'Microsoft' means the operating-system Windows to many people who use PCs. To others, it encompasses the main Office programs used, either at home or at work, to accomplish specific every-day functions. MS 'Word' is the most commonly used program for word-processing internationally. 'Excel' is also a tremendously popular program for spread-sheets, along with Access which allows us to generate databases. The final of the main four software packages in Office is 'PowerPoint', which is commonly used for presentations. There is though a lot more to Office as a whole, for instance Microsoft Outlook is used as a diary, e-mail and messaging-system.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, utilising reference manuals and books, is often a huge slog for most of us. If this sounds like you, dig around for more practical courses which have a majority of interactive, multimedia parts. Studies have time and time again confirmed that becoming involved with our studies, to utilise all our senses, is much more conducive to long-term memory.

Modern training can now be done at home via easy-to-use DVD or CD ROM's. By watching and listening to instructors on video tutorials you'll take everything in via their teaching and demonstrations. Then it's time to test your knowledge by utilising the practice lab's and modules. Every company that you look at must be pushed to demo samples of the materials provided for study. You should hope for instructor-led videos and a wide selection of interactive elements.

It doesn't make sense to choose training that is only available online. With highly variable reliability and quality from your average broadband company, ensure that you have access to CD or DVD ROM based materials.

Visual Studio is the foremost 'Windows' software development 'environment', and is solely owned by MS. A number of 'languages' are offered, but the two most regularly applied ones are C#.Net and 'VB.Net'. They are discussed on the Programming and Development pages on this web-site. The most extensively accepted certifications are the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist and the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer.

Whether you are seeking to gain a starting understanding of these systems & packages, or a full professional understanding so you can support others, there are several accreditations which could help. The MOS ('Microsoft Office Specialist') & 'MCAS' (Microsoft Certified Application Specialist) packages teach the 'Office' suite in-depth. For an accreditation that allows you to support other users, go into the 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', or MCDST for short.

On the other hand, you may be looking to get into a professionally skilled position within the IT industry, and want advanced level MS certification. The assessment structure at 'Microsoft' has recently experienced a significant over-haul. A number of career training routes still lead to MCP accreditations, but the trend is steadily going towards MCITP & 'MCTS' programs (Microsoft Certified IT Professional and 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' respectively). MCTS learning packages are typically taken as building blocks to the MCITP.

Online Courses In Microsoft User Skills >>