Personal computers and Microsoft are almost one and the same to many people! The vast majority of our Operating systems & computer software are from 'Microsoft', therefore we are liaising with it in the home and in the workplace on a regular basis. Also in schools and colleges, our youngsters are gaining from the company's world-wide education programs. Now 35 years of age, 'Microsoft' came to prominence in the 80's by leading the home market for Personal computer Operating Systems with their early versions of 'Windows'. This software has developed in to all the various flavours of Windows operating systems that individuals use these days. Through the years MS have manufactured 'parallel' server-systems - one to use in the home-market, & a corresponding professional edition for use commercially. From a Networking standpoint, Windows NT Server was superseded by Windows Server 2000. Next came 'Server 2003' and the most recent offering: 'Server 2008'. Since the dawn of MS professional certification, we have had training tracks devoted to professional administration of the Windows Server operating systems.

In order to achieve your whole MCSA you have to sit four individual MCP exams ('MCP' stands for Microsoft Certified Professional). There are actually 3 required 'core' examinations, and a fourth 'elective' exam. The 'Comptia' Security+ is recognised as an elective exam, & has grown to be increasingly common with all students for various reasons. In order to successfully obtain your full 'MCSE' you have seven MCP exams to gain. These specifically stress network design, Security and systems-planning.

Two specialities also exist in the MCSE training track; that of messaging & security. These call for either two extra MCP exams, or a single additional exam if one of the first 7 has been appropriately picked. It makes sense to consider this from the beginning if you're interested in either of these subjects, because a bit of forward planning will mean you only have a maximum of 8 MCP's to take. Upgrade examinations have also been made available by 'Microsoft', (exam 70-648 for the MCSA & exam 70/649 for the MCSE) for Server 2008 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist). It's a good idea to think of including one of these (or perhaps an equivalent) as quickly as possible. If you do, you'll increase your eligibility for extra jobs, & mean you're future-proofed to some degree.

These days, you'll find hardly any Windows 'NT' Server installations left, yet there are even now quite a lot around at Server 2000. Its still early-days yet for 'Windows' Server '2008', with '2003' continuing it's dominance. Whilst this is the case within the commercial world, the majority of Microsoft's certifications are still centred around the '2003' Operating system. The Microsoft 'MCSE' & Microsoft MCSA training-programs have changed as time has passed in accordance with the Servers. Right now, both MCSE 2003 and MCSA 2003 are Microsoft's main Network accreditations. It should really nevertheless be remembered that upgrade training to server 08 is imminent, and desirable where attainable.

The MCSA & 'MCSE' serve essentially different purposes, regardless of the fact that they're very often grouped alongside one another. Instruction to be a 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator' (MCSA) is the platform for networking & senior support careers and server-administration. Anyone looking for technical-systems roles, administering the functions of a medium sized or smaller office-network would do well to select an MCSA. Well-disciplined men and women who enjoy problem-solving & a strong technical challenge should get a lot out of this job. Its a very people oriented role with a good deal of variety, because the work largely demands supportive interaction with fellow network users.

The 'MCSE', on the other hand, is geared towards design, planning and project-management; in other words a rather more senior level of responsibility. If senior-administration, management of a network, Senior security work or technical/project management is your ultimate aim, then this is the direction you should think of taking. Personal, creative and leadership abilities are also covered in this training, as successful 'MCSE' experts often manage many staff & resource-management tasks.

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