Everyone who makes use of a computer nowadays knows the name of Microsoft. Few of us have not been touched by 'Microsoft' 'software' & operating systems, & with the MS global educational and school-programs, it is likely that nobody in the future will manage to escape them even if they wanted to. The organisation was formed in 1975, by the onetime college 'drop-out' Mr Bill Gates. The company's very first version of the home operating-system 'Windows' was developed in the nineteen eighties. This 'software' has grown in to all of the various flavours of Windows operating-systems that we now use these days. Over time Microsoft have developed parallel server-systems - the first to use in the home-market, and another Professional edition for commercial use. In network terms, 'Windows' 2000 superseded Windows 'NT'. This was upgraded to 'Windows' '2003', & more lately to Windows 2008. From the time 'Microsoft' got into creating certification tracks, there have been programs available for students to study how they can professionally administer their operating-systems.

There are in addition 2 specialist subjects on the MCSE track - security & messaging. Dependent on exactly which preliminary seven MCPs are selected, this might require an extra one or two additional 'MCP' examinations. This means you should consider exactly which seven you decide on with great care if you're probably going to specialise in messaging or security - appropriate choices will then mean eight instead of nine examinations. MS have also brought out a Server-2008 MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) upgrade exam for the MCSA (exam 70-648) and the 'MCSE' (exam 70-649.) We would advise that you think seriously about adding one of the above into your training-package. Not only will this future-proof you to a certain extent, it will equally make you qualified to apply for additional jobs.

As is probably becoming apparent, the 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' accreditation tracks are not entirely easy to comprehend. It's usually a good idea to talk about your options with an IT expert, before you part with your money & purchase what may look like a bargain-course. There are some excellent reasonably priced training courses available, & at the same time a lot of expensive terrible programs. The cost on it's own is not an effective method of assessing a training course. You need to be enquiring about just how good the training course materials are, just how helpful is the support & how accurate are the exam preparation software?

'Windows' NT Operating systems are now very few and far between, though quite a lot of 'Windows' '2000' can still be found. The majority of companies still operate on Windows '2003', but 'Windows' 2008 is building-pace. This being so, the principle MS certifications are still heavily based on 'Windows' Server 2003. MS's qualifications MCSA and MCSE have matched the various server 'evolutions' over the years. In line with the marketplace, the 2003 versions of these networking qualifications remain the most frequently asked for. Nevertheless it would not be a good idea to disregard '08 training, as to learn this also will future proof yourself.

Although regularly talked about in unison, the 'MCSA' and MCSE are actually meant to carry out 2 quite different purposes. The 'MCSA' ('Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') is a qualification meant for people who intend to get a job in server-administration, networks and senior-support jobs. Essentially, it's for those who wish to be technical systems-administrators, addressing the daily challenges & actions included in the functioning of a smallish to medium-sized business network. Very well disciplined individuals who get pleasure from problem solving & a significant technical challenge will get very much out of this work. There's much variation in the working-day, and because the job requires providing support to the network users, there is also a good deal of interaction with other people.

The MCSE, however, is geared towards planning, design & project-management; i.e. a rather more senior degree of responsibility. If senior-administration, network management, senior security employment or project/technical management is your ultimate objective, then this is definitely the direction you should consider taking. Creative, personal & leadership abilities will also be dealt with within this training program, as good 'MCSE' specialists frequently handle an array of personnel & resource-management responsibilities.

Study time is normally accepted as around 300-350 hours for the MCSA and 500 to 550 hrs for the MCSE, assuming quality multi-media study materials, round the clock admission to student support, & some good quality examination preparation software. Should you have any experience you might realistically study part time & get your certifications within a year. With no IT experience it would be foolish to jump right in. The 'Comptia' A+ & Network+ need to be considered as the starting-place. These may take roughly two hundred hrs to achieve, which for the brand new part time student will probably equal 6 to 8 months. Particulars of A+ & Network+ qualifications are on the CompTIA section of this site.

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