Computers & 'Microsoft' are virtually the same thing to most people! Each and every time we start 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 stable. In schools and colleges all over the world, Microsoft education programs abound. Now 35 years of age, Microsoft came to our attention in the 1980's by dominating the Home market for Computer operating-systems with early versions of Windows. This software has developed in to all the many flavours of Windows operating systems that individuals now use today. We've consistently been offered a choice of the Windows Home version and the Windows Professional version, with every upgrade applying to both operating systems. From a Networking standpoint, 'Windows' 'NT' server gave way to Windows server '2000'. This was upgraded to Windows 2003, & more lately to 'Windows' 08. Since MS began generating accreditation paths, we have had programs available for candidates to study how they can professionally administer their operating systems.

Windows NT Operating systems are now very rare, though quite a number of Windows '2000' can still be found. Most companies still run on Windows 2003, but Windows 2008 is building pace. This being the case, the leading Microsoft accreditations remain largely centred around Windows Server '2003'. The Microsoft MCSE and Microsoft MCSA training programs have evolved over the years consistent with the Servers. At the moment, both MCSE 2003 & MCSA '2003' are Microsoft's main network qualifications. It must nevertheless be noted that upgrade training to server 08 is imminent, & sensible where attainable.

The 'MCSE' track also offers messaging and security as 2 specialisations. These necessitate either two extra 'MCP' examinations, or one single additional examination if one of the principal seven has been suitably selected. It seems sensible to think about this from the beginning if you're serious about either of these areas, as just a little forward planning will mean you have a maximum of 8 MCPs to take. Up-grade examinations have now also been brought out by 'Microsoft', (exam 70-648 for the 'MCSA' and exam 70/649 for MCSE) for Server-2008 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist). We would advise that you should consider adding one of the above into your training package. If you do, you'll open up your possibilities to get more work, & be future-proofed to some degree.

Its pretty much accepted that it takes close to three hundred to three hundred and fifty hours to study for the MCSA, & about two hundred hrs more for the MCSE, providing you have access to superior multimedia training, plus outstanding support facilities and examination preparation. So with experience you can actually successfully complete them in about 8 - 12 months learning part time. On the other hand, if you're entering the marketplace with no previous accreditation, then your standard starting-point will be 'Comptia' 'A+' & N+. There are plenty of particulars of these training tracks on the 'Comptia' section of this web-site. Add-on around 200 hours of studying time, which will probably take at least 6 months part time.

For you to accomplish the complete 'MCSA' you have got to pass 4 specific 'MCP' exams (MCP is short for Microsoft Certified Professional). Of these, 3 exams are 'core' elements & therefore have to be sat, but the fourth is picked from a choice of electives. An extremely practical & completely acknowledged elective is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which for obvious reasons is starting to become a lot more favoured by candidates. With the 'MCSE' there is now higher relevance placed upon Security from an 'organisational' perspective, the planning of systems, & network design. There are seven 'MCP' examinations in all.

Despite the fact that the MCSA and the MCSE are often mentioned within the same career path, they're actually very different. The MCSA ('Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') is an accreditation intended for people who intend to get into server administration, networks & senior-support careers. Mainly the accreditation is a superb grounding for a Technical Systems Administrator, who will deal with the various functions of operating a fairly small to mid level corporate network. Very well-disciplined people who take pleasure in solving problems and a good technical challenge should get a lot from this particular role. It's a very people-oriented role with lots of variety, as the job effectively necessitates support and interaction with other network-users.

The 'MCSE', on the other hand, is aimed at design, planning and project management; in other words a rather more senior amount of responsibility. So if senior-administration, network management, senior Security work or technical/project management is your ultimate intention, then this is definitely the direction you should think of taking. Creative, personal & leadership skills can also be included within this training program, as good MCSE specialists frequently handle an array of personnel & resource management tasks.

As can be seen here, the MCSA and 'MCSE' accreditation paths aren't entirely easy to understand. Receiving reliable IT career advice must always be adhered to before merely opting for the lowest priced or 'bargain' deal. In reality you can find quite a few good lower priced training methods around, & indeed a few really quite inadequate high priced ones. Price in itself isn't an effective gauge of a bad or good training package. A great deal more relevant is actually the calibre of the training method (for instance is it multi-media?), the standard of support (is it honestly round the clock?) and how good is the exam-prep material?

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