Absolutely everyone who makes use of a computer these days has heard of the name Microsoft. Hardly any of us haven't been touched by 'Microsoft' software & operating-systems, & with their world-wide educational and school-programs, it is likely that no one in the future will manage to evade them if they tried. Now 35 years old, Microsoft really became noticed in the nineteen eighties by dominating the Home marketplace for PC operating-systems with first versions of 'Windows'. Many 'generations' of the software have been developed as time has passed, up to the present Windows 2008. Over the years Microsoft have made 'parallel' server-systems - one for use in the home market, & a corresponding professional version for commercial use. From a network perspective, 'Windows' 'NT' Server gave way to Windows Server 2000. Then we had 'Windows' Server '2003', with Windows Server '2008' being the newest edition. Training on the Windows Server Operating-systems has been available for the same time that Microsoft have offered professional certifications.

There aren't so many 'Windows' NT servers still about, but server '2000' are still fairly common. It is still early-days yet for 'Windows' Server 2008, with 2003 continuing it's dominance. This being the case, the primary Microsoft qualifications continue to be heavily centred on 'Windows' Server '2003'. MS's certifications 'MCSA' & 'MCSE' have matched the different server 'evolutions' through the years. Consistent with business usage, the '2003' versions of these network qualifications remain the most commonly requested. It must however be noted that up-grade training to server '08 is imminent, and advisable where attainable.

Without doubt you will already have discovered that an appreciation of these qualification tracks is not so very straightforward. Its generally wise to discuss all of your plans with an industry professional, before you part with your money and buy what may appear to be a bargain course. There are a number of very good reasonably priced programs available, and at the same time quite a few high priced terrible courses. You just are not able to determine a course on the price alone. Multimedia tutorial quality, 24 hr direct support, and exam prep software are all extremely important features - and need to be regarded equally.

In order to successfully get your 'MCSA' accreditation, there are actually four 'MCP' ('Microsoft Certified Professional') examinations that you must pass. Of these, three exams are compulsory elements and therefore have to be sat, but the 4th can be selected from a choice of electives. An extremely useful and fully acknowledged elective is the CompTIA 'Security+' , which for obvious reasons is starting to become more and more favoured by trainees. The MCSE comprises of seven 'MCP' exams, that reflect the higher emphasis on organisational security, systems planning & network-design.

The MCSA & 'MCSE' fulfil essentially quite different roles, despite the fact that they're regularly talked about together. Preparation to become a 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator' ('MCSA') is designed for Networking & senior-support jobs & server administration. Fundamentally, it's for those who wish to become technical systems-administrators, managing the day-to-day issues & activities involved with the running of a smallish to medium-sized company network. You should get a great deal out of this role if you are a well organised problem solver who likes a proper technical-challenge. Expect a healthy degree of interaction with fellow workers, (as a good deal of what you will be doing will entail helping and supporting the users of the network,) and a varied working-day.

The MCSE, alternatively, is centred on design, planning and project-management; in other words a more senior level of responsibility. This particular qualification needs to be seriously considered if your goal is to be a network manager, a project manager, a technical or senior administrator, or a senior IT Security expert. A number of less apparent features of a successful 'MCSE' are good creative and leadership expertise, since the role can frequently involve in-depth problem-solving and personnel as well as resource management.

It's pretty much accepted that it should take roughly three hundred to three hundred and fifty hours to study for an 'MCSA', and about 200 hrs extra for the 'MCSE', assuming you have use of exceptional multi-media training, plus excellent support facilities & exam preparation. When you've got some experience you might reasonably do your training part time & attain your certifications in under a year. Without any past experience it could be imprudent to jump straight in. The 'Comptia' 'A+' and 'N+' ought to be considered as the starting-place. There are plenty of details of these training-tracks on the 'Comptia' pages of this web-site. Add on approximately two hundred hours of studying time, which is likely to take no less than six months part-time.

There also are 2 specialities on the 'MCSE' route - security & messaging. These require either two additional 'MCP' examinations, or one single extra examination if one of the main seven has been appropriately determined. If you're focused on one of these specialisations then it makes sense to consider this from the start - as it means only 8 examinations are needed, instead of 9. The Server 2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' ('MCTS') upgrade exam has also been introduced by Microsoft - the 'MCSA' is exam 70/648 & the 'MCSE' is exam 70/649. It would be wise to look at including one of these updates (or perhaps an equivalent) asap. This won't only future proof you to a certain extent, but will offer more job opportunities.

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