If we take all the I.T. fields dominating the world stage, this field is one of the biggest and most encompassing. Generally, some degree of specialisation is required, since to cover every component might take decades of learning. Cisco and Microsoft are the two significant companies dominating this particular sector. The actual Network & Server software is produced by MS, and Cisco are mostly responsible for routers and switches, i.e. the Network hard-ware. Each of the vendors have moved heavily in to Security during the last decade, by economic necessity. An additional fast growing area in this sector is wireless connectivity & devices. And then we come on to Hacking (legally) and Computer Forensics - each very complex & extremely specialised subjects themselves, & take a considerable amount of working experience and knowledge.

There are now larger options beyond Microsoft & Cisco to become accredited in each of these areas. In fact, a number of highly respected associations are essential contributors now where accreditation is concerned. The understanding of network interface-connectivity between and within networks is now becoming increasingly important. There are presently a number of fundamental changes going on in the world of networking - both in processing terms & in data storage, with internet-based computing gaining presence & 'green IT' growing to be more and more relevant. Green I.T. doesn't necessarily indicate 'saving the earth' -- it does have many elements intended to reduce CO2 effects etc., but its also strongly installed in the commercial reality of cost-savings. Lower-power processors & computer systems generate less heat, which means less cooling is needed. Companies with huge networks of computers can reduce their energy expenditure significantly with greener & much more efficient PC's.

There are various speciality MCSEs from Microsoft, that look after options such as Messaging or Security if that is the direction you're looking for. It could be the CompTIA Security+ would be best for you, in order to lead onto the 'CISSP' - 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional'. 'CISSP' prospects need to have substantial professional working experience, so be sure you research this well. As usual, we recommend a discussion with a knowledgeable industry advisor to prevent any misunderstandings.

If you're hoping to progress a professional career in I.T., start by picking up some networking know-how. Absolutely nothing else will make sense until you have a grasp of how PCs run and link to each other. Providing you have effective user skills, you will find packages like 'CompTIA's A+' and Network+ will give you a superb grounding to begin your career path. These are covered within the CompTIA section on this web-site.

Progressing from here is often the domain of the Microsoft MCSA or MCSE or the 'Cisco' CCNA or CCNP, based on whether you are more interested in the 'hardware' or 'software' end of things. Nevertheless, an in-depth understanding of MS's operating systems is very advantageous as they are such a vital element of most networking-environments. For more details, you'll find the specifics of each accreditation on the actual 'Cisco' & MS areas of the web-site.

Equally of course you could possibly fine-tune your Wi-Fi (wire-less) skills by taking qualifications like the CWNA and CWNP, or carry on along the 'CompTIA' track with Security+, Server+ or Linux+ .

Digital (or Computer) Forensics is relatively new to the picture - Television shows like 'Crime Scene Investigation' could have made us aware of it. Obviously though the job in the real world will not be quite as stylised as the programmes would have us think! And yet, forensic-investigation by means of advanced technology can offer a very satisfying career. The job involves seeking & interpreting digital-footprints to assist with data recovery or legal investigations.

Along with Security & Computer Forensics the somewhat new role of 'Ethical Hacking' is emerging. Seasoned I.T. professionals can study the concepts of criminal hacking for ethical security purposes. The EC-Council delivers medium to high level certifications, namely the 'CEH' (Certified Ethical Hacker) & the 'CHFI' (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

Some of the best industry-acknowledged certifications today are produced by the independent Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Various other associations also offer valuable qualifications, for example 'CWNP' (Certified Wireless Network Professional) and 'ISC2' (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium). Most prominently needless to say are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, both offering their own certification paths. Largely because of the scope & quantity of accreditation paths on offer in this sector, its a good idea to discuss this sort of change of career with an experienced expert. You could possibly save yourself a good deal of time and money, not to mention stress & disappointment.

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