freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 I have no experience with servers and the differents kinds of servers that exist .. Well I guess its pretty embarrassing for me to ask this but what is Exchange server? Is it like an OS like Windows Server 2008 r2? Reason I ask this now is because whenever I apply for a desktop support position I tend to see one of the requirements asking for Microsoft Exchange experience which obviously I don't have nor know how to train myself on using it.. Please help me get a better understanding of what it is and where is the best place to learn more about it.. Sadly I work better with hands on experience. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busdude Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Exchange_Server Its an unfortunate reality in todays workplace. When it works, its a dream come true. On the other hand when it doesn't work be prepared to spend a lot of time in the office and stuck in the blame game.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
]SK[ Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 After Windows, Exchange is my favourite product of Microsoft's. In simple terms it's a mail server with other features like shared calendars, shared mailboxes. It does a whole lot more. It's basically the backend engine that Outlook is the front end for. I suggest you get some virtualisation software and install the product. Depending on your hardware you might need to try an older release like 2007. I would imagine a desktop support role would only need to know basics like configuring and troubleshooting Outlook to connect to the Exchange services. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trek Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Know powershell for Exchange 2013. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kami- Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Know powershell for Exchange 2013. for 'Desktop Support' ? Hardly a requirement, that's more a 'Server Admin' sort of thang yo ;) fusi0n and Franklin Lee_446138 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon H Supervisor Posted April 3, 2013 Supervisor Share Posted April 3, 2013 you know, not to sound like that *******, but it's not hard to go to google and type in "Microsoft Exchange Server" to at least find out what the product is (a mail server in this case) fusi0n and Franklin Lee_446138 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
articuno1au Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 ^ This. Using the tools available to you before requesting help is an important part of any administrative/support role :) fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mannlich Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 for 'Desktop Support' ? Hardly a requirement, that's more a 'Server Admin' sort of thang yo ;) I agree. Exchange Server knowledge falls far outside the scope of "Desktop Support." Unless, of course, they mean the ability to configure an outlook client to connect to Exchange, I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 for 'Desktop Support' ? Hardly a requirement, that's more a 'Server Admin' sort of thang yo ;) You have no idea how many apps Ive seen that mention it. Trust me they want that experience and usually when i say that i dont have any during the phone interview thats not a good thing. I only shoot for desktop support positions only too. you know, not to sound like that *******, but it's not hard to go to google and type in "Microsoft Exchange Server" to at least find out what the product is (a mail server in this case) Obviously I have, but I have a hard time understanding certain terms.. Some things need to be well...dumb down for me. I figure neowin could give me a simple explanation which they already have. Thanks for all of your replies! Brandon H 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 I tried installing it on a windows 8 VM and got these errors :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPreston Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 lol don't install it on a client os man you need a server so and an active directory domain fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Observer Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Exchange is a mail server, you install it onto of your Active Directory Server. If you want to play with it. Install Windows Server 2008/2012, Create a Domain and then Install onto that Server. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 lol don't install it on a client os man you need a server so and an active directory domain I told you I'm new to this all LOL Exchange is a mail server, you install it onto of your Active Directory Server. If you want to play with it. Install Windows Server 2008/2012, Create a Domain and then Install onto that Server. Okay I will take your advice! hopefully I still have a copy of Server 2008. I'm doing all of this through VMware.. would that be a problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
episode Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 IT isn't the correct line of work for you. fusi0n, Franklin Lee_446138 and ]SK[ 3 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 IT isn't the correct line of work for you. Seriously why do you have to be an ass about it? I've done more work with hardware and troubleshooting issues with Windows xp, vista, and 7. Never did any work with servers! So your comment was unnecessary! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Co-ords Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Exchange is... a cash-cow for Microsoft, just like the rest of their products designed for corporate use. Sell the software relatively cheap, & milk them dry with the client access licenses. Bill & the boys obviously need more money ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilUK Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Seriously why do you have to be an ass about it? I've done more work with hardware and troubleshooting issues with Windows xp, vista, and 7. Never did any work with servers! So your comment was unnecessary! He's got a point, one of the main requirements in IT infrastructure is to self-learn as much as possible (Google is your friend!) before asking others. Questions like 'what is Exchange' and 'why won't it install on a client o/s' can easily be researched online. I suggest taking some MCP exams in Windows 8 & Server 2012, that will help towards gaining a job in a 1st or 2nd line support role. Also take time to understand how Active Directory works, as this is the backbone to every enterprise Windows domain. Phil freak180 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 I understand and believe me I did google what it was about. But I have difficulties learning so I tend to ask a lot of questions and I don't retain so well either :( I really dont have any money to take the exams. I'll look up some pdfs on AD. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
episode Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 I understand and believe me I did google what it was about. But I have difficulties learning so I tend to ask a lot of questions and I don't retain so well either :( I really dont have any money to take the exams. I'll look up some pdfs on AD. Thanks! IT changes. A lot. You need to be able to learn new things all the time. Troubleshooting XP/7 is hardly groundbreaking work. Don't like that I was blunt? Tough. Doesn't make it wrong. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+John Teacake MVC Posted April 3, 2013 MVC Share Posted April 3, 2013 To be fair if its a desktop role you wont have much to do with the server backend stuff. Exchange is a VERY complex subject, Especially from what I have seen. You might have to deal with User Profiles on the desktop side but that might be about it. You need an Active Directory Domain which is a whole job role in itself. To be fair if you tried to install it on a Desktop workstation what were you expecting... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusi0n Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 To be honest man.. you might want to get a job at geek squad for a while (i'm serious.. not being a smartass).. take some classes.. after that go intern somewhere.. large law firms would be a great place to start.. you can also find recruiters that only want to hire someone for a few hours a week just to help put with some small things or large projects and just need some extra hands.. That is the BEST way to get experience.. Not being an ass.. but you did just try to install Exchange on Windows 8.. If you have any questions, you will find that MOST IT people will would love to help you.. but you need to try a little harder.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 IT changes. A lot. You need to be able to learn new things all the time. Troubleshooting XP/7 is hardly groundbreaking work. Don't like that I was blunt? Tough. Doesn't make it wrong. No Shi* its changing. I'm not trying to act as if I'm the best IT guy around or trying to be better than everyone. I didnt ask for your input and plus it wasnt relevant to what I was asking for. I'm sure others consider what you do as to child's play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusi0n Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 To be fair if its a desktop role you wont have much to do with the server backend stuff. Exchange is a VERY complex subject, Especially from what I have seen. You might have to deal with User Profiles on the desktop side but that might be about it. You need an Active Directory Domain which is a whole job role in itself. To be fair if you tried to install it on a Desktop workstation what were you expecting... yes, most desktop roles you won't need to know ends and outs of servers.. However, it will make you a more skilled Desktop tech in a corporate environment. It will help you troubleshoot, detail the issue better to the server team, and help you resolve more issues yourself. I can't stand IT workers that just throw their hands up saying "oh, this is a server issue, better hand it off", without even troubleshooting.. Not saying you are that guy.. but all work with one lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 To be honest man.. you might want to get a job at geek squad for a while (i'm serious.. not being a smartass).. take some classes.. after that go intern somewhere.. large law firms would be a great place to start.. you can also find recruiters that only want to hire someone for a few hours a week just to help put with some small things or large projects and just need some extra hands.. That is the BEST way to get experience.. Not being an ass.. but you did just try to install Exchange on Windows 8.. If you have any questions, you will find that MOST IT people will would love to help you.. but you need to try a little harder.. I already worked in a few schools and a firm to do simple tech work. Some of the desk support jobs Ive seen they want you to be familiar with exchange..I been ask this question in like 4 interviews so far. I may not be the brightest and I acknowledge my mistakes.. but Its how I learn. Thanks for your input though :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
episode Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 No Shi* its changing. I'm not trying to act as if I'm the best IT guy around or trying to be better than everyone. I didnt ask for your input and plus it wasnt relevant to what I was asking for. I'm sure others consider what you do as to child's play. Actually, you DID ask for my input, as you posted on a public forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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