This particular field is one of the largest and most all-encompassing areas in the field of I.T. With so many complicated skills to embrace, a degree of specialist training is the only logical answer. Cisco and Microsoft are the two major companies ruling this particular sector. The software side of Networking is Microsoft's department, & the hard-ware side (routers, controllers and data switches and so on.) is where Cisco primarily work. It's become financially and economically necessary for Microsoft and Cisco to get into security over the last several years. Another fast growing area within this field is wireless-connectivity & devices. And finally, 2 crucial and growing sectors within the Security market are Computer-Forensics and Ethical Computer Hacking.

Accreditations within this field aren't restricted just Cisco and Microsoft themselves. Certainly, quite a few well respected associations have become significant contributors now where accreditation is concerned. The importance of understanding converging-technologies & inter connectivity in networks is now firmly understood. There are today some important changes taking place in the world of networking - notably the move towards Cloud or internet-based computing (in terms of data-storage, and processing power), and the mental attitude change toward 'green' I.T.. From the financial perspective, greener technology has to be built to be a lot more cost effective, as well as being kinder towards the planet. Computer systems will produce much less heat (& so need much less cooling) when they have lower powered processors. Energy bills can often be drastically reduced for organisations such as data centres that are high technology users.

For most people contemplating getting into I.T. as a career, basic-networking is the starting point. Until you are aware of just how a Computer functions & 'communicates' with other PCs, anything more is nonsense. Presuming at least a basic level of computer literacy, (see the general Computer Training pages if not,) the starting-point is nearly always 'CompTIA' A+ and 'Network+' . They're dealt with under the CompTIA pages of this web-site.

Progressing from here you might consider the MS MCSA or MCSE or Cisco 'CCNA'/'CCNP', subject to whether you are interested in the 'hardware' or 'software' side of things. Although, it must be mentioned that a thorough knowledge of Microsoft networks is pretty much essential for the majority of network environments, mainly because of MS's dominance in this field. Again, these certifications are covered in-depth on the relevant pages on this site.

Another alternative is to carry on with CompTIA qualifications for example Linux+, Server+ or Security+ & remain 'vendor-neutral', or look at the 'CWNP' or 'CWNA' & specialise in wireless technology.

The vendor neutral international institution 'CompTIA' now provides perhaps the most familiar & widely-respected impartial IT qualifications. In addition there are many other organisations, including the 'ISC2' (abbreviated from their rather long winded: 'International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'!) & 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional'). Of course Microsoft and Cisco provide a comprehensive selection of professional level accreditations. The options could be a little mind-boggling, & therefore we encourage you to go carefully and talk through your plans with an advisor who understands the procedure well. Without any personally tailored guidance you could potentially head-off in a wrong-direction & squander considerable money and/or time.

You've probably noticed that 'Digital' or 'Computer' Forensics is a newer term that has been popularised through TV shows like "CSI". The reality of 'Computer Forensics' is very much less glamorised than pictured in these types of programmes (obviously!) All the same, forensic investigation employing advanced technology can provide a very gratifying career. The principle being to gather & evaluate 'digital footprints', to supply evidence either in a criminal or a civil legal case.

Sitting somewhere between Digital Forensics and Security, comes the new field of Ethical-Hacking. These are certifications provided by the EC-Council which teach advanced students the dark principles of 'hacking' -- but with the intention of employing these abilities to protect & increase the security of a system, rather than damage it.

You'll find a number of specialist MCSE's from MS, that look after options such as Security or Messaging if that's the path you're looking for. Perhaps, the CompTIA Security+ , moving on to the 'CISSP' ('Certified Information Systems Security Professional') may be appropriate. 'CISSP' candidates have to have substantial professional work experience, therefore be sure to research this well. Our long-standing recommendation is of course to take part in an educated discussion prior to starting any kind of new career training.

Online Certification Training Courses For Microsoft Operating Systems >>