Computers are very common today, and just about any computer is connected to a network. People with the knowledge and expertise to configure and maintain networks are needed in any organization.
IT administration starts with network administration in most organizations. If the computers can’t communicate on the network, nothing else matters. Network administrators need to be able to quickly identify any communication problems and resolve them. Of course, to do this, administrators need to understand how the network works under normal conditions.
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is a new certification level. It includes three separate tracks: Information Technology (IT) Professional, Developer, and Database. The IT Professional track is for individuals pursuing work as administrators. The Developer track is for individuals pursuing work as programmers and software engineers. The Database track is for individuals pursuing work as database administrators and database developers.
The IT Professional series includes three certifications:
Networking Fundamentals This is the first certification in the MTA IT Professional track. It lays a solid foundation of basic networking knowledge needed for the other MTA certifications and also for the more advanced Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) tracks. This book covers the objectives for exam 98-366. You earn this certification by taking and passing exam 98-366.
Security Fundamentals Security Fundamentals is the second certification in the MTA IT Professional track. It builds on the knowledge learned in the Networking Fundamentals certification and adds fundamental security knowledge needed by administrators. IT administrators in any environment need to be aware of the risks with IT systems. You earn this certification by taking and passing exam 98-367.
Windows Server Administration Fundamentals This certification builds on the knowledge gained in the Networking Fundamentals and Security Fundamentals certifications. It digs deeper into knowledge and skills needed by Windows Server administrators. You earn this certification by taking and passing exam 98-365.
Each of these certifications can serve as a stepping-stone to Microsoft’s next levels of certifications: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP).
We have included an Appendix at the back of this book that highlights the Microsoft certification program, as well as lists the exam objectives for Exam 98-366, and how they map to this book’s content.