This area of I.T. is perhaps just about the most sweeping & comprehensive there is. Typically, some degree of specialisation is required, because to learn about each element could take decades of learning. The key systems contributors in this market are Cisco & Microsoft. The software program side of Networks is MS's department, and the hardware side (routers, controllers & data-switches etc.) is where Cisco mainly works. It has become financially and economically necessary for both MS and Cisco to move into Security during the last several years. We should likewise note the greater professional use of WiFi today, which is basically wireless connections & hardware. And then we have Hacking (legitimately) & Digital Forensics : both of which are complex and very specialist subjects themselves, and take a great deal of expertise and understanding.

One of the more recent sectors within this particular field is called 'Computer Forensics'. We might associate forensics with television programmes such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). Clearly though the actual work in actuality won't always be quite as stylised as the programmes would have us believe! All the same, forensic investigation by means of complex technology can offer a really satisfying job. A Computer Forensics expert will search for and interpret digital artefacts which can often be used to resolve crimes.

Sitting somewhere between Computer Forensics & Security, is the field of Ethical Hacking. The 'Certified Ethical Hacker' (CEH) and the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator('CHFI') are mid - advanced level certifications offered through the EC Council.

If you happen to be specifically focused on 'Messaging' or 'Security', then MS have speciality MCSE's on offer to handle these options. You could possibly choose to go for Security+ with 'CompTIA', followed by the Certified Information Systems Security Professional ('CISSP'). CISSP applicants have to have substantial professional working experience, therefore be sure to research this thoroughly. As usual, we advise talking with a skilled IT training advisor in order to avoid any mishaps.

Industry-acknowledged qualifications can be obtained from the vendors as well as vendor neutral organisations. Actually, there's a great deal of accreditation that's presented by extremely respected unbiased establishments - & this is becoming increasingly important. The need for understanding converging-technologies & inter-connectivity in networks has become solidly recognized. We are experiencing a significant generational shift in network technology right now, especially the movement towards 'cloud' or Internet based computing (in terms of data-storage, and also processing-power), and the mental attitude change towards green IT. From a economic standpoint, greener engineering has to be designed to be much more cost effective, as well as being kinder to the planet. Computers will generate less heat (and therefore need much less cooling) when they have lower powered processors. These two things together vastly cut down the fuel expenditure, and so impact upon a company's bottom-line - particularly in data-centres and high volume processing departments.

If you are hoping to progress a professional career in I.T., start by gaining some networking expertise. Nothing else will make any sense until you've developed an understanding of the way computers operate & communicate with one another. If you already have effective user skills, you'll find training programs such as 'CompTIA's A+' & 'N+' will provide you with a superb grounding to begin your career path. We feature information regarding these programs on the pages focused on CompTIA.

What you choose to do next will depend largely on whether you wish to focus on 'hardware' or 'software'. With regard to 'hardware', you are talking about Cisco (CCNA/CCNP), and with regard to 'software' you need Microsoft (MCSA or MCSE). However, it has to be said that a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft network systems is pretty much essential for most network-environments, mainly because of MS's penetration in this market. Again, each of these certifications are covered in depth on the relevant sections within this web-site.

However, you might choose to remain down the vendor neutral path with further CompTIA qualification (for example Linux+ , Server+ & Security+ ) or even have a go at the wire-less (Wi-Fi) side of things with the 'CWNP'/'CWNA'.

A number of the most useful industry-acknowledged qualifications now are produced by the vendor-neutral 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (CompTIA). Organisations like 'ISC2' provide 'Security' certifications, and 'CWNP' offer specialist wireless networking tracks. Most prominently needless to say are Cisco and Microsoft themselves, both offering their very own certification tracks. The options might be somewhat over-whelming, and therefore we advise you to go very carefully and talk through your alternatives with an advisor who knows the process very well. This will likely stop you from getting into a costly mistake, both in terms of time and money spent.

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