Computers and Microsoft are almost one and the same to most people! Hardly any people haven't been touched by Microsoft 'software' and operating-systems, and with their international education and school programs, it would seem that nobody in the foreseeable future will be able to avoid them if they tried. Launched in 1975, by Bill Gates, they rapidly dominated the home operating system market during the nineteen eighties, creating the very first versions of 'Windows'. Several generations of the 'software' have been developed over time, bringing us up to the present 'Windows' 08. Over the years Microsoft have manufactured parallel server-systems - the first to use in the home market, and another professional edition for use commercially. Windows server 2000 took over from the initial 'Windows' 'NT' server. This was then up-graded to 'Windows' '2003', and more lately to Windows '08. Since the start of Microsoft professional accreditation, we have had training tracks dedicated to professional administration of the Windows Server Operating systems.

To successfully acquire your 'MCSA' accreditation, there are 4 MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) examinations that you have to pass. Of these, 3 examinations are core elements & so have to be taken, but the fourth is selected from a range of 'electives'. The CompTIA Security+ is actually recognised as an elective exam, and is more and more common with all trainees for various reasons. The MCSE comprises of seven MCP exams, which represent the expanded importance placed on organisational security, systems planning and network design.

Even though the MCSA & the 'MCSE' are often grouped within the same career-path, they are in fact genuinely quite different. The MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is an accreditation made for those who would like to build a career in server administration, networks & senior support careers. Predominantly the accreditation is an ideal basis for a technical systems-administrator, who'll deal with all the functions of running a small to mid-level company network. You will derive a lot from this kind of work if you are a highly organised problem solver who loves a proper technical-challenge. It is a really people-oriented role with a great deal of variety, as the work largely necessitates supportive interaction with fellow network users.

In contrast, the 'MCSE' (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) job provides a position with greater accountability, where the job revolves far more around design, planning & project management. If senior administration, management of a network, senior Security work or technical/project management is your aim, then this is the course you should think about taking. The MCSE is possibly less well known for its training on creative and leadership problem-solving expertise, that are also vital for men and women working in Senior technical careers.

There also are two specialist subjects on the 'MCSE' route - security & messaging. This can necessitate an extra 2 MCP's, or an additional one dependent upon which ones were elected in the 1st seven. This means you should look at which 7 you choose with care if you are probably going to specialise in security or messaging - appropriate options will then mean 8 instead of 9 examinations. 'Microsoft' also have released a Server 2008 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) upgrade examination for the 'MCSA' (exam 70/648) and the MCSE (exam 70-649.) One of these (or perhaps a comparable qualification) should be considered at the start of your decision-process. This won't only future-proof you to some degree, but will open up additional job alternatives.

As is probably becoming apparent, the MCSA and 'MCSE' certification tracks are not entirely simple to understand. Before you decide to pay out any money on what might seem like a great MCSA or MCSE offer, it's usually wise to discuss all the details with an experienced training-advisor. Certain very costly programs aren't always the best quality, and conversely some affordable ones are extremely good. You simply can not determine a training course on the price tag alone. Far more relevant is actually the quality of the training method (i.e. is it multimedia?), the level of support (is it honestly round the clock?) & exactly how good is the exam prep material?

There aren't so many 'Windows' NT Servers still around, but Server '2000' continue to be fairly prevalent. Most companies still operate on 'Windows' '2003', but 'Windows' '08 is building-pace. Since this is the situation within the business world, the majority of MS's certifications remain based around the '2003' Operating-system. The Microsoft MCSE and Microsoft MCSA training-programs have evolved over the years in accordance with the Servers. Right now, both 'MCSE' 2003 & MCSA '2003' are MS's main Network accreditations. It should really however be borne in mind that up-grade training to Server 2008 is imminent, & advisable where attainable.

It is pretty much acknowledged that it takes about 300 to 350 hrs to train for an 'MCSA', & approximately two hundred hrs extra for the 'MCSE', providing you have use of exceptional multimedia training, plus excellent help and support facilities and examination preparation. This means it's achievable, if you have experience, to do them by part time study within 8 to 12 months. Without any past experience it could be foolish to jump right in. The 'Comptia' 'A+' & 'N+' need to be considered as the starting place. There are various particulars of these training-tracks on the CompTIA pages of this website. Add on somewhere around 200 hours of training time, which is likely to take a minimum of 6 months part time.

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