1. Certification
1.1. Certificationis the process of verifying the technical knowledge of an individual who has demonstrated competence in a particular area
1.2. Computer certifications are available in these areas
1.2.1. Application software
1.2.2. Operating systems
1.2.3. Programming
1.2.4. Hardware
1.2.5. Networking
1.2.6. Digital forensics
1.2.7. Security
1.2.8. The Internet
1.2.9. Database systems
1.3. IT certifications can:
1.3.1. Enhance employees’ careers
1.3.2. Increase professional standing
1.3.3. Increase employee salaries
1.4. Vendor‐sponsored certifications offer many special benefits as incentives
1.5. Professional organizations also offer certifications
1.6. Selecting a certification requires careful thought and research
1.7. Certification training options are available to suit every learning style
1.7.1. Self‐study
1.7.2. Online training classes
1.7.3. Instructor‐led training
1.7.4. Web resources
1.8. Certifications are typically taken on a computer at a testing center
1.9. With computerized adaptive testing (CAT), the tests analyze a person’s responses while taking the test
2. A Guide to Certification
2.1. Application Software Certifications
2.1.1. Application software
2.1.2. Operating systems
2.1.3. Programming
2.1.4. Hardware
2.1.5. Networking
2.1.6. Digital forensics
2.1.7. Security
2.1.8. The Internet
2.1.9. Database systems
2.2. Operating System Certifications
2.2.1. Application software
2.2.2. Operating systems
2.2.3. Programming
2.2.4. Hardware
2.2.5. Networking
2.2.6. Digital forensics
2.2.7. Security
2.2.8. The Internet
2.2.9. Database systems
2.3. Programmer/Developer Certifications
2.3.1. Application software
2.3.2. Operating systems
2.3.3. Programming
2.3.4. Hardware
2.3.5. Networking
2.3.6. Digital forensics
2.3.7. Security
2.3.8. The Internet
2.3.9. Database systems
2.4. Hardware Certifications
2.4.1. Application software
2.4.2. Operating systems
2.4.3. Programming
2.4.4. Hardware
2.4.5. Networking
2.4.6. Digital forensics
2.4.7. Security
2.4.8. The Internet
2.4.9. Database systems
2.5. Networking Certifications
2.5.1. Application software
2.5.2. Operating systems
2.5.3. Programming
2.5.4. Hardware
2.5.5. Networking
2.5.6. Digital forensics
2.5.7. Security
2.5.8. The Internet
2.5.9. Database systems
2.6. Digital Forensics Certifications
2.6.1. Application software
2.6.2. Operating systems
2.6.3. Programming
2.6.4. Hardware
2.6.5. Networking
2.6.6. Digital forensics
2.6.7. Security
2.6.8. The Internet
2.6.9. Database systems
2.7. Security Certifications
2.7.1. Application software
2.7.2. Operating systems
2.7.3. Programming
2.7.4. Hardware
2.7.5. Networking
2.7.6. Digital forensics
2.7.7. Security
2.7.8. The Internet
2.7.9. Database systems
2.8. Internet Certifications
2.8.1. Application software
2.8.2. Operating systems
2.8.3. Programming
2.8.4. Hardware
2.8.5. Networking
2.8.6. Digital forensics
2.8.7. Security
2.8.8. The Internet
2.8.9. Database systems
2.9. Database System Certifications
2.9.1. Application software
2.9.2. Operating systems
2.9.3. Programming
2.9.4. Hardware
2.9.5. Networking
2.9.6. Digital forensics
2.9.7. Security
2.9.8. The Internet
2.9.9. Database systems
3. The Computer Industry
3.1. A demand for computer professionals continues to grow
3.1.1. IT is predicted to be the fastest growing industry for the next 10 years
3.2. Job opportunities in the computer industry generally are available in one or more of these areas:
3.2.1. General business and government organizations and their IT departments
3.2.2. Computer equipment field
3.2.3. Computer service and repair field
3.2.4. Computer sales
3.2.5. Computer education and training field
3.2.6. IT consulting
3.3. Employees in the IT departmentwork together as a team to meet the information requirements of the organization
3.4. Employees also are responsible for keeping all the computer operations and networks running
3.5. Jobs in the IT department typically are divided into six main areas
3.5.1. Management
3.5.2. System development and programming
3.5.3. Technical services
3.5.4. Operations
3.5.5. Training
3.5.6. Security
3.6. The computer equipment fieldconsists of manufacturers and distributors of computers and computer‐related hardware
3.7. Careers in this field are available with companies that design, manufacture, and produce computers and devices
3.8. The computer software fieldconsists of companies that develop, manufacture, and support a wide range of software
3.9. Job titles might include:
3.9.1. Project leader
3.9.2. Project manager
3.9.3. Desktop or mobile application programmer/developer
3.9.4. Technical lead
3.9.5. Software engineer
3.9.6. Computer scientist
3.10. Preventive maintenance
3.10.1. Preventive maintenance
3.10.2. Component installation
3.10.3. Repair services
3.11. Requires a knowledge of electronics
3.12. Computer salespeoplemust possess a general understanding of computers and a specific knowledge of the products they are selling
3.12.1. Some work for computer equipment and software manufacturers, and others work for retailers
3.13. Corporate trainers teach employees how to use software, design and develop systems, write programs, and perform other computer‐related activities
4. Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry
4.1. A trade schooltypically offers programs in :
4.1.1. Programming
4.1.2. Web design and development
4.1.3. Graphics design
4.1.4. Hardware maintenance
4.1.5. Networking
4.1.6. Personal computer support
4.1.7. Security
4.2. If you attend a two‐year college, check for an articulation agreement with a four‐year university
4.3. Three broad disciplines produce the greatest number of entry‐level employees
4.3.1. Computer Information Systems
4.3.2. Computer Science
4.3.3. Computer Engineering
4.4. Many companies list their job openings, internship opportunities, and career opportunities on their Web sites
4.5. Job seekers can create a video resume
4.6. It is important to keep up to date on industry trends and technologies and to develop new skills
4.6.1. Professional organizations and personal networks
4.6.2. Professional growth and continuing education
4.6.3. Computer publications
4.6.4. Certification
4.7. Computer professionals with common interests and a desire to extend their proficiency form computer‐related professional organizations
4.8. A user group is a collection of people with common computer equipment or software interests
4.9. Can be an effective and rewarding way to learn about and continue career development
4.10. Conferences, conventions, and trade shows are a great way to stay aware of new products and services
4.10.1. International ConsumerElectronics Show (CES)
4.11. Hundreds of computer industry publications are available
4.11.1. omputerworld
4.11.2. InfoWorld
4.11.3. PC Magazine
4.11.4. PC World
4.12. Web sites discuss or share opinions, analysis, reviews, or news about technology
4.12.1. Slashdot
4.12.2. The Register
4.12.3. AnandTech
4.12.4. Tom’s Hardware Guide