This area of I.T. is perhaps just about the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. With so many complex skills to learn, a degree of specialisation is really the only logical option. The main systems 'players' in this marketplace are Microsoft & Cisco. The Network & Server software programs are made by MS, whilst Cisco are mostly responsible for routers & data switches, in other words the Network hardware. Security has become a huge problem in recent years, which has forced both corporations to get into the market in a huge way. We also need to take note of the greater commercial use of WiFi these days, which is basically wireless connections and hard-ware. And next we come on to Hacking (legally) & Digital Forensics - both very complex and highly specialised subjects in their own right, and take a considerable amount of working experience and understanding.

For many people looking at getting into IT as a career, basic networking is the starting-point. Until you are aware of how a Computer functions and 'communicates' with other PCs, the rest is simply nonsense. Assuming you have proficient user-skills, you will find the 'CompTIA' A+ & Network+ training programs are perfect to get you started. Examples of these are covered within the 'CompTIA' pages on this site.

Moving on you'll choose to follow the MS MCSE or MCSA track if you are considering 'software', or the 'Cisco' 'CCNA' or 'CCNP' path if you're interested in 'hardware'. However, it should be mentioned that a comprehensive understanding of MS networks is pretty much a necessity for the majority of network environments, simply because of MS's penetration in this field. Again, each of these accreditations are covered in-depth on the relevant sections on this site.

Another possibility is to carry on with CompTIA certifications for example Linux+, Server+ or Security+ & remain vendor neutral, or maybe take the CWNA or CWNP & become a specialist in wire-less technology.

You might have noticed that Digital or Computer Forensics is a frequently used term that has been popularised by Television shows like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation". Obviously though the actual job in the real world won't always be quite so glamorous as the shows might have us think! And yet, forensic-investigation employing sophisticated technology can provide a very satisfying occupation. The theory being to collect & evaluate 'digital-footprints', to supply evidence in either a criminal or a civil enquiry.

In a similar field to Computer Forensics and I.T. Security comes Ethical-Hacking - which is another somewhat new discipline to regulate criminal activity. Experienced I.T. professionals can learn the concepts of criminal hacking for ethical security reasons. The EC Council delivers mid-high level qualifications, namely the 'CEH' (Certified Ethical Hacker) & the 'CHFI' ('Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator').

Several of the best industry-acknowledged accreditations now come from the vendor-neutral 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (CompTIA). There are also various other companies, including the 'ISC2' (shortened from their somewhat long winded: 'International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'!) and 'CWNP' (Certified Wireless Network Professional). Clearly, there's a complete slew of certification programs from Cisco & Microsoft. The options might be a little mind-boggling, and therefore we urge you to go very carefully & discuss all your alternatives with an advisor who knows the process well. You might save a good deal of money & time, as well as annoyance and discouragement.

If you happen to be especially interested in Messaging or Security, then MS have specialist MCSE's on offer to handle these areas. It might be the CompTIA Security+ would be best for you, in order to move onto the CISSP - 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional'. You'll find there are tight experience requirements for the CISSP, & they need talking about & getting to grips with before you decide to go down this particular track. As always, we suggest that you speak with a knowledgeable IT training advisor to avoid any kind of 'mishaps'.

CompTIA Technical Support Online Self-Paced Courses >>