Knowing routing theory and routing protocols has always been a big part of earning your CCNA and CCNP certifications. According to Microsoft’s exam blueprints for the Server 2008 certification exams, that knowledge will also serve you well on your Microsoft exams.

The topic outline for the Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure exam (70-642) specifically mentions routing and routing protocols as exam topics. Specifically mentioned are RIP, OSPF, and static routing - three topics every CCNA and CCNP candidate will be well prepared to handle!

IPSec isn’t part of the CCNA exam, but you’ll see it on at least one CCNP exam, and it’s also listed as a 70-642 exam topic. IPv6 and IPv4 addressing are both covered on the 70-642 as well.

Microsoft’s website lists the following major skills you should expect to see on this exam:

Configuring IP addresses and Services (routing with RIP and OSPF, static routing, persistent routing, addressing, DHCP and DHCP options including relay agents, IPSec policies, Authentication Header and Encapsulating Security Payload, subnetting, supernetting)

Configuring Name Resolution (DNS configuration, zones, records, replication, and integration with Active Directory, and client computer name resolution techniques)

Configuring Network Access (includes NAT, VPNs, RADIUS, 802.1x authentication, MS-CHAP, firewalls, and remote authentication)

Configuring File And Print Services (self-explanatory)

Monitoring And Managing A Network Infrastructure (includes SNMP and Windows Server Update Services)

Your CCNA and CCNP preparation will not quite be enough to get you past this exam, but as you can see, it’ll give you a great head start!

Every day I hear from loan officers across the country who are fed-up with low commissions and dwindling paychecks as the reality of the new mortgage economy sets in. They’ve had it and many can’t hold on much longer. Others take a more balanced view and decide to hanker down and weather the rough seas ahead by changing their approach.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you feel defeated and are ready to give up.

* With all things being equal, realize that what you are doing now isn’t working. And in order to survive you will need to modify your tactics. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Take a cold, hard look at your marketing efforts and decide now to change your approach. Consider new lead sources.

* Go after the customers that need you and stop chasing the customers that don’t. Refinance loans are done. Trying to save someone an 1/8 of a point on their interest rate isn’t worth the closing costs on the loan. The re-coup period of their upfront cash investment in the process can be 7 to 10 years or longer. Not to mention the volatility of the interest rates and their “savings” could go poof in an instant.

* Change your viewpoint. Know that however well you are doing, someone else is always doing better (this gives you something to strive for). And, no matter how bad you are doing, someone else is always doing worse (this shows how far you’ve come in your career). Knowing where you stand in relation to others helps you to put a stake in the ground.

* Try something new. The difference between success and failure is knowledge. Improve your sales skills by taking a mortgage training course or by using some of the sales tools that are currently out there. Although, I mostly train here in the northeast, there are many good mortgage trainers in all parts of the country who can help you. If you don’t have any money, you will want to consider some of the free sales training seminars put on by the larger wholesalers. These are often 1 to 2 day events packed with some of the best and biggest top producers in the mortgage industry. They give you a tremendous amount of sales and marketing information you can use immediately—and it’s all FREE!!! (By the way, my system at http://www.loanclosingsystem.com lists a lot of the free seminars, tools and resources available, including contact information).

* Decide how much longer you can stick things out. Having a definite end-game in mind, puts things into perspective. It also gives you “fight or flight” motivation. Often times when the stakes are high, people rise to the occasion and achieve new heights. Look at your cash reserves, review your expenses, then set a “must-achieve” goal for the month you’ll need to hit in order to survive. If you don’t hit that number and have little in the pipeline, decide then and there if a sales career is for you. Don’t wither on the vine and deplete your savings. If you don’t love your job, look for something else in the industry that is still mortgage related such as processor, appraiser or underwriter. Maybe that position would better suit you?

In closing, remember no matter what happens, know that nothing happens unless you MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Have you ever been to car auctions? Do you know that there is a high chance of getting good deals and great car purchases at car auctions? If not, well, this is the article that you really need to read.

Car auctions are melting pots of great used cars. Clearly, you can acquire your very own car at a relatively low price from car auctions. But don’t think that there are no risks involved when you decide to purchase your car from car auctions. This is because these cars are used cars. But, if you know what to do, you will definitely find your experience at car auctions a relatively good one.

The first thing that you need to bear in mind is to check the car you’d like to place your bid on. Check it thoroughly - inside out, that is. Check it not only once but as much as needed until you get the confidence that will tell you that you are bidding on a quality used car.

There are auctions that allow for a preview. So, take advantage of this because you can gain a lot of details about the car you’d like to bid on in previews.

Equip yourself with the necessary technology and online service that will allow you to check car’s history.

You can bring a mobile or wireless device that will enable you to hook up on online service that will give you the chance to check the VIN# of the car and other details. Don’t take this advice for granted because this really spells the difference between a wise buyer and a foolish one.

Get your hands dirty and check the engine, body and everything to see if the car will work properly. By doing this, you can also see defects that are not easily seen. But if you do not have the necessary know-how you can also do this by asking one mechanic near you to accompany you in the auction. Let him see for himself if the car is a good buy or not.

You can also read auction guidelines and tips so that you will have the knowledge that generally you will not have if you skip this step. Also, deal directly with the officers concerned and not with agents just to make sure that you are not being persuaded to buy the wrong car. Make sure all the car’s documents are in good shape and they are updated and free from any defects, as well.

By equipping yourself with the tools and knowledge, there is high chance that what you get is not a scam but a great buy.

Car auctions are really nice places where you can buy your very own car. They have websites and offices where you can get access of details relative to buying cars from them. If you have the patience and right attitude you are well on your way to getting your dream car from car auctions.

Just remember and execute all these simple tips and you are generally assured that you will be guided properly in the process of buying a used car from car auctions.

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