A rudimentary idea of networks is a good first-base for anyone getting into the IT industry. Before you're confident about the way a Computer functions and communicates with other PCs, the rest is probably nonsense. Presuming at least a basic level of computer user skills, (see the general Computer Training pages if not,) the recommended starting-point is nearly always the 'CompTIA' A+ and 'Network+' . We have extensive information about these programs on our section dedicated to CompTIA.

Moving on from here you might consider the MS 'MCSA'/'MCSE' or the 'Cisco' CCNA or CCNP, subject to whether you're interested in the 'hardware' or 'software' end of the equation. Having said that, an in-depth knowledge of MS's operating systems is very useful as they're such an important element of the majority of networking-environments. Once again, these qualifications are covered in-depth on their respective sections on this website.

However, you might want to keep going on the vendor neutral track with more CompTIA certification (e.g. Linux+ , Server+ & Security+ ) or maybe try your hand at the wireless ('Wi-Fi') side of things by taking the CWNP or CWNA.

Students who consider this area of study are often very practical, and won't enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and slogging through piles of books. If you're thinking this sounds like you, go for more modern interactive training, where learning is video-based. Where possible, if we can study while utilising as many senses as possible, our results will often be quite spectacular.

Locate a program where you'll receive a selection of CD and DVD ROM's - you'll learn by watching video tutorials and demonstrations, and then have the opportunity to fine-tune your skills in fully interactive practice sessions. It's very important to see some example materials from your chosen company. You'll want to see that they include video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.

Go for CD or DVD ROM based materials whenever you can. You're then protected from internet connection failure and issues with signal quality.

An all too common mistake that potential students often succumb to is to concentrate on the course itself, instead of focusing on the end result they want to achieve. Schools are full of direction-less students who chose a course based on what sounded good - rather than what would get them the job they want. It's quite usual, in some situations, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study and then spend 20 miserable years in something completely unrewarding, entirely because you stumbled into it without some quality research at the beginning.

Stay tuned-in to where you want to go, and create a learning-plan from that - don't do it back-to-front. Keep on track and study for a career that'll reward you for many long and fruitful years. Take guidance from a professional advisor, even if there's a fee involved - as it's a lot cheaper and safer to investigate at the start if a chosen track will suit, instead of discovering after 2 years that you've picked the wrong track and have to return to the start of another program.

Many training providers will only provide office hours or extended office hours support; It's rare to find someone who offers late evening or full weekend cover. some companies only provide email support (slow), and phone support is usually just a call-centre who will just take down the issue and email it over to their technical team - who will then call back sometime over the next 24hrs, when it suits them. This is all next to useless if you're stuck and can't continue and only have certain times available in which to do your studies.

The very best programs opt for an online 24 hours-a-day facility utilising a variety of support centres across the globe. You get an easy to use environment that seamlessly accesses whichever office is appropriate any time of the day or night: Support when you need it. Don't compromise when you're looking for the right support service. Most would-be IT professionals that fall by the wayside, are in that situation because of support (or the lack of).

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