The brand 'Microsoft' has grown to become almost synonymous with PCs nowadays. Nearly all of our Operating-systems and computer software come from 'Microsoft', therefore we're using it at home & on the job each day. Even in schools and colleges, our kids are learning from MS's global educational programs. The company was formed back in 1975, by the one-time 'college drop-out' Mr Bill Gates. The company's earliest version of the home operating system Windows was introduced in the nineteen eighties. This 'software' has evolved into all the many 'flavours' of 'Windows' operating-systems that people use these days. MS have basically always developed a home and a Professional version of their operating systems, with their server operating systems performing somewhat in parallel. From the network standpoint, 'Windows' NT server was superseded by 'Windows' server '2000'. Next came Server 2003 and the most up-to-date offering: Server 2008. Instruction on the Windows Server Operating systems has been on offer for as long as 'Microsoft' have offered Professional accreditations.

In order to successfully acquire your MCSA certification, there are 4 MCP ('Microsoft Certified Professional') exams that you need to pass. Three of these are 'core' exams which have to be taken, & one is an elective. The 'Comptia' Security+ is actually approved as an 'elective' exam, and has grown to be more and more popular with all candidates for various reasons. With the 'MCSE' there is currently greater relevance placed upon security from an 'organisational' perspective, the planning of systems, and network design. There are actually 7 'MCP' examinations in total.

This obviously reveals there is quite a lot to comprehend when preparing for 'MCSA' & 'MCSE' training. It is usually wise to discuss all of your options with an industry professional, before you spend any money and pay for what could seem like a bargain course. There are some outstanding low priced programs on offer, and equally quite a number of high priced but dreadful courses. You simply won't be able to assess a program on the price tag alone. You should be thinking about how good the training materials are, how reliable is the support & how adequate are the exam-preparation software?

There aren't many 'Windows' NT servers still around, although server '2000' are still fairly common. It's actually still early days yet for Windows server 08, with Server 2003 continuing it's dominance. Because Server 2003 continues to be the top dog in the commercial environment, the company's primary qualifications still centre upon this. Microsoft's certifications 'MCSA' & MCSE have supported the several server 'evolutions' over time. In line with industry, the 2003 versions of these network qualifications are still the most frequently asked for. But it really may not be advised to dismiss 08 training, as to learn this as well will future-proof yourself.

There are in addition two specialist subjects on the MCSE track - security and messaging. These necessitate either 2 extra 'MCP' exams, or one single extra examination if one of the first seven has been suitably selected. This means you should consider exactly which 7 you choose very carefully if you are probably going to specialise in Security or Messaging - the right selections will then mean eight instead of nine exams. The Server-2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' (MCTS) update examination also has been released by MS - the MCSA is exam 70-648 & the MCSE is exam 70/649. We'd suggest you think seriously about adding one of the above into your training program. If you do, you will increase your eligibility for extra jobs, and mean you're future proofed to a greater extent.

Its generally accepted that it should take approximately 300 to 350 hours to train for the 'MCSA', and about two hundred hours extra for the MCSE, assuming you have access to excellent multimedia training, plus excellent support facilities & exam preparation. This means it's achievable, if you have experience, to finish all of them through part time study in eight to twelve months. But, if you are entering the industry without past certification, then the basic starting place will be CompTIA 'A+' & 'Network+'. You can find particulars of these training tracks on the 'CompTIA' section of this web-site. Add on something like 200 hrs of learning time, which is likely to take no less than 6 months part-time.

Despite the fact that the 'MCSA' and the MCSE are regularly discussed within the same career-path, they are actually quite different. The 'MCSA' ('Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') is a qualification produced for those who would like to get a job in server-administration, networks & senior support work. Basically, it's for people who wish to become technical systems administrators, handling the day-to-day issues and activities involved with the operating of a small to medium sized corporate-network. You'll get a lot out of this particular job if you're a well organised problem solver who likes a really good technical-challenge. You'll get a very high level of interaction with fellow workers, (since a great deal of what you do will include supporting the network users,) & a varied working day.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer ('MCSE') will train you for a rather more responsible management position in project-work, planning & design. If senior administration, network management, senior Security work or technical/project management is your goal, then this is the route you should think about taking. The 'MCSE' is perhaps less well-known for its teaching on leadership & creative problem-solving abilities, all of which are also necessary for people in Senior technical positions.

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