PCs and 'Microsoft' are more or less one and the same to a lot of individuals! Very few of us have not been touched by 'Microsoft' software & operating-systems, and with the MS world-wide educational & school-programs, it would seem that nobody from now on will manage to escape them if they tried. The company was formed back in nineteen seventy five, by the one-time 'college drop-out' Bill Gates. Microsoft's 1st version of the home Operating System 'Windows' was developed in the 1980's. This 'software' has evolved into all the various 'flavours' of Windows operating systems that we use these days. Microsoft have basically always constructed a Home and a Professional version of their Operating Systems, with their server Operating Systems working in parallel. In network terms, Windows 2000 replaced 'Windows' 'NT'. Then came Server '2003' & the newest offering: 'Server 2008'. Ever since MS started producing accreditation paths, we have had programs in place for candidates to discover how they can professionally administer their operating systems.

Studying time is commonly recognised as close to 300-350 hrs for the MCSA and 500 to 550 hours for the 'MCSE', presuming quality multimedia study materials, round the clock access to student-support, & some good exam preparation software. When you have some experience you might realistically do your training part-time and gain your certifications in under a year. With no experience it could be hasty to jump straight in. The CompTIA A+ and 'N+' really should be regarded as the starting place. You can find particulars of these training tracks on the 'CompTIA' pages of this web-site. Add-on more or less 200 hours of studying time, which will probably take no less than 6 months part time.

The 'MCSE' path also allows messaging & security as 2 specialist tracks. These require either 2 further MCP exams, or a single extra examination if one of the first 7 has been appropriately selected. If you are interested in one of these specialities then it makes sense to think about this at the start - as it then means only 8 exams are required, rather than 9. The Server 2008 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' (MCTS) update examination has also been introduced by Microsoft - the 'MCSA' is exam 70/648 and the MCSE is exam 70/649. It's sensible to think of including one of these updates (or maybe an equivalent) as quickly as possible. If you do, you'll open up your possibilities for more jobs, and be future-proofed to some degree.

Although very often grouped alongside one another, the MCSA & 'MCSE' are actually meant to carry out 2 different purposes. The qualification 'MCSA' (which is short for 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') will get you into server administration and work in networking and senior support. Someone seeking technical systems work, managing the functions of a medium sized or smaller company-network would do well to choose an 'MCSA'. The career is actually ideal for somebody that enjoys dealing with technical-challenges, because there's a multitude of problem solving with this work. Its a really people oriented role with a good deal of variety, because the job effectively necessitates supportive interaction with all the network users.

The 'Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer' ('MCSE') will prepare you for a more responsible management position in project work, planning & design. If senior administration, management of a network, senior security employment or project/technical management is your aim, then this is the path you should consider taking. The MCSE is perhaps less well-known for it's teaching on creative and leadership problem solving expertise, all of which are also important for those working in senior technical jobs.