The primary Windows software development environment is known as MS 'Visual Studio'. C#.Net & 'Visual Basic.Net' are the preferred 'languages' to learn. Details about both of these languages is covered within the Programming section of this site. Principle qualifications are the MCTS and 'MCPD' (as they have replaced the older 'MCAD' & MCSD.)

A unique 'language' has been formulated for working with & interrogating 'Databases', referred to as SQL, or 'Structured Query Language'. 'SQL' is relevant to how information is stored on a Database & extracted out of it. Therefore an understanding of the language is essential for anyone looking for a professional level Database career. 'DBA's' (Database Administrators) essentially control database information and reporting, whilst 'DB Developers' setup and design 'databases'. Database-Developers normally also acquire programming skills to enable them to create database-software - this means another accreditation in 'Visual Basic' or C#.

Potential trainees hopeful to kick off a career in computers and technology normally don't know what route is best, or even which sector to get qualified in. What chances do most of us have of understanding the many facets of a particular career when we haven't done that before? We normally haven't met someone who does that actual job anyway. Arriving at the right answer only comes from a methodical study of several varying factors:

- Personalities play a significant part - what kind of areas spark your interest, and what are the activities that you really dislike.

- Are you hoping to obtain training for a specific reason - for instance, is it your goal to work from home (self-employment possibly?)?

- Is your income higher on your wish list than other requirements.

- Learning what the main Information technology types and sectors are - plus how they're different to each other.

- What effort, commitment and time you'll set aside for getting qualified.

The best way to avoid the industry jargon, and find the most viable option for your success, have an in-depth discussion with an advisor with years of experience; a person that can impart the commercial reality as well as all the qualifications.

It's essential to have authorised exam simulation and preparation programs included in your course. As many IT examination boards come from the United States, you'll need to be used to the correct phraseology. It isn't good enough simply understanding random questions - they need to be in the proper exam format. As you can imagine, it is really important to make sure you've thoroughly prepared for your actual certification exam before embarking on it. Revising 'mock' tests will help to boost your attitude and will save a lot of money on unsuccessful attempts at exams.

Commercial certification is now, very visibly, already replacing the older academic routes into IT - why then should this be? Key company training (in industry terminology) is far more effective and specialised. Industry has realised that such specialised knowledge is vital to service the demands of a technically advancing marketplace. Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe are the big boys in this field. They do this by focusing on the skills that are really needed (along with an appropriate level of associated knowledge,) as opposed to spending months and years on the background non-specific minutiae that degree courses often do (to fill up a syllabus or course).

Just like the advert used to say: 'It does what it says on the label'. The company just needs to know where they have gaps, and then request applicants with the correct exam numbers. Then they know that anyone who applies can do the necessary work.

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