Living under a rock since the 1980s is about the only way that you could have avoided hearing the name Microsoft. Undoubtedly Microsoft control the largest proportion of the Operating System market, with version after version of Windows tumbling off the shelves of stores such as PC World and as the OS of choice for laptop and PC manufacturers - who often have it installed on their systems as standard. In recent years, the enormously successful company has also set the standard in terms of office software; with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more providing for the word processing, accounting and visual display needs of businesses and individuals everywhere. The sheer range provided by Windows means there's really been no need to look elsewhere.
Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional is a real and manageable method of cashing in on a company with such a monopoly of the computing world. And, what's more, you don't even need to quit your current day job in order to learn the essential skills that you need to move into this exciting area. There are many home learning options available to you if you would like to become an expert in an aspect of Microsoft technology.
If you've ever considered a career in Systems Administration, or would like to further your qualifications to enable you to progress in this role, you might consider a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) home learning course. Learn all about Windows Server 2003, develop skills such as the maintenance of networks and earn a certificate that is recognised in the industry worldwide, once you pass the relevant exams of course.
Upon completion of the MCSA course, you might wish to consider the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) to further develop your Windows Server 2003 knowledge. This course will open the doors to specialist IT roles, such as an IT engineer, in teaching you how to plan, implement and maintain a Windows Server 2003 network infrastructure, as well as providing the necessary security to keep the network running effectively and securely.
Never fear if networks aren't an area of expertise or interest to you, there's plenty of other home learning courses to aid in the development of other IT or computing careers. You could gain an industry-recognised certificate in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; expertise in these subjects will open the door to a career as a Microsoft Office specialist.
You might like to explore the possibility of a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) course in Windows Vista to learn the skills required to configure Vista. You'd become proficient in installing the Operating System, managing and configuring its security and developing an understanding of its application features. Walk easily into a job as a Help Desk Technician or Customer Support Member with this qualification under your belt.
The advantage of a home study course over one in a college or institution is that of the freedom to learn whenever and wherever you wish. Learning alongside your job offers the ability to further your career without sacrificing your salary, and helps you to gain some essential skills. All Microsoft Certified skills are respected the world over and will open more doors to you than you could previously have imagined.
