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[Posted 8 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]

The Value Of Certifications In The IT Industry

The IT industry is build on certifications and experience, which means if an individual doesn’t have one then they need the other. The tech industry is a large and varied industry with many specialties. Unlike other industries, it also doesn’t have a strong emphasis on traditional degrees. Instead, the tech industry focuses on many specialized certifications in different fields, one of the most notable being Network+. These certifications show two things: that you have the basic knowledge necessary to fulfill your job, and that you keep on top of current technology and protocols.

Certifications range from entry-level and student certifications to advanced certifications that command a high salary. In general, those with certifications will command a higher salary than those without. Many positions within the IT industry need certifications such as the Network+ to even be considered for hire, especially in lucrative government contracts.

The Different Types of Certification

There are three main types of certification that an IT professional would consider: Microsoft, Cisco, and Comptia. Each of these certification companies have a variety of certification paths that one can go down to advance and specialize their knowledge.

Microsoft certifications focus on supporting Microsoft products for the use of systems administration and help desk support, where Cisco certifications focus on supporting Cisco products for network and routing capabilities. These are two very different industries which means that an IT professional should choose the industry that they prefer before deciding which certifications they want.

Comptia is different from the other certificate vendors because they are not based on any specific product line. Rather, Comptia certifications test entry-level capabilities in general technology, and thus show an individual’s ability to work in any environment.

When To Get Network+ Certification

Network+ certification is an entry-level certification that is usually taken at the beginning of one’s career or even while still in school. The Network+ certification will show employers that an individual is aware of the basic concepts of networking and routing. This differentiates an individual from other job applicants and proves that they have the basic knowledge required to be a network administrator.

Network+ certification is required for many positions, and is often preferred over Cisco Certified Network Associate certifications for positions that want all-around knowledge and not Cisco-specific knowledge. Network+ certification is a single exam that can be arranged through a local testing center.

How To Study For Network+ Certification

There are many different ways to study for Network+ certification, depending on an individual’s preference for learning. There are physical classes by local IT centers, video lessons, audiotapes, textbooks, and interactive practice tests. The Network+ certification is best taken by people that have at least a small amount of experience in the industry.

What To Do After The Network+ Certification

Since the Network+ certification is an entry-level certification there are a couple of options an individual can take after Network+. There are other Comptia certifications for a variety of technologies that can help grow an individual outwards. Obtaining a Microsoft certification or Cisco certification after Network+ can similarly make an individual look more well-rounded and professional.

The Cisco certification path for networking is more involved than the Network+ certification, so it is often easier to take Network+ before the Cisco exams. The Microsoft certification paths, however, can show that an employee is able to handle both the networking and the system administration side of technology as well as opening up different positions to a job seeker.

[Posted 5 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]

If you are someone who is interested in working in a technology related field, or even if you are considering how you can better your chances of getting a job in general, you will quickly need to learn more about A+ certification.  A+ certification is something that is generating attention, but what does it cover and why should you have it? Should you have it at all? Before you decide on whether you want this certification or not, take a moment to review a few key facts.

What Does A+ Certification Cover?

At the most basic level, A+ certification declares that you are a competent computer technician. A+ certification is a vendor-indepdendent certification that allows you to state that you are familiar with computer software and hardware and that you have had some training when it comes troubleshooting. The test covers everything from hardware to computer safety to networking to personal devices like laptops and PDAs. Having an A+ certification states that you have a broad and generalized amount of information about computers and networks.

Core Understanding

If you are not someone who is computer savvy, that is, you do not have a strong desire to work with computers or ascend through computer repair and design departments, then you will find that the A+ certification is an excellent workhorse certification to earn. While it does prepare you for work as an IT assistant or an IT helpdesk person, it is not designed to advance you into an upper-division IT personnel the way that more elaborate certifications will. However, becoming certified will show that you have more information than a layperson.

Increased Pay

An A+ certification will earn you approximately 11 percent more within your first year of certification than you would receive without a certification. A+ certification is excellent to have in conjunction with other certifications, like Network+. Both on its own and as a supplemental certification, the A+ certification is an excellent choice for you.

Increased Familiarity With Computers

There is far too great an impulse to see our computers and our networks as complex machinery that few people understand. We set them up clumsily and with no idea why they go together, and when they break, it takes hours, days or even weeks to fix. If you are someone who uses computers on a regular basis, it is often worth your while to find out how to repair them. Instead of handing your computer over to repair personnel who will charge you for parts in addition to an hourly wage, you will know how to do the vast majority of simple computer fixes on your own. This is invaluable for an independent worker.

Foot in the Door

With so many IT professionals looking for jobs, it is important to distinguish yourself from everyone else. By making sure that you have A+ certification, you will be able to make sure that the individuals who are looking at your resume will give it a thorough inspection. A+ certification shows that you are someone who is interested in a wide range of training and that you can follow through with a project.

Take a moment to think about what A+ certification could do for you, your career and your ability to get ahead!

[Posted 28 Feb 2013 by Kathy Yale]

Achieving your CompTIA A+ Certification is easier than ever before. Considering that technology has improved by leaps and bounds in the last decade, and that Internet access is now as ubiquitous as TV and telephones, studying for the A+ exam is not only more accessible, but convenient. In addition to widespread Internet access, mobile smartphones are another technology which has caught on quickly. They will enable you to take advantage of study materials online anywhere you may go, including streaming video which was a rarity before high-bandwidth Internet became the norm.

Practice Questions

A mainstay of studying for the CompTIA A+ Certification exam is practice questions, and many A+ study guides in print include their own test questions on CD to drill you on your knowledge while revealing your strengths and weaknesses. Some practice environments will even simulate computer hardware to let you put your practical knowledge to the test, utilizing the Microsoft Silverlight framework, and can be accessed in almost any web browser and on any Windows computer, making studying for the A+ certification convenient and simple. The software includes videos, printable course material, a wide array of practice questions to test you after each chapter, and lab simulations of computer repair scenarios that you will be more than qualified to handle after you have become certified.

Smartphone Compatibility

If you’re often on the go, you may have a smartphone with you. Smartphones became popular almost overnight and have web browsers comparable to those on any desktop PC that can handle multimedia software like Flash and Java. This means that many A+ study materials that are available online can be with you anywhere you go, making this the most portable and convenient way to study for the CompTIA A+ exam. For example, if you are an iPhone user, you can download the free TranscenderFlash CompTIA A+ study material. Android smartphone users can also download a variety of apps and study guides for the A+ exam in the Android app store. Because smartphones also come equipped with web browsers, users can easily find study materials, practice questions and other information about the A+ simply by searching online. PDF e-book versions of traditional print materials can also be purchased, downloaded and viewed on the smartphone, making the smartphone one of the best study tools available.

Streaming

Streaming video has also become a convenient way to study for the CompTIA A+ exam, since most web browsers are capable of streaming such videos. Smartphones can also take advantage of the fast cellular data network to access these forms of study materials, often including support for sites like YouTube. A search on Youtube for “CompTIA A+” will offer study videos that you can easily access at a computer or on a smartphone.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

The highly technical members of law enforcement that deal with cyber-crime and cyber-criminals are now able to receive advanced training through a joint effort of CompTIA, McGraw Hill Courseware and the Department of Defense. CompTIA is the leading non-profit Information Technology industry training and trade association on a professional level. The CompTIA training provides in depth and uniform knowledge and skills training to IT professionals involved in the cyber-crime fight. Students at the Department of Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy and other law enforcement agencies greatly benefit from the certifications. The CompTIA A+ certification is vendor neutral certifications the students are able to use to further their IT credentials.

A+ Certification

Many levels of law enforcement now require a minimum of the A+ certification. The Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the CIA, state level agencies and even local law enforcement agencies all demand IT personnel have the CompTIA A+ certification. The A+ certification covers many aspects of computer hardware and software; it is designed to give the student a basic overview of these topics. The A+ certification covers computer hardware components. To receive the certification you will know the component compatibility for AMD and Intel Central Processors. Professionals will be able to network all makes of networking hardware. Installing and uninstalling Operating Systems are must have skills to acquire a passing score. There is a separate section for desktop computers and laptop computers. Auxiliary hardware is covered such as printers and other peripheral devices. Computer operational procedure knowledge and skills are tested. Security is a skill built into the training for A+ . The training covers mobile device knowledge and skills. The certified IT professional is proficient in troubleshooting desktops, laptops and mobile devices.

Network+ Certification

The Network+ certification builds onto the A+ certification. Most Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies require applicants and current IT Professionals to have the CompTIA Network+ certification. The Network+ certification covers many topics. Certification requires planning and installing different types of networks. Virtual networking including virtual servers, desktop computers, backbone infrastructure, switches and telephony devices is included in the training for the Network+ certificate. The successfully certified candidate is required to know about cellular and wireless networking and networking security practices. The professional has to be able to do in depth hardware, software, router and switches troubleshooting and configurations. The student will be required to know how to set up the Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) and the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP/IP). The exams also include media and topologies and network management.

Security+ Certification

The Department of Defense requires the CompTIA Security+ certification for military personnel and contractors involved in activities regarding information data safety activities. The Security+ IT professional will be competent in Network security. The Security+ training teaches the candidates how to utilize knowledge of security tools and concepts. They will know security compliance and operation security practices. The student will be able to astutely recognize threats and vulnerabilities in the Network including applications, data, and host servers. Access control and identity management are proven skills by the certified IT personnel. Cryptography is a tested area in the Security+ certification.

Through a joint effort of the Depart of Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy, McGraw Hill courseware and CompTIA; the CompTIA certifications now provide law enforcement IT personnel in depth and uniform training to help combat cyber-crime.

[Posted 26 Feb 2013]

The IC3 Certification is a basic technical test that many offices issue to their employees. This test ensure that you can use the core Microsoft programs, and it also ensure that you have enough technical skill to do common office work. If you want to make the test easy on yourself, there are many things that you can do to prepare:

Understand the Exam

The two types of questions that you will have to answer on an IC3 Certification exam are multiple choice and questions about functionality. The multiple choice questions are fairly easy, and you have a 25 percent chance of getting the question right even if you randomly guess.
The other questions are about functionality. For example, if you were asked a question about using the mail merge function in Word, you would open Word and use this function to score points. Be sure to know all of the basic functions within the Microsoft Suite to get the most points possible.

Sections

There are three sections to the test and each one focuses on certain computer skills. The Computing Fundamentals section focuses on using software, understanding hardware and working with the OS. This is mostly identifying parts of the computer and showing that you understand how they work.

The next section is Applications. This section has many functional questions about Word and Excel. You must be able to format text, insert tables and manipulate graphics.

The last section is Living Online. This deals with the Internet and many Internet-based applications like emails and networks. You must identify how these applications work and why they are important.

Preparation Course

The IC3 Certification offers a preparation course that can be taken before the actual exam. The course will show you all of the information that will be on the test, and the teacher will discuss how to use the functions examined during the exam.

This is easily one of the best ways to prepare for the test because you will immediately be able to use this information on the actual test. If you are having a hard time understanding the concepts, then this course might be the thing you need to pass IC3 Certification.


Practice Tests
There are practice tests for the IC3 Certification that you can take from Total Seminars. This gives you a chance to see how you will do on the real test, and it also shows you your problem areas so that you know what you need to study. This might be good even if you are an experienced computer user just to ensure that you won’t fail.

Use Basic Functions

Most people taking the IC3 Certification have a hard time with the functional side of the test. This is because it might be difficult to remember where a certain tool is if you haven’t actively practiced using it.

Many experts suggest opening Word and Excel and just playing around with the different tools. This will give you a better understanding of the menus and the location of tools, and you won’t feel as overwhelmed when the test is asking you to quickly find and use a function.

Conclusion

The IC3 Certification is a fairly easy exam that most people will be able to pass without much difficulty, but there are those that might have a hard time with certain aspects of this exam. If you aren’t that familiar with computers, then follow the suggestions above to help prepare for the test.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

The IT field is incredibly competitive and there are thousands of very skilled people doing their best to get an IT career. If you want to stand a chance against the competition, then you need certification. There are many certifications available, but many IT professionals say that the CompTIA A+ Certification is the best. Certification is becoming mandatory if you desire a career in the IT field.

Required for Careers

The CompTIA A+ Certification used to be required only for advanced careers and promotions. While this is still true, there are many entry-level careers that also require applicants to have this certification. This is because the company doesn’t want to waste time on applicants and employees that cannot operate certain technology.

You might know a lot about technology, and you might be able to easily complete your daily tasks without being certified. At the same time, you need to remember that your resume is the employers point of reference until they meet you. If you don’t have a CompTIA certification, then your chances of ever meeting an employer will significantly decrease.

Vendor Neutral

Another great benefit of the CompTIA certification is that it’s neutral. For example, a Windows certification only teaches you about Windows technology. This limits your prospects because many companies use Linux and other operating systems. While these certifications are great if you want to specialize in a certain area, the CompTIA is completely neutral.

The certification process will teach you how to work with technology as a whole. This is highly prized because the company might switch from one type of technology to another.

Better Salary

While getting an IT job is difficult without certification, it is possible. You might have the opportunity to show that you have enough skill to become an employee, or you might find a new company that isn’t very discerning. Even though you can get a job without certification, you should still become certified.

IT professionals with a CompTIA certification tend to make more than others in a similar position without certification. These professionals also tend to be promoted quicker.

Business Benefits

Companies don’t just want to hire skilled employees. They recognize that there are many benefits to hiring certified employees, and they want to use these advantages as much as possible. IT companies that hire certified applicants will spend less training new employees. Certification ensures that the new employees are both competent and serious about their careers.

Personal Benefits

Certification is useful because it will help you get a job, but it will also help your self-esteem. Many people don’t think that they are ready to pursue an IT career. Obtaining a certification shows that you are capable of performing the necessary tasks, and that you have the skills required to become an IT professional.

While it is possible to get an IT career without CompTIA certification, you will find that it is much easier if you are certified. Companies are looking for certified professionals as it is a sign of competence and companies have to pay very little to train certified people. If you are serious about having an IT career, then you need CompTIA certification.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

Professional certification is just one aspect of the portfolio of the IT professional. It not only helps to define the scope and skill of your expertise, it also offers many opportunities for an employer to create a better picture for you as both a potential hire and employee. The extensive material in a Network+ Certification differs from other certifications in that it not only includes specific network troubleshooting, but also aspects of basic network design and troubleshooting. This is often the very basic requisite for future leadership roles. It serves as a launching platform to more advanced understanding of the OSI model as well as a great pairing with certifications such as the CCNA.

Shows Interest in the Field of Networking at Large

The Network+ certification procedure requires re-certification every three years. Those who took the test before December 31,2010 are excluded from this rule. This requires recent test takers to prove their knowledge more quickly, showing interest in the networking field at large.

Show Competency in Crucial Networking Configuration Duties

The Network+ Certification contains many areas of study in the networking field. Specifically it focuses on network design, configuring TCP/IP, cabling, hardware setup, configuration, and support for troubleshooting. This shows an employer that you know these areas well.

The Network+ Certification is a Product of Choice for Many Companies

Companies like Dell, Sharp, and Xerox often require the use of CompTIA Network+. The job candidate can serve many roles within the company by obtaining Network+: IT network technician, installer, or help desk technician are just a few of the roles available. It is also a requisite for the industry-standard for partially fulfilling more advanced certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification.

CompTIA is not Product-Specific

While in many cases, certification is bound to using specific products, the benefit of CompTIA Network+ is its lack of being bound to a specific technology. Instead, it focuses on the general technology that can work for any networking product. This allows for both an easy way to gain entry into the field for beginning IT Professionals (or anyone working with technology), as well as the ability to apply skills to any vendor.

Many corporations and businesses may not be vendor-specific and the benefit of a generalized certification is the ability to lock in to some corporate training programs that combine well with the Network+ path.

Preparation of Network+ Will Improve Your Chances for Future IT Certifications

Much of the foundation of knowledge in Network+ includes a scope in networking that applies to almost every other IT Certification that deals with communication between servers and computers. The theoretical knowledge behind Network+ is critical to opening these new doors for employment. Besides showing a boost to a resume, this certification will go in your tool belt of vendor-neutral certs that create a networking profile or portfolio for future employers. In fact, it contains the theoretical components necessary to understand the function of networking and networking layers in almost any networking environment. As a result, this increases training opportunities often required for far more advanced IT certifications.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

The IT field is incredibly competitive and there are thousands of very skilled people doing their best to get an IT career. If you want to stand a chance against the competition, then you need certification. There are many certifications available, but many IT professionals say that the CompTIA A+ Certification is the best. Certification is becoming mandatory if you desire a career in the IT field.

Required for Careers

The CompTIA A+ Certification used to be required only for advanced careers and promotions. While this is still true, there are many entry-level careers that also require applicants to have this certification. This is because the company doesn’t want to waste time on applicants and employees that cannot operate certain technology.

You might know a lot about technology, and you might be able to easily complete your daily tasks without being certified. At the same time, you need to remember that your resume is the employers point of reference until they meet you. If you don’t have a CompTIA certification, then your chances of ever meeting an employer will significantly decrease.

Vendor Neutral

Another great benefit of the CompTIA certification is that it’s neutral. For example, a Windows certification only teaches you about Windows technology. This limits your prospects because many companies use Linux and other operating systems. While these certifications are great if you want to specialize in a certain area, the CompTIA is completely neutral.

The certification process will teach you how to work with technology as a whole. This is highly prized because the company might switch from one type of technology to another.

Better Salary

While getting an IT job is difficult without certification, it is possible. You might have the opportunity to show that you have enough skill to become an employee, or you might find a new company that isn’t very discerning. Even though you can get a job without certification, you should still become certified.

IT professionals with a CompTIA certification tend to make more than others in a similar position without certification. These professionals also tend to be promoted quicker.

Business Benefits

Companies don’t just want to hire skilled employees. They recognize that there are many benefits to hiring certified employees, and they want to use these advantages as much as possible. IT companies that hire certified applicants will spend less training new employees. Certification ensures that the new employees are both competent and serious about their careers.

Personal Benefits

Certification is useful because it will help you get a job, but it will also help your self-esteem. Many people don’t think that they are ready to pursue an IT career. Obtaining a certification shows that you are capable of performing the necessary tasks, and that you have the skills required to become an IT professional.

While it is possible to get an IT career without CompTIA certification, you will find that it is much easier if you are certified. Companies are looking for certified professionals as it is a sign of competence and companies have to pay very little to train certified people. If you are serious about having an IT career, then you need CompTIA certification.

Lifehacker just made an interesting post on fixing hard drives – including opening the drive! Yipe! Not for the faint of heart.

http://lifehacker.com/5982339/diy-data-recovery-tricks-for-when-your-hard-drive-goes-belly-up?utm_campaign=socialflow_lifehacker_facebook&utm_source=lifehacker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Posted by: Kathy Yale

Information technology, the field encompassing computers, networks, software, applications, and the internet, is growing exponentially. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an entry-level help-desk position is expected to grow 18% between 2010 and 2010, which is as fast, if not faster, than average. In other words, a career in technology will not disappear anytime soon. The average starting pay for a basic I.T. job is over $46,000 a year. In fact, an entry-level tech job, on average, pays more than the average salary for Licensed Practical Nurses, truck drivers, licensed teachers, and plumbers. And the pay only increases from there in information technology; many workers earn an average of between $60,000 and over $100,000 per year depending on the specialization, degree level, and experience. Many prospective information technology job seekers are beginning to see the value in obtaining an A+ Certification to boost their credentials in this ever-expanding field.

Unlike other careers, an entry-level I.T. position does not require years of training in order to obtain a lucrative job. There are no clinical rotations to complete or extensive background checks to process in information technology. Tech positions can be found in nearly every business in every location. While many individuals do choose to get a degree in technology, the best way to obtain a career in I.T. is to start with an A+ Certification. Certifications are inexpensive and quick, which makes them ideal for those who want to get started in a technology job quickly.

Obtaining a Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is considered by many to be the gold standard for breaking into a tech job. The A+ certification is recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Defense and is vendor neutral. Some employers like Dell, Intel, and Lenovo require the CompTIA A+ certification. Other employers do not require it of their techs but will give preferential hiring or increased starting pay to applicants who have the certification. The cost of the certification is relatively low at under a few hundred dollars for both the Practical and the Essentials exams. Many libraries carry a wide selection of CompTIA A+ study guides that individuals can use for free to prepare to take the exams.

What CompTIA A+ Certification Entails

The CompTIA A+ certification covers the field of information technology broadly. The Essentials exam covers hardware, computer troubleshooting and maintenance, operating systems and software, networking, and security. The Practical exam covers troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance steps relating to hardware, operating systems, and networks.

More lucrative technical positions do require advanced certifications or a degree, but these are not needed to get started on a well-paying tech career. Many individuals start in a type of help-desk position and advance as they gain experience, more certifications, or a degree. Other certifications include those offered by CompTIA like the Network+ and the Security+ certifications. Cisco certifications are especially popular among those already in the IT field, as pay for those certifications is easily over $60,000 a year. Unfortunately, these advanced certifications can be much more costly to obtain and are not a good start for those just wanting to break into technology quickly.

A career in technology is perfect for most people, as there are many avenues someone can take within technology. An individual who prefers customer service can focus on a computer support role. Those who like to be hands-on can set up networks or provide help-desk support. Entrepreneurial-minded individuals can create their own computer consulting and repair company. There are many avenues for success within the field of information technology and getting started is as easy as deciding to begin.