If we take all the IT areas ruling the world stage, this field has to be the largest and most all encompassing. Normally, some level of specialisation is needed, as to learn about each element would probably take decades of training. Both Cisco and Microsoft produce systems for this sector. MS produce Network and Server software, while Cisco focus mainly on the hard-ware side of networking: Routers, data switches, controllers and so forth. Each of the businesses have branched seriously in to security over the last decade, by economic need. An additional fast-growing area within this sector is wireless connectivity and devices. And then we come on to Hacking (legitimately) and Computer Forensics - each complex and incredibly specialist disciplines themselves, & take a considerable amount of experience and understanding.

A basic understanding of networks is an ideal first-base for anybody coming into the industry. Before you're confident about exactly how a PC functions and communicates with other Computers, the rest is probably nonsense. Providing you have a minimum of basic user skills, you'll find the CompTIA A+ & 'Network+' training programs are ideal to get you started. Particulars of these qualifications are featured on the CompTIA section of this site.

What comes next depends largely on whether you would like to focus on hardware or software. With regard to hardware, you are looking at Cisco (CCNA or CCNP), & with regard to software you'll need Microsoft ('MCSA'/'MCSE'). Having said that, an in-depth understanding of Microsoft's operating systems is extremely important as they are such a key aspect of the majority of networking-environments. Again, these qualifications are discussed in depth on their respective sections on this website.

A further alternative is to continue with CompTIA certifications for instance Linux+, Security+ or Server+ and continue being 'vendor-neutral', or take the 'CWNP' or 'CWNA' & specialise in 'wireless' technology.

One of the newest areas in this particular field is Computer Forensics. We might connect 'forensics' with TV programmes such as CSI Miami. There may though be a touch less glamour with the real workload than that carried out by the celebrities on TV! Nevertheless, technological forensics provides a fascinating job for many individuals these days. The basic principle being to gather & analyse digital-footprints, to provide evidence in either a criminal investigation or civil legal case.

Along with Security & Computer Forensics the to some extent new field of Ethical Hacking is emerging. These are certifications provided through the EC Council which teach advanced students the dark concepts of 'hacking' - but with the purpose of using these skills to safeguard and raise the security within a system, rather than harm it.

Accreditations in this market aren't restricted just Cisco and Microsoft themselves. Several well respected independents are today supplying progressively more appropriate & significant accreditations. It is now widely accepted that knowledge of inter-connectivity & technological convergence is becoming incredibly fundamental in networking. Networking is in actual fact going through some significant paradigm-shifts right now; especially the move toward 'cloud' or Internet based computing (in terms of data-storage, and also processing power), and the mental change towards green IT. 'Green' I.T. doesn't necessarily indicate 'saving the earth' -- it does have elements designed to reduce CO2 effects and so on., but it is also strongly installed in the commercial reality of cost reduction. Lower-power processors and computers produce less heat, so less cooling is necessary. Fuel bills can be considerably reduced for organisations such as data-centres which are high technology users.

A number of the most useful industry-acknowledged qualifications today are produced by the vendor-neutral Computing Technology Industry Association ('CompTIA'). Various other bodies also offer valuable accreditations, like 'CWNP' (Certified Wireless Network Professional) & ISC2 ('International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'). Obviously Cisco and Microsoft provide a total array of professional level qualifications. Largely because of the range and volume of certification tracks on offer in this sector, it's wise to talk through this sort of career move with a professional expert. Without personally tailored guidance you could head-off in a wrong-direction & squander a lot of time or money.

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