This field is among the widest and most all encompassing areas in the world of IT. It would take far too long to train to become a professional in all elements, and so specialisation is essential to some extent. The key systems players in this market are Microsoft & Cisco. The actual software program side of Networks is MS's department, and the hard-ware side (routers, controllers & switches etc.) is where Cisco primarily work. It has become financially and economically essential for both MS and Cisco to move into security over the last several years. Another fast growing market within this sector is wireless-connectivity & related products. Lastly, two crucial & growing fields within the security marketplace are Computer-Forensics & Ethical-Hacking.

The vendor neutral worldwide organisation CompTIA now provides perhaps the most recognised and widely-respected independent IT qualifications. Establishments like 'ISC2' provide Security accreditations, and CWNP provide specialised wireless-networking paths. As you would expect Microsoft & Cisco offer a complete selection of skilled professional certifications. As there are so many training and job options available in this area, its sensible to take more personal advice from an experienced expert before selecting your particular track. This will likely stop you from making an expensive mistake, both in terms of time and money spent.

One of the newest sectors in this field is known as 'Digital Forensics'. We link forensics with television shows like CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). The actual reality of Computer Forensics is much more routine than pictured in these shows (clearly!) And yet, forensic investigation by means of advanced technologies can offer a hugely gratifying career. A Computer Forensics expert will find & explain 'digital artefacts' that are frequently used to resolve offences.

Seated between Computer Forensics and Security, comes the field of 'Ethical Hacking'. Experienced I.T. professionals can learn the principles of criminal hacking for ethical security purposes. The EC-Council offers medium to advanced level certifications, namely the CEH ('Certified Ethical Hacker') & the CHFI ('Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator').

Industry-recognised certifications can be acquired from both the vendors & vendor-neutral companies. The fact is, there is a lot of accreditation that's supplied by very respectable impartial organisations - and this has grown to be increasingly significant. It's now extensively recognised that knowledge of inter connectivity & technological convergence is becoming extremely fundamental in networking. We are seeing an essential generational shift within network technology at this moment, thoughts in general are leaning toward greener IT, & both processing-power & data-storage are shifting towards Cloud computing. The development of 'green' I.T. addresses two essential factors : reducing the effect on the environment is one, but perhaps of equal significance to business is cost. The processing-power within more technologically advanced computer systems is lower, which means there's less heat to cool down. Fuel bills can often be significantly reduced for companies like data centres that are big technology users.

A basic idea of networks is a great first base for anybody getting into the IT industry. You must know exactly how PC's operate & connect with one another before you can consider anything else. If you have decent literacy skills, you'll find packages like 'CompTIA's A+' and 'N+' offers you a very good grounding to start out on your career path. We feature details about these training programs on the web-pages focused on CompTIA.

Taking things further you can either follow the Microsoft MCSE or MCSA track if you're considering 'software', or the Cisco 'CCNA' or 'CCNP' track if you're interested in 'hardware'. Having said that, an in depth knowledge of Microsoft's operating-systems is highly advantageous as they are such a key element of most networking environments. For more details, you will find information about each accreditation on the Cisco and MS pages of the web-site.

Of course you may choose to fine tune your Wi-Fi (wire-less) skill-sets with accreditations such as the CWNA and CWNP, or continue along the 'CompTIA' path with Linux+, Server+ or Security+ .

You will find a variety of specialist MCSEs from Microsoft, that look after areas like Messaging or Security if that is the path you need. You could possibly decide to look at Security+ with CompTIA, and then the 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional' ('CISSP'). 'CISSP' applicants have to have significant professional working experience, so be sure you research this thoroughly. As always, we recommend talking with a knowledgeable industry advisor in order to avoid any kind of mistakes.

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