Everybody who uses a computer these days has heard of the name of 'Microsoft'. Hardly any people haven't been influenced by Microsoft software & operating systems, & with the MS world-wide education & school-programs, it is likely that no-one in the foreseeable future will be able to escape them if they tried. Now thirty five years of age, Microsoft came to prominence in the nineteen eighties by dominating the Home market for Computer Operating Systems with their early versions of Windows. This 'software' has grown into all the various 'flavours' of Windows Operating Systems that all of us now use today. Over time MS have manufactured parallel Server systems - one to be used in the home market, and a corresponding professional edition for commercial use. From a Networking perspective, 'Windows' 'NT' Server was superseded by Windows server 2000. This was then upgraded to Windows '2003', and more lately to Windows 2008. Training on the 'Windows' Server Operating systems has consistently been accessible for as long as Microsoft have offered Professional accreditations.

Right now, there are actually very few 'Windows' 'NT' Server installations remaining, yet you'll find even now quite a number remaining at server 2000. It is still early-days yet for Windows Server '2008', with 2003 remaining dominant. This being so, the primary Microsoft accreditations are still heavily based around 'Windows' Server 2003. Microsoft's qualifications MCSA and 'MCSE' have supported the various server 'evolutions' over the years. In line with the marketplace, the '2003' versions of these network qualifications are still the most frequently required. Nevertheless it wouldn't be prudent to dismiss 08 training, as to cover this as well will future proof yourself.

As can be seen here, the 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' certification paths aren't very straightforward to understand. Getting sound industry guidance should always be paramount before merely going for the lowest priced or 'bargain' package. The truth is there are quite a few superior well-priced training options to be had, & indeed some particularly poor pricey ones. You simply can't evaluate a training program on the price tag alone. You should be thinking about just how good the training materials are, how helpful is the help and support and finally how adequate are the exam preparation software?

The 'MCSE' route also features messaging & security as 2 specialist subjects. These necessitate either 2 more MCP examinations, or one single additional examination if one of the main seven has been suitably picked. It's sensible to think about this from the very start if you might be keen on either of these subjects, as a bit of forward planning will mean you have a maximum of 8 MCPs to do. 'Microsoft' have also released a Server-2008 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) upgrade examination for the MCSA (exam 70-648) and the 'MCSE' (exam 70-649.) We would suggest 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 also open up further job alternatives.

In order to successfully achieve your MCSA certification, there are actually 4 'MCP' ('Microsoft Certified Professional') examinations that you have to pass. Three of these are core exams that have to be taken, & one is an elective. The CompTIA Security+ is recognised as an 'elective' examination, & is more and more popular with all trainees for various reasons. In order to successfully obtain your full MCSE there are 7 'MCP' examinations to pass. These specifically emphasise network design, security & systems-planning.

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