First Step

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randomwalsh

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Afternoon,

What course / certification would be the first step in being able to implement and maintain a windows server 2003 environment with mail exchange, isa server and sql server?
 
I doubt there is ANY course / certification currently for Windows Server 2003, since we're already on Windows Server 2008 R2, going on Windows Server 2012. Rather focus looking for those.
 
would i still be able to run a windows server 2003 environment if I am trained on 2012? The reason I am asking is I am currently the "IT" guy at my firm and that is what we are running here and we are looking to get rid of our contract it support that is charging a arm and a leg monthly.

@Glingfram why do you say ISA server = urg? is there something better?
 
MS Support is ending shortly and courses have come and gone for that generation of technology. That said you might be able to score some old MCSE and MCITP books to get server 2003 under your belt
 
Nothing. They pipe up every now and again but all the day to day problems I am the one sorting it out... I am just not familiar with running a server environment. Would you say its essential to do A+ and network+ before?
 
If you're keen on going the "IT Administrator" route then A+ and N+ would be a decent start I would guess. I would however strongly suggest that you/your company look into upgrading your MS environment sooner rather than later.
 
Server 2003? The extended support for that is ending in just over a year. And ISA server? Wow. Your company needs to get some better technologies in there. No wonder your current IT vendor are charging you an arm and a leg- it's legacy software that they have to support.

Is there any reason that your company are stuck in the dark ages? Because there is no use in you obtaining certification on any of the software you just mentioned...
 
Not sure to the reason as to why they are still on 2003. If I post tomorrow the specs of the servers and the software running would you be able to suggest a cost efficient way to upgrade to 2012? and to upgrade from ISA server?

Also back to better equipping myself. Should I look for second hand book for windows server 2003? and then go on some course for server 2012? And who is the best provider of these course? A+? Network+?
 
You would be fine doing an MCITP for 2008R2, it will teach you all you need to know.
You would need to do exchange and sql because those arent directly covered unless you do modules.
2003 isnt terrible, its just not very current.
 
I use to love server 2003 and ISA. TMG was just a pain when it came out...guess it changes with time. I don't touch MS stuff at all now for work.
 
randomwalsh said:
Not sure to the reason as to why they are still on 2003. If I post tomorrow the specs of the servers and the software running would you be able to suggest a cost efficient way to upgrade to 2012? and to upgrade from ISA server?

Also back to better equipping myself. Should I look for second hand book for windows server 2003? and then go on some course for server 2012? And who is the best provider of these course? A+? Network+?
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It is dependent on what they are using that environment for. I don't know if you would find a cost-effective upgrade. Most likely running on outdated (and desupported) hardware as well, so it will be the whole shebang. The most painful part of it all, will be the migration across to a new environment.

Do the A+ and N+. You can do this on your own, I wouldn't waste the time in doing it via a course provider. Perhaps until your company has a proper architectural plan for their IT infrastructure, your best bet may be to just find a few old Server 2003 course guides and exams (online, of course) and read up on that.
 
randomwalsh said:
what about this for a starter?

http://www.it-courses.co.za/pIT-ACADEMY-25/CompTIA-Bundle.aspx
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You could rather use the money to pay for the actual exams, and study each course on your own.

Just Google each course name and you will find a plethora of information and study guides for them. Using a place such as ExamCollection will help you to practice the tests.

One really does not need to pay an institute to teach any IT course to you, unless you have never seen a PC before.
 
ok. thanks. Excellent advice will do. How quickly do you think you can do these courses?
 
randomwalsh said:
ok. thanks. Excellent advice will do. How quickly do you think you can do these courses?
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Depends on your ability to absorb and apply the information provided in the course material, as well as how proficient you are at learning. Remember, there is no use in performing these courses if you are just after the qualification, and not able to apply them.

That being said- the estimated course completion times provided in your previous link, should be a good idea. You could finish them sooner, as well. Again, totally up to you and your level of commitment.
 
randomwalsh said:
ok. thanks. Excellent advice will do. How quickly do you think you can do these courses?
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If you already use most of this in your day to day work environment, it should be pretty quick. I did network+, Inet+ and A+ in about a month total, because most of it was stuff I already knew.
 
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