Microsoft Training on Campus

Alex Nagorski (alex.nagorski@ualberta.ca)
Computing and Network Services

The number of Microsoft NT and Windows 95/98 operating systems on campus continues to grow for both desktops and servers. Computing and Network Services, in conjunction with the Technology Training Center in Cameron Library, is therefore running the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) program. CNS has worked with several Microsoft certified training centers to find quality instructors at reasonable prices. For class sizes of ten people, the price is almost half of what outside companies charge per student. This makes the courses affordable for campus staff, thereby increasing the knowledge and support capabilities across the University.

The MCSE program on campus began with forty-five people taking the first course called Network Essentials. Over the last year, four other courses have been offered. Efforts are made to follow the recommended sequence of courses so that attendees can build up their knowledge on various NT and Windows technologies as well as write the certification exams for each level. Courses are scheduled at two-to-three month intervals and it is envisioned that the full program can be run over an eighteen to twenty-four month period to span three budget years, while allowing the LAN administrators to continue to meet their workload demands.

The MCSE courses are not for the computing novice but require technical knowledge and aptitude. They are primarily geared for campus LAN administrators and computer support people, but they do remain open to others if they are interested.

Information about the full MCSE program and specific courses is available from Microsoft at:

http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/certstep/mcse.htm

For more general information and pricing details, please contact me at 492-2611 or via e-mail.