MSDN and MCSE

Training for a job in high-tech? Here's what's in demand.

Q:  I have owned a computer for some time now and recently acquired my A+ and MCP certifications and am working towards the MCSE and would like to know what electives exams you recommend.  I was thinking the two SQL 7 exams, to work towards MCDBA.
 
My next question is, as a computer/network technician, what tools (hardware and software) should fill your kit?  I am aware of some of the tools, but would like to know what veteran techs are carrying around.  What is your opinion on diagnostic cards (correct term?)  e.g.. ForeFront "POST Plus" and "Discovery Card".
A: I would say that the SQL 7 courses and your interest in network tech would dovetail nicely with study on Exchange 5.5, NT Server (fairly soon to be supplanted by an increasing demand for persons trained in Windows 2000) and Small Business Server, which is really little more than an application-oriented version of the SQL server. Of course, e-commerce is mega-hot these days, so anything database-driven and web-oriented is a good direction. I studied Allaire's Cold Fusion as an adjunct to my NT pursuits, and it has paid off nicely so far. In-depth knowledge of backup systems, storage arrays and one or more of the following -- firewall configuration, advanced security measures, DNS and Active Directory structures and a good knowledge of routers and next-generation bandwidth delivery systems (Fibre-channel, etc.) -- would also, I suspect, prove you a rare and valuable asset in the eyes of the big money customers.
 
As for the diagnostic cards, I'd personally give them a miss and spend the money on an MSDN developer's subscription instead. US$1999 (that's the price for the high-end "Universal" subscription; others are available for less) and they fill your boots with almost every product, SDK and unreleased beta you'll want.
 
As for what a tech "with the answers" has available in his or her "basic" kit, I'd say:

• Disks (and licenses) for the latest NT and NT Server releases, and all the latest service packs. Having the Universal Subscription Binder, as mentioned above, completely fulfills all NT-oriented OS and Microsoft application needs.
• A Windows 98 emergency boot disk, plus disks for any other OSes required.
• A SCSI terminator, printer cable, Ethernet crimper and/or cables.
• A decent PCI network card or two, with required cabling. (Perhaps even a crossover cable.)
• A portable with an Internet account and a bookmark to the IT section of MS' Knowledgebase.
• Several floppies.
• Access to a CD burner.
• Access to other commonly required items: disk defraggers for NT, a hub, AT and ATX power supplies, replacement hard drives.
• Lots of screwdrivers, especially one with a magnetized Phillips head.
• An extra mouse or two, plus other commonly required "essentials" available on short notice: keyboards, adapters, etc.
• A few Band-Aids and aspirin.

There courses get quite deep into the technical info (installing NT servers, etc.) during parts of the course, so you will have a lot to learn.

I have heard that MCSE, etc. (NT and Novell oriented) grads are in surplus right now. Still, I think that there are many opportunities for those people, too. There are a vast number of job opportunities in this field. Just look in the paper any day of the week. Pay seems to be better in the US than Canada, with many U.S.-based IT workers getting $70000/year or so. IT workers with a little experience will typically make about C$65K per year doing IS-related work. Of course, if you're lucky, you'll find a "dot com" company willing to give you stock options (grin).