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MCSA : XP or 2000 ?

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9 replies

by chouf

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Hi, I'm going to start to study to get my MCSA degree. I'm just wondering what you'd recommend in terms of Windows version. Do you think W2K is still useful or WinXP is the standard. I'm working in a company with mostly W2K boxes, but I'd prefer to be ready for the future....

9 replies

by deus_meridius

I would definately go with the 2000 track. Even tho XP is out it will take ahile to be implemented on a mass scale. Windows NT stuck around for awhile when 2000 showed up so I doubt this is any different.
If you deal with 2000, get the 2000 MCSA. When the time comes for 2000 to be retired there will more than likely be an exam to upgrade your cert to XP. HTH

-Chris

by apluspcnet

Go with XP because .NET is right around the corner and 2000 will be pushed out. XP has the same feature as 2000, just a few more add ons. But basically it is the same OS. But, the other way to look at it is more customers will currently have 2000than XP until the .NET rollout.

by jerry

There is only a 2000 track that has interchangable tests with XP Professional and .NET exams. This means, to be XP certified MCSE, you take one additional exam, or take Windows XP instead of Windows 2000 Professional.

But let's get real here:

Windows 2000 is Windows NT version 5.0
Windows XP is Windows NT version 5.1

You are working with the same core technologies. Same foundation. Differences are mainly GUI with a couple new services. Networking concepts are identicle. The only differences are going to be in the integration of .NET which will affect developer more than administrator concepts.

This is cut an paste from Microsoft's MCSE site as reference:

Note: Microsoft is integrating Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers exams into the MCSE certification. Candidates should continue to pursue training and certification in Windows 2000, as skills acquired for it remain highly relevant and provide a critical foundation for Windows XP Professional and .NET Enterprise Servers.

-- Jerry

by mike o'connor

Thats what I thought. Just an upgrade extension in XP. Thanks for clearing the air Jerry. MS's marketing dept are the best propagandist in the world!

by headbumpkin

I agree with jerry you shoud go with win 2k because the core is pretty much the same with some minor differences

by ghstinshll

Withuot reading anyone else's response, get the 2K for your company, and will have to re-cert for XP later on, but welcome to MS certiications, it'll always be happening!

by chouf

Thank you all for you advices, I choosed to go for the 70-210 - W2K Pro that I successfully passed last Tuesday, I'm now member of the MCP family ! :-)

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