MCSE 2000 or 2003 ??

[xmario2013]

Hi All:

I am an a MCSE NT4, in the process of renewing my MCSE, can anyone give me some opinion on my situation, what should I go for ? either striaght to MCSE 2003 or 2000, or something else ??

I have limited knowledge to Active directory and group policy,and also thinking about do a "proactive" review on TCP/IP, DNS etc. because my current job of fixing computers doesn't really help me reviewing these important topics of the MCSE, also I would like to get into Database cert like the MCDBA so I don't keep end up fixing people's computer/printer/email after getting a new cert

have you seen people with similiar issue ?

Thank you for your advice !

Mario2004

 

[Nzarth]

IMHO it depends on what you have access to the most!!! i.e. if you mainly use Windows 2000 then go for the W2K cert.

If you pass the W2k cert and wanted Windows 2003 then you need to take 3 more exams for the upgrade.

Also you need to think about what companies are using mostly. As with Windows 2000 I do not think the take up rate for Windows 2003 with be massive at the start.

I am sure different opinions will follow

Nzarth

MCSA/MCSE (W2K), CCA

Working on CCNA

 

[CharlieJax]

Nzarth is correct, it is dependant on what you have access too or need to work with.

W2K is being used by far more companies that 2003 currently, and since taking the tests for the upgrade to 2K would only help to prepare you for the 03 tests and (assuming you have the money to do both) you would be better off with a cert in all three (NT4, 2K, 03).

That way you will be "ready" for any of them when you need to be!



CJ

Don't drink and post, save that for driving home!

 

[jtb]

An important aspect is that unless you bring it up, those who see your 3-way MCSE will assume you just keep it up to date, another differentiator for raises and bonuses at some companies...

Well, after they reinstate raises and bonuses, anyway...

JTB
Senior Microsoft Consultant
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)

 

[xmario2013]

what you guys think of this ?

http://www.onlc.com/NT4_2003upgrade.htm

will this get me the MCSA 2003

 

[jtb]

3 days is pretty tight, especially if you aren't up-to-speed on Active Directory...

But for classroom training, the price is not too bad... $999 including $375 for exams means you're buying 3 days of hopefully some lecture and some lab for $208/day... Not too bad... a lot of places charge double that or more...

The only caveat is that the class outline never refers to any preparation for 70-270 (not a slam-dunk!!), only the other two--and it does include quite a bit of self-study... This is not a "silver bullet"; but it may be very useful for someone who needs a bit of instruction to jump-start their own self-study...

You may want to get references from the school about the instructor or possibly chat them up a bit to get the feel of their instructional abilities...

JTB
Senior Microsoft Consultant
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)

 

[xmario2013]

what do you suggest to be up to speed a bit better on Active directory ?, I tried to read as much as possible and setup a Win2k box with AD, what is your experience on this, if you can share with me

Thanks

 

[jtb]

well, the shortest path is to get the cramsessions for the MCSE 2000 Core and read those... but the way I've been going through it is not fast... I have 4 working PCs in my home lab (wife believes one is hers, heh heh) and used that to set up Domains, Sites, OUs, GPOs, and etc... Still only one Tree in my single Forest; but enough to get the basics and pass the core four (i.e., "by hammer and hand and the Grace of God&quot...

I supplement my knowledge with quick trips into the online Technet and other arcane places on the MS websites...

I like the ExamCram series--and for your purposes, the Coriolis set would be ok--probably a $10-$20 investment for the set of four, if you hang out at the local used books palace...

JTB
Senior Microsoft Consultant
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)

 

[GlenJohnson]

faq468-4224 How to pass MS tests on the first try


I personally would shoot for Windows 2000, mostly because I don't think most company's are going to spend the extra money to upgrade to 2003. Mostly new networks will start with Windows 2003. Just an opinion. (Of course, I refuse to move from Windows 2000 pro to XP also. W2K is about as good as you get in my opinion, both pro and server.) You might want to check out the post I just put out there about MCSE's that deserve a free subscription to MS's Tech Net. Interesting article I read in Windows and .Net magazine.

Glen A. Johnson
"Give the laziest man the hardest job and he'll find the easiest way to do it."

Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884

 

[xmario2013]

yes I agree with you on the win2k user base, but since I have been getting a late start on the cert study, I might as well go for 2003

hi everyone, I am registering for the course 2208 next week, however, I saw Microsoft offering elearning

https://www.microsoftelearning.com/home.aspx

which have everything and more on what I am about to take, but in this particular class, I think the real class will still be better,

what you think ?

M

 

[xmario2013]

anybody know just HOW MUCH different is win2k and win2k3 ?

I am studying hard on both right now just to catch up from NT

 

[mcse924]

I just passed the two exams to bump up my WIN2K MCSE to WIN2003 MCSE.

These two exams are heavy on DNS, Group Policies, System Restore, a few on Shadow Copies, etc.

If you are a DNS guru, you should not any problems.

Major differences between 2000 and 2003? Not many.

2003 has nicer tools for managing Group Policies. Also reporting on Group Policy is something WIN2K lacked.
2003 allows you to remotely control pretty much any Windows client (Remote Desktops) from a central location.
2003's AD Schema includes some attributes not included in WIN2K AD Schema.
2003 offers a better way to handle Intra-forest, inter-domain trusts.

There's probably a bunch more I'm missing, but I'm in a WIN2K AD environment and I can't see any reason why we would "need" to move to 2003 right away.

So I would say WIN 2003 Server has some nice enhancements, but there is no compelling need to bump up from WIN2K. If you are still an NT environment, I would consider 2003.

good luck

Carpe diem, procrastination is the thief of time...