Personal computers & 'Microsoft' are just about one and the same to scores of individuals! Every time we switch on our computers, most of us meet with a 'Microsoft' Operating System, & most of the 'software' that we use comes from the same source. Within schools and colleges around the globe, MS education applications are plentiful. Started in 1975, by Bill Gates, they very quickly completely outclassed the home operating system market through the 1980's, delivering the very first versions of 'Windows'. Several generations of this 'software' have been developed over time, up to today's Windows '08. 'Microsoft' have effectively always developed a home & a Professional version of their operating systems, with their server operating systems running in parallel. From a Networking point of view, 'Windows' NT server was superseded by 'Windows' server 2000. Then we had Windows Server '2003', with Windows 'Server 2008' being the latest release. Ever since the beginning of 'Microsoft' professional certification, there have been training-tracks specialising in professional administration of the 'Windows' Server operating systems.

With the correct quality of training-materials & 24/7 support, plus accredited examination simulation software, an MCSA should take close to three hundred to maybe 350 hrs to finish, & an MCSE about 500 to 550 hrs. This means it's achievable, for those who have experience, to do them all by part-time learning within 8 to 12 months. If you are new to the IT industry though, you should think about starting on 'Comptia' A+ & Network+ first. These will probably take around two hundred hours to do, which to the new part-time student will most likely equate to 6 to 8 months. Specifics of 'A+' and 'N+' qualifications are within the 'CompTIA' section of this website.

There aren't very many Windows NT servers still around, but Server '2000' continue to be quite widespread. Most businesses still work on 'Windows' '2003', but 'Windows' 08 is building pace. As Server '2003' continues to be the top dog in commerce, the company's key accreditations still centre on this. MS's certifications 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' have matched the various Server evolutions through the years. In accordance with the marketplace, the '2003' versions of these networking qualifications remain the most commonly required. Since upgrade training for Server 08 is also obtainable though, its a good idea to bolt this on also.

A couple of specialities also exist in the 'MCSE' training track; that of Messaging & Security. These necessitate either 2 more MCP exams, or a single extra examination where one of the principal seven has been suitably picked. This suggests you should look at exactly which seven you select with great care if you're likely to specialise in security or messaging - good choices will mean eight instead of nine exams. Microsoft in addition have brought out a Server-2008 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) update exam for the 'MCSA' (exam 70-648) & for the 'MCSE' (exam 70-649.) We would recommend that you seriously consider including the relevant update into your training program. If you do, you'll increase your eligibility for extra jobs, & mean you're future-proofed to a greater degree.

As is probably becoming apparent, the MCSA and 'MCSE' qualification paths are not entirely simple to comprehend. It is usually wise to look at your plans with an industry professional, before you part with any money and pay for what may seem like a bargain course. There are a number of outstanding low-priced training courses on offer, and similarly quite a few high priced but dreadful programs. The fee alone isn't actually a good sign of a bad or good training package. Multi-media tutorial quality, 24/7 student help and support, and exam-preparation materials are all very important facets - & really should be thought about equally.

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