If we take all the I.T. fields dominating the world stage, this field has to be the biggest and most encompassing. Generally, some degree of specialisation is required, as to cover every element would probably take too many years of learning. Cisco & Microsoft are essentially the 2 main corporations ruling this field. The actual Network & Server software is done by Microsoft, and Cisco are mostly concerned with routers and data switches, in other words the Network hardware. It has become financially and economically essential for both Microsoft and Cisco to move into Security during the last several years. Another fast-growing area in this sector is wireless-connectivity & devices. Although Computer Forensics and Ethical Hacking have fingers in all these areas, they are also professions by themselves, and demand substantial instruction and experience to be thoroughly effective.

Digital (or Computer) Forensics is relatively new to the picture - Television programmes such as 'Crime Scene Investigation' could have familiarised us with the term. The reality of 'Digital Forensics' is much more routine than portrayed in these types of programmes (of course!) And yet, forensic investigation employing complex technology can offer a really gratifying career. A Computer Forensics expert will trace & interpret digital-artefacts that are frequently utilised to solve criminal offences.

Located in a comparable field to Forensics and I.T. Security comes Ethical-Hacking - which is another relatively new discipline to control criminal activity. These are certifications offered through the EC Council which teach more advanced students the dark concepts of hacking - but with the goal of employing these abilities to protect & raise the security within a system, rather than damage it.

There are now greater alternatives over and above Microsoft and Cisco to become certified within each of these areas. In fact, several highly thought of institutions have become important players now where certification is concerned. The essential knowledge of network-interface connectivity between & within networks is becoming more and more important. There are currently some fundamental shifts taking place in the world of networking : thoughts in general are leaning towards greener IT, and both processing power and data storage are heading towards Cloud computing. The introduction of green I.T. covers 2 essential elements : reducing the impact to the environment is 1, but perhaps of equal relevance to business is expense. Computers generate less heat (& so need much less cooling) if they have lower power processors. Organisations with massive networks of computers can reduce their electricity expenditure considerably with 'greener' and more efficient computer systems.

The vendor-neutral international association CompTIA now delivers perhaps the most recognised and highly-regarded independent I.T. qualifications. Establishments such as 'ISC2' supply security qualifications, & 'CWNP' supply specialist wireless-networking paths. Most prominently of course are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, each with their very own certification tracks. Mainly because of the scope and quantity of accreditation tracks to be had in this sector, its sensible to talk through this kind of career move with an industry experienced expert. You could save yourself a whole lot of time and money, to say nothing of annoyance & disappointment.

You'll find a variety of specialist MCSE's from Microsoft, that offer options such as Security or Messaging if that is the direction you need. Quite possibly, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , advancing on to the CISSP ('Certified Information Systems Security Professional') may be suitable. You'll find there are rigid 'experience' requirements for the 'CISSP', and these need discussing & understanding before you decide to go along this particular track. Discussing your needs with our industry specialists will explain everything for you personally.

To most people contemplating getting into IT as a profession, basic networking should be the starting-point. Before you understand exactly how a Computer functions & 'communicates' with other Computers, anything else is nonsense. Assuming a basic level of PC literacy, (see the general IT Training sections if not,) the recommended starting-point is nearly always CompTIA A+ and Network+ . These are dealt with on the CompTIA section on this site.

Moving forward you'll either follow the Microsoft 'MCSE' or 'MCSA' path if you are considering 'software', or the Cisco 'CCNA' or 'CCNP' path if you are considering hardware. Nevertheless, Microsoft boasts a major infiltration in most network environments, which means an in-depth understanding of their software is actually highly useful whatever your specialisation. For more details, you'll come across information regarding each qualification on the 'Cisco' and Microsoft areas of the website.

A further possibility is to carry on with CompTIA accreditations for example Security+, Linux+ or Server+ & stay vendor neutral, or take the CWNA or CWNP and specialise in wire-less technologies.

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