If we take all the IT sectors ruling the global stage, this area is one of the biggest and most all encompassing. Typically, some level of specialisation is needed, because to learn about each component could take too many years of training. The main systems players in this market are Cisco and Microsoft. The actual software program side of networks is MS's focus, and the hard-ware side (routers, controllers and data switches etc.) is where Cisco primarily work. Both companies have branched heavily into Security during the last decade, by economic need. Another fast-growing market in this sector is wireless connectivity and related products. And then we come on to Hacking (legitimately) and Forensics : both very complex & incredibly specialised subjects in their own right, & take a great deal of expertise and understanding.

CompTIA (the 'Computing Technology Industry Association') is a world-wide enterprise that currently supplies many of the most reputed vendor neutral certification tracks available. Various other establishments also offer valuable certifications, for example 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional') and ISC2 (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium). Most prominently of course are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, each offering their own qualification paths. Because there are so many training and career options available in this area, its advisable to take more personalised guidance from an industry advisor before selecting your specific path. You could possibly save yourself a whole lot of time & money, not to mention annoyance & discouragement.

If you happen to be specifically interested in 'Messaging' or 'Security', then MS have specialist MCSEs available to handle these areas. You may decide to opt for Security+ with 'CompTIA', and follow that with the 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional' ('CISSP'). You'll find there are tight experience specifications for the CISSP, & these need discussing and understanding before you decide to take this particular track. As always, we advise talking with an experienced industry advisor to prevent any kind of mishaps.

If you are looking to build a career in IT, start by picking up some networking know-how. Absolutely nothing else will make sense until you've developed an understanding of the way computers run and communicate with each other. Providing you possess competent user skills, you'll find the CompTIA A+ and 'Network+' programs are perfect to get you started. Examples of these are dealt with within the 'CompTIA' section of this web-site.

Moving on from here will often take you to the MS 'MCSA'/'MCSE' or the Cisco 'CCNA'/'CCNP', depending on whether you're interested in the 'hardware' or 'software' end of things. That said, MS has a major domination in the majority of network environments, therefore an in depth knowledge of their 'software' is pretty important whatever your specialisation. You can find more certification details on this website in the dedicated Microsoft and Cisco sections.

However, you may choose to keep going on the vendor-neutral path with more 'CompTIA' certification (for example Linux+, Security+ and Server+ ) or even have a go at the wireless ('Wi-Fi') aspect of things by taking the CWNP or CWNA.

More recently, 'Digital' or 'Computer' Forensics is a frequently used expression that's been popularised by Television shows like "Crime Scene Investigation - CSI". The reality of 'Computer Forensics' is much less glamorous than the portrayal in these types of shows (obviously!) And yet, forensic-investigation employing advanced technologies can offer a very satisfying profession. A Digital Forensics expert will search for and interpret digital-artefacts that can often be utilised to solve crimes.

Together with Security & Digital Forensics the to some extent new profession of Ethical-Hacking is emerging. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) & the 'Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator'(CHFI) are medium to high level accreditations offered by the EC Council.

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