This area of I.T. is perhaps one of the most sweeping and extensive there is. Typically, some level of specialisation is required, because to learn about each element could take too many years of studying. Both Cisco & Microsoft make systems to operate in sector. The actual software program side of networking is MS's department, & the hardware side (routers, controllers and data-switches etc.) is where Cisco mainly function. It has become commercially necessary for Microsoft and Cisco to move into security during the last several years. We should also notice the the more commercial use of Wi-Fi these days, which is essentially wireless connections & hard-ware. Even though Digital Forensics and 'Ethical-Hacking' have feet in all these areas, they are also disciplines unto themselves, and require substantial instruction and real-life experience to be entirely effective.

Computer (or Digital) Forensics is relatively new on the scene - TV shows like 'Crime Scene Investigation' might have familiarised us with the term. The physical reality of 'Digital Forensics' is much more routine than portrayed in these shows (of course!) Nevertheless for many people, it provides a very interesting and rewarding career in technology-based investigation. The theory being to gather & analyse digital-footprints, to deliver evidence in either a criminal or civil enquiry.

Sitting somewhere between Digital Forensics and Security, is the new field of 'Ethical Hacking'. Seasoned I.T. professionals can study the concepts of criminal hacking for legitimate ethical security reasons. The EC-Council delivers mid-high level certifications, entitled the 'CEH' ('Certified Ethical Hacker') & the 'CHFI' (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is a worldwide business that now provides some of the most reputed vendor neutral accreditation paths out there. There are also several other establishments, such as the ISC2 (shortened from the rather long winded: 'International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'!) & CWNP (Certified Wireless Network Professional). As you would expect Microsoft and Cisco offer a complete array of professional qualifications. Because of the range & volume of qualification routes available in this field, its wise to talk through this sort of career move with an industry experienced expert. This will likely keep you from getting into an expensive mistake, both in terms of time and money spent.

You'll find wider alternatives in addition to Cisco & Microsoft when it comes to becoming qualified within each of these disciplines. The fact is, there's a wide range of certification that's presented by very well regarded independent bodies - & this has become increasingly significant. It's now become widely accepted that understanding inter connectivity & technological-convergence is becoming tremendously fundamental in networks. We are experiencing a major paradigm shift within network technology today, notably the movement towards Cloud or internet-based computing (regarding data storage, as well as processing power), & the mental attitude change towards green I.T.. From the economic perspective, greener technology must be built to be a lot more cost effective, in addition to being more gentle towards the planet. Computer systems generate less heat (& so require less cooling) when they have lower-powered processors. These two things together greatly cut down the energy bill, & therefore impact upon a corporation's bottom line - especially in data-centres & high-volume processing areas.

If you happen to be mainly interested in 'Messaging' or 'Security', then MS have specialist MCSEs available to target these areas. Maybe, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , moving on to the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) may be suitable. Before you choose this particular track though you ought to be aware about the exact level of professional experience necessary for the 'CISSP'. Our professional advice is always to take part in an informed discussion before beginning any new career-training.

To most people checking out getting into I.T. as a career, basic networking could be the starting-point. Absolutely nothing else will make any sense until you have an understanding of just how PCs run and connect to one another. Assuming you possess a minimum of basic user skills, you'll find the 'CompTIA' A+ & CompTIA Network+ training programs are perfect to begin with. We include specifics of these packages on the web pages dedicated to CompTIA.

Where you venture next depends mainly upon whether you would like to work in hardware or software. With regard to hardware, you are looking at 'Cisco' (CCNA/CCNP), & for software you will need Microsoft (MCSA/MCSE). Having said that, a good understanding of Microsoft's operating systems is very beneficial as they're such a key aspect of most networking environments. You can find additional accreditation details on this site in the specific MS and 'Cisco' sections.

Equally of course you could possibly fine-tune your Wi-Fi (wireless) skills with accreditations like the 'CWNP' and 'CWNA', or continue down the 'CompTIA' route with Security+, Server+ or Linux+ .

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