Computers & 'Microsoft' are more or less one and the same to many people today! Most of our Operating systems and computer-software are from Microsoft, and so we're liaising with it in our homes & on the job on a regular basis. Even in schools and colleges, our youngsters are gaining from the company's global educational programs. Built in 1975, by the now infamous Mr Bill Gates, it rapidly outclassed the home operating system market during the 80's, delivering the initial versions of Windows. A number of 'generations' of the 'software' have evolved over time, up to the modern day Windows '08. Microsoft have basically always manufactured a home & a Professional version of their Operating Systems, with their server Operating Systems working somewhat in parallel. 'Windows' server 2000 superseded the initial 'Windows' 'NT' Server. Next came Server 2003 and the most recent offering: Server 2008. Instruction on the Windows Server Operating-systems has consistently been accessible for as long as Microsoft have been producing Professional accreditations.

Even though they're frequently grouped in unison, the MCSA and 'MCSE' are really tailored to fulfil 2 distinct functions. The qualification 'MCSA' (which means Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) will get you into server-administration & careers in networking & senior support. In essence, its for individuals who are aiming to become technical systems-administrators, dealing with the everyday issues and actions associated with the functioning of a modest to medium-sized office network. Well disciplined men & women who enjoy solving problems & a significant technical-challenge will get a great deal out of this particular role. There is quite a lot of variation over the working-day, and as the role requires supplying support to the network users, there is also a large amount of interaction with colleagues.

The 'Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer' ('MCSE') will train you for a rather more senior position of management in project work, design & planning. If you aspire to network management, senior administration, technical-consulting or project-management, or you would like to progress towards a higher-level I.T. Security job, then this is absolutely the path to think about. Creative, personal and leadership skillsets are also dealt with within this training program, as successful MCSE professionals typically address a wide range of staff & resource-management responsibilities.

There are actually 4 'Microsoft Certified Professional' (MCP) examinations to sit to pass at the 'MCSA' grade. There are actually 3 required core exams, and a 4th 'elective' examination. The 'Comptia' Security+ is actually acknowledged as an 'elective' exam, and is more and more common with many candidates for obvious reasons. The MCSE involves seven MCP exams, that show the increased emphasis on organisational Security, systems planning & network design.

There also are two specialist areas on the MCSE route - security & messaging. Depending on which initial seven MCPs are preferred, this might require a further one or two additional MCP exams. This implies you should look at exactly which seven you decide on with great care if you are likely to specialise in messaging or security - good choices will mean 8 instead of 9 exams. Upgrade examinations have also been brought in by Microsoft, (exam 70-648 for the MCSA and exam 70/649 for the MCSE) for Server 2008 MCTS ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist'). We'd suggest that you seriously consider adding one of the above into your training package. Not only will this future-proof you to a extent, it will also make you eligible for more positions.

There are not many 'Windows' 'NT' servers still to be found, though server 2000 continue to be quite widespread. Its still early days yet for Windows Server '2008', with Server 2003 remaining dominant. Given that Server '2003' continues to be the most prevalent in the commercial environment, the company's principal accreditations still centre around this. MS's qualifications 'MCSA' and MCSE have supported the different server 'evolutions' over the years. Consistent with industry, the 2003 versions of these network qualifications remain the most commonly requested. It should though be borne in mind that up-grade training to Server '08 is coming, and advisable wherever feasible.

Training time is generally recognised as close to three hundred to three hundred and fifty hours for the MCSA & 500 to 550 hrs for the MCSE, presuming high quality multi-media study materials, 24-hour use of student-support, and some decent examination prep software. For those who have experience you might reasonably study part time and obtain your certifications in under a year. However, if you're entering the industry with no prior accreditation, then the basic starting place will be 'Comptia' A+ & N+. Aspects of these certifications can be found on their individual pages on this website, however this should add 200 hours or six months of part-time training into the mix, possibly a little longer.

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