This area of IT is possibly one of the most sweeping & comprehensive there is. With so many complicated skill sets to learn, a certain amount of specialist training is the only logical answer. Both Cisco & Microsoft produce systems to operate in market place. Microsoft produce Network & Server Software, whilst Cisco focus largely on the hardware side of networking: Routers, data-switches, controllers etc. It's become financially and economically necessary for MS and Cisco to move into Security over the last decade. Also within this field we are seeing the significant development of wireless networking. And lastly, 2 crucial and growing sectors within the Security marketplace are Digital-Forensics and Ethical Hacking.

One of the newest areas within this particular field is 'Computer Forensics'. We might associate forensics with TV shows such as CSI Miami. There may well though be a bit less glamour with the real work than that executed by the celebrities on our screens! And yet, forensic investigation utilising advanced technology can provide a very gratifying job. The basic principle being to gather & evaluate digital footprints, to provide evidence in either a criminal or a civil enquiry.

Sitting somewhere between Computer Forensics & Security, comes the new field of Ethical Hacking. Skilled IT professionals can study the concepts of 'criminal' hacking for ethical security purposes. The EC-Council offers mid to high level qualifications, entitled the 'CEH' (Certified Ethical Hacker) and the 'CHFI' ('Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator').

If you're looking to progress a career in I.T., start by gaining a certain amount of networking know-how. You need to understand exactly how PC's operate and connect with each other before you do anything else. As long as you have good literacy skills, you will find packages such as CompTIA's A+ & Network+ will give you a very good grounding to start your career path. These are included within the 'CompTIA' section on this website.

Where you go next will depend largely on whether you would like to work in hardware or software. With regard to hardware, you are talking about 'Cisco' ('CCNA'/'CCNP'), & with regard to 'software' you'll need Microsoft (MCSA/MCSE). Although, it must be mentioned that a thorough knowledge of MS network systems is virtually a necessity for the majority of network environments, due to Microsoft's dominance in this market. You will get more qualification information on this web-site in the dedicated Microsoft and 'Cisco' pages.

Of course you may choose to fine-tune your 'Wi-Fi' (wireless) skills with certifications like the 'CWNP' and 'CWNA', or keep going down the CompTIA path with Server+, Linux+ or Security+ .

Qualifications in this sector are not restricted MS & Cisco themselves. Indeed, a number of highly respected establishments are very important contributors now where certification is concerned. It's now become extensively recognised that knowledge of inter-connectivity & technological-convergence is becoming incredibly fundamental in networking. Networking is in fact going through some significant paradigm shifts right now; both in terms of processing and in data storage, with 'cloud' computing emerging and 'green IT' starting to be more and more relevant. From a commercial perspective, greener engineering must be built to be a lot more cost-effective, as well as being kinder to the environment. The actual processing-power in more technologically advanced computers is lower, which means much less heat to be cooled down. Fuel expenditure can often be considerably reduced for companies such as data-centres that are big technology-users.

There are various specialist MCSEs from Microsoft, that look after areas like Messaging or Security if that's the path you would like. Possibly, the CompTIA Security+ , progressing on to the 'CISSP' (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) might be appropriate. 'CISSP' prospects must have considerable professional working experience, so make sure you investigate this thoroughly. As always, we advise that you speak with a professional IT training advisor to avoid any kind of misunderstandings.

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