PCs and 'Microsoft' are just about one and the same to many people today! Most of our Operating-systems & computer software are from 'Microsoft', so we are liaising with it in the home & in the workplace each day. Also in schools and colleges, our kids are learning from the company's global education programs. Launched in 1975, by Mr Bill Gates, it very quickly dominated the domestic Operating System industry throughout the nineteen eighties, producing the 1st versions of Windows. Many generations of this software have evolved over time, right up to today's 'Windows' 08. Over time 'Microsoft' have created parallel server-systems - the first to be used in the home-market, and a corresponding professional version for use commercially. In terms of networks, Windows '2000' replaced Windows NT. Then we had Windows Server '2003', with Windows Server '2008' being the most recent edition. Since MS began developing accreditation tracks, there have been programs available for candidates to learn how they can professionally administer their Operating Systems.

These days, there are actually very few Windows NT server installations left, but you'll find even now quite a number around at Server 2000. The most prolific is server '2003', with server 08 still in its early-days. Because this is actually the situation in the business world, the bulk of Microsoft's qualifications continue to be based around the '2003' Operating System. MS's accreditations 'MCSA' & 'MCSE' have matched the various Server 'evolutions' through the years. Consistent with the marketplace, the '2003' versions of these networking qualifications are still the most commonly requested. As up-grade instruction for Server 2008 is also readily available however, it's beneficial to cover this at the same time.

Even though the 'MCSA' & the 'MCSE' are quite often grouped in the same career track, they are in fact essentially rather different. The 'MCSA' ('Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator') is a certification made for individuals who would like to get a job in server-administration, networks and senior-support work. Anyone seeking technical-systems work, managing the functions of a medium sized or smaller business-network could choose the MCSA. The job is perfect for somebody that enjoys dealing with technical issues, since there's a good deal of problem solving with this profession. You can expect a very high level of connection with co-workers, (because a lot of what you do will include helping the network users,) & a variable working-day.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer ('MCSE') will prepare you for a rather more responsible position of management in project-work, design & planning. If senior-administration, management of a network, senior security work or project/technical management is your ultimate goal, then this is definitely the route you should look at taking. Creative, personal & leadership abilities can also be included in this training program, as good MCSE professionals frequently handle an array of staff & resource management duties.

For you to successfully earn your MCSA accreditation, there are actually 4 MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) examinations that you must pass. There are 3 compulsory core examinations, & a fourth 'elective' examination. The 'Comptia' Security+ is acknowledged as an 'elective' exam, & is more and more popular with many candidates for various reasons. The MCSE involves 7 'MCP' examinations, that show the increased emphasis upon organisational security, systems-planning and network-design.

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