Absolutely everyone who makes use of a computer nowadays knows the name of Microsoft. Whenever we turn on our PCs, almost all of us are faced with a 'Microsoft' Operating System, and virtually all of the software in use arises from the same source. Throughout schools and colleges around the globe, MS educational packages are plentiful. The company was created back in 1975, by the one-time 'college drop-out' Mr Bill Gates. Microsoft's very first version of the Home Operating System 'Windows' was introduced in the 1980's. This 'software' has evolved in to all of the various 'flavours' of Windows operating systems that people use these days. Microsoft have in essence always released a Home and a professional version of their operating systems, with their Server operating-systems running somewhat in parallel. From a Networking perspective, 'Windows' NT server gave way to 'Windows' server '2000'. And then came 'Server 2003' and the most up-to-date offering: Server '2008'. Ever since the birth of MS professional accreditation, we have had training-tracks specialising in Professional management of the 'Windows' Server operating systems.

Study time is normally acknowledged as around 300-350 hrs for the 'MCSA' and 500-550 hrs for the 'MCSE', assuming high quality multi-media training materials, 24-hour entry to student support, and some effective exam preparation software. If you have any experience you might realistically do your training part-time & obtain your certifications in under a year. On the other hand, if you are entering the market with no prior accreditation, then your standard starting place will be the CompTIA 'A+' & N+. These might take approximately 200 hours to do, which to the new part-time student will most likely equal 6 to 8 months. Details of A+ and 'Network+' accreditations can be found on the CompTIA pages on this website.

Nowadays, there are very few 'Windows' NT server installations left, but you'll find still quite a number remaining at Server 2000. By far the most abundant is Server 2003, with server 08 still in it's early days. This being so, the key MS qualifications remain largely centred around Windows Server '2003'. MS's accreditations 'MCSA' & 'MCSE' have matched the different Server evolutions over the years. In line with business usage, the '2003' versions of these networking certifications are still the most frequently required. But it really wouldn't be recommended to pay no attention to 2008 training, as to cover this also will future-proof yourself.

These details obviously reveals that there's rather a lot to get to grips with when preparing for MCSA and 'MCSE' training. It's usually a good idea to discuss all of your options with an IT expert, before you part with your money and pay for what may look like a bargain course. There are some excellent reasonably priced programs on offer, & similarly quite a few high priced terrible courses. You simply cannot judge a training program on the price tag alone. Multi-media training quality, round-the-clock direct support, & exam-prep software are all extremely important aspects - and should really be considered equally.

There are also two specialist subjects in the MCSE route - Security and Messaging. Dependent on exactly which original seven MCP's are picked out, this could necessitate an extra 1 or 2 more 'MCP' exams. This implies you should look at exactly which 7 you choose very carefully if you're probably going to specialise in Messaging or Security - the right selections will mean 8 instead of 9 exams. The Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist ('MCTS') upgrade exam also has been introduced by 'Microsoft' - the 'MCSA' is exam 70/648 & the MCSE is exam 70-649. We'd advise that you seriously consider adding one of the above into your training package. Not only will this future proof you to a degree, it will also make you eligible for extra positions.

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