Personal computers & 'Microsoft' are just about the same thing to most people today! Hardly any people haven't been influenced by Microsoft 'software' & operating systems, and with the MS world-wide educational and school-programs, it appears that no-one in the future will be able to escape them if they tried. The organisation was created back in 1975, by the then 'college drop-out' Mr Bill Gates. Their very first version of the Home operating system 'Windows' was produced in the 1980's. Many 'generations' of this 'software' have been developed over time, right up to the modern day Windows 2008. We've always been given the option of the 'Windows' Home version and the Windows professional version, with every up-grade applying to both operating-systems. In networking terms, 'Windows' '2000' superseded 'Windows' NT. Next came Server '2003' and the most up-to-date offering: Server 2008. Since the dawn of 'Microsoft' professional accreditation, there have been training-tracks specialising in professional management of the 'Windows' Server Operating systems.

To accomplish your whole MCSA you need to sit four specific 'MCP' examinations (MCP stands for Microsoft Certified Professional). Three of these are core examinations which have to be taken, and one is what's known as an elective. The CompTIA Security+ is actually approved as an elective exam, and has become increasingly common with many students for various reasons. The 'MCSE' comprises of seven 'MCP' examinations, that reflect the heightened importance placed upon organisational Security, systems planning and network design.

There are in addition two specialist subjects within the 'MCSE' track - security and messaging. This can mean taking a further two MCP's, or just 1 based upon which ones were picked out from the initial seven. This means you should consider which 7 you choose with great care if you are probably going to specialise in Security or Messaging - good choices will then mean eight rather than nine examinations. Update exams have now also been brought in by MS, (exam 70/648 for MCSA & exam 70/649 for MCSE) for Server 2008 MCTS ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist'). One of these (or possibly a comparable qualification) should be considered at the start of your decision process. This will not only future-proof you to a certain extent, but will also open up further job prospects.

Currently, you'll find very few Windows NT Server installations left, yet you'll find even now a fair few remaining at Server 2000. It's actually still early days yet for 'Windows' server 08, with Server 2003 remaining dominant. This being the case, the primary 'Microsoft' certifications are still heavily based around 'Windows' Server '2003'. MS's certifications MCSA & MCSE have matched the several Server evolutions over the years. Consistent with the marketplace, the 2003 versions of these networking accreditations remain the most frequently asked for. However it may not be recommended to pay no attention to 08 training, as to cover this too will future-proof yourself.

With the appropriate quality of training materials and 24/7 support, and also an accredited exam preparation software, an 'MCSA' should take about 300 to three hundred and fifty hours to finish, & the 'MCSE' more or less 500 to 550 hours. When you've got any experience you might realistically study part time & obtain your certifications within a year. On the other hand, if you are coming to the industry with no current certification, then the standard starting point is the 'Comptia' 'A+' and Network+. You'll find particulars of these training tracks on the 'Comptia' pages of this website. Add on more or less 200 hrs of studying time, which will probably take no less than six months part time.

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