This area of I.T. is possibly one of the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. With so many complex skill sets to learn, a certain amount of specialist training is really the only effective option. Cisco & Microsoft are essentially the two key vendors who rule this particular sector. The actual Network & Server software is looked after by MS, whilst Cisco are mostly concerned with routers & data-switches, i.e. the Network hardware. Both companies have branched seriously into Security over the last decade, through economic necessity. Additionally in this field we are finding the significant development of wireless networking. And next we have Hacking (legitimately) and Digital Forensics : each very complex and extremely specialised subjects in their own right, & take a great deal of expertise and understanding.

If you are specifically interested in 'Messaging' or 'Security', then Microsoft have speciality MCSEs available to handle these areas. You may decide to look at Security+ with 'CompTIA', followed by the 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional' (CISSP). Before choosing this particular route though you should be aware about the exact level of professional experience required for the 'CISSP'. Talking things through with one of our team of industry advisors will clarify everything for you personally.

'CompTIA' (the 'Computing Technology Industry Association') is a global business that right now supplies a number of the most respected vendor-neutral certification tracks out there. Additional institutions also supply worthy certifications, like 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional') & 'ISC2' (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium). Of course, there is a comprehensive slew of accreditation tracks from Cisco & Microsoft. The options might be a bit over-whelming, & so we urge you to go very carefully and go through your plans with an advisor who knows the process very well. With no personally tailored help you might head off in the wrong-direction & waste a lot of money and/or time.

A rudimentary idea of networks is a good first-base for anyone coming into the industry. Before you're confident about exactly how a Computer functions and 'communicates' with other Computers, anything else is simply nonsense. Providing you have competent user-skills, you'll find the CompTIA A+ & CompTIA Network+ programs are perfect to begin with. They're included under the 'CompTIA' section of this web-site.

Where you go next will depend largely on whether you intend to specialise in 'hardware' or 'software'. With regard to hardware, you are looking at 'Cisco' (CCNA or CCNP), & with regard to 'software' you will need MS (MCSA or MCSE). However, it must be stated that a thorough understanding of MS network systems is virtually a necessity for the majority of network-environments, due to MS's dominance in this field. You'll find more qualification information on this web-site in the specific Microsoft & 'Cisco' sections.

On the other hand, you might want to carry on down the vendor neutral path with further CompTIA qualification (for example Linux+, Security+ and Server+ ) or possibly try your hand at the wireless (Wi-Fi) side of things with the CWNP/CWNA.

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