Training Courses in 'Microsoft' deal with a multitude of alternatives. At one side of the scale, you may need some instruction on Word or 'Excel', on the other you might be looking for several MCPs to become certified in IT at a professional level. Training tracks & instructing methods vary tremendously, so be careful that you don't make in-accurate assumptions about programs. It is vital that the training will deliver the end result you are hoping for. We continually recommend that if you plan to go after IT as a profession, have a good careers conversation with a professional advisor, to be sure you do not waste either your time or money.

A unique 'language' has been created for working on & interrogating Databases, known as 'SQL', or Structured Query Language. Anyone hoping to work with databases in a professional manner must learn to understand 'SQL', so that they can manage data efficiently. DBA's (Database-Administrators) effectively manage Database information and reporting, whilst 'DB Developers' setup & design 'databases'. Quite often, a 'DB Developer' may also gain programming certifications (either in 'VB' or 'C#',) so as to hold the full skillset required to create database software, and also design the storage structures.

Corporate communications globally are dominated by Microsoft Networking and Server Operating Systems. 'Windows' Server is used as the standard operating platform in approximately 80-90 percent of all networked offices. This particular software has seen various updates now, starting with 'NT' server, then becoming Server 2000, Server 2003 and now Server 2008. A large amount of companies still use 2003 as their operating platform, & do not intend to change. More likely, it will be those previous platforms that will up-grade ('NT' Server or 2000) - essentially bypassing a generation. Further discussion regarding 'Server 2003' & '2008' is available on our dedicated MCSE and MCSA training pages, where you'll likewise discover more about Microsoft Network & Server Operating Systems.

The key areas that 'Microsoft' offers accreditation tracks for are typically related to their core systems. So fundamentally we are focusing on Programming, Networks & Databases. Each of these paths has its own distinctive list of individual accreditation groups - which can be viewed in more depth by browsing through the appropriate pages of this site.

To many PC users, the word Windows comes up when they think about 'Microsoft'. The word 'Office' might equally come to mind because many men and women associate the 'applications' system with the organisation itself. MS 'Word' is Microsoft's word processing application, familiar to many millions worldwide. Whilst Excel is the most commonly used spreadsheet & 'Access' delivers database capabilities to numerous businesses. For delivering presentations, 'Office' provides the software package PowerPoint, which rounds off the principle applications in the suite. In reality 'Microsoft' have taken their Office portfolio a lot further - for example with Outlook for messaging, diary formatting and e-mailing.

MS own 'Visual Studio', which is the foremost 'Windows' software development environment. A number of 'languages' are provided, though the two most commonly used ones are C#.Net & 'VB.Net'. You can find out more about these on our specialist Programming & Development web pages. 'MCAD' & MCSD accreditations have undergone an update to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) & the 'Microsoft Certified Professional Developer' (MCPD).

Proficient user skills can be acquired through certain 'Microsoft' accreditation tracks, & commercial support skillsets through others. To find out about 'Office' 2003 ('XP') take a look at MOS - 'Microsoft Office Specialist'. For Office 2007 (Vista) skills choose MCAS - Microsoft Certified Application Specialist. A level up from MOS and 'MCAS' is 'MCDST' - 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', which provides you with the skill-set to support other users in an office environment.

There are various more specialised & higher qualification paths if you're looking to become a more senior I.T. professional. Microsoft have just lately re-vamped their certification structure, and whilst you will still find many routes based upon the MCP certifications, we are more and more observing the change to MCITP ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') and 'MCTS' ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') programs. 'MCTS' learning packages are usually taken as building blocks to the 'MCITP'.

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