This field is one of the largest and most all encompassing areas in the field of I.T. It could take many years to become an authority in all factors, and so specialisation is essential to some extent. Both Microsoft & Cisco produce systems to operate in sector. MS create Network and Server Software, while Cisco concentrate mainly on the hardware end of Networking: Routers, data-switches, controllers and so on. It's become commercially necessary for both MS and Cisco to move into Security during the last several years. We also need to note the more commercial use of WiFi now, which is essentially wireless-connections & hard-ware. And then we have the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) & Computer Forensics - both of which are complex & extremely specialist disciplines in their own right, & take a great deal of working experience and understanding.

If you happen to be particularly interested in Messaging or Security, then MS have speciality MCSEs on offer to handle these areas. Perhaps, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , progressing on to the 'CISSP' (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) could be appropriate. There are rigid experience requirements for the CISSP, and they need talking about and understanding prior to deciding to go down this track. As usual, we suggest talking with an experienced industry advisor to avoid any misunderstandings.

One of the most recent sectors in this particular field is Digital Forensics. We might connect 'forensics' with television shows such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). Obviously though the actual job in the real world will not be quite so stylised as the programmes might have us believe! However for many people, it offers a highly intriguing and rewarding role within technology-based investigation. The theory being to gather & analyse digital-footprints, to deliver evidence in either a criminal investigation or a civil enquiry.

Located in a similar field to Digital Forensics and IT Security comes 'Ethical Hacking' - which is another somewhat new discipline to manage crime. Skilled I.T. professionals can study the principles of criminal hacking for legitimate ethical security reasons. The EC-Council offers mid-high level qualifications, entitled the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and the CHFI ('Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator').

A rudimentary knowledge of networks is an ideal first-base for anybody getting into the IT industry. Nothing else will make sense until you've developed a grasp of just how PCs run & connect to one another. Presuming a basic level of computer user skills, (see the more general IT Training pages if not,) the starting-point is nearly always the CompTIA A+ & Network+ . We have extensive specifics of these programs on our section focused on CompTIA.

Progressing from this level will often take you to the MS MCSA or MCSE or Cisco CCNA/CCNP, based on whether you're interested in the 'hardware' or 'software' side of things. Even so, it must be noted that a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft networks is virtually a necessity for most network-environments, due to MS's penetration in this market. You can find further qualification information on this site in the specific Microsoft and 'Cisco' sections.

However, you might choose to carry on down the vendor neutral route with more CompTIA accreditation (e.g. Linux+ , Server+ & Security+ ) or possibly try your hand at the wire-less ('Wi-Fi') side of things with the CWNP/CWNA.

There are now larger options beyond Microsoft & Cisco for getting trained within each of these areas. Actually, there's a wide range of accreditation that is offered by very well regarded independent institutions -- & this is becoming more and more important. The significance about grasping converging-technologies & inter-connectivity in networks has become very well recognized. Networking is actually under-going some key paradigm shifts at the moment; attitudes generally are leaning towards greener I.T., and both processing-power and data storage are shifting towards 'cloud' computing. The introduction of green I.T. addresses two essential elements - reducing the effect on the planet is one, but perhaps of equal relevance to commerce is expense. Computer systems produce less heat (and so need much less cooling) when they have lower power processors. Energy expenditure can often be substantially reduced for companies such as data centres that are higher technology users.

The vendor-neutral global organisation 'CompTIA' now delivers possibly the most familiar and highly-regarded impartial I.T. qualifications. Companies like ISC2 supply security qualifications, and 'CWNP' provide specialised wireless networking tracks. Obviously, there's a total variety of accreditation tracks from Cisco and Microsoft. Because there are so many training & job possibilities in this area, it is sensible to take more personal advice from an experienced advisor before selecting your particular course. Without personally tailored help you could potentially head off in a wrong-direction & waste considerable money or time.

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