Training programs in Microsoft take care of a multitude of choices. At one end of the range, you might need some training on 'Word' or Excel, at the other you may be looking for a number of 'MCP's' in order to qualify in I.T. at the professional level. It's extremely important, as it is with all training, to be sure of where you would like to get to, & what your motivations are to get there, because these will greatly impact what route you take and what learning method you utilise. During your IT research, go over your plans with an industry training expert who can help you to get what you need out of your training program at the right price and in the most appropriate learning-style for you.

The main fields that 'Microsoft' provide certification paths for are largely relevant to their core systems offerings. So essentially we're looking at Programming, Networking & Databases. There are specific & very different accreditation groupings regarding each one of these routes; take a look at the relevant sectors on this web-site for further information.

Commercial communications internationally are dominated by Microsoft Networking & Server Operating-Systems. The operating platform for around eight to nine out of ten business networks is thought to be 'Windows' Server. Obviously quite a few up-grades have happened - the original 'NT' Server turned into 2000, then '2003' and today 2008. A significant number of businesses still utilise Server 2003 as their standard operating platform, and do not plan to switch. Generally, it's the previous installations that will upgrade ('NT' Server or Server 2000) - effectively missing a generation or two. If you read our MCSA & MCSE pages, you'll learn more about Networks, Servers and the dilemma of 'Server 2003' verses Server 2008.

To many people today, 'Microsoft' signifies Windows (the Operating System which controls your home PC.) It could also signify Microsoft Office, which provides us with an array of common-place computer applications. Microsoft 'Word' is the most commonly utilised application for word-processing worldwide. 'Excel' is also an exceedingly popular application for spreadsheets, followed by 'Access' which allows us to create databases. For presentations, Office has the software package 'PowerPoint', which rounds off the chief applications in the suite. There is though much more to 'Office' in total, for instance 'Microsoft' Outlook serves as a calendar, email and messaging system.

The drive towards increased professional recognition and skill for I.T. workers has been championed by 'Microsoft' for a couple of decades now. Because of this the whole I.T. world and especially senior managers view skilled professional Microsoft qualifications with great respect.

'Visual Studio' is the primary Windows software development environment, and is solely owned by 'Microsoft'. Several 'languages' are offered, though the 2 most regularly used ones are C#.Net & VB.Net. You'll learn more about these by reading our specific Programming web-pages. The main qualifications are currently the 'MCTS' and 'MCPD' (having replaced the earlier 'MCAD' and MCSD.)

Whether you are looking to gain an entry level knowledge of these systems & packages, or a more complete professional understanding so you can support others, there are many certifications that could help. To find out about 'Office' 2003 ('XP') consider 'MOS' - 'Microsoft Office Specialist'. For Office 2007 ('Vista') skills choose MCAS - 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist'. A degree up from MOS & 'MCAS' is MCDST - Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, which will give you the skill set to support others in an office.

You may also be thinking of a more technical job within the I.T. industry, that would mean more in depth & technical MS accreditation study. The examination structure at 'Microsoft' has recently gone through a significant overhaul. Many career routes still lead to 'MCP' accreditations, however the direction is gradually going towards 'MCITP' & 'MCTS' programs (Microsoft Certified IT Professional & Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist respectively). Candidates on MCITP packages usually work up through MCTS training-paths.

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