PC's and 'Microsoft' are just about one and the same to most people! Not many people have not been influenced by Microsoft 'software' and operating-systems, and with their world-wide educational and school-programs, it is likely that no one in the future will manage to escape them if they tried. The company was formed back in 1975, by the then 'college drop-out' Mr Bill Gates. Microsoft's 1st version of the Home Operating System Windows was introduced in the nineteen eighties. This 'software' has grown into all the various flavours of 'Windows' operating systems that all of us use these days. 'Microsoft' have essentially always provided a Home and a Professional version of their operating systems, with their Server Operating Systems performing in parallel. Windows server 2000 replaced the original Windows NT server. We then had Windows 'Server 2003', with 'Windows' 'Server 2008' being the latest release. Training on the Windows server Operating systems has consistently been on offer for as long as Microsoft have been producing Professional certifications.

A couple of specialist subjects also exist in the 'MCSE' track; that of Messaging & Security. Depending on exactly which original 7 MCP's are picked out, this could require a further 1 or 2 more MCP exams. If you are thinking about either of these specialities then it is smart to consider this from the start - as it then means only eight exams are needed, instead of nine. MS have also brought out a Server-2008 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) up-grade examination for the 'MCSA' (exam 70/648) & the 'MCSE' (exam 70/649.) We would advise that you seriously consider including the relevant update into your training package. Not only will this future-proof you to some extent, it will also make you qualified to apply for additional job opportunities.

There are not very many Windows 'NT' Servers still around, but Server 2000 continue to be fairly prevalent. The most prolific is server '2003', with server '08 still in it's early days. This being the case, the principle Microsoft certifications are still heavily centred on Windows Server '2003'. The Microsoft 'MCSE' & 'MCSA' training-programs have changed as time has passed in accordance with the Servers. At this time, both MCSE 2003 & 'MCSA' 2003 are MS's most significant network certifications. But it really may not be advised to overlook '2008' training, as to learn this too will future proof yourself.

Study time is commonly established as around three hundred to three hundred and fifty hrs for the 'MCSA' & 500 to 550 hrs for the 'MCSE', presuming high quality multi-media study materials, 24 hour admission to 'student support', and some decent exam preparation software. When you have any experience you might realistically study part time and gain your certifications within a year. Without any experience it could be foolish to leap right in. The 'Comptia' 'A+' & Network+ need to be considered as the starting-place. You'll find particulars of these training tracks on the CompTIA section of this site. Add on about 200 hrs of studying time, which will probably take at least 6 months part-time.

Though frequently talked about with each other, the 'MCSA' and MCSE are actually geared to fulfil two distinctive functions. Instruction to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator ('MCSA') ideal for networking and senior support jobs & server-administration. Mainly this qualification is an ideal starting point for a technical systems administrator, who'll cope with the various functions of operating a fairly small to medium corporate network. Well-disciplined people who get pleasure from solving problems and a strong technical challenge should get a lot from this job. You have lots of variance in the working day, and because the role requires giving support to users of the network, there is also a good deal of interaction with others.

The MCSE, on the other hand, is centred on design, planning and project management; in other words a more high amount of responsibility. This certification really should be seriously considered if your goal is to be a network-manager, a project-manager, a senior or technical administrator, or a senior I.T. Security professional. A few less obvious qualities of a successful MCSE would be good creative and leadership expertise, as the role can frequently entail large scale problem-solving and personnel in addition to resource management.

For you to successfully attain your 'MCSA' qualification, there are actually 4 MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) exams you need to pass. Three of those are 'core' examinations which must be taken, and one is what's known as an 'elective'. A very important & completely acknowledged 'elective' is the 'Comptia' Security+ , which for obvious purposes is becoming more and more favoured by candidates. With the 'MCSE' there is currently higher importance placed upon security from an organisational perspective, systems planning, & network design. There are seven MCP exams in all.

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