Training programs in 'Microsoft' take care of a wide variety of choices. At 1 side of the scale, you may need some coaching on 'Word' or 'Excel', at the other you may be interested in gaining several 'MCP's' to become certified in I.T. at the professional grade. Training tracks and teaching methods vary tremendously, so be careful that you don't make inaccurate presumptions regarding programs. It is vital that the training will deliver the end result you are hoping for. We constantly advise that if you intend to get into IT as a profession, have a balanced careers talk with a professional advisor, to make sure you do not waste either your time or money.

The primary Windows software program development environment is known as 'Microsoft' Visual Studio. A number of 'languages' are offered, though the two most commonly applied ones are 'C#.Net' & Visual Basic.Net. Information about both of these 'languages' is included in the Programming and Development section of this website. MCAD and 'MCSD' qualifications have been updated to the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist ('MCTS') & the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD).

To many people, 'Microsoft' usually means 'Windows' (the operating system which controls your desktop computer.) It might also signify Microsoft 'Office', which provides us with various common-place PC applications. The most common program is probably 'Word', which is an application for word-processing. Excel is also an extremely well-liked application for spreadsheets, followed by 'Access' which allows us to produce databases. The next one of the most important four software packages in 'Office' is 'PowerPoint', which is widely used for delivering presentations. (Although there are several more within the 'Microsoft' stable, including 'Outlook', which is widely used as an e-mail, messaging and diary solution.)

Commercial communications globally have been taken over by MS Network and Server Operating Systems. It is now estimated that a minimum of 80-90 percent of all workplace networks use 'Windows' Server as the standard platform. It started out as NT Server but has been improved through the years to Server 2000, 'Server 2003' and most recently Server 2008. A significant amount of organisations still utilise 2003 as their operating platform, & don't plan to change. It's more likely that installation up-dates to Server 2008 will be needed by businesses that need to by pass a generation or two, from 'NT' or '2000'. More information regarding 'Server 2003' & 'Server 2008' can be found on our dedicated 'MCSE' & 'MCSA' training web pages, where you will likewise find out more about Microsoft Networking & Server Operating-Systems.

The main fields that MS provide accreditation routes for are typically relevant to their core systems. They are 1) Network and Server Operating-Systems, 2) Programming and Software-Development within the Windows environment, & 3) Database Administration and Development. For more advice on the particulars of each individual training route and accreditation group, study the principal areas pertinent to each one on this site.

Databases possess their own unique language called SQL (Structured Query Language) which can be used to decipher information from a standardised Database. Anybody seeking to work on Databases professionally must learn to understand SQL, to be able to manage data efficiently. There are two tracks for database professionals - Database Administrators who control & create reports on the information kept, and Database Developers, who are the designers & creators of 'databases'. A lot of Developers are programmers as well, & can write software programs for databases in either C# or 'VB'.

If you'd enjoy being a competent user to assist you with your work, or study for a professional career in a supporting role, there are lots of training packages to get you there. The MOS ('Microsoft Office Specialist') and 'MCAS' ('Microsoft Certified Application Specialist') packages cover the office suite in depth. For a certification that allows you to support other users, check out the 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', or MCDST for short.

You may also be looking at a senior position in the I.T. field, which would mean more in depth & specialist MS accreditation study. In a bid to update their professional certification programs, MS have recently re-structured many of their examinations. 'Microsoft Certified IT Professional' (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) are now being brought in, though several Microsoft Certified Professional ('MCP') examinations continue to be current. 'MCTS' training packages are typically taken as building-blocks to the 'MCITP'.

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