Absolutely everyone who uses a computer today is aware of the name Microsoft. Not many people have not been touched by 'Microsoft' 'software' and operating-systems, and with their worldwide educational & school programs, it is likely that nobody in the foreseeable future will manage to escape them if they tried. Now thirty-five years old, 'Microsoft' became famous in the 1980's by leading the Home market for PC Operating Systems with first versions of 'Windows'. This software has grown into all the various flavours of 'Windows' Operating Systems that people now use today. We've always been given the choice of the 'Windows' Home version & the Windows Professional version, with every upgrade being relevant to both operating systems. In network terms, 'Windows' '2000' succeeded Windows NT. We then were given 'Windows' Server 2003, with Windows Server '2008' being the most recent version. Ever since the beginning of Microsoft professional accreditation, we have had training tracks devoted to Professional management of the 'Windows' Server Operating-systems.

Even though the 'MCSA' and the MCSE are quite often mentioned within the same career path, they're actually rather different. The accreditation MCSA (that is short for 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') will get you into server-administration and jobs in networks & senior support. Essentially, it's for individuals who wish to be technical systems administrators, managing the day-to-day challenges and actions included in the running of a modest to medium-sized company network. You'll really enjoy this kind of job if you're a highly organised problem solver that likes a really good technical challenge. It's a very people oriented role with a good deal of variety, because the job largely involves supportive interaction with all the network-users.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) will prepare you for a rather more responsible position of management in project-work, design & planning. This qualification needs to be seriously considered if your aim is to be a network manager, a project-manager, a senior or technical administrator, or a Senior IT Security professional. The MCSE is possibly less well known for it's training on leadership & creative problem solving skillsets, that are also crucial for men and women employed in senior technical careers.

Windows 'NT' Operating-systems have become very rare, yet quite a number of 'Windows' 2000 are still around. By far the most prolific is Server '2003', with Server '08 still in its early days. This being so, the main 'Microsoft' qualifications are still heavily based around 'Windows' Server '2003'. Microsoft's qualifications MCSA and MCSE have matched the several Server 'evolutions' through the years. Consistent with business usage, the 2003 versions of these network accreditations remain the most commonly requested. Because up-grade training for Server 08 is actually available however, it really is a good idea to bolt this on too.

This obviously shows that there's quite a lot to be aware of when preparing for MCSA & 'MCSE' training. Its usually sensible to examine your plans with an IT advisor, before you part with any money & pay for what might seem like a bargain-course. Certain very costly programs are not really of the best standard, & some low cost ones are extremely good. The price tag alone isn't a good sign of a bad or good course. Multi-media tutorial quality, 24/7 direct support, and exam prep software are all more relevant features - and should really be considered equally.

There are actually 4 Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) examinations to sit to pass at the 'MCSA' level. Of these, three examinations are compulsory elements and therefore have to be sat, but the fourth is picked from a choice of 'electives'. The CompTIA Security+ is now approved as an elective exam, and has become increasingly common with many trainees for various reasons. The MCSE consists of seven MCP exams, that indicate the extra emphasis upon organisational Security, systems planning & network design.

Its pretty much acknowledged that it should take around three hundred to three hundred and fifty hrs to train for an 'MCSA', and about 200 hrs extra for the 'MCSE', providing you have use of outstanding multimedia training, plus outstanding help and support facilities & exam preparation. Therefore with experience you could successfully complete them in approximately eight to twelve months learning part time. If you're a new comer to the I.T. sector though, you should think about beginning with CompTIA 'A+' & Network+ first. Aspects of these certifications can be found on their respective pages on this site, however this should add two hundred hrs or 6 months of part-time training into the mix, perhaps a little longer.

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