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HERE'S THE REAL DEAL ON NETWORK PLUS CERTIFICATION

In deciding to return to 360 I had to take into account just how blessed I have been and what I could give back. Not everyone is a writer, so I couldn't change that. But computers is for everyone. I doubt if you could find 3 homes in your area that does not have at least 1 PC. And let's face it, these things not only saves us time, but they're also very handy in almost every area of life. For example, from a few little boxes mounted on a shelf in my office, I use my main PC to control the telephone service, the internet service, the cable tv service, and several other things. I can book my next flight out, confirm my hotel, and be ready for a book signing in any part of the world in about 5-7 minutes!

Computers are no longer the future, they're also the present. So if you enjoy them as much as I do, why not also make a career managing them? If you can blow a bubble with chewing gum, then you can do this. And the money is nothing short of nice! I mean an entry-level position in many areas of computers starts between $28,000 to as high as $50,000. And with a little experience, the salaries can blow through the roof. My goal is to get you there. And when I say, I'm talking about anyone who presently works a low paying or dreaded job, anyone who's out of work due to company layoff, or any single parent who perhaps just haven't been able to afford to return to school due to present demands.

In 2001 I wrote a simple study guide to help a few people that I knew to pass a single Microsoft certification exam. The results for those who used the exam was amazing, and in the next couple of months that study guide was popping up all over the internet. People began contacting me out of the wood-works, asking if I would develop a second study guide. That is how I came to write the 7 Microsoft study guides that eventually became part of a LPI published bestseller. In less than a year I went from being a Microsoft Systems Engineer & Database Administrator to a bestselling author who had no idea what was happening! Since then, life has been especially good to me, producing 2 more bestselling books, and even the "Observation To If He Did", the mixed message book orginally by defamed celebrity, O.J. Simpson.

So over the next few months (with the exception of a 14 day overseas trip) I will be blogging to assist others in getting into the rewarding field of information technology. Here we're going to discuss two primary areas where I suggest is the best entry way to the field, required certification exams by Microsoft and CompTia, and the differences in both Network+ and MCSE positions. If by chance you are someone who already knows they desire to get into the field, I suggest you visit my website and read an excerpt for my books "MCSE In 3 Weeks" and "Network+ In 21 Days".

SO YOU WONDER IF IT'S HARD TO GET INTO COMPUTERS ?

It's hard to believe how quickly technology is working its way into every aspect of our daily lives. But if you desire to get in on the excitement, now is the time to begin your journey. After all, where would we be in this day and age without cell phones? Laptop computers? Wireless networks? E-mail? Not only have we become dependent on these things, we rely on the people with brains suited to operating, repairing, building, and programming them. But technical colleges aren't necessarily the best place for you to start if you've got a tech-oriented mind.

Many are actually getting appropriate training and hands-on experience for a new career of their choice in the IT field, without college. Software engineers, webmasters, support specialists, and programmers are all rapidly growing occupations with plenty of opportunity. Most employers are eager for new hires, but you will need certifications. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that most computer career opportunities will continue to increase through the year 2012. I'm convinced that home-study remains a great way for you to get a jump on this blossoming trend.

The diversity and flexibility of a career as a techie is what attracts many aspiring professionals. In many cases, technology specialists work as part of a team, and enjoy lots of interaction with their peers. And, if you think you're more suited to working independently, there are plenty of computer jobs that can provide you with that opportunity as well. Many webmasters and network administrators (myself included) work or have worked from the comfort of their own homes.

I highly recommend that you look into technical career areas today and find a program that suits your career goals and your lifestyle. Then visit my website for two of the hottest technology home study programs available!

THE BEST APPROACH FOR ONLINE CERTIFICATION TRAINING

Online certification training helps you achieve your professional goals and increase your chances of advancement in a most affordable and convenient manner. This is very suitable if you have a busy schedule or find it difficult to attend a regular class. Various courses are offered such as Linux and Java certification programs, as well as other IT subjects that you can study at home and at your own speed.

The number of universities, colleges, and internet learning programs that provide online certification training are steadily increasing to cope with the growing demand for IT skills in the industry.

Online certification training, however, is not for everyone. Students who excel in a classroom environment may not do as well in distance learning. There are no live interactions between the student and the instructor. You will have to set-up your own schedules and plans for your subjects. You will have to create your targets and discipline yourself to meet those goals.

Students who would like to enroll in online programs must have a basic understanding of operating a computer, word processing skills, spread sheets and database know-how. You must also have knowledge of accessing the internet and communicating through emails. You will have to be in front of a computer and read volumes of materials on a certain subject. If you are one of those people who have difficulty focusing on printed materials, you would do well in a classroom setting rather than an online certification training program.

The other disadvantage to taking distance courses is the fact that you will have to research on your own through the internet any additional data needed. You will have to wait for a response from your online instructor, if you have one, unlike in a classroom where you can just raise your hand and a question is quickly answered. Also, you won't have the benefit of study groups and class discussions on IT subjects that you would like to pursue.

There are several kinds of online certification training programs. One is instructor-led wherein you are assigned a person whom you can communicate with and who will guide you through the course. This type of program follows a strict schedule and entails deadlines for submission of work. The other kind of online training lets you study at your own speed. You can take an exam and complete the course whenever you are confident enough that you have understood the modules provided to you. Both programs also involve submission of assignments, research or worksheets, similar to a regular school system.

If you prefer to work at your own pace and are confident that you can find any extra information you need through your own efforts, however, you will probably do well with a self-directed online certification course which has no specific completion date and will let you study the material in the order of your choice.

To get an idea of the available online Linux certification training courses, you can visit redhat.com. Red Hat Inc., is one of the premier Linux OS distributors and has a highly regarded certification program, with both classroom and online instruction available. Looking over their online certification training is a good way to see the available curricula and their cost.

While online certification training is a great way for those who do not have time for classroom training to proceed toward certification testing, there is no substitute for on-the-job training in IT applications and troubleshooting. Second to that in desirability is classroom IT training which makes use of simulators to give students a taste of real world IT problem solving. Both the Red hat and Novell Linux certification exams, for instance, require candidates to provide hands-on IT solutions.

As a way to grasp IT theory, online certification training certainly has its place, but should really be accompanied by some sort of hands-on IT experience if it is to give you the best chance of qualifying as a certified IT professional.

LINUX CERTIFICATION COURSES BENEFITS IT PROFESSIONALS

Achieving Linux certification is important for IT professionals who want a way to prove to potential employers that they can manage, maintain, and troubleshoot the Linux operating system in an actual business environment. So Linux certification courses have been developed by vendors Red Hat Inc. and Novell, as well as SAIR, LPI and several other vendor-neutral several IT organizations to help candidates for certification prepare for their exams.

Becoming Linux certified at one or more levels benefits IT professionals by opening up employment opportunities, and hiring certified employees benefits employers by ensuring that their Linux operating systems and networks will function smoothly and securely. The Linux certification courses and exams offered by different vendors and institutions vary significantly, however, and many of them focus on theoretical knowledge at the expense of hands-on Linux OS and related software training.

Both the Red Hat and Novell certification courses expose their students to both textbook study of Linux and to lab sessions in which they experience simulated installation and management saturations like those they will have to face in the workplace. Thousands of businesses have migrated from Windows-based operating systems to Linux, which is much more economical, but the operating system, as an open source project, remains a work in progress.

Employers need to know that the IT professionals they hire to work on their Linux applications are prepared to handle their in-house needs as they arise. And Linux certification courses, to be truly effective, will require students to show they are up to the task.

These courses build their students' theoretical understanding of the various aspects of the operating system, but that classroom learning is secondary to the laboratory work it gives students in the areas of Linux OS installation, software management, networking, troubleshooting, and security implementation. Linux certification candidates who pass the Red hat or Novell exams have shown that they are ready to take it on as it exists in the workplace.

Because the operating system and its different applications are constantly evolving, Linux certification courses can be very helpful even for IT professionals who are familiar. These courses are always being updated themselves to reflect the latest advances in technology. Taking Linux certification courses before testing for new levels of certification will ensure that even IT employees experienced in Linux will have state-of-the-art solutions to the various test scenarios.

The Linux certification courses are each designed to prepare for a specific kind of exam, and both Red hat and Novell offer more than one level. But each of them requires that every certification candidate qualify at their basic level before testing for more advanced certifications.

Other Linux certification courses are available either as classroom curricula or self-directed online courses, and there are also many good test study guides. As it becomes increasingly adopted in the business environment, employers are more and more concerned that the IT professionals they hire have Linux certification based on practical as well as theoretical knowledge. While Red Hat and Novell courses may cost more and require more time than those of other organizations, the lab preparation they provide can lead to test success and even bigger employment opportunities!

CISCO CCENT - CCNA CERTIFICATION EXAM TUTORIAL - CROSSOVER, STRAIGHTTHROUGH, AND ROLLOVER CABLE

To pass the Cisco CCENT and CCNA certification exams, you have to know what cable type is appropriate for a given situation. It's also a good idea to know this for working in real-world production networks as well! After all, if we have the wrong cable, we don't have a network!

This is particularly true of the following scenario, where we have:

A laptop connected to a switch (Cable 3)

Two switches connected to each other (Cable 2)

A PC connected to a switch (Cable 1)

This is a very basic and common topology, but we've got three different cable types in there! Working from top to bottom, let's take a look at the different cables we'll need to make this work.

For Cable 1, we need a straightthrough cable. A straightthrough cable is used to connect a PC to a switch or hub. In a straightthrough cable, the wire connected to Pin 1 on one side is connected to Pin 1 on the other, the wire connected to Pin 2 on one side is connected to Pin 2 on the other, and so forth.

It's very common to connect two switches to allow them to send data over that connection, and the connection between two switches is called a trunk. You'll learn all about the particulars of trunking in your CCNA studies, but the first thing we have to do is make sure we have the correct cable!

To allow two switches to communicate with each other, a special cable type is needed. Regular straight-through cables will not allow two switches to form a trunk.

What we need is a crossover cable. The wire connected to Pin 1 on one side will no longer be connected to Pin 1 on the other, as it was in a straight-through cable.Four wires will "cross over" in a crossover cable:

Local Pin 1 crosses over to Remote Pin 3
Local Pin 2 crosses over to Remote Pin 6
Local Pin 3 crosses over to Remote Pin 1
Local Pin 6 crosses over to Remote Pin 2

Two cables down, one to go! To connect that laptop directly to a switch, we've got to be careful of two things:
Using the right cableConnecting the right cable to the right port on the switch. The cable we need is a rollover cable. All eight wires in the cable will "roll over" to another pin at the remote end, with the wire on Pin 1 at one end rolling over to Pin 8 at the other end, the wire on Pin 2 at one end rolling over to Pin 7 at the remote end, and so forth.

You may also need an adapter for your rollover cable, since one end of the cable is a DB-9 connector, and few if any of today's laptops have such a port. You probably do have USB ports on your laptop, and you can get an adapter that allows you to connect a rollover cable to your laptop's USB port from just about any cable dealer.

As for the connection to the switch, you need to make sure you connect the RJ-45 connector on the other end of the rollover cable to the Console port of the switch.

With the proper combination of rollover, straightthrough, and crossover cables, you're on your way to total network connectivity - and on the way to passing your Cisco CCENT and CCNA exams, too!

WHY YOU SHOULD GET A MICROSOFT CERTIFICATE

Several certificates are available in the world today that accredit your qualifications and skills. The Microsoft certificate, provided by the Microsoft Organization is one such certificate. Here, we will discuss about how to get a Microsoft certificate, and also what the certificate is all about. This will also, let you know, why Microsoft certificates are so popular, and in demand.

Before discussing about how to get Microsoft certificate, you must understand what the certificate is about. The certificate is basically a kind of diploma that proves to employers that a person has the much-needed special skills. This certification can be easily obtained by anyone who decides to gain knowledge in Microsoft programs, and the skills required to operate them properly.

Having this certificate signifies having a multitude of opportunities opening up for you with many different companies and different fields. Also, there are several different methods by which one can get the Microsoft certificate.

So how does one get a Microsoft certificate? You can get a Microsoft certificate by following these simple measures:

(1) Research the certificate that you want to get. Also, don't forget to find out about the different resources and study material which is necessary for the certificate.

(2) You do have to study a lot. Adequate preparation is more than necessary to pass the examination. However, in case, you do not pass, you do have the option of trying again. Also, there is no specific limit to the number of times you can try passing the certification exam which means you can try as many times as you want.

(3) Remember to schedule your examination. To register, you can call either Virtual university Enterprises or Sylvan Prometric . You will require the name of the exam, the date on which it has to be taken , and the payment method. Most of the Microsoft examinations cost about $100.

Two forms of identification are usually necessary to be able to sit for the exams. This includes photo id. These identification cards need to be presented upon your arrival at the test center.

After the formalities have been successfully completed, there is not much left to do, except to take the test. After you have taken your test, you need to wait for the results. Microsoft usually provides notification of your certification status within a time period of two to six weeks. If you have passed, you will receive a welcome package through mail which will include your certificate, and also a few goodies.

Once you have obtained Microsoft certificate, all you have to do is update your resume. To get Microsoft certificate is one of the wisest decisions you can make. Not only will this officially certify your skills and knowhow, but also open up a plethora of opportunities for you. And won't that be great?

CISCO CCNA CERTIFICATION - ABOUT CCNA CERTIFICATION TRAINING AND EXAM

A Cisco CCNA certification, or Certified Network Associate certification, is the first step in Cisco certifications. From a CCNA certification, you move up to "Professional" and then "Expert" levels. Training in Cisco certifications can be completed at a college or university. While many schools offer courses on campus, more and more universities are offering online courses as well.

A CCNA certification shows that you have the skills and abilities in networking that many companies want and even require. It increases your chances of being selected for the prime jobs and it can also mean an increase in your salary. But training is imperative in order to obtain the skills that are required for the certification. When you enroll in a CCNA training program, you will learn basic skills in networking, including:

Design
Installation
Configuration
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
Management
Both IP and non-IP Networks

Information technology is constantly growing and expanding. This makes a career in network management a smart choice. The demand for qualified personnel is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade due to the lightning fast developments in information technology. A Cisco certified network associate has the potential to earn more and choose top jobs, particularly if they continue up the ladder and obtain further Cisco certifications.

In order to obtain a Cisco CCNA certification, people must be able to pass the CCNA exam where they must exhibit a grasp of the following skills:

A basic history of networking
Basic network design
OSI reference model
LANs and WANs, Ethernet and VLANs
IP addressing
TCP/IP protocols ARP, RARP, BOOTP and ICMP
Routing protocols, routers, bridges and switches
Cisco's IOS (Internetwork Operating System)

Network security and management

There are several ways to prepare for the CCNA exam. You can study through one of the official Cisco learning partners, at a university or college, or online. Your employer may offer training for their employees so it would be a good idea to check. One of the online study options is Cisco's e-learning system which offers a great deal of study materials and practice tests for free. You can learn what you need to know to get your CCNA certification.

When you take the CCNA exam, be prepared to spend about two hours. You must answer about 80% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam and receive your certification. There are approximately 78 questions on the exam. There is a fee to take the exam. It is generally $100 and must be paid either before the exam or on the day of the exam. The CCNA certification, however, is valid for three years. If you wish to recert, you can take an official recertification exam at the end of the three years.

There are three certificates that Cisco offers. The first rung on the networking ladder is the CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Associate certificate. This level is best suited for help desk engineers, field technicians and beginning net workers. The second rung in the networking ladder is the CCNP, Cisco Certified Network Professional. Network administrators and network technicians with a little experience under their belts most benefit from this level. The last rung on the networking ladder is the CCIE, Cisco, Certified Internetwork Expert. This is the highest certification level and senior network administrators benefit most from it.
Obtaining a Cisco CCNA certification can be the doorway to a lucrative, rewarding career. Your future is waiting.

BENEFITS IN USING ONLIE COMPUTER TRAINING AND DISTANCE LEARNING !

With the upsurge of the internet and the need for continuing education and training a niche arose in the market for institutions to deliver content and training over the internet. These organizations created online portals of information and courses covering topics such as IT, Personal Development, Human Resources and Business Skills.

These educational portals are central resources for the delivery of Online Computer Training and Business Skills training to the internet community, offering everything from reporting to assessments.

So why use Online Training:

* Online Training is convenient and flexible, you can take courses anytime, work, home etc. Online Training provides people with an outlet to enjoy a better work life balance, while still learning.

* Distance Learning provides people who are traveling a lot with information on demand, if they need to learn something new they can just login and start learning.

* Training provided through Online Learning is cheaper, in fact its over 90% cheaper than instructor led courses.

* These websites are usually easy to use, all you need is an internet browser. The courses have bookmarks, help sections, tips and tricks and much more. Navigation is simple.

* The course material is usually highly relevant, information that is not required is usually abstracted. The content is clear and precise.

* You should use e-learning because theirs an old adage Knowledge is Power. The knowledge you have the more opportunities will come your way, beside that e-learning is fun and easy to use.

* E-learning is interactive by its nature, courses have simulations (graphical simulations of how to do things) and assessments.

* E-learning courses are usually assessment driven, provides a way of tracking your progress. If you notice your progress is not good you can go back and start that lesson again.

CISCO CCENT - CCNA CERTIFICATION EXAM TUTORIAL - LOOGING SYNCHRONOUS AND EXEC - TIMEOUT COMMANDS

Throughout my CCENT and CCNA exam tutorials, you'll notice these two curious commands on the console port:

line con 0

exec-timeout 0 0

logging synchronous

I've been recommending these commands for years to CCNA and CCNP candidates putting their own home labs together, but they can come in handy on the job as well. Let's take these commands one at a time, starting with the logging synchronous command.

When the router wants you to know something, it wants you to know right now. If the router sends a message to the console while you're entering a config, by default the router will interrupt your work to show you that message.

In the following example, I opened a Serial interface, which will always result in at least two messages relating to the physical and logical state of the interface. I started typing a sentence immediately after I opened the interface to show you what happens. I've bolded the sentence I was entering.

R1(config)#int s0
R1(config-if)#no shut
R1(config-if)#^Z
R1#so here i am
4d04h: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by consoletyp
4d04h: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Serial0, changed state to uping and
4d04h: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0, changed state to upi've been interrupted quite badly!
4d04h: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Serial0, changed state to down

This may seen trivial, but when you have a long command entry interrupted by a console message, you'll wonder how to prevent that from happening. (After you stop yelling at the router, that is.) By configuring the logging synchronous command on the console port, you're telling the router to hold such messages until it detects no input from the keyboard and no other output from the router, such as a show command's output.
R1(config)#line console 0

R1(config-line)#logging ?

synchronous Synchronized message output

The second command I always enter on the console port of a home lab router or switch is exec-timeout 0 0. This disables the default inactivity timeout of 5 minutes and 0 seconds. If you want to change that timer rather than disabling it, the first number represents the number of minutes in the inactivity timer and the second number is the number of seconds.

R1(config)#line con 0
R1(config-line)#exec-timeout ?
<0-35791> Timeout in minutes
R1(config-line)#exec-timeout 0 ?
<0-2147483> Timeout in seconds
R1(config-line)#exec-timeout 0 0 (disables the inactivity timer)

This command can also be configured on the VTY lines to set or disable the inactivity timer for Telnet and SSH users. Here, we'll set the VTY line inactivity timer to 10 minutes.

R1(config)#line vty 0 4
R1(config-line)#exec-timeout ?
<0-35791> Timeout in minutes
R1(config-line)#exec-timeout 0 ?
<0-2147483> Timeout in seconds
R1(config-line)#exec-timeout 10 ?
<0-2147483> Timeout in seconds
R1(config-line)#exec-timeout 10 0

Some network admins hate these commands, and I personally don't like to disable my router's Telnet and SSH inactivity timers. They're great commands for your present or future home lab, and I also recommend you know them for your CCENT and CCNA exams!

COMPUTER CERTIFICATIONS

Computer certifications are a great way for a person who doesn't want to spend the extra time and money to get a college degree but wants to gain education and a resume builder. Certifications show that you know this specific subject well instead of just general knowledge. This may be a good for you if you want to learn more but don't want to go back to spend 4 years in college.

Microsoft the software leader has a hole series of certifications that are in high demand. There is a good chance to get a job with these certifications. Weather it be Microsoft Windows Systems Engineer, Microsoft Windows Networking Professional or Microsoft Windows Professional Engineer. Almost every organization that has a computer will have a Microsoft product so there will be demand for Microsoft support for some time to come.

Other Certifications are Cisco and Oracle certifications. They are the biggest providers of Network and Database solutions. There is a high demand for these postions and are very high paying. With no sign of the internet slowing down these will positions have a good future.

How will you study for your certification exam? Everybody learns different but you can use flash cards and try to memorize what content that the test will have. For most repetition of the material will be the best way to ensure that you can pass the exam. Most exams have books written for the purpose of passing the exam. There are also places that offer practice test. Many you will have to pay for, but they allow you to see how you will stack up against the real test.

Another option it so enroll into CBT or WBT. These are computer or web based training. These are good because all of your training can be done from your computer. They make the class room available to all locations. This also allows for you to work at your own pace. If you don't like the idea of just studying out of a book CBT/WBT traing may be for you.

BEWARE OF HABBITS THAT NIBBLE AWAY AT YOUR TIME

You may have heard it mentioned that time management is really about managing ones self.
That truth becomes all the more apparent when your ingrained habits seem to chew away at the time you have available each day.

Most of us deal with a few “bad habits,” but sometimes our habits move beyond “bad” into “destructive and limiting.” Does this describe some of your habits? And do those habits make managing your life almost impossible?

When it comes to bad habits, there are several that can completely stall your efforts at effective time management, but here are two common ones to start with:

1. Procrastination. This is a habit that can range from mildly annoying to downright debilitating. While some people procrastinate only occasionally, others have gotten locked into a rut of inaction that will eventually create severe problems in their lives.

2. How often do you procrastinate? Do you consistently avoid doing the things that would make your life easier? Is your favorite phrase, “I’ll do it later”? If so, you are likely causing more problems for yourself because you can’t realistically do everything later.” As a result, more and more things aren’t done getting done, right?

In order to overcome this habit, you’ll need to develop a stronger will to do certain things immediately instead of setting them aside until later. You’ll find that many tasks you’re tempted to put off until later really wouldn’t take that much time if you’d just get them over with quickly.

When you do decide to set a task aside for later, just be sure you schedule time for it so it doesn’t remain in the “later” category forevermore!

ONLINE CERTIFICATION COURSES

Today if a person is looking to improve their skills set or obtain a qualification can do so all from the comfort of their own homes. A quick search of the internet will soon provide you with details of the various different types of online certification courses a person can take. There is everything from being able to obtain some IT qualifications through to be able to gain a Degree in many different subjects including English language etc.
However when you are considering to do an online course there are a number of different factors that you need to take into consideration before you actually sign up to one. Below we take a look at just what these factors are.

1. The first thing you need to do is decide just how much time you can afford and want to give to your training in order to get your certification at the end of the course. Most of the online certification courses now available allow you to spend between 60 and 120 hours of class time. Certainly the more time a person spends studying on their course then the more information and material they will obtain from it.

2. Next you need to look closely at the curriculum’s each of the institutes who are offering the course that you would like to study and choose the one that appeals to you the most. It is important that you choose the institute that is offering what you want and will ensure that you continue with your studies once you have started. Remember that once you have paid the money for the course there is very little chance of you getting any of it back if you choose to stop with your studies halfway through.

3. Once you have selected a couple of institutes that you are interested in doing your course online with then you need to check them out. You need to make sure that they are actually certified to teach such courses online and also do they offer the same classes to those who wish to attend their college in the traditional way. The best way to check if they are creditable is by looking at the states teaching laws and requirements in relation to such institutes offering online certification courses.

4. Finally spend some time talking to the administration staff as well as the tutors at the institute where you are considering taking your course at. Spend time getting them to answer any questions they may have in relation to the online certification courses that they offer should you have any.

As long as you keep the above factors in mind when considering doing any kind of online certification courses you will find choosing the right one for you much easier than you first expected. It is vital that you spend as much time as possible investigating the various institutes that are offering the kinds of courses you are interested in before you hand over any kind of money.

CISCO CCENT - CCNA CERTIFICATION EXAM TRAINING - INTRODUCTION TO THE OSI MODEL

As network admins, we're going to be primarily concerned with the first three layers of the OSI model - but for the CCENT and CCNA exam, we need to be concerned with all seven!

The OSI layers are often referred to by numbers, with the Application layer being Layer 7 ("L7"), the Presentation layer being Layer 6, and so forth all the way down to Layer 1, the Physical layer. To get you used to that, I'll refer to the layers by their names and numbers throughout these tutorials.

The Application Layer

This is the layer where the end users themselves interact with the network. Authentication services also run at Layer 7.

Protocols and services that run at L7 include:

Email protocols SMTP and POP3

Telnet

HTTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

The Presentation Layer

This layer answers one simple question: "How should this data be presented?" In addition to properly formatting data, encryption occurs at this layer.

The Session Layer

Layer 5 is the "manager" of the two-way communication between two remote hosts. This is the layer that handles the creation, maintenance, and teardown of communications between those two hosts.

The Transport Layer

TCP and UDP both run at the Transport layer, and we've got to know both of those protocols inside and out to pass the CCNA and CCENT exams. We'll look at those protocols in a future tutorial.

The Network Layer

It's at Layer 3 of the OSI model that you and I as network admins begin to have a great deal of interaction with the network. Internet Protocol (IP) runs at this layer, and since routers operate here at L3, this layer is often called "the routing layer".

In a nutshell, routing is a two-question process:

What valid paths exist from the local router to a given destination?
What is the best path to take to get there?

The Data Link Layer

Switches operate at Layer 2, as do Wireless Access Points (WAPs). We've got four major specifications that run here, some of which you may already be familiar with:

Ethernet

High Data Link Control (HDLC)

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

Frame Relay

The Physical Layer

When things get a little complicated in networking, I like to remind myself that "it's all ones and zeroes!" Whatever data our end users are creating, it's going to eventually be "translated" into a series of 1s and 0s. Once that is done, it's the Physical layer that handles the actual data transmission. Anything to do with a physical cable - the pins, the connectors, the electrical current itself - is running at the Physical layer.

PASSWORDS EXPLAINED PART 1 - HOW TO USE THEM AND WHAT THEY MEAN - CCENT, CCNA, ICND CANDIDATE

In this article I would like to spend some time explaining how the various passwords work on Cisco routers. We will start with the following two:

enable password

enable secret password

When would you use them?

No password:

Without either password you would be able to do the following:

Router>enable

Router#

Notice - no password was asked for! This is not good as the person can now access the router or switch fully.

Enable password:

The enable password forces a user to enter a password when going to privilege mode from user mode. This is an unencrypted password by default and it is not recommended that you use this password. It is much better to use the secret password.

To set an enable password of "cisco", do the following:

Router>enable

Router#configure terminal

Router(config)#enable password cisco

Router(config)#end

Once the password is set, the following will happen:

Router>enable

Password:

Router#

Notice - required to enter a password.

However, the problem is that the password is stored in clear text in the running config:

Router#sh run

Building configuration...!

version 12.4

no service pad

service timestamps debug datetime msec

service timestamps log datetime msec

no service password-encryption!

hostname Router!

boot-start-marker

boot-end-marker!

logging buffered 4096 debugging

enable password cisco

Notice - the password above is stored in clear text!

Not good. Please see my other articles on how to improve this. But this can still be cracked quite easily.

Enable secret:

The enable secret password also forces a user to enter a password when going to privilege mode from user mode. This is a MD5 encrypted password and is thus recommended rather than the enable password.

To set an enable secret of "cisco", do the following:

Router>enable

Router#configure terminal

Router(config)#enable secret cisco

Router(config)#end

Once the password is set, the following will happen:

Router>enable

Password:

Router#

Notice - required to enter a password.

This is much better - have a look at the following output of the show run to see why:

Router#sh run

Building configuration...!

version 12.4

no service pad

service timestamps debug datetime msec

service timestamps log datetime msec

no service password-encryption!

hostname Router!

boot-start-marker

boot-end-marker!

logging buffered 4096 debugging

enable secret 5 $1$4imO$abc5TVBQ7HnDqk8iu79t3.!

Notice - a much better and more secure password.

Conclusion

Enable secret passwords take precedence of enable passwords. It is recommended to never set them to the same password even though a router will allow you to do this. Better not to use the enable password - jsut use the enable secret password.

David BombalCCIE #11023, CCSI, CCDP, CCIP, CCNP, CCSP, CCVP, CCNA, CCDA

MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION EXAM

Today when you start carrying out some research in relation to the types of Microsoft certification exams now available you will be amazed at just how many there are. In fact Microsoft now offer certification programs which provide you with a qualification at the end for those who are just beginning to learn about the various different platforms they have available, to those who are well experienced professionals.

When it comes to which Microsoft certification training a person should under take in order to gain their qualification they have a number of different areas that they can select from. They can select anyone of the following:-

1. Networking

2. Administration of Microsoft Systems

3. Management of Microsoft Databases

4. Learning about Programming

5. Web Development

But with all their exams Microsoft will ensure that each person who does the training has obtained the necessary skills and is able to implement successful solutions for a business in relation to their Microsoft technology that they have and use.

However although the process of taking any Microsoft certification exam can be quite intimidating whether it be the MCP or MCAD or MCSE the steps you need to follow are straightforward and the same for them all. Below we take a look at just what these steps are.

1. Firstly you need to register and then pay for your exam which can be done through the school, college, university or online school that you are attending or using.

2. Once you have registered you will be informed of the date of your exam. Upon arrival at the test center you will then need to provide two forms of identification (driving licence, passport etc.)

3. However if you are a little worried that you are not sure what the exam is about or what it looks like there are many places online today where you can take mock ones. This will help you to become familiar with the exact format of the exams you will be taking.

4. At the test center you will sit and then take your exam. Upon completion of the Microsoft certification exam you just now need to sit and wait to receive your results which are provided to you immediately after the exam has been completed. For those that do pass the examination first time they will then receive confirmation from Microsoft around 2 to 4 weeks after the exam was taken.

It is important to note that when it comes Microsoft Certification Exams this company takes security very seriously in respect of when the exams are being sat. So be warned that they provide no lee way especially if it is likely to compromise the test. Upon entering the exam room a person is required to sign a log book and although breaks are provided during the exam time the clock does not actually stop whilst a person takes a break. It is only when the exam is finished will you then be required to sign the log book once more.

GAIN MCSE EXPERIENCE

When it comes to choosing the right MCSE training in order to attain your certification you need to first look at what MCSE experience you have. As you will soon discover each Microsoft certification is tied in to the kind of experience and skill sets that a person has. Some of the certificates are designed for those with very little experience whilst others are designed for those who have been working in this particular field for some time.

Generally for those who are just starting out in their career as an MCSE the best thing they can do is start out getting an entry level position in a company’s IT Department. In fact in some cases you may find that they do not require you to have any kind of certificate at all just that you are willing to learn. Plus that you are willing to spend time on various different courses in order for you to gain certification.

However those that do obtain their MCSE certification prior to starting work will often find that the first positions they will get will either as helpdesk support, technical support in a call center or they take up some form of contract work. This type of contract work is generally only temporary for a number of weeks or months and is arranged through an agency.

Normally after around 6 months a person will have started to gain a little more experience in relation to the MCSE certification they have or are attempting to get. Certainly it is only after this amount of time are you likely to have a better understanding of what it is you are capable of doing and therefore what it is you want to do in the future.

Where Microsoft is concerned however they suggest that those wishing to obtain their MCSE certification should spent at least 2 years getting on the job experience. Plus it is whilst they are gaining their MCSE experience they should look at doing their training as well. This should all be done actually before they then decide to sit the exams.

The most important think to note when it comes to gaining your MCSE certification is not only do you need to gain MCSE experience which need you to invest a large amount of time. But also you will need to invest a large amount of money into your training as well unless the company you are working for is willing to pay these course fees. You therefore need to consider whether you can actually invest not only your time but also money around $8,000 to $10,000 for paying your course and examination fees.

CERTIFIED SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGER

Today more than ever there is a great need in the IT industry for competent and experienced software project managers. This is because today more than ever people are beginning to demand the highest quality software programs that meet their own particular requirements and budgetary constraints. Therefore if you are seriously interested in this particular area of the IT industry then you need to become a certified software project manager.

Although not all software companies require their employees to have this particular qualification it will certainly help when trying to get a job and also help you to get a much improved salary offer. But in order to obtain this certification you will actually need to return to school or college in order to complete the course. However if you find that you neither have the time or the funds to return full time to school/college to get this particular certification you can look at taking part in an online course instead.

On average it will take around 3 years in order for a person to complete all their training and to take the exams which will then provide them with the certification that they need. Generally you will find that most courses where a person wishes to become a certified software project manager it will be broken up into 6 individual courses which are as follows:-

1. What makes up the foundations of software project management.

2. The essentials with regards to software engineering.

3. The principles that relate to the testing of software.

4. Business context and the legal considerations in relation to software project management.

5. How to effectively management your own software teams/personnel.

6. Finally the importance of software quality assurance.

However once you have attained your certification upon completion of the course and passing the exams you will be able to define those tasks more clearly which are involved in relation to software project management. You will also find it much easier to complete a project that you are given effectively and efficiently. As the manager of the team it is your task to keep those within it motivated and you will be involved in all aspects of the project. From the planning stage through to the testing of the project.

Of all the roles that will be involved in the creation of a software product the role of the software project manager is the most important. Without a certified software project manager in charge of the project in hand then no will know what it is they are meant to be doing as well as when they should have it done by. Therefore if you are looking for a career in IT that offers you a challenge this may be the perfect job for you.

TRAINING FOR APPLE MAC CERTIFICATION

The article provides structured guidance that is very easy to comprehend and follow to complete Apple Mac Training successfully. The following short article breaks things down in a very quick and easy to read format for those that do not have the time to research in detail about Apple Mac training.

Apple’s certification training is meant to produce a highly proficient technician, systems administrator and user. Apple offers you its certification exams at various training centers throughout the United States and various locations around the world. Apple Mac training courses and tests are carried out according to a specified schedule. The faculty at these the various centers consist of Apple Certified Trainers. Training is delivered through lecture, hands-on lab work and excercies. The following are the various certifications that can be achieved through Apple Mac training.

1. Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist (ACHDS)

This Apple Mac training course is specially formulated for the individual who desires to become an Apple Mac help desk specialist, service tech or technical worker.

2. Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA)

This Apple Mac training is the certification typically arranged for system administrators who admin large IT networks and use Mac OS X Server and other Apple technologies.

3. Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC)

If you are a system administrator and offer help desk to Mac O

S X users and keep the Mac OS X Server platform, then this is the Apple Mac training course for you.

4. Apple Certified Desktop Technician (ACDT)

This certification is for those individuals who have interest in achieving the landmark of Macintosh desktop service technician.

5. Apple Certified Portable Technicians (ACPT)

This certification is for those individuals who have interest in achieving the landmark of Macintosh desktop service technician.

MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION TRAINING - HOW TO A MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL

Microsoft certification training is gaining more and more popularity these days. A Microsoft certificate is a type of diploma that proves to future employers that you have attained special skills for a specific job.

Information technology specialists who decide that they want to gain additional knowledge and further their career in Microsoft skills and programs can achieve this certification in a rather simple procedure.

A variety of opportunity fields can be opened up when a person seeks the schooling and training necessary to obtain a Microsoft certificate. There are a number of different ways that you can go about obtaining this piece of paper.

The first way to obtain this certificate is to enroll in a traditional college and take specific courses to attain this goal. If a person has Internet access, he or she may be able to find colleges online that specialize in this degree. However, you will find that you do not need to return to college in order to become a Microsoft certified professional. There are many online resources that can help you accomplish this.

There are many places on the Internet that offer free tutorials and additional information that will help you to achieve this certificate. There are even practice tests that are available online that will help you to achieve this degree. When a person believes he or she has absorbed all of the information necessary to pass the test, all that has to be done is to find the city or town where the test is being administered.

There will be a small sitting fee for taking the test. If you happen to pass the exam, you will receive a Microsoft certificate in approximately three weeks by U.S. mail. As you climb up the rung of your IT profession, you will be able to make the income that you deserve.

There are different types of Microsoft certification that will prove to be very beneficial to your IT career. This type of certification is well-known throughout the entire world.

The cost of obtaining a Microsoft certification will vary depending upon which courses you take. You will be able to find many Microsoft training schools that provide very effective training. You will have the option of attending classes either full or part time. There are many certification courses that are available online which are free of charge and can be very beneficial to you.

There are a few different Microsoft certifications that will now be discussed:

1. Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) - This is for those people who need to sharpen their skills and gain experience to administer different environments that are found on server and desktop OS. This certification is offered on two tiers, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003. In order to obtain this certificate, you must pass three core exams and one elective exam. You will need to have experience ranging from six to twelve months in the field of administration of network and client operating systems.

2. Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) - This certification is also available on two platforms, that of Windows 2000 and Windows server 2003. To obtain an updated certificate, you must pass five core exams and two elective exams. You must also have one year of experience in implementing and governing a network OS, a client OS and you also have to show that you are knowledgeable in designing a network infrastructure.
3. MCAD certification requires that you successfully pass two core exams and one elective exam.

Microsoft certification training is just about the best way to climb the ladder to a successful career. If you do not have a certificate, then perhaps now is the time to get one. When you become Microsoft certified, you will be able to see the difference it makes in your career and how it boosts your confidence level!

START YOUR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CARRER OFF WITH AS A+ WITH COMP TIA'S A+ NETWORK+PROGRAM

The knowledge and skills to service and maintain computers in a real-world environment is a valuable, much sought after skill. Trying to learn these skills by one's self can be a difficult and time-consuming process. A better way to learn these skills in a timely and efficient manner is through CompTIA A+ Network+ certification.

CompTIA’s A+ Network+ is a combination program where students gain a foundation in PC hardware, operating system knowledge, and networking basics.

CompTIA A+ Network+ is perfect for those who:

Are seeking an entry to mid level IT job

Want to learn the fundamentals of computer hardware, operating systems, and network functionality
Need to know the fundamentals for a higher level networking courseThe culmination of hands-on classroom learning provided by an A+ Network+ course, when combined with real-world job demands, allows for limitless growth and the potential for further opportunities. In this way, A+ Network+ serves as an excellent gateway towards further professional learning, personal development, and ultimately career advancement.

Skills learned in CompTIA’s A+ Network+ Program are highly sought after by employers, who are constantly in search of talented individuals to manage and develop their growing IT infrastructures. By providing proven certifications that emphasize a deep and thorough understanding of computing technology, prospective employees will gain an invaluable asset towards finding a satisfying career in the booming IT field.

More specifically, A+ Network+ allows an individual to pursue employment through a variety of positions including IT, helpdesk, and system support. These positions allow a person to work directly with end-users, creating the opportunity to learn invaluable skills through a wide variety of both technical and interpersonal experiences.

Looking beyond the firmly established foundation afforded by A+ Network+, as an individual’s scope in the IT field expands, so do his or her possibilities for growth. A+ Network+ opens the door for exactly this kind of opportunity. Whether interested in becoming a system administrator, system engineer, network specialist, or IT security expert, A+ Network+ enables an individual to achieve the necessary practical skills towards pursuing these avenues while simultaneously establishing the knowledge necessary to earn a job within the field through a proven certification.

COMPUTER BASED TRAINING AND WEB BASED TRAINING

What are CBT and WBT?

Electronic learning or e-learning is an umbrella term for learning enhanced by the use of computers. To make this happen efficiently, there are many technologies in use, such as CBT and WBT.

Computer Based Training (CBT) is a new-age way of learning. It is a form of education in which a student learns by using special training programs while on a computer. This system worked well in the pre-Internet days, but with the explosive use of the Internet, the scope of CBTs is forced to expand. It has several advantages over traditional classroom learning methods and over self-taught books.

Advantages of CBT:

The learner can think, respond and give feedback on the subject.

It offers a stimulating environment where the learner can learn at his own pace.

A learner can take the course at his convenience without any expense of time or travel.

By being accessible to the widest audience at multi-locations, it is cost-effective for the learner.

It can be custom-designed for specific industries, and can also be conveniently used by the physically challenged.

CBTs also save organizations instructor costs, costs of arranging training and travel and learners travel costs and time.

Busy IT professionals can get their certifications without the hassle of travelling to a classroom.

Through CBTs, employees can keep abreast with ever changing technology.

CBT technology also breaks down complex software into bite sized modules for easy and quick understanding.
Web Based Training (WBT): This is a subset of CBTs in which the material is made accessible on the Internet by applying Web technologies. Typically, it has text and graphics, animation, audio and video, and needs additional bandwidth and software to work optimally. WBT is also referred to as "online courses" and "Web-based instruction".

It presents the latest content of any topic that can be modified and is set in a framework of self-directed and self-paced instruction. It can also be evaluated and adapted, without a computer platform.

Advantages of WBT:

Training to users is very easily delivered

WBTs can be either in the form of individual or group training

Multi-platform capabilities are possible, such as Windows, Mac, UNIX, PDA, phone, among others
Content can be easily updated

Finished product has a quicker turnaround

Requires minimal technical support

Billing options comprise user ID, number of accesses, date/time of access

Access can be controlled

Can be linked with other training systems

The Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS) can multitask

CISCO CCENT - CCNA CERTIFICATION EXAM TUTORIAL - COMPARING TCP AND UDP HEADERS

During your Cisco CCENT and CCNA studies, you'll see that so many great TCP features - the three-way handshake, windowing, sequence numbering, error detection and recovery - are strictly TCP features. UDP doesn't use any of them. Two questions come to mind:

• Why doesn't UDP offer these features?

• Why in the world do we use UDP for anything?

UDP can't perform any of those TCP features because UDP literally can't offer them. The UDP header has no sequence number field, no ack number field, no ACK bit, no SYN bit, and no window field.

The TCP and UDP headers have only three values in common - the source port, the destination port, and the checksum. While the TCP header has a window field, sequence number, ack number, and quite a few other fields, the only other fields the UDP header has are the Length and Data fields. (There is an illustrated version of this article on my website.)

Now that we've answered the question about why UDP doesn't offer the features that TCP does, let's answer the second question regarding why UDP is used in the first place. That question can really be answered with one word... overhead.

The TCP header is much larger than the UDP header. That header is being applied to every segment, and that adds up! UDP's advantage over TCP is that its header is much smaller than TCP's.

We've done a lot of talking here about the differences between TCP and UDP, so let's move to a similarity! Both TCP and UDP headers carry port numbers, and those port numbers are a very important part of network communications. There are also some well-known port numbers that you'll need to know for your CCENT and CCNA exams - and these port numbers come up often in production network operations as well! We’ll take a look at how TCP and UDP use these port numbers in the next installment of this CCENT / CCNA tutorial series!

COMPUTER BASED TRAINING

Computer Based Training (CBT) or Computer Assisted Instruction or Tutorials refers to the process of learning not taught in the traditional classroom manner. Here, computers with special software applications teach the student.

The advantage of this system of learning is that the student can learn at his own speed. This means quick learners can go ahead without worrying about taking average students with him, or waiting until they understand the concepts of each lesson. Similarly, slow learners can also work at their own pace without feeling nervous or ashamed at their pace of learning.

A student can learn anything from this kind of learning—languages, maths, history, computer-related programs, corporate training, customer support and project management, to name a few. However, it has the capacity of adapting itself to any subject across all disciplines and can be done in any language of the world. This form of learning has its roots in the aviation industry which gave it "wings". In the 1980s, it was introduced for pilot training programs in order to reduce pilot training costs and avoid the problem of safety in on-site training.

A few years later, the power of CBT was seen by educational institutes and the corporate market where text-based instructional manuals served as lessons to teach students how to complete particular lessons.

However, at that time, CBT could not make a grand entry into the market as it did not have the support of computers, which were in the growth stage itself, making it difficult to make an entry into the classroom. Without appropriate technological support such as full multimedia, which included audio and video, it was difficult to take this concept forward, though bursting with potential.

With the advent of new technology, the quality of CBT courses also improved and by the late 90's, CBT had all the necessary components—video, streaming audio and topics from different industries and subjects.

Universities all over the world now saw merit in this method and chose it over traditional classroom teaching. Students who couldn't attend classroom sessions could now take online classes comprising video lectures and practice exams. While students explored this novel idea, the employed got a second chance to upgrade their skills and have a better career. Besides, students with learning disabilities also took online courses at their own pace.

But for the rest of the student community, CBT courses have made it possible to study anything at any age anywhere.

Pratibha R. S.
Executive - Instructional Designer

WHAT CAN ITIL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATION DO FOR YOU ?

Join the one of the fastest growing communities of IT professionals around the globe by obtaining your ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management. ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) is a consistent and comprehensive documentation of best practice for IT Service Management, developed by OGC. It is a series of documents that are used to aid the implementation of a lifecycle framework for IT Service Management. It outlines an extensive set of management procedures intended to support businesses in achieving both high financial quality and value in IT operations. ITIL is now a worldwide phenomenon used by organizations of all shapes and sizes, so a growing army of ITIL certified professionals is required by the industry.

Whizlabs ITIL Certification preparation kit support individuals to prepare and pass the ITIL certification exams. Whizlabs ITIL Preparation Kit consists of 5 full length ITIL practice exams with explanations for every question. Also the ITIL practice exam questions are very close to the real ITIL certification exam questions.
Objectives of Whizlabs Certification Preparation Kit:

• Assess your current knowledge and skills of ITIL.

• Gain confidence in finally taking the exam.

• Provides are real exam environment simulation.

• Prepare yourself for the EXIN ITIL Foundation examination.

The Whizlabs Certification Preparation Kit comprises of:

• 5 Full Length Simulated Tests: 200 Unique Questions spread across 5 mock exams. Mock Exams are based on the certification exam pattern and are used to practice for the actual exam.

• 100 Quiz Questions: Interactive Quiz allows you to revise and reinforce your understanding of the concepts under strict time-regulated conditions.

• Quick Revision Tips: You would get Quick Revision Notes to help you revise just before the main exam.

• Detailed Explanation with Every Question:

For each and every question you would find exhaustive explanation elucidating the correct answer.

• Tips N Tricks: Tips N Tricks is a bunch of pointers to follow and pitfalls to avoid, while preparing and taking the exam. The user can prevent mistakes by taking the smartest route to success already discovered without reinventing.

• Comprehensive Reports: to assess and gauge your progress over time and in each exam objective. By judging where you are weak you can keep your preparation on track and pay more attentions on the required objectives.

For guaranteed success in ITIL certification Buy Whizlabs ITIL Preparation Kit. We give Unconditional Test PASS Guarantee or full money back and 50% discount on any certification preparation kit of your choice. You may begin with trying out our FREE ITIL TRIAL DOWNLOAD.

HOW TO MAKE FULL USE MCSE BRAIN DUMPS ?

MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. This is a professional designation given to a person who has cleared the credit-by-exam conducted by Microsoft Corporation. This course is one of the most lucrative career building options pursued by IT aspirants. The qualifying examination is very tough and is constantly revised and updated according to the developments in the systems of Microsoft.

This certification is such a demanding one that a lot of aids and study material have come up, which claim to give guaranteed success to the students who prepare with the help of these materials. Subsequently, many brain dumps have been created for the students. MCSE Brain Dumps are known for their prevalence on the web as the guaranteed preparation tool for these exams.

The phrase Brain Dump is not a formal one. It is generally used as a slang in the world of computing. It is referred to the act of copying large quantity of information from a database, which is not accessible otherwise through a small device. It is generally from a database of IT certification and is replicated widely. This actually violates a lot of norms of the non-disclosure agreements.

There are a number of Braindumps of the MCSE course as its examination is hard to crack and its certification is all the more demanding for an IT career. There are special MCSE brain dumps websites as well; these deal with MCSE examinations material information in large quantities. They not only have material in the from of sample questions and answers for MCSE but for almost all other kinds of examination and certification courses which are offered.

These websites carry a disclaimer that they run the dump through the support of resources submitted by the users. But materials which are copyrighted are not allowed to be uploaded on the dump. Interestingly, these websites claim at the same time to give you exact question and answer packages as the real MCSE examination.

There are other such brain dumps which go by various names. For example one website provides a list of samples which are on sale for $95.. They can be downloaded and printed out. What more? The website assures a guaranteed success. Other wise, they have a money back plan. They claim to reimburse a student who has used the material and failed to get through MCSE.

Other websites run a forum which deals with the preparation of MCSE and other such examinations. These can be called mega brain dumps as they contain hundreds of dumps accumulated from the users and are updated. These dumps are also rated and one can browse through the best quality dumps for finding relevant materials for the MCSE exams. Then there are master dumps that are claimed to be the most comprehensive set of sample material.

You have to be a member of the brain dump community to view the dumps. You can register any time on the web pages. All websites, which are online communities, offer a log in and register page. By being a member you can download any dump you like and you can also submit a dump on the page after reworking it yourself. Above all, these websites or brain dumps carry the disclaimer that they do not have the actual questions and answers of the MCSE examination. So, in case you are using a website or joining the community, there is nothing illegal about it.

Each of these dumps contains around 300 questions and their sample answers. The number of questions varies according to the specific course you are appearing for. It also includes a self testing engine that is developed to conduct a mock test on your computer when you have downloaded it. These single dumps are available at a price of $25 at best.

Thus these brain dumps can be of vital use to MCSE aspirants and one can also join the forums for discussions, where one can pick up valuable tips for clearing the examination.

HOW TO USE A FREE TYPING TEST TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

A free typing test is a great way to measure how good your typing skills are right now, as well as find areas where you need improvement.

Just like going to the doctor will tell you how good your health is right now, taking a typing test online will tell you how good (or bad) your typing is at the moment. And in today’s world, with computer skills becoming ever more critical, being good at typing is virtually required for one and all.

Typing tests can evaluate your skills in two primary areas: speed and accuracy.

Let’s talk about typing speed first. Your typing speed is measured in Words Per Minute (or WPM for short). A typing test will calculate how many words you can type in 60 seconds, on average. What are some of the benchmarks? 20WPM is low. With this score, it means you have a lot of improvement to do. 50WPM is pretty good, though you could still use some work if you want it. People that type professionally can often reach speeds of close to 200 WPM, but getting that good usually is unreachable and unneccessary for most of us mere mortals.

Next there’s typing accuracy. Your typing accuracy is measured as what percentage of words you type correctly. So if you type a report that’s 1000 pages long and you only spell 50% of them correctly, your accuracy score is 50%.

By now you’ve probably concluded that the best typists combine speed and accuracy, rather than just being good at one or the other. Why? Because your readers won't really care how fast you typed something if it has a bunch of embarrassing mistakes that make you look bad. Yes, everyone is tempted to type as fast as possible and it’s great to do it, you just can’t sacrifice your accuracy for it.

After you've discovered your current typing skill level, next you should take steps to improve it. There are many different ways you can accomplish that, but the best way is to get some good software.

Good typing software will work on breaking your bad typing habits, teaching you good habits to have, and then helping your practice those good habits over and over again with lessons that are helpful and yet interesting and fun too. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect, so that’s really the key to everything here.

Whether you’re new to computers or you’ve used them for years, you can always get better with your typing. Hunt around for a good free typing test, figure out where your current skill level, and get to work improving it!

USING AN ONLNE TYPING TEST TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

Taking an online typing test is the quickest and best way to evaluate your current level of typing skills.
A good test will analyze your typing skills in two different areas: speed and accuracy.

Your typing speed will get measured in terms of Words Per Minute (WPM). After taking the test, you’ll get to see, on average, how many words you can type in a 60 second time period. If you’re just started getting typing or you’re not very good, you can expect to have a speed of around 20WPM. If you’re pretty good at typing, 50WPM is a good target to expect. Some people can type at speeds of nearly 200WPM, but usually such people are professionals, and this isn’t necessary for most people.

Your typing accuracy gets measured in terms of what percentage of the words you typed correctly. Sometimes people get pretty wrapped up in thinking their typing speed is important. But in reality your accuracy is probably much more important. Why? Two reasons. One is, if you’re sending an email to your boss or friend, they really don’t care how fast you typed it if it’s filled with a lot of spelling and punctuation mistakes. They’re still going to have a bad impression of you. The second reason is, often the best way for people to improve their typing speed is to become more accurate! Think about it. If you have to spend a lot of time fixing all kinds of mistakes, how fast can you really type? Not very fast at all.

Of course, just analyzing your typing speed and accuracy doesn’t do you much good except for learning your current skill level. If you really want to improve your skills, you’ll need to undergo some training and practice. Often you can get this from the same tool or website that tests your typing, but of course the quality of the training varies greatly from site to site.

Online typing tests are widely available throughout the Internet and range in cost from free to $30 and up. Unfortunately the old adage of “you get what you pay for” is as true in this area as any other. Free tests have a great price but they often are sub-standard, loaded with ads and offer poor training to improve your skills, if any.

If you’re interested in improving your skills, I certainly recommend looking around at a number of different options out there. You’d be surprised how quickly you can improve with some practice and the right training. Be sure to find an online typing test that suits you well and will give you what you need.

MICROSOFT VISTA - ARE YOU WILLING TO BE A EARLY ADAPTER ?

While I'm always anxious to work with a new NOS such as Microsoft Vista in a lab environment, I'm never one of the first to actually roll a new NOS out into a production network. According to an article in the September 18, 2007 edition of The Wall Street Journal, there are those who are happy to be an early adapter - and Microsoft's happy to get their feedback!
Robert Guth's article notes some interesting statistics when it comes to Vista rollouts. Among 565 companies in the United States and Europe surveyed (all companies had at least 1000 employees), 7% are beginning a Vista rollout this year, 25% plan to start a Vista rollout sometime in 2008, but 38% have no plans to move to Vista.

The article mentions that some users may be hesitant to move to Vista because software programs will have to be modified to run on Vista, and that's certainly true. I do believe that many network admins themselves aren't convinced that a move from XP to Vista is necessary for their network, thinking that the potential gains aren't worth the short-term headaches that accompany any NOS upgrade.

Luckily for Microsoft, not everyone feels that way. The article mentions Eric Craig, a managing director for Continental Airlines, and his drive to roll Vista out. They've run into some issues with software drivers and some of the usual suspects with an NOS upgrade, but right now they're moving right along and expect to have about half of their 18,000 PCs upgraded to Vista by early 2008.

Feedback from early Vista adapters like Continental is invaluable to improving Vista, and that feedback is also an important part of Microsoft's software application certification process. Guth's article mentions that over 2000 applications have now been Vista-certified, and that's a large increase over the 250 that were certified at the beginning of 2007.

Microsoft's got a long way to go with Vista, though, if 38% of companies out there aren't even thinking of moving to Vista. Several network chiefs interviewed in the article voiced concerns about - you guessed it - having their software programs run smoothly on Vista. With Vista SP 1 on the horizon, though, those concerns may lessen. As an analyst for Forrester Research quoted in the article says of networks upgrading to Vista, "It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when and how". That sounds like a nice way of saying "You will be assimilated!"

MCSE TRAINING AND WHAT YOU EXPECT IN IT

IT professionals certified by Microsoft have become hot commodities in the job market. Training is highly necessary to get any of these different types of certifications. MCSE training program is one of those programs that aims at the MCSE certification.

All Microsoft training programs comes under MCP training program. Apart from MCSE training program, the other programs that come under MCP program are MCSD, MCSA, MCDBA, MCT and many more such type of certification training programs.

MCSE training programs are an effort to enhance the understanding of an individual in various Microsoft technologies and thus this ways they really boost the confidence of the candidates. One who gets certified with this course is able to efficiently analyze the business requirements of the information system of an organization and design and implement infrastructure for the same.

MCSE training is available on two windows operating platforms- MCSE 2000 and MCSE 2003. Both require seven exams to be cleared which are based on how to plan, design, implement, manage and troubleshoot these Windows Operating Systems. You can find more information about microsoft certifications at http://www.CertificationsReviews.com

In MCSE 2003 training program, the candidate receives training for six core exams that contains four papers on networking technologies and one paper on client operating system and one on designing concepts. In addition to these core exams, the candidate also has to clear one elective exam which has a number of options for the candidates.

MCSE training is provided to the candidate through various means. One can make use of on line training courses that are easily accessible through the Internet and provide facilities like study materials, practice exams, lab simulators on line at any time or day, for the convenience of the candidates.

Practice exams are actually meant to familiarize the candidate with the actual MCSE exam pattern and environment. Since a candidate has to clear all his exams in one attempt, these practice test exams are of a great help to the candidates.

Classroom style MCSE training courses are just like the usual training courses but they are well equipped with all the facilities that are required by the candidate to fully prepare for the exams.

Then there are boot camps facilities which are basically for those candidate who already holds a MCSE certificate and wants to upgrade their certification in to the latest MCSE certificate.

There is one more option known as MCSE brain dumps that contain questions in the form of a study guide but are not recommended sources of training.

Therefore there are various ways to receive MCSE training. The choice should be made after evaluating the cost of training, convenience and availability of the training program. It is highly recommended to go for these training programs before giving the exams.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATION TEST TAKING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

How to pass your Information Technology Certification Exam is the question that ALL students who are preparing for their IT certification exam should be asking! With many online sites giving you certification test taking tips and techniques where do you begin with gathering the pertinent information about being prepared for your certification? There are 2 major questions that every prospective student looking for their information technology certification should be inquiring. Certification test taking tips and techniques really come down to the study technique and the appropriate material.

There are many Information Technology Certification practice test questions, free study guides, free online tutoring and practice exam questions that people want such as: Microsoft, Comp TIA, MCDST, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, A+, MCPD, Comp TIA Network, Comp TIA Security, CCNA, CNA, CISA and many others. Knowing the secrets of certification test taking and implementing the most effective technique will give you the edge in passing your certification exam. You can lose your fear of test taking and have the confidence you need when going to your certification exam center.

What is the most effective study technique to use when studying for your information technology certification exam? Many online certification training centers will tell you to relax, use flash cards to prepare, review your material the day before the exam and to think positive about passing. Memorization of all your material is not the most logical choice for exam preparation. If you have a book that is eight hundred pages long and five hundred practice exam questions then you would be foolish to try to memorize all of this material or even part of it. There is another very effective way of retaining the information that you need to pass your information technology certification exam. Simple repetition of the actual exam material will better prepare you for your certification exam.

Having the appropriate material like practice exam questions and study guides will better prepare you for your certification exam then anything else you may obtain. There is much online certification training and the material that they use is extremely important when it comes time to take your exam. There is much IT certification material that will help you understand the operation of a windows operating system but how much of that material will be on the actual exam? In order to pass your information technology certification exam you will want only the material that pertains to the actual exam itself. If you could have the exact IT certification exam right in front of you to study before you took the actual certification exam would you not be better prepared to pass then any other method?

Exam preparation does not have to be difficult. Why spend your money on useless material that is out dated and irrelevant to the actual certification exam. You can learn much from someone who has taken an information technology certification exam and how they prepared using a proven way of success. Their test taking techniques could benefit you more then any study guide. Information technology test taking is unlike other certifications. Certification preparation is really not as difficult as some make it out to be. If you use the most effective study technique and the best test taking tips about studying the exact material on the actual certification exam then you will be able to go to the exam center fully confident about passing. I’m giving you the best knowledge on the subject of Information technology certification test taking tips & techniques.