALT+1, ALT+2, ALT+3, ALT+J, CTRL+1, CTRL+2, CTRL+4, CTRL+J

Important Downloads

Question: What is a Plug-in?
Answer: A plug-in is a small program or application that has specific features or performs certain functions. When you access a file or Web page that requires a plug-in (like a video clip or sound file), the plug-in launches automatically if it's already installed in your browser. If not, you're usually prompted to download the necessary plug-in. After you have successfully installed the plug-in, you can then access the Web page in its entirety. If the courses on the site require a plug-in, your system is automatically scanned to locate the necessary application. If the necessary application is not found, a message is displayed with a link to download the plug-in.

Downloading and Installing the E-Learning Offline Player
The E-Learning Offline Player provides the ability for you to download self-paced courses and to take them offline. This feature allows you to take your training anywhere, anytime, without having to access the Internet.

Installing
Before you can begin downloading content, you must first download and install the E-Learning Offline Player onto your local computer. The system will check to see if the player is already installed; if not, you will be prompted to install the E-Learning Offline Player using this page. Please note that you can't access the E-Learning Offline Player on your computer until you download a course.

Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements for E-Learning Offline Player.
Please read ALL of the instructions below before you download the player. Before you download the E-Learning Offline Player, read the system requirements below to make sure your machine can run the player.

Click Download Now below when you are ready to install the player.

Save the setup file and run the file to install the player or install the player directly from the server by selecting Open. Note: Please do not rename the file. This filename is specifically used to determine the language in which to run the install program. If the file is renamed, the install program will automatically run in English.

After the E-Learning Offline Player is installed, return to the Content Tab, select the content to be downloaded and click the Download Selected Items button to download your content. When your course has downloaded, find the E-Learning Offline Player icon on your desktop. Open that application to run your course locally.

Hardware/Software Minimum Requirements
Processor: A Pentium II, 256 MB RAM with a processor speed greater than or equal to 400 MHZ
Flash: Macromedia Flash 7.0 or higher (1MB disk space needed to install)

Supported System Platforms
Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or higher

*Supported Browsers
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP1
*Note: The browser version you're running must support 128-bit encryption or secured pages will not display correctly.

Downloading Courses

Question: How do I Download Courses?
Answer: The Description Tab displays an overview of the course, as well as other basic information about the course. From the Content Tab you have the ability to download courses in their entirety. To view course download options, click the Content Tab.

You can download individual lessons or the entire course to your computer to take offline. First, select the Select All check box or select the check box for each lesson you want to download. Then, click the Download Selected Items button at the top or bottom of the page.
Note: You must have the E-Learning Offline Player installed on your system before you can download a course. To install the E-Learning Offline Player, see the "Downloading and Installing the E-Learning Offline Player" section under FAQ.

Please review the course size listed and verify that your computer has enough disk space available to store the course. It is strongly recommended that you have at least a 56K modem connection before you attempt to download any course content.

Please note that many courses require plug-ins such as Flash to run. If you do not have the correct plug-ins installed on your local machine, please go to the "Systems Requirements" section under FAQ.

Other Inquiries

If you have any other questions that are not addressed by this FAQ, please contact us using the information below:

All questions for Account creation, Registration of course, and E-commerce can be directed to 1-866-537-8183 (Available 7am-7pm EST) or click on the "Help" tab within the e-learning portal to be directed to the “Help Desk Request Form” where you are able to submit a request for assistance.

All questions concerning Microsoft E-Learning course content can be directed to Microsoft’s North America E-Learning support hotline: 1-800-636-7544 or 1-888-456-7077. For contact information outside of North America, follow this link.

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