Personal computers and 'Microsoft' are basically the same thing to most individuals! Almost all of our Operating-systems & computer software come from 'Microsoft', therefore we are using it at home and at work each day. Even in schools, our youngsters are benefiting from the company's global education programs. Founded in 1975, by the now infamous Bill Gates, they very quickly completely outclassed the domestic operating-system industry over the nineteen eighties, producing the 1st versions of 'Windows'. The operating systems that individuals use nowadays are the consequence of numerous 'evolutions' of Windows between now & then. Over the years Microsoft have developed parallel Server systems - the first to use in the home market, and another professional version for commercial use. From a Networking standpoint, 'Windows' NT Server was superseded by Windows server 2000. We then were given 'Windows' Server '2003', with 'Windows' 'Server 2008' being the newest release. From the time Microsoft began producing certification paths, there have been programs in place for students to study how to professionally administer their Operating Systems.

It's pretty much accepted that it should take just about 300-350 hrs to train for the MCSA, and about 200 hrs extra for the 'MCSE', providing you have use of superior multimedia training, plus excellent help and support facilities and examination preparation. Assuming you have some experience you might reasonably study part time & achieve your accreditations in under a year. If you're a new comer to the IT community though, you should think about beginning with CompTIA 'A+' & 'Network+' first. Aspects of these accreditations are available on their individual sections on this site, however this will add two hundred hours or six months of part-time study onto the whole thing, perhaps even longer.

There are in addition two specialist subjects in the MCSE track - Security & Messaging. These call for either 2 additional MCP examinations, or a single additional examination where one of the main 7 has been appropriately determined. This implies you should consider exactly which 7 you decide on with great care if you're probably going to specialise in messaging or security - the right options will then mean 8 instead of 9 exams. The Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) update exam also has been released by MS - the MCSA is exam 70-648 and the MCSE is exam 70-649. It's a good idea to think about including one of these (or perhaps their equivalent) as quickly as possible. Not only will this future-proof you to a certain degree, it will make you qualified to apply for extra jobs.

The MCSA & MCSE fulfil essentially different purposes, despite the fact that they are commonly discussed together. The 'MCSA' ('Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') is a certification configured for those who plan to get a job in server administration, networking and senior support jobs. Mainly the qualification is an ideal grounding for a technical-systems-administrator, who will work with the ins and outs of running a small to mid level commercial network. The job is ideal for somebody that loves the nitty gritty of technical-challenges, since there is a lot of problem-solving in this work. It is a really people oriented role with a lot of variety, since the work largely entails support and interaction with all the network-users.

On the other hand, the MCSE ('Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer') role provides a position with increased responsibility, where the work revolves far more around planning, design and project management. 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. Personal, creative and leadership expertise can also be dealt with in this training program, as effective MCSE professionals frequently deal with an array of personnel & resource management duties.

To be able to achieve your full 'MCSA' you have to sit four individual 'MCP' examinations ('MCP' stands for 'Microsoft Certified Professional'). Of these, three examinations are core subjects & therefore must be taken, but the 4th is chosen from a choice of so called 'electives'. The 'Comptia' Security+ is now recognised as an 'elective' examination, & has grown to be increasingly popular with all students for various reasons. In order to successfully achieve your complete 'MCSE' you have seven MCP examinations to gain. These especially place importance upon network-design, security and systems planning.

There aren't so many Windows NT servers still around, although Server 2000 remain fairly common. Its still early days yet for 'Windows' server 08, with '2003' continuing to be dominant. This being the case, the leading 'Microsoft' accreditations remain heavily centred around 'Windows' Server 2003. The Microsoft 'MCSE' and MCSA training-programs have developed over time consistent with the Servers. At this time, both MCSE 2003 & MCSA '2003' are Microsoft's main network accreditations. As up-grade instruction for Server '2008' is actually available however, it is a good idea to cover this also.

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