Everyone who makes use of a computer these days knows the name of Microsoft. Hardly any people have not been influenced by Microsoft software and operating systems, and with the MS worldwide educational & school-programs, it seems that no-one from now on will be able to evade them even if they wanted to. Now thirty-five years of age, Microsoft really became noticed in the 1980's by taking over the home market for PC operating systems with their first versions of 'Windows'. This 'software' has grown in to all the many flavours of Windows operating systems that people now use these days. Microsoft have basically always produced a Home & a professional version of their operating-systems, with their Server operating-systems working in parallel. In Networking terms, Windows 2000 superseded 'Windows' NT. This was updated to 'Windows' '2003', & more recently to 'Windows' 2008. Instruction on the Windows server Operating systems has consistently been on offer for the same time that MS have offered Professional accreditations.

The 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' fulfil fundamentally quite different purposes, in spite of the fact that they are often grouped alongside one another. The qualification MCSA (which is short for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) will lead you into server-administration and careers in networks and senior support. Fundamentally, its for people who want to become technical systems administrators, handling the everyday problems and activities associated with the functioning of a modest to mid-sized commercial network. Well disciplined men and women who get pleasure from solving problems and a significant technical challenge should get a great deal from this particular role. Its an extremely people oriented job with a great deal of variety, since the work effectively demands supportive interaction with other network users.

The 'Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer' ('MCSE') will prepare you for a rather more senior position of management in project work, design and planning. So if senior-administration, network management, senior Security employment or technical/project management is your goal, then this is the track you should think of taking. The 'MCSE' is possibly less well known for it's training on creative and leadership problem-solving skill-sets, which are also vital for men and women in senior technical careers.

As is probably becoming apparent, the 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' accreditation tracks are not very easy to understand. It's generally a good idea to look at your plans with an experienced industry advisor, before you part with any money and buy what may possibly look like a bargain-course. Frankly you can find quite a few very good well-priced training packages to be had, & essentially a number of really quite inferior costly ones. The fee by itself just isn't the best indicator of a good or bad training course. Multimedia training quality, 24 hr trainee help & support, & exam preparation software are all extremely important aspects - and need to be regarded equally.

The MCSE route also features messaging & security as two specialist subjects. This sometimes necessitates an additional two MCP's, or an additional one subject to which ones were selected from the first seven. It's wise to think about this from the beginning if you might be keen on either of these areas, as some forward-planning will mean you only have a maximum of 8 MCP's to do. 'Microsoft' have in addition released a Server 2008 MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) up-date exam for the MCSA (exam 70-648) & for the MCSE (exam 70-649.) It's sensible to think of including one of these (or maybe their equivalent) asap. Not only will this future proof you to a degree, it will equally make you qualified to apply for additional positions.

Currently, there are hardly any Windows NT server installations still left, but you'll find even now a fair few remaining at Server 2000. The most abundant is Server '2003', with Server 08 still in it's early-days. Because Server '2003' is still the dominant in commerce, Microsoft's key certifications are still based around this. Whilst the Microsoft MCSA & MCSE qualifications have been available for a number of yrs now, (following 'Windows' Server through it's progressions,) the 'MCSA' '2003' & 'MCSE' '2003' are the mainstay of current MS network certification. But it really may not be beneficial to disregard '2008' training, as to include this too will future proof yourself.

Training time is commonly established as about three hundred to three hundred and fifty hours for the MCSA & 500 to 550 hours for the MCSE, presuming quality multi-media training materials, 24-hour use of 'student support', and some good examination prep software. Therefore with some experience you might successfully complete them in roughly eight to twelve months training part time. On the other hand, if you're entering the market without former certification, then your normal kick off point will be 'Comptia' 'A+' and N+. You'll find details of these training tracks on the CompTIA pages of this website. Add-on somewhere around 200 hours of studying time, which will probably take no less than 6 months part time.

To be able to achieve your whole 'MCSA' you have to sit 4 specific MCP exams (MCP is short for Microsoft Certified Professional). Of these, three examinations are compulsory elements and so must be taken, but the 4th can be selected from a range of electives. A more and more useful and completely accepted 'elective' is the CompTIA-Security+ , which for understandable reasons is starting to become very favoured by students. To successfully obtain your full 'MCSE' you have 7 'MCP' exams to pass. These especially stress network-design, Security and systems-planning.

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