Getting Started
Before we actually decide on which direction to head when it comes to SharePoint, we need to find out where our strength lie. If we are someone with an IT Admin experience, or someone with fair knowledge of Servers, IIS, SQL, etc, then preparing ourself to be a SharePoint Admin would be a good start. For someone whose strength lie elsewhere, like developing and coding, and are well versed with C#, VB, ASP.NET, then they might want to concentrate on being a SharePoint Developer.
We have talked about the Admins, we have talked about the Developers, now lets talk about the confused. As far as I am concerned, I have decided to get into the Administration part of SharePoint. I have to admit that I have no prior knowledge or experience as an IT Admin.
There is an amazing blog by Saed which explains the learning curve for SharePoint beginners in great detail, and I am sure it will be of great help to anyone who is undecided about SharePoint.
– SharePoint: Learning Curve for Beginners
For developers, there is a terrific blog by Paul Galvin. Paul actually gives us an insight from a developer’s perspective, explaining his road map towards success in SharePoint.
– Developers: How Do I Learn SharePoint? by Paul Galvin
Most of you would have seen the above two blogs. But if you haven’t already, then I strongly recommend them.
Training & Tools:
Even before I installed MOSS and began working with it, I decided to read lots of materials and watch Video Tutorials on the basics of SharePoint. There are lots of amazing books and video tutorials out there and the ones I have followed are
Books:
– Sam’s Teach Yourself SharePoint 2007 in 24 Hours: Using Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
– Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Administrator’s Companion
Video Training:
– SharePoint 2007 Essential Training by David Rivers
– SharePoint 2010 Getting Started by Simon Allardice
– SharePoint 2010 Essential Training by Simon Allardice
Once we have a fair understanding of both WSS(Windows SharePoint Servers) and MOSS(Microsoft Office SharePoint Server) theoretically, it is time for us to actually dirty our hands with the product. The best part is that Microsoft offers a free 180 days evaluation for both Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as MOSS 2010.
– Windows Server 2008 R2
– Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2010
Living In a MOSS 
Confusedmoi – Thank you for this. I’ve been programming for years (.NET, Linux, Ruby) but am new to SharePoint. This blog has been very helpful. Can you tell me if you’re familiar with either SharePoint Designer or Iron Speed Designer? I’ve seen reference to both on various forums but don’t have a point of reference… Appreciate it.
Hi Clement, thank you for the appreciation. I haven’t begun with SharePoint Designer yet and haven’t come across any blogs regarding the topic either, but I’d strongly recommend training by Simon Allardice from Lynda.com.
– SharePoint Designer 2007: Branding SharePoint sites
I have found his training really useful as he not only explains everything in a simple manner, but also has an interesting way about presenting contents. Hope you too find it useful.
Regards