Microsoft training can mean a lot of different things. You could be looking for training courses in the standard MS software programs, or you may be considering professional-level IT training to become a Microsoft Certified Professional (or MCP) in a number of different areas. When you are contemplating any kind of training it is advisable to start looking at exactly what you want to get from it - basically why did you start trying to find training to begin with? Included in your research, go over your plans with a training expert who can help you to get what you need out of your training course at the correct price & in the right learning-method for you.

Microsoft means the operating-system 'Windows' to most individuals who use computer systems. It could also mean Microsoft Office, which provides us with various popular PC applications. Word is the company's word processing software, known to millions around the globe. While 'Excel' is the most commonly used spreadsheet & 'Access' offers database abilities to many businesses. The final of the main 4 programs in Office is PowerPoint, which is widely used for delivering presentations. (Having said that there are lots of more in the 'Microsoft' stable, including 'Outlook', which is commonly used as an email, messaging & calendar solution.)

Databases possess their very own 'language' called SQL ('Structured Query Language') which can be used to decipher information from a 'standardised' database. Structured Query Language is relevant to how data is stored on a Database and extracted out of it. Therefore an understanding of the language is crucial for anybody looking for a professional Database career. 'DBA's' (Database-Administrators) effectively manage database information and reporting, whilst DB Developers set-up and design databases. A lot of Developers are programmers as well, and are able to create software for databases in either 'C#' or VB.

Whether you are looking to achieve an entry level knowledge of these systems & packages, or perhaps a more complete professional level comprehension to help you support other people, there are several accreditations that could help. The 'MOS' ('Microsoft Office Specialist') and MCAS ('Microsoft Certified Application Specialist') programs teach the 'Office' Suite in depth. A degree up from 'MOS' and MCAS is 'MCDST' - 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', which provides you with the skill-set to support others within an office environment.

Or, you're possibly thinking of getting into a professional role in the IT market, & need higher level MS accreditation. The assessment structure at 'Microsoft' has fairly recently experienced an important over-haul. A lot of career tracks still lead to 'MCP' qualifications, but the trend is gradually shifting towards 'MCITP' and MCTS programs (Microsoft Certified IT Professional & Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist respectively). Students on MCITP programs generally work up via 'MCTS' training paths.

Commercial communications around the globe are led by MS Network and Server Operating Systems. 'Windows Server' is used as the operating platform in at least 80 - 90 percent of all business networks. This software has been through several upgrades now, beginning with NT server, after that turning into Server 2000, Server 2003 and now 'Server 2008'. The majority of business establishments still utilise 'Server 2003', & up-dating to 2008 is unlikely for a lot of them. Typically, its those older platforms that will up-date ('NT' Server or '2000') - essentially skipping a generation or two. If you read our MCSA and MCSE web-pages, you'll find out more about Networking, Servers and the subject of 'Server 2003' verses Server 2008.

Through the years, to their credit, MS have introduced increasingly professional level certifications - which means that various other players in the market have been required to improve their offerings. Because of this the whole I.T. world and especially senior management view professional Microsoft qualifications with great respect.

You can divide up the various certification tracks largely in line with the systems they relate to. So fundamentally we're looking at Programming, Networks and Databases. Every one of these paths has it's own unique set of individual certification groups - which can be perused in more depth by going through the appropriate pages of this site.

MS own 'Visual Studio', - the foremost Windows software development environment. A number of languages are offered, but the 2 most frequently used ones are C#.Net and 'VB.Net'. Information regarding both 'languages' is included in the Programming area of this web-site. Essentially the most widely recognised accreditations are the 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist' & the 'Microsoft Certified Professional Developer'.

PC Certification Training For CompTIA Tech Support >>