Gr44

I use a number of KVM units at work and the HP ones are by FAR the best. I've only used them with HP servers ( 380, 385s and 580s ) but they're very near products. By far the best designed. The ones I have come with a KVM dongle that you place on the back of each server, this turns the connection into a CAT5 cable and runs into the KVM unit, which can be placed on the back of the pull out monitor / keyboard / mouse. The whole thing only takes up 1U of space and it's a pretty sturdy bit of kit. We have a number of Rittal ones at work, I can tell you now, unless they've changed in the last ~2 years when I got them, DO NOT BUY THESE. Nothing but trouble!!! If you're using HP servers you could always consider using iLO though. We have started to adopt that now.

Would like to say thank you very much for all the replies on here! I can't begin to tell you how useful it is for me!! Very interested about the MCITP, I'd not heard of that one but if you only need 1 more exam after the MCDST then it's worth while looking at as well!! I'm a little unsure how they count towards the MCSA at the moment but I'm sure studying for the MCDST and ITP will keep me busy long enough!! Thanks everyone! Sean

I'm sure some place in the company it's already been paid for. If I was an FTE I could get on loads of courses anyway. Contractors have no chance though, asked many times Might ask a few friends see if they want to go halfs on some of them or something though, never know! :-)

Well thanks very much for your help chap. I'm a (low paid) contractor for the company I work for so no chance in getting paid exams or anything of that sort. I honestly don't mind paying for them myself though, as long as it's not wasted money. I'm off to bed shortly but thanks for all the replies I've had this evening, will check back tomorrow evening and see if there are any more recomendations. If not I'll probably be back with a few questions on the MCDST before too long! Thanks, Sean

Blimey... I'm still rather confused if I'm honest ( maybe this is a sign I really shouldn't try and improve my skills, I'm stuck before I start! ) I think i will try and battle out the MCDST as recomended by another member first. My understanding is you just need to pass 70-271 and 272 for this? After that I'll try and venture into the world of MCSA, then give the MCSE a shot. That CBT Nuggets website looks fairly good, but blimey, they aren't half expensive! Think I'll see how I get on with the 271 book I ordered first! How long would you expect someone to pass (MCDST) this? I realize it's obviously never a dead set thing and can vary a huge amount, but a finger in the air, rough idea? Probably be doing around ~15 hours a week where I can slot it in. Couple of months? Optimistic?

I'm confused now!! I looked on the MS website, mainly here http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx regarding the MCSA. It seemed to imply ( to me ) that to pass you needed: 70-290 70-291 Then 2 more of your choice from 2 sections? I don't see it demanding A+ or Network+ to pass, though they are mentioned down the bottom among other courses. Don't suppose you use MSN do you? Would be very grateful if you could spare 10minutes! My msn is 'msn (AT) Gr44 (DOT)co.uk'

Hi Strawberry, Sorry can you run that by me again? Bare in mind I don't know huge amounts about MS certifications etc. What is MSPS and A+/N+? Thanks!

Thanks for the replies. Please see my below quote, this is the message I put into the forum recomended by the user above. Will give you all a little more background ( sorry should have done the same here! ) I just ordered the 70-271 book as I figure it will be some good reading if nothing else. I think I'll have a fair knowledge of a big chunk of the book though ( he says confidently ) Thanks for your advice so far!

Hello everyone! This is my first post on these forums that I stumbled across earlier on, it's a wealth of information!! I've had a rummage around and many of my questions are already answered. But I was looking to self-study MCSE, ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Training-70-290-70-291-70-293-70-294/dp/0735622906/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200847941&sr=1-1 using this ) I've found out where you book the exams from ( Prometric now ). My main question is though, with what I assume will be MCSE 2008 not too far away. Is it worth waiting for that and skipping 2003? My job does not require I know MCSE, I wish to learn to get a better job in a year or two, so MCSE 2003 may be nearing it's end days and no longer a saught after skill. Can anyone please advise me if this is likely to be the case or if there are any advantages about getting 2003 and then 2008? Many Thanks, Sean