This area of IT is possibly just about the most sweeping & extensive there is. Generally, some degree of specialisation is needed, as to cover each component would probably take decades of learning. The principle systems contributors in this marketplace are Cisco & Microsoft. The actual software program side of networking is MS's focus, & the hardware side (routers, controllers & data-switches and so on.) is where Cisco mainly function. It has become financially and economically essential for both Microsoft and Cisco to get into security over the last decade. Another fast growing market within this sector is wireless-connectivity and related products. And next we come on to the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) and Digital Forensics : each of which are complex and highly specialist disciplines themselves, and take a considerable amount of working experience and understanding.

MS offer a variety of specialisations within MCSE, such as in Security or in Messaging for trainees who have a specific interest. It could be the CompTIA Security+ would be best for you, in order to lead on to the CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional. You'll find there are tight 'experience' requirements for the CISSP, & they need talking about & understanding before you decide to go down this track. Discussing your needs with our team of industry advisors will shed more light on everything for you personally.

Accreditations in this marketplace aren't limited MS & Cisco themselves. Indeed, a number of highly regarded establishments are essential players now where accreditation is involved. The importance of understanding converging-technologies & inter-connectivity in networks is now solidly accepted. There are currently some major shifts occurring in the world of networking - especially the movement toward Cloud or internet-based computing (in terms of storage of data, as well as actual processing-power), & the attitude shift toward green IT. Green I.T. doesn't necessarily indicate 'saving the earth' -- it does have many elements intended to lower the carbon dioxide impact etc., but it is also strongly seated in the commercial reality of cost savings. Computer systems will produce less heat (and so require less cooling) if they have lower power processors. Corporations with significant networks of computers can bring down their fuel bills appreciably with 'greener' & more efficient PC's.

A basic understanding of networks is a good first base for anybody coming into the IT industry. Practically nothing else will make sense until you've developed a grasp of the way PCs run & connect to one another. Providing you possess a minimum of basic user-skills, you'll find the 'CompTIA' A+ & 'Network+' programs are perfect to begin with. We discuss specifics of these training programs on our web pages dedicated to CompTIA.

Where you venture next will depend largely upon whether you would like to specialise in hardware or software. For hardware, you are talking about Cisco (CCNA or CCNP), and with regard to software you need Microsoft ('MCSA'/'MCSE'). Even so, it has to be mentioned that a comprehensive understanding of MS network systems is virtually essential for the majority of network environments, simply because of Microsoft's penetration in this market. You'll find more accreditation information on this web site from the dedicated Microsoft & 'Cisco' pages.

Equally of course you might want to fine tune your 'Wi-Fi' (wireless) skill-sets by taking certifications such as the CWNP and CWNA, or continue down the 'CompTIA' route with Security+ , Linux+ or Server+ .

Computer (or Digital) 'Forensics' is fairly new to the picture - TV programmes like CSI-Crime Scene Investigation may have familiarised us with the term. There might though be a bit more routine with the actual work compared to that executed by the celebrities on-screen! Nonetheless, technological forensics provides a fascinating occupation for many individuals today. A Computer Forensics specialist will trace & explain digital-artefacts that can often be used to resolve crimes.

Along with Security & Digital Forensics the somewhat new field of Ethical-Hacking is developing. These are certifications offered by the EC Council which teach more advanced candidates the more dark concepts of 'hacking' -- but with the goal of employing these abilities to safeguard and increase the security of a system, rather than harm it.

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