Computers and Microsoft are more or less the same thing to many people today! Whenever we start our PCs, almost all of us meet with a 'Microsoft' operating system, and the majority of software that we use originates from the same source. Throughout schools and colleges worldwide, Microsoft education packages are plentiful. Founded in 1975, by Mr Bill Gates, it rapidly outclassed the domestic operating-system market in the 80's, producing the 1st versions of 'Windows'. This software has evolved into all of the many 'flavours' of 'Windows' operating systems that people now use these days. 'Microsoft' have essentially always manufactured a home & a professional version of their operating systems, with their server operating-systems running somewhat in parallel. Windows server '2000' took over from the first 'Windows' 'NT' server. We then had Windows Server 2003, with Windows Server '2008' being the newest release. Instruction on the Windows Server Operating systems has been available for the same time that MS have been producing professional qualifications.

There are also two specialist areas in the MCSE track - security & messaging. These call for either 2 further MCP exams, or a single extra exam where one of the main seven has been appropriately determined. It seems sensible thinking about this from the very beginning if you're interested in either of these subjects, as a little forward-planning will mean you only have a maximum of eight MCP's to sit. Microsoft have in addition released a Server-2008 'MCTS' ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') up-date exam for the 'MCSA' (exam 70/648) & the MCSE (exam 70/649.) One of these (or perhaps a comparable qualification) must be considered early on in your decision process. Not only should this future-proof you to some degree, it will equally make you eligible for extra positions.

Undoubtedly you will already have discovered that understanding these accreditation tracks is not so very straightforward. Its usually a good idea to go over all of your options with an experienced industry professional, before you part with your money & pay for what may possibly look like a bargain course. A number of very expensive programs aren't actually of the greatest standard, and yet certain low cost ones are very good. Cost on it's own isn't an effective method of evaluating a course. A great deal more relevant is the quality of the training-method (for example is it multi-media?), the level of help and support (is it truly 24 hour?) & just how effective is the exam preparation software?

Windows 'NT' Operating-systems have become very rare, but a fair number of Windows '2000' are still around. It's still early-days yet for Windows server 2008, with 2003 continuing it's dominance. Given that Server '2003' remains the top dog in commercial environments, Microsoft's primary accreditations still centre upon this. The 'Microsoft' MCSE and Microsoft MCSA training-programs have developed as time has passed consistent with the Servers. Currently, both 'MCSE' 2003 & MCSA 2003 are MS's key network qualifications. It should really though be borne in mind that up-grade training to server '2008' is coming, and desirable wherever attainable.

The MCSA & MCSE serve essentially different purposes, despite the fact that they are often discussed alongside one another. Coaching to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator ('MCSA') ideal for networking and senior-support work and server-administration. Essentially, it is for those who wish to be technical systems-administrators, working with the day-to-day problems & actions involved with the running of a small to medium sized office network. The job is actually ideal for somebody that likes working on technical-challenges, because there is certainly a good deal of problem solving with this profession. There is a substantial amount of variation over the working-day, and as the role necessitates giving support to users of the network, there's also a large amount of interaction with others.

The 'MCSE', however, is aimed at design, planning & project management; i.e. a more high level of responsibility. For those who aspire to network management, senior administration, technical consulting or project management, or you would like to progress in the direction of a higher level IT security career, then this is absolutely the path to look at. Personal, creative and leadership expertise will also be dealt with in this training, as successful MCSE experts frequently deal with many staff & resource-management tasks.

With the right high quality of training-materials & 24 hr help and support, plus authorised examination preparation software, an 'MCSA' ought to take close to 300 to 350 hours to finish, & the MCSE around 500 to 550 hours. And so with experience you might complete all of them in something like eight to twelve months training part-time. With no IT experience it could be rash to leap straight in. The 'Comptia' A+ & Network+ should be considered as the starting-place. You will find particulars of these training-tracks on the 'CompTIA' section of this site. Add-on roughly 200 hours of learning time, which is likely to take at least 6 months part-time.

To be able to achieve the complete MCSA you need to pass 4 individual MCP examinations ('MCP' stands for 'Microsoft Certified Professional'). Of these, 3 exams are compulsory elements and so must be taken, but the fourth is selected from a range of so called 'electives'. A more and more useful and completely accepted elective is the CompTIA-Security+ , which for understandable reasons is becoming more and more favoured by trainees. The MCSE consists of 7 MCP exams, which indicate the heightened importance placed on organisational security, systems-planning and network design.

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