In this episode of The Eighth Layer, we cover Chapter 5 of the Microsoft Azure DP-900 exam guide: Exam Updates. Cloud certifications evolve quickly, and this chapter highlights the latest changes you need to know—from adjustments in relational and non-relational database coverage, to analytics workloads, and how Microsoft continues to shape the data fundamentals exam for modern cloud realities.
Stay ahead of the curve and make sure you’re preparing for the newest version of DP-900 with the right focus areas.
More Azure and IT certification content is coming soon from Cert Stack.
In this episode, we dive into Chapter 4 of the Microsoft Azure DP-900 certification guide: Describe an Analytics Workload on Azure. We’ll break down how Azure handles big data, batch vs. streaming workloads, and the core services that power analytics in the cloud. From Azure Synapse Analytics to Azure Data Lake, you’ll learn how these tools fit together to transform raw data into insights.
Whether you’re new to data or sharpening your cloud skills, this chapter is packed with the fundamentals you need to understand how analytics workloads scale in Azure.
Stay tuned—more DP-900 exam prep and certification content is coming soon from Cert Stack.
In this episode of Eighth Layer, we dive into Chapter 3 of Microsoft Azure DP-900: Non-Relational Data on Azure. From key-value stores to graph databases, we explore the flexibility, speed, and scalability of non-relational models—and why they matter in today’s cloud-driven world.
Whether you’re new to Azure or sharpening your data fundamentals, this breakdown brings the concepts to life with clarity and energy.
More DP-900 content is on the way from Cert Stack—stay tuned for the next layer.
In this episode, we dive into the world of relational data and explore how Microsoft Azure brings structure, scale, and intelligence to one of the oldest pillars of computing. We’ll cover the key considerations for using Azure SQL Database, managed instances, and virtual machines, plus when to lean into relational design versus other models.
Think of this as mapping the blueprints of your digital city—where data rows are buildings, schemas are neighborhoods, and Azure’s relational services keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
This is part of our Cert Stack DP-900 series, breaking the exam into vivid, memorable chapters you won’t forget. More chapters are on the way, so subscribe and follow Cert Stack for the full journey.
Welcome to The Eighth Layer, a Cert Stack series on Microsoft Azure’s DP-900 certification. In this episode, we cover Chapter 1: Core Data Concepts—breaking down the essential building blocks of data. From structured vs. unstructured data to relational and non-relational systems, this chapter sets the foundation for understanding how data powers modern cloud solutions.
Perfect for anyone preparing for the DP-900 or looking to strengthen their data fundamentals.
📊 More Azure episodes are coming soon from Cert Stack—stay tuned as we continue guiding you through the exam, one chapter at a time.
In this episode, we dive into the foundations of Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900). Instead of focusing on low-level tasks or endless code snippets, this chapter takes a high-level approach—helping you understand how data concepts connect to Azure’s cloud services. We’ll explore how the exam emphasizes strategy, big-picture thinking, and conceptual clarity over granular detail, making it accessible for IT professionals, career changers, and even non-technical learners.
Whether you’re just starting your journey in data or looking to expand your cloud expertise, this episode sets the stage for mastering Azure’s data ecosystem.
📢 Stay tuned—more exam prep content is coming soon from Cert Stack!
The internet runs on TCP/IP, and in this episode we break down its fundamental layers and how they work together. We’ll explore the four-layer model—Application, Transport, Internet, and Network Access—and explain how each plays a role in getting data from one device to another.
You’ll learn about IP addressing, ports, and packets, and see how TCP ensures reliable communication while UDP prioritizes speed. We’ll also connect these concepts to real-world networking scenarios, giving you the context you need for both the Network+ exam and practical troubleshooting.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how TCP/IP serves as the backbone of modern networking and why it’s essential knowledge for every IT professional.
Designing a network is one thing—building it in the real world is another. In this episode, we walk through the essentials of installing a physical network, from planning cable runs to terminating connections with precision.
You’ll learn about structured cabling systems, patch panels, punch-down blocks, and wall jacks, plus the best practices that keep a network installation reliable and efficient. We’ll also discuss safety standards, labeling, and testing procedures that ensure every connection works as expected.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to translate diagrams and standards into a functional network backbone—a critical skill for both the exam and hands-on IT work.
Ethernet isn’t just a single technology—it’s a family of standards that have grown to meet the world’s demand for faster, more reliable networks. In this episode, we explore how Ethernet has evolved from 10BASE-T to Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and beyond, reaching speeds of 40 and 100 Gigabits per second.
You’ll learn about the role of the IEEE 802.3 committee, the naming conventions behind standards like 1000BASE-SX or 10GBASE-T, and the practical differences between copper and fiber implementations. We’ll also break down connector types—RJ-45, SC, LC, and QSFP+—and the cabling requirements that support each standard.
By the end, you’ll understand how to decode Ethernet’s alphabet soup of standards and apply that knowledge to both the Network+ exam and real-world networking environments.
Ethernet is the backbone of modern networking, and in this episode we unpack the fundamentals that every Network+ candidate must know. We’ll explore how Ethernet evolved, what makes it the most widely used networking technology, and how its standards shape speed and reliability.
You’ll learn about MAC addresses and their role in uniquely identifying devices, the Ethernet frame structure, and how collision management works through CSMA/CD. We’ll also touch on coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber implementations, giving you both the historical context and the modern applications you need to understand.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a strong grasp of Ethernet’s essential rules, components, and protocols—knowledge that will help you both on the exam and in real-world troubleshooting.
Cables and topologies form the backbone of every network. In this episode, we break down the essential physical media—coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber optic—and explain where and why each is used. You’ll also learn about connectors like RJ-45, LC, SC, and ST, plus fire ratings such as plenum, riser, and PVC that keep networks both functional and safe.
From there, we explore the topologies that shape how networks are organized: bus, ring, star, mesh, and hybrids. You’ll discover how these layouts affect performance, fault tolerance, and troubleshooting in real-world scenarios.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand not just the “what” but the “why” behind cabling and topology choices—knowledge that’s vital for both the exam and your IT career.
Every network, no matter how complex, rests on a model that explains how data moves from one device to another. In this episode, we explore the essential frameworks of networking: the OSI seven-layer model and the TCP/IP model. You’ll learn how each layer—from physical cabling to application services—plays a distinct role, and why these models are indispensable for troubleshooting, designing, and understanding networks.
We’ll also break down the practical differences between TCP and UDP, look at how protocols like IP organize communication, and show you how these abstract layers translate into real-world networking tasks.
Whether you’re brand-new to IT or brushing up for the CompTIA Network+ exam, this episode will give you the clarity and context you need to understand not just what the layers are, but why they matter.
In this episode, we dive into the world of CompTIA Network+ certification and explore why it’s considered the ultimate starting point for anyone pursuing a career in networking. You’ll learn how the certification provides a solid foundation across LANs, WANs, the Internet, cabling, and security while offering clear pathways into advanced IT certifications.
We’ll break down the exam’s structure—five key domains covering fundamentals, implementations, operations, security, and troubleshooting—and explain what to expect from both multiple-choice and performance-based questions. You’ll also hear practical advice on study strategies, including the differences between the “Fast Track” and “Brainiacs” learning paths, how much study time you may need based on your experience, and why hands-on labs are essential for mastering networking concepts.
Whether you’re brand-new to IT or already CompTIA A+ certified and ready to level up, this episode will help you understand what Network+ is, why it matters, and how to approach your study plan with confidence.
On continuing education and career development for salesforce administration
Preparing for the Salesforce Administration Exam
About Salesforce's Sales Cloud
About Salesforce's Service Cloud
About the AppExchange and Custom Applications in Salesforce
Reports and Dashboards in Salesforce
Automation Tools in Salesforce
