A business and a career

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Other than being an avid computer user, I would have to say I am not experienced in IT. (Unless archaic html counts for anything) I am interested in learning how to setup and run my own server for two reasons. 1) I had a website built that may grow exponentially over the next year or two with my current CMS. 2) I'm interested in a career change relating to IT. I'm wondering if someone can suggest what programs or certification training would teach me what I need to know in order to setup and maintain my own server and database as well as keeping them secure. Would this all be covered in the MCSA? Or perhaps the MCSE? Looking forward to your replies. Thank you very much.

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[dlongnecker]

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One of the advantages of the technology industry is that it's as diverse and you are creative and exists at all levels--not everyone is a coder, not everyone is a hardcore server administrator.

The certifications rely on what your current experience is... if you have experience using Windows server, then you could probably jump right into the MCSA program. The MCSA program covers day-to-day adminstrative tasks with a sprinkling of the backend server management and components. For database management, you could look ath Microsoft's SQL Server electives that, if you desired, could be applied to your MCSE.

However, if you have not been exposed to the hardware and networking aspect, perhaps a starting point would be to investigate the curriculum surrounding CompTIA's A+ and Network+ programs--they typically are great footholds prior to the MCSA (and can be used as an elective!) Some of the MCSE/MCSA courses can be much more difficult if you have difficulties with the underlying principals that, with the recent exams, Microsoft assumes you understand coming in.

The MCSE is a great resume builder; however, focuses more on the backend engineering (active directory, replication, DHCP, DNS, WINS, group policies, security, etc) rather than the higher level day-to-day administrating tasks associated with the MCSA. In an example, I've taken the courses and read the books for the MCSE and taken one of the exams; however, in my current position, do not see the value added to upgrade my MCSA to an MCSE.

It also depends, I suppose, on whether or not you plan to use your new skills to start your own company or to seek employement with an existing company. Certifications are great for attracting potential customers as a consultant; however, you'll need the hands-on experience to back that up. In my region, the midwestern USA, experience and performance is typically viewed higher than certifications when trying to land a new job.

If you're interested in Microsoft's programs, their training and development web site can help you determine a path (or at least see the paths available):

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/training/default.asp

Good luck!

Regards,

David

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David R. Longnecker
Web Developer
CCNA, MCSA, Network+, A+
Management Information Services
Wichita Public Schools, USD 259

 

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Thanks very much for the reply David.

I do plan to (hopefully) use the IT skills I learn to make a career change, but I also realize I need hands on real time experience to be a commodity in the IT workplace. I'm hoping that by implementing the skills I acquire in my own business...that perhaps one day that same experience may be the stepping stone I can use to find a job in IT.

I was going to take the A+ until I found conflicting information at two technical training schools. One website said I would need A+ as a prerequisite before taking the MCSA program. The other website said all I needed was a fundamental knowledge of Windows to begin taking the MCSA. I'm not one to want to cheat myself out of learning properly, but at the same time, this conflicting information weighs on me both monetarily and timewise. I can take A+, and wait/save awhile to take the MCSA...or I can take the MCSA now and hope I'm up to date with the terminology and underlying principals. I realize my decision should probably lie on the level of my skills, but I'm still not sure what program to start.

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[dlongnecker]

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The A+ isn't a prerequisite; however, basic hardware knowledge is assumed by the Microsoft certifications (they teach the server components, they assume you know what IRQs, ports, motherboards, PCI cards, etc are already and how to use/configure them) because you step up from there (e.g. setting up a VPN connection using modems plugged into ports set to specific IRQs).

Use the Microsoft Assessments (free online skill assessments available at the link I posted previously) and see how you rate--find out your strengths and weaknesses and go from there. I'm an avid reader and very tactile--I learn better by developing my own curriculum, finding books that meet my needs, and getting the hardware/software I want to learn and dig right in. I have veyr little patience to sit through a week long class unless I need a brush up.

Information on MCSA for individuals new to IT:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/new.asp

One thing you'll see is that the A+ and Network+ count as the MCSA elective... which is how I got mine. I figured, if nothing else, kill a few birds with a semi-automatic rather than the singleshot.

Perhaps the best place to start would be to determine what you're comfortable with now--and build. I've bounced around several aspects of IT over the years and found that the skills come over time (I keep reminding myself the day I got my first computer and spent hours figuring out how the heck to get into Windows... discovering my parents had put on a permutation of Linux and there wasn't a "windows"). Start small. (^_^)

-David

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David R. Longnecker
Web Developer
CCNA, MCSA, Network+, A+
Management Information Services
Wichita Public Schools, USD 259