Training programs in Microsoft take care of a wide variety of options. To some people Microsoft training is all about understanding software-packages, & to others it indicates attaining more advanced level IT certifications to operate at a professional level in the IT industry. It is very important, as with all training, to be very sure of where you want to get to, and what your motivations are to reach that point, as these can greatly impact what route you take & what learning style you utilise. If you're about to make a change of career in to IT, or would like to enhance your career prospects in the industry, then don't risk it to chance. Speak to a professional training advisor who can help you to avoid the wrong things.

Over time, to their credit, Microsoft have introduced more and more professional certifications - which means that various other companies in the market have been required to enhance their offerings. Therefore, advanced Microsoft accreditations are held in particularly high regard by both I.T. leaders & industry worldwide.

To the majority of Computer users, the word 'Windows' comes to mind once they think of Microsoft. The word 'Office' might equally come to mind because many men and women associate the applications system with the company itself. 'Word' is Microsoft's word-processing software, familiar to many millions around the globe. Excel is also a tremendously well-known program for spreadsheets, as well as 'Access' which enables us to make databases. The next one of the main 4 software packages in Office is 'PowerPoint', which is commonly used for giving presentations. There is though much more to Office as a whole, for example Microsoft Outlook serves as a calendar, e-mail & messaging system.

A dedicated language has been formulated for working with & interrogating 'Databases', known as SQL, or Structured Query Language. Structured Query Language is key to how data is saved on a database and extracted from it. Therefore knowledge of the 'language' is critical for anyone looking for a professional Database position. 'Developers' ('DBDs') set-up & design 'databases' for 'Administrators' ('DBA's') to regulate, interpret and generate reports on the information. Quite often, a DB Developer will also acquire programming certifications (either in VB or 'C#',) in order to have the complete skill set needed to write database software, as well as design the storage structures.

Microsoft Networking & Server Operating-Systems control the corporate world. It is now thought that at least 80-90 per cent of business networking systems use 'Windows' Server as the standard platform. It began as NT server but has been improved through the years to Server 2000, Server 2003 and more recently 'Server 2008'. In business, 'Server 2003' is still the most common, & it's probable that many companies using this platform won't upgrade to 'Server 2008'. More likely, it's those previous platforms that will update ('NT' Server or 'Server 2000') - effectively bypassing a generation. If you refer to our MCSA and 'MCSE' pages, you'll find out much more about Networking, Servers & the question of 'Server 2003' verses 'Server 2008'.

You can divide the different certification paths fundamentally in accordance with the systems they relate to. So essentially we're looking at Programming, Networking & Databases. For additional advice on the particulars of each individual training-route & certification group, research the key areas pertinent to each one on this web-site.

The primary Windows software program development 'environment' is known as Microsoft 'Visual Studio'. 'C#.Net' & VB.Net are the most in-demand 'languages' to master. You'll learn more about these on our specialist Programming web-pages. MCAD and MCSD certifications have been upgraded to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) & the 'Microsoft Certified Professional Developer' (MCPD).

Whether you are seeking to gain an entry level knowledge of these systems & packages, or a full professional level comprehension to help you support others, there are lots of certifications which could help. To learn about 'Office' 2003 ('XP') evaluate 'MOS' - Microsoft Office Specialist. For Office 2007 (Vista) skillsets opt for MCAS - Microsoft Certified Application Specialist. A level up from MOS and MCAS is MCDST - 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', which will give you the skill-set to support other people in an office environment.

On the other hand, you may be looking to get in to a professionally skilled job in the IT market, and need advanced level 'Microsoft' accreditation. 'Microsoft' have recently revamped their certification structure, & whilst there are still many routes based upon the 'MCP' qualifications, we are more and more witnessing the change to 'MCITP' (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) and MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) programs. In general, the 'MCTS' qualifications are achieved en-route to a full MCITP program.

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