Microsoft training can mean several different things. At 1 end of the scale, you might need some coaching on Word or 'Excel', on the other you might be interested in gaining various MCPs to get certified in I.T. at the professional grade. Whenever you're contemplating any type of training course it is advisable to start looking at exactly what you want to get out of it - in other words why did you start looking for training in the first place? We always suggest that should you decide to get into IT as a profession, have a good careers discussion with an expert advisor, to ensure you do not waste either your time or money.

Through the years, to their credit, 'Microsoft' have designed more and more skilled professional certifications - which means that various other companies in the market have been prompted to improve their programs. Consequently skilled professional level MS certification is very well thought of throughout the world of IT and I.T. management.

The main fields that MS provides accreditation routes for are largely related to their core systems offerings. So essentially we're focusing on Programming, Networks and Databases. For further advice on the particulars of each training route and certification group, study the key areas relating to each one on this site.

Microsoft indicates the operating system Windows to many individuals who use personal computers. The term Office may equally spring to mind because many men and women equate the applications system with the company itself. 'Microsoft' 'Word' is the most widely used program for word-processing around the globe. When it comes to spread-sheets we have 'Excel', and when we need database software we've got 'Access'. If we add the PowerPoint presentation software we complete the leading elements commonly associated with the 'Office' group. There is however a lot more to Office as a whole, for instance 'Microsoft' 'Outlook' is used as a calendar, e-mail & messaging-system.

Expert user-skills can be developed through specific 'Microsoft' accreditation tracks, and professional support skillsets through others. To find out about Office 2003 (XP) check out MOS - Microsoft Office Specialist. For Office 2007 ('Vista') skillsets opt for 'MCAS' - 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist'. For an accreditation to support others, check out the 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', or MCDST as its known.

You may also be thinking about a technical job within the IT market, which would require more in-depth and specialist MS certification training. In a bid to upgrade their more advanced certification programs, Microsoft have just lately re-structured a number of their exams. 'Microsoft Certified IT Professional' (MCITP) & Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist ('MCTS') are now being introduced, although many Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams are still current. Individuals on 'MCITP' programs generally build up via MCTS training-paths.

'Visual Studio' is the foremost Windows software program development 'environment', & is exclusively owned by Microsoft. A number of languages are provided, though the two most commonly applied ones are 'C#.Net' and 'Visual Basic.Net'. Information about both of these 'languages' is covered within the Programming section of this website. MCAD and MCSD certifications have been updated to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist ('MCTS') & the 'Microsoft Certified Professional Developer' ('MCPD').

A unique 'language' has been created for working on and interrogating Databases, referred to as 'SQL', or Structured Query Language. Knowledge of this 'language' is vital for anyone thinking about moving into the database field, as it determines exactly how information is filed & extracted. There are 2 tracks for database professionals - 'Database Administrators' who deal with & create reports on the information held, & Database Developers, who are the Designers and creators of 'databases'. A lot of developers are programmers as well, & can create software programs for 'databases' in either 'C#' or VB.

Business & global commerce are overwhelmingly dominating by MS Network & Server Operating-Systems. The operating platform for around eight to nine out of every ten networked offices is estimated to be 'Windows' Server. This application has undergone a number of generations now, starting with 'NT' server, after that turning into Server 2000, Server 2003 and right now Server 2008. In business, Server 2003 continues to be the more common, & it's most likely that many organisations utilising this platform will not update to Server 2008. There are still companies with NT or 2000 platforms, & they are the organisations that have the most need to up-date to Server 2008. You'll come across further information on Microsoft Network & Server Operating Systems in the MCSE/MCSA web-pages, along with information about the Server 2003 versus Server 2008 question.

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