NCP‐MCA_16 - itnett/FTD02H-N GitHub Wiki

📝 NCP-MCA 6.5 Exam Cram Cheat Sheet 🎓

Section 1: Describe and Differentiate Automation Concepts and Principles ⚙️

Objective 1.1: Automate a Given Manual Process 🔄

Key Concepts:

  • Logical Steps for Automation:
    • Identify the manual steps that can be automated using the Self-Service library.
    • Create pre-create and post-delete tasks for efficient automation.
    • Use service dependencies to define the correct order of operations (e.g., database setup before application deployment).

Mock Questions:

  1. What is the purpose of a pre-create task in a Calm Blueprint?
    • Answer: Executes a task before the main provisioning, like setting up prerequisites.
  2. Which Calm feature allows automation of manual tasks based on specific triggers?
    • Answer: Playbooks, triggered by alerts or events.
  3. What is the role of service dependencies in Calm Blueprints?
    • Answer: Ensures services start in the correct order to prevent errors (e.g., starting a web server only after the database is online).

Tips:

  • Remember: Use the Self-Service library for reusable tasks.
  • Mnemonic: "Pre before Pro, Post after Poof!" (Pre-create tasks run before provisioning, post-delete tasks after de-provisioning).

Section 2: Deploy and Configure Self-Service and Related Components 🛠️

Objective 2.1: Create Blueprints for Infrastructure and Applications 🏗️

Key Concepts:

  • Blueprint Structure:
    • Substrates: Define the environment (VM, container).
    • Tasks: Actions like deploying software or configuring settings.
    • Macros: Dynamic values auto-filled during deployment (e.g., IPs, hostnames).

Mock Questions:

  1. Which task type in Calm Blueprints is responsible for defining the base VM configuration?
    • Answer: Substrate task.
  2. How do macros enhance blueprint flexibility in Calm?
    • Answer: They dynamically assign values like IP addresses during deployment.

Tips:

  • Key Point: Always define macros for reusable components.
  • Mnemonic: "Macros make magic" (They dynamically adjust values).

Section 3: Validate Blueprints, Runbooks, Playbooks, and Automation Settings 🔍

Objective 3.1: Validate and Troubleshoot Blueprint Deployments 🛠️

Key Concepts:

  • Validation Steps:
    • Use the Audit Tab in Self-Service to trace errors.
    • Validate against known configurations (e.g., correct permissions, network settings).

Mock Questions:

  1. Which tab in Self-Service helps identify errors in a deployment?
    • Answer: Audit Tab.
  2. What is a common reason for VM creation failure in a Calm Blueprint?
    • Answer: Network misconfigurations or missing credentials.

Tips:

  • Remember: Validation is key before deployment to avoid runtime errors.
  • Mnemonic: "Check before you Deck" (Check configurations before deployment).

Section 4: Troubleshoot Nutanix Unified Storage 🗃️

Objective 4.1: Understand Common Storage Errors and Fixes 🔄

Key Concepts:

  • Common Issues:
    • Insufficient Disk Space: Expand storage or delete old snapshots.
    • Latency Problems: Check network connectivity and optimize storage paths.

Mock Questions:

  1. What should you do if a snapshot fails due to insufficient disk space?
    • Answer: Increase the storage capacity of the relevant disk or datastore.
  2. What is a typical reason for high storage latency in Nutanix environments?
    • Answer: Network bottlenecks or improperly configured storage paths.

Tips:

  • Quick Fix: Always monitor storage metrics in Prism Central.
  • Mnemonic: "Storage stories tell all" (Check storage alerts and metrics for clues).

Section 5: Advanced Automation Techniques ⚡

Objective 5.1: Configure Event-Driven Automation 🔔

Key Concepts:

  • Playbooks:
    • Used to automate responses to specific events or alerts.
    • Triggers: Manual, alert-based, or event-driven.
    • Actions: Tasks like restarting a service or sending an email.

Mock Questions:

  1. What is the main use of a playbook in Nutanix Calm?
    • Answer: To automate IT tasks based on events or conditions.
  2. Which types of triggers can initiate a playbook? (Choose two.)
    • Answer: Manual and alert-based.

Tips:

  • Focus: Understand the conditions under which each trigger type is used.
  • Mnemonic: "Trigger to Action" (Link trigger type to the correct action).

Section 6: Govern and Secure Nutanix Calm Deployments 🔒

Objective 6.1: Implement Governance Policies 📑

Key Concepts:

  • Approval Policies: Define who can approve resource changes or deployments.
  • Scheduler Tasks: Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., backups, snapshots).

Mock Questions:

  1. What is an approval policy used for in Nutanix Calm?
    • Answer: To manage who can approve specific changes or deployments.
  2. How does a scheduler task benefit Calm operations?
    • Answer: Automates recurring tasks to ensure consistency and compliance.

Tips:

  • Reminder: Set clear policies and schedules to avoid operational delays.
  • Mnemonic: "Govern with Gusto" (Strong policies lead to smooth operations).

🛠️ Practical Tips for Exam Day 🕒

  1. Focus on High-Impact Areas:
    • Prioritize sections where your scores were previously low.
  2. Use Process of Elimination:
    • Knock out incorrect answers first to increase the odds with remaining choices.
  3. Watch for Tricky Wording:
    • Look out for absolutes like "always" or "never," which are often red flags.

📚 Quick Recall Mnemonics 🎧

  • "Pre before Pro, Post after Poof!" – Pre-create tasks run before provisioning; post-delete tasks after de-provisioning.
  • "Macros make magic" – Macros dynamically adjust values like IPs.
  • "Check before you Deck" – Validate configurations before deployment.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Last-Minute Cram 🚀

  • Review key concepts, focus on weak areas, and use the mock questions to test yourself.
  • Stay calm and confident – you’ve prepared well. Good luck!

This guide is formatted for a comprehensive last-minute review, optimized for GitHub wiki style with emojis and concise formatting. Focus on each section, test yourself with the mock questions, and use the mnemonics and tips to solidify your knowledge. You've got this! 🎉