Of all the IT areas ruling the global stage, this particular field has to be the biggest and most encompassing. With so many advanced skill sets to learn, a degree of specialisation is really the only realistic option. The principle systems contributors in this marketplace are Cisco and Microsoft. The actual software side of Networking is Microsoft's focus, and the hard-ware side (routers, controllers and switches etc.) is where Cisco mainly work. Each of the companies have moved heavily in to security over the last several years, through commercial need. We might also want to notice the the greater professional use of WiFi today, which is basically wireless connections & hard-ware. Lastly, two very important & growing sectors within the Security marketplace are Computer-Forensics & Ethical Computer Hacking.

If you're planning to build a career in I.T., start by picking up a certain amount of networking expertise. You must know precisely how computers function and communicate with each other before you consider anything else. Assuming you possess effective user skills, you will find the 'CompTIA' A+ and CompTIA Network+ programs are excellent for starters. They're included on the 'CompTIA' pages on this site.

Where you venture next depends mainly on whether you wish to specialise in hardware or software. With regard to 'hardware', you're talking about Cisco ('CCNA'/'CCNP'), and with regard to software you'll need Microsoft (MCSA or MCSE). Nonetheless, an in depth knowledge of Microsoft's operating systems is extremely valuable as they're such an important element of most networking-environments. You will get more accreditation information on this web-site in the dedicated MS and Cisco sections.

A further alternative would be to carry on with CompTIA certifications like Linux+, Security+ or Server+ & continue being vendor neutral, or even look at the 'CWNA' or 'CWNP' & become a specialist in 'wireless' technology.

Computer (or Digital) Forensics is reasonably new in this area - TV shows like CSI-Crime Scene Investigation may have brought it to our attention. The actual reality of Digital forensics is much more routine than pictured in these types of shows (naturally!) Nonetheless, technological forensics is providing a fascinating career for many professionals right now. A Computer Forensics professional will trace & explain digital artefacts which can often be used to resolve criminal offences.

Together with Security & Computer Forensics the somewhat new field of Ethical-Hacking is developing. These are certifications provided by the EC Council which teach advanced candidates the dark principles of 'hacking' -- but with the purpose of using these competencies to protect & raise the security of a system, rather than damage it.

'CompTIA' (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is a worldwide enterprise that now offers a number of the most reputed vendor neutral accreditation tracks available. Organisations like 'ISC2' offer security accreditations, & CWNP supply specialised wireless networking paths. Most prominently needless to say are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, each providing their own certification tracks. Mainly because of the range & number of certification tracks available in this field, it's very wise to talk through this type of change of career with an experienced advisor. You could save yourself a lot of money & time, as well as annoyance & disappointment.

Industry-recognised accreditations can be attained from the vendors and vendor neutral companies. Many well regarded neutral organisations are today offering increasingly more pertinent & important accreditations. The need for understanding converging-technologies & inter-connectivity in networks is now well appreciated. Networking is in fact undergoing some significant paradigm-shifts at the moment; especially the movement toward 'cloud' or internet-based computing (regarding data-storage, and processing power), and the mental shift toward 'green' I.T.. From the commercial point of view, greener engineering has to be designed to be more cost-effective, as well as being less harmful to the planet. Computer systems will generate less heat (and so require much less cooling) when they have lower-powered processors. Electricity bills can be significantly reduced for businesses such as data centres that are higher technology-users.

MS provide numerous specialisations within MCSE, for example in Security or in Messaging for trainees with a specific interest. Quite possibly, the CompTIA Security+ , moving onto the 'CISSP' (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) may be appropriate. 'CISSP' prospects have to have significant professional work experience, therefore make sure you research this well. Our long-standing recommendation is of course to take advantage of an educated discussion prior to getting into any new career training.

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