PC's and 'Microsoft' are pretty much the same thing to a lot of people today! Few of us haven't been influenced by Microsoft software & operating-systems, and with their worldwide education & school programs, it seems that no-one from now on will be able to escape them even if they wanted to. Founded in 1975, by the now infamous Bill Gates, they quickly triumphed over the domestic Operating System market throughout the nineteen eighties, creating the 1st versions of 'Windows'. Many 'generations' of this 'software' have been developed over time, up to the present 'Windows' 2008. 'Microsoft' have in essence always provided a home & a Professional version of their operating systems, with their server operating-systems working in parallel. In network terms, 'Windows' 2000 succeeded Windows 'NT'. Next came Server 2003 and the newest offering: 'Server 2008'. Since MS started generating accreditation paths, there have been programs in place for candidates to understand how they can professionally administer their operating-systems.

A couple of specialities are also available on the MCSE training track; that of Messaging and Security. Depending on exactly which initial seven MCPs are chosen, this could call for an extra 1 or 2 more 'MCP' exams. This suggests you should look at which seven you choose with great care if you are probably going to specialise in Security or Messaging - the right selections will mean eight rather than nine examinations. The Server 2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' ('MCTS') update examination also has been brought out by 'Microsoft' - the MCSA is exam 70/648 and the 'MCSE' is exam 70-649. We would suggest that you seriously consider including one of the above into your training-package. This won't only future-proof you to a certain degree, but will open up more job opportunities.

Even though the 'MCSA' and the 'MCSE' are often mentioned in the same career track, they are really quite different. The accreditation 'MCSA' (which is short for 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') will lead you into server-administration & careers in networks & senior support. Basically, it's for people who want to become technical systems-administrators, addressing the day to day issues and activities included in the running of a smallish to mid-sized corporate-network. You should get a great deal out of this role if you are a highly organised problem-solver that likes a really good technical challenge. You'll get a very high amount of interaction with colleagues, (because a lot of what you do will involve supporting the network users,) and a varied working-day.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer ('MCSE') will prepare you for a more responsible position of management in project-work, design and planning. If senior-administration, management of a network, senior Security work or technical/project management is your ultimate goal, then this is the direction you should think of taking. The MCSE is possibly less well known for its teaching on leadership & creative problem solving expertise, which are also vital for those working in Senior technical careers.

Today, you'll find very few 'Windows' NT Server installations still left, yet there are still quite a lot around at server '2000'. It's still early-days yet for 'Windows' server 2008, with '2003' remaining dominant. Because Server '2003' continues to be the top dog in the commercial environment, Microsoft's primary qualifications still centre upon this. While the Microsoft MCSA & MCSE qualifications have been around for a number of years now, (following 'Windows' server through its development,) the 'MCSA' 2003 and MCSE '2003' remain the mainstay of present day 'Microsoft' Network certification. But it really would not be beneficial to dismiss '08 training, as to learn this also will future proof yourself.

As you might have picked up, the MCSA & 'MCSE' qualification paths are not entirely simple to comprehend. Before you decide to pay out any money on what may appear like a good 'MCSA' or MCSE offer, its normally wise to go through all your options with an experienced training advisor. Quite a few very costly programs aren't really the best standard, and some cost effective ones are particularly good. You just won't be able to assess a course on price alone. Far more relevant is actually the calibre of the training method (i.e. is it multimedia?), the standard of help & support (is it honestly 24/7?) and exactly how effective is the exam-prep material?

You'll find 4 'Microsoft Certified Professional' ('MCP') examinations to take to qualify at the MCSA level. There are three required core examinations, and a fourth elective exam. An additional 'elective' in the range is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which is now chosen by a lot of candidates instead of a 4th MCP. The 'MCSE' comprises of seven MCP exams, which indicate the growing emphasis on organisational security, systems-planning & network-design.

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