This area of IT is possibly just about the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. Generally, some level of specialisation is needed, because to learn about every element would probably take decades of learning. Cisco & Microsoft are the 2 leading companies ruling this field. The actual software program side of Networking is Microsoft's department, and the hard-ware side (routers, controllers & switches and so on.) is where Cisco mainly works. Both corporations have branched heavily in to Security during the last decade, by commercial necessity. Another fast-growing market within this sector is wireless connectivity & related products. Although Computer-Forensics and 'Ethical Hacking' have fingers in all these areas, they're also disciplines in their own right, and require considerable training and experience to be totally effective.

There are a variety of specialist MCSEs from Microsoft, that look after subjects such as Security or Messaging if that's the direction you want. You may decide to look at Security+ from 'CompTIA', followed by the 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional' (CISSP). 'CISSP' applicants must have significant professional experience, therefore make sure you research this well. Talking things through with one of our industry experts will explain everything for you personally.

The vendor-neutral global association CompTIA now offers possibly the most familiar & highly-regarded independent I.T. qualifications. Various other bodies also supply valuable accreditations, for example 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional') and 'ISC2' ('International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'). Most conspicuously needless to say are Cisco and Microsoft themselves, both providing their very own qualification paths. Mainly because of the range and quantity of accreditation paths on offer in this field, it's sensible to discuss this type of career move with a professional advisor. You might save a great deal of money and time, not to mention aggravation and discouragement.

Industry-recognised certifications can be gained from both the vendors themselves and vendor neutral companies. In actual fact, several well thought of institutions are very important contributors now where accreditation is involved. The essential knowledge of network-interface-connectivity between and among networks is now becoming increasingly important. Networking is actually going through some major paradigm-shifts right now; both in terms of processing & in data-storage, with 'cloud' computing coming to the fore and 'green IT' starting to be increasingly relevant. The introduction of green IT addresses 2 important elements - reducing the impact to the environment is 1, but possibly of equal or more relevance to business is cost. Computers generate much less heat (& therefore need much less cooling) if they have lower powered processors. Companies with huge computer networks can bring down their fuel expenditure considerably with 'greener' and much more efficient computers.

One of the most recent areas within this field is known as 'Computer Forensics'. We relate forensics with television programmes like CSI Miami. The physical reality of Computer Forensics is very much less glamorised than pictured in these shows (obviously!) But for many, it offers a very interesting and satisfying role in technology-based exploration. A Computer Forensics professional will trace and interpret digital artefacts which can often be utilised to resolve crimes.

Together with Security and Computer Forensics the somewhat new field of Ethical-Hacking is emerging. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) & the 'Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator'('CHFI') are medium - high level accreditations provided by the EC-Council.

A basic idea of networks is a great first base for anyone getting into the industry. Practically nothing else will make sense until you've developed a grasp of how PCs operate & connect to one another. Providing you have got good user skills, you will find programs like CompTIA's A+ & 'Network+' will provide you with a superb grounding to start your career. We discuss details about these packages on our pages focused on 'CompTIA'.

Moving on from this level you can look at the MS MCSA/MCSE or perhaps the 'Cisco' CCNA/CCNP, subject to whether you are interested in the 'hardware' or 'software' side of things. That said, Microsoft has a high infiltration throughout most network environments, and so an in-depth knowledge of their 'software' is pretty useful whatever your specialisation. As before, you will find information regarding each accreditation on the Cisco and Microsoft areas of the web site.

Of course you could possibly fine-tune your Wi-Fi ('wireless') skillsets by taking accreditations like the CWNP and CWNA, or continue down the 'CompTIA' track with Linux+, Server+ or Security+ .

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