The company name Microsoft is now almost synonymous with PC's these days. Few of us haven't been influenced by Microsoft software & Operating Systems, & with their world-wide education and school programs, it appears that no one in the future will be able to avoid them even if they wanted to. Now thirty five years of age, Microsoft became famous in the 1980's by dominating the home market for Computer Operating Systems with their first versions of 'Windows'. Several generations of this 'software' have evolved with time, up to today's Windows '08. We have consistently been provided with a choice of the Windows Home version and the 'Windows' Professional version, with every up-date applying to both Operating Systems. In networking terms, 'Windows' 2000 succeeded 'Windows' NT. After that came Server '2003' and the most current offering: 'Server 2008'. Ever since Microsoft started developing accreditation tracks, there have been programs in place for trainees to learn how to professionally administer their operating-systems.

Windows NT Operating-systems are actually now very rare, yet quite a lot of Windows 2000 can still be found. The majority of organisations still operate on Windows '2003', though 'Windows' 2008 is building pace. While this is actually the situation in the business world, the majority of MS's qualifications remain based on the '2003' Operating System. MS's certifications 'MCSA' and MCSE have matched the several server 'evolutions' over time. In line with business usage, the '2003' versions of these network certifications are still the most frequently requested. But it really wouldn't be advised to pay no attention to 08 training, as to learn this too will future-proof yourself.

Its commonly accepted that it takes just about 300 to 350 hrs to study for the 'MCSA', & approximately 200 hours more for the 'MCSE', assuming you have access to top-quality multi-media training, plus outstanding support facilities & examination preparation. So with some experience you might successfully complete them in around 8-12 months learning part time. However, if you're entering the industry without former certification, then your normal kick off point will be the 'Comptia' 'A+' and Network+. You'll find particulars of these training-tracks on the 'CompTIA' section of this website. Add-on around two hundred hours of learning time, which will probably take no less than six months part time.

This clearly reveals that there's quite a bit to get to grips with when deciding upon 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' training. Before you decide to spend anything for what might appear like a fantastic 'MCSA' or MCSE package, it's normally wise to go through every detail with a industry professional. The simple truth is you can find quite a few excellent lower-priced training solutions around, and really several extremely poor costly ones. You simply won't be able to assess a course on price alone. You should be thinking of how good the course materials are, just how helpful is the support and how adequate are the exam prep software?

Even though they're frequently grouped collectively, the 'MCSA' and MCSE are in reality tailored to carry out two different purposes. The accreditation 'MCSA' (that stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) will lead you into server-administration and work in networks and senior-support. Mainly this accreditation is an ideal basis for a Technical Systems Administrator, who will cope with all the inner workings of running a fairly small to mid level office network. The work is actually perfect for someone that likes working on technical issues, as there is certainly a multitude of problem-solving in this role. It is a very people oriented role with lots of variety, because the work largely consists of support and interaction with fellow network users.

The 'MCSE', on the other hand, is aimed at planning, design & project management; i.e. a more senior degree of responsibility. This accreditation really should be looked at carefully if your goal is to be a network-manager, a project-manager, a senior or technical administrator, or a Senior IT Security expert. Creative, personal & leadership skillsets can also be covered within this training program, as effective 'MCSE' experts often address a wide range of personnel & resource management tasks.

There are actually 4 'Microsoft Certified Professional' (MCP) examinations to take in order to pass at the 'MCSA' level. There are actually three required core exams, and a 4th 'elective' exam. An increasingly important and fully acknowledged 'elective' is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which for understandable purposes is starting to become very popular with trainees. The 'MCSE' consists of seven 'MCP' exams, that show the growing emphasis on organisational Security, systems-planning & network-design.

There are also two specialist subjects on the MCSE track - security & messaging. These necessitate either two additional 'MCP' exams, or one single extra examination where one of the principal seven has been appropriately picked. It makes sense to consider this from the very beginning if you are keen on one or both of these areas, as a little forward planning will mean you have a maximum of eight MCPs to do. Microsoft have also released a Server 2008 MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) update exam for the MCSA (exam 70/648) and the MCSE (exam 70-649.) One of these (or perhaps an equivalent qualification) must be thought about at the start of your decision process. This won't only future-proof you to a certain extent, but will also open up more job avenues.

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