Computers & 'Microsoft' are pretty much the same thing to most individuals! Whenever we start our PC's, almost all of us meet with a Microsoft Operating System, & the majority of software that we use originates from their source. At schools around the world, Microsoft educational programs are readily available. Now 35 years old, 'Microsoft' became famous in the 80's by taking over the Home market for Personal computer operating-systems with their early versions of Windows. The Operating Systems that individuals use today are the consequence of several evolutions of 'Windows' betwixt now and then. We've consistently been given the choice of the 'Windows' home version and the 'Windows' professional version, with each upgrade applying to both operating systems. 'Windows' server '2000' superseded the initial 'Windows' NT server. This was then updated to Windows 2003, and more recently to Windows 08. Ever since the birth of Microsoft professional certification, there have been training-tracks dedicated to professional administration of the Windows Server operating systems.

Even though the MCSA & the 'MCSE' are quite often mentioned in the same career track, they are really rather different. The MCSA ('Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') is an accreditation tailored for individuals who wish to build a career in server-administration, networking and senior support careers. Someone aiming for technical-systems work, administering the functions of a mid-sized or small company network would benefit if they choose the 'MCSA'. Very well-disciplined individuals who enjoy solving problems and a strong technical challenge will get a good deal from this job. You have a great deal of variance within the working day, & since the job requires providing support to the network users, there is also a large amount of connection with others.

The 'Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer' (MCSE) will train you to get a more responsible position of management in project-work, planning & design. This particular certification should be considered if you have ambitions to become a manager of a network, a project manager, a senior or technical administrator, or a Senior I.T. Security specialist. A number of less apparent features of a successful MCSE are good creative & leadership abilities, since the job can frequently require large scale problem-solving and personnel together with resource management.

As is probably becoming apparent, the 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' qualification tracks aren't very easy to comprehend. Obtaining good career and training help and advice should always be adhered to before solely deciding on the cheapest priced or 'bargain' package. In reality there are a number of superior economical training packages around, & essentially some particularly bad expensive ones. The cost alone isn't the best way of evaluating a program. A lot more relevant is the quality of the training method (for example is it multi-media?), the standard of support (is it truly round the clock?) & how effective is the exam prep software?

Training time is normally established as close to three hundred to three hundred and fifty hrs for the 'MCSA' & 500 to 550 hours for the 'MCSE', assuming high quality multi-media study materials, 24/7 admission to student-support, & some very good exam preparation software. This means it's feasible, if you have experience, to finish them via part time study within 8-12 months. With no experience it would be unwise to jump right in. The 'Comptia' A+ & Network+ really should be viewed as the starting-place. Details of these qualifications can be found on their respective sections on this site, however this will add 200 hrs or six months of part-time training into the mix, perhaps longer.

There are four Microsoft Certified Professional ('MCP') examinations to sit in order to qualify at the MCSA grade. There are three required core examinations, and a fourth 'elective' exam. An alternative elective in the range is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which is actually now chosen by lots of students rather than a 4th MCP. The 'MCSE' comprises of 7 'MCP' examinations, that reflect the extra emphasis upon organisational security, systems-planning and network-design.

There are also 2 specialist areas on the MCSE route - Security and Messaging. These call for either two more 'MCP' exams, or one single additional examination if one of the first 7 has been appropriately selected. It makes sense thinking about this from the very beginning if you are interested in either of these areas, because some forward-planning will mean you only have a maximum of eight MCP's to do. The Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) upgrade examination has also been introduced by MS - the MCSA is exam 70-648 and the 'MCSE' is exam 70-649. We'd suggest you seriously consider adding the relevant update into your training-package. This will not only future proof you to some degree, but will also open up more job avenues.

There aren't so many Windows NT servers still to be found, but server '2000' continue to be quite widespread. Its still early-days yet for 'Windows' Server 08, with Server 2003 remaining dominant. This being the case, the main MS certifications remain largely based around 'Windows' Server '2003'. MS's certifications MCSA and MCSE have supported the different Server evolutions through the years. Consistent with the marketplace, the '2003' versions of these networking accreditations remain the most frequently requested. But it really may not be prudent to pay no attention to '08 training, as to learn this too will future proof yourself.

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