Frequently Asked Questions On Certification
Sometimes I'm repeatedly asked questions on what it takes to get Microsoft certified. So, in this article I'll compile a small list of certification FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). The most common questions are:
1) What background should I have?
2) Is it hard to get certified?
3) What equipment (computers, software, etc.) should I have?
4) How are the job prospects in the industry?
WHAT BACKGROUND SHOULD I HAVE?
Technically, it doesn't matter what your background is. You should have an understanding of the following before thinking about getting certified:
A) You should be familiar with the hardware side of computers: You should be familiar with all the components of an x86 based computer. This means that you should know how to install modems, hard drives, networking cards, and other peripherials. Resolving IRQ conflicts is one of the hardest part of the job, despite the Plug and Play features of Windows 9x.
B) You should have a good knowledge of Windows 9x, and at least one other operating system, such as the Mac OS, NetWare 3.x/4.x, and/or one flavour of UNIX. Having a knowledge of at least two operating systems will help you in two ways: 1) It will give you an understanding of how different operating systems work, which will then help pave the way to understanding Windows NT. If you've never used Windows NT before, then it might seem a little bit exotic - with its easy Graphical User Interface (GUI) - compared to its UNIX counterpart, or NT might seem robust if you're coming from Windows 9x. The other advantage of knowing how to use at least two operating systems is that if you're ever put into a network, chances are there will be at least two t four operating systems in place. The most common ones I've come across are NetWare 3.x/4.x, Windows 3.11, Windows NT, and of course Windows 95. You won't run into UNIX that much unless you're at a very big IT outfit. If you want to learn UNIX but can't afford its high price, then you might want to try LINUX. It's free and works on the x86 platform. Generally, LINUX will run on any computer that can run Windows 95. It can also run on the Alpha, UltraSPARC, PowerPC and a few other platforms. If you want to get your wet feet with UNIX, then LINUX is your best bet if you, like the majority of students, can't afford a UNIX box.
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