Hello, For the last 5 years I've been working as a self-employed IT Technician in London. I've been dealing with all sort of software and hardware problems of Windows and Mac OS computers. Currently I'm looking for a employment as a IT Support Technician. In most job offers for help desk\desktop\IT support it's required to know Windows Servers, so probably I will have to learn it to find a job. I have couple of questions regarding that; 1) How long it takes to learn Windows Servers for someone who knows Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 very well 2) What is the best way to learn it? I read many opinions that the best way to do it is to build own Server and use some free online tutorials. Any suggestions? 3) Is it worth doing Server+ certificate or something similar? 4) What other programs I should learn to find a job like this? 5) I have few more months of access to CISCO online study as in the future I would like to work in networking. Is it OK to study servers and networking at the same time or is it going to be confusing? 6) Is it worth doing CISCO certifications or are there better certificates than CISCO's, like Networking+? My main goal is to find an employment as soon as it's possible. Thank you in advance for your help
I recommend that you check out the Microsoft MCSA certification track for Windows 2012 or 2008: MCSA Certification I also recommend that you check out the TechExams forum: TechExams.net IT Certification Forums 1) It varies based upon your previous experience. If you have experience working with the various Window server services and have experience with AD, GPOs, and the various networking components it shouldn't take too long to learn the basics; however, it can take months to get a firm grasp on everything. 2) Varies. Some people like boot camps, some take community college courses, and others self-learn. 3) No, I don't recommend Server+. If you want to do Windows Server / Sys Admin work, then get certified by Microsoft. 4) Look at job posting and see what the job requires and focus on those. 5) MCSA on Windows Server has a networking component. Learning Network+ or CCENT level networking would definitely wouldn't hurt. 6) If you want to be network administrator / engineer, then CCNA / CCNP is the way to go. If you want to Server / Sys Admin work, then focus on your MCSA first. If you want to land a job performing IT support work, such as desktop and systems administration work, you should focus on key certifications based upon what employers are looking for in your area. Good desktop support certs are A+, Network+ and MCSA for Windows 7 and 8. If you want manage Windows Servers then MCSA and then MCSE on Windows Server. If you want to get into network support / administration / engineering, then CCNA --> CCNP is the way to go.
Thank you very much, ahardinjr. That's very helpful. I did some research and learning MCSA Server Certification is exactly what I need at this point. In the beginning I would like to try studying on my own and see how it goes. Any advice on what studying material I should get a hold of; books, eBooks, Online Tutorials, DVDs?
As far as what materials to study, you really should go to Free MCTS MCITP CCNA CISSP and Network+ practice exams, study notes and forums. Specifically, they have a sub-forum geared towards the MCSA/MCSE: MCSA / MCSE on Windows 2012 General Forums You'll find a more complete answer to your questions there.
One more question. Should I start my studying about servers from Server 2008 or I should rather go straight to Server 2012?
Because most of the job offers for IT Support Technician require knowledge of Windows Server 2008 rather than 2012 I think I will start learning Server 2008 first. Can anyone recommend me where to start learning basics of Server 2008; any books, eBooks or tutorials?
Go straight to 2012 because that is where technology is going, that is coming from a couple of IT guys where I work at. I am too trying to land a job in IT, and they say it is better to specialize on a certain thing than knowing a little bit of everything.
I'd recommend asking this question at the TechExams forums. If it was me, I'd just lab whatever version was current. Hope this helps.
I agree. I'd ask on Techexams.net forums and see what people recommend. Many organizations (probably most) are using Windows 2008 Server; however, some maybe transitioning to 2012 as well. If I were you, I'd lab on 2008 and 2012, but get certified for 2012 since Microsoft may be phasing out the 2008 certification.
