Many training schools are still using the slightly musty old method of classroom days. Very often portrayed as a huge benefit, after discussion with someone who has first-hand experience, you'll most likely hear about many or most of these issues:

- Frequent long journeys - hundreds of miles in more cases than not.

- Weekday only accessibility with workshops is typically the case, and getting two to three days out of work causes a lot of problems for the majority of students who work.

- At just 20 days holiday per year, giving half of them to training events leaves us with very few opportunities for days off.

- 'In-Centre' workshop days often become quickly full, giving us the only option of a slot that doesn't really suit.

- The 'pace' - centre-days normally consist of trainees of mixed aptitude, consequently tension develops between the quicker-learners and those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

- Quite a lot of students report that the (not inconsiderable) costs of travelling back and forth to the facility whilst paying for accommodation and food gets very high.

- Privacy is important to us all. We shouldn't risk losing any advancement that we're owed because of our studies.

- Don't think it's unusual for people not to pose the question that's bugging them - purely due to the reason that they're with their peers.

- Working away from home - some trainees find themselves working or living away for certain parts of their study. Days in-centre are therefore impossible at that point, unfortunately you've already coughed up the readies when you paid initially.

Surely it makes much more sense to be taught at a time that's convenient for you - not the school - and use instructor-led videos with interactive lab's. Whenever an ugly problem rears its head, use the provided 24x7 live support (that should come with any technical program.) Don't forget, if you have a notebook PC, you can study wherever you want. It's never going to matter how regularly you feel you need to repeat something, filmed instructors won't ever lose patience! And don't forget, as an added bonus, you'll never have to write notes again. Everything's laid out there for immediate use. The outcome: Reduced hassle, more money in the bank, and absolutely no travelling.

There are not many Windows 'NT' servers still about, but Server '2000' remain quite prevalent. The most prolific is server 2003, with server '2008' still in it's early-days. Given that Server '2003' is still the top dog in commercial environments, Microsoft's key accreditations still centre around this. Whilst the Microsoft MCSA & 'MCSE' qualifications have been around for a number of years now, (following Windows server through its progressions,) the 'MCSA' 2003 and MCSE '2003' are the main-stay of present day Microsoft Network accreditation. However it wouldn't be advisable to dismiss '2008' training, as to learn this as well will future-proof yourself.

In order to successfully obtain your 'MCSA' certification, there are 4 'MCP' (Microsoft Certified Professional) examinations that you need to pass. Three of these are 'core' examinations which must be taken, and one is an 'elective'. A very practical & completely accepted 'elective' is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which for understandable reasons is starting to become progressively more popular with students. To successfully obtain your overall 'MCSE' there are seven 'MCP' exams to pass. These especially stress network design, security and systems planning.

A top of the range package of training will have Microsoft (or key company) exam preparation packages. Avoid depending on non-official exam preparation questions. The way they're phrased can be completely unlike authorised versions - and often this creates real issues once in the actual exam. For many reasons, it's very crucial to make sure you've thoroughly prepared for your commercial exam prior to going for it. Revising mock-up exams logs the information in your brain and will save a lot of money on wasted exam attempts.

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