Introduction to Certifications

Introduction to Certifications :
Comptia
In this section you will find Network Certification overview-free resources, exam tutorials, Comptia a+ exam, cissp, cisco exams, microsoft certifications. I have given the general overview of the computer networking certifications. Having knowledge of these certifications, it will be very easy for the visitors to decide their certification of choice. Users will also know the prerequisites of this exam, course outline, level of knowledge, and their expertise after having certified.
You will also be able to learn these things while browsing this website communication tutorials, what is data communication, tech study guides, topologies, computer networking guide, what is data recovery, wireless communication, computer interview questions, network tutorials, microsoft exams, cisco exams online certifications and comptia tutorials.
Network+
Network+ exam by Comptia is designed specifically for the IT professional who have more than nine months experience in the computer network administration. The code of the Network+ exam is N10-003 and it was first introduced in 1997. Till the mid of May 2005, according to Comptia’s announcement, more than 150,000 were Network+ exam certified. Network+ is an entry level exam and it paves the way for the IT professionals in their quest for the more advance certifications like MCSE, CCNA, CCNP etc. There are not prerequisites for this certification. Comptia recommends that you must have the A+ certifications.

Network+ certification is well suited and designed for the network administrators. The topics covered in this exam are media and topologies, standards, protocols, network support and implementations. The Network+ certification shows the candidate’s knowledge of the basic networking fundamentals. Like other Comptia’s certifications, the Network+ certification will not be expired once it is achieved.
SECURTY+
Security+ certification is designed for the IT professionals who have 2 years of experience in the network or systems administration and having the main focus on the security. The code of this exam is SY0101 and it was introduced by Comptia in 2002. Security+ is an entry level test for the most advanced tests like ISC2, CISSP and the SANS. As well as it can also be used as the basis for the some Microsoft certifications. Security+ certification is well suited for the network and security administrators and professionals.
The common topics included in this exam are designing security for a network, security infrastructure, cryptography, authentication, access control, internal and external network attacks and the dealing with the company’s security.
Security+ certifications shows the candidates knowledge of these things and it prepares the candidate to such level that he/she competes with the security breaches and finds some good alternative ways that are helpful in reducing the cost of a security breach. Once this certification is achieved it will never expire just like the other certifications of Comptia.
Microsoft
MCSE
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is designed for the professionals who are some requirements of analyzing the business, designing, making infrastructure, and implementing the securities at certain levels. MCSE is based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 platform and Windows NT platform (though many of the NT exams have been obsolete now). The Windows 2003 server has been merged into the MCSE exam.
MCSE certification does not retire but the newer versions are released by the Microsoft after few years. So the candidate has to be upgraded himself/herself with these latest exams. There are no specific requirements for the MCSE certifications. Those candidates who have one year experience in managing a computer network, network or desktop operating systems, will be considered suitable for this exam. Job descriptions and roles including after achieving the MCSE are Systems engineer, Network Engineer, Network Consultant, and Systems Analyst.
There is a 7 exams pass requirement for this certification and the candidates how are holding the MCSE 2000, are required to give 2-upgrade exams. By passing these exams you can achieve Windows Server 2000 MCSE exam.
Cisco
CCNA
Cisco CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associates) is an introductory level exam. The CCNA exam by Cisco systems was designed for the candidates who can install, configure and do administrator of the LAN or WAN networks. CCNA is a prerequisite for the some higher level certifications like CCNP and CCDP. The CCNA exam is valid for the three years. In 2003, Cisco has introduced the two paths of the CCNA exam (INTRO and ICND). Job role for the individuals who are CCNA certified are network administration, system administration and network consultant etc.
CCNP
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) exam is designed for the candidates who can install, configure and troubleshoot a LAN/WAN network of 100 to 500 computers. The CCNP certification has its prerequisites such as CCNP certification. The topics included in this certification are converged networks, security, VPN, quality of service and broadband technologies like VOIP, DSL, Cable net etc. There is a four, three and two exams path to the CCNP. The CCNP exam is valid for the three years. The job role for a CCNP certified are Network administration, LAN administration, WAN administrator and Network consultant.
ISC2
CISSP
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is introduced by ISC2. the ISC2 is a not profit organization and it manages the CISSP exams. A CISSP exam is designed for the candidates who are having minimum four years of experience in the field of Information systems. A bachelor and a Master degree separately, can be a substitute of the one required years for this exam. Also, some lower level certifications like SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) is also recommended before the CISSP exam.
The CISSP exam is aimed for the IT professionals who want to be Information security professionals, systems security professionals and network security professionals.

System Administration Tips
Here you will learn some basic network administration tips, how to secure your computer network, basic troubleshooting guide, it management tools, security measures and basic network troubleshooting tips. The administration of a computer network is a very responsible task of the network administrators. There are certain administration tips if followed, the management becomes easy. Being a network administration you should know the basic network technologies such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, cabling system, basic network hardware, software, directory services and some basic network troubleshooting techniques.

Always document your network resources and configurations such as network hardware and software inventory, computers, basic network configurations, logon scripts. Also take a complete backup of your server’s data and manage the resources of network server in such as way that simultaneous access to the server does not affect the performance of the server.
Keep your network software inventory up to date and assure that you have these utilities such as data recovery tools, backup utilities, troubleshooting tools, TCP/IP ports and performance monitoring tools and up-to-date antivirus software.

Make your network administrator’s password complex and also train an assistant network administrator. Keep an up-to-dated network security tool such as GFI LanGuard, which can prevent your network from any kind of internet or external security attack. Put a strict restriction in the server room and only authorized persons should be allowed to enter in the server room. Regularly take back of your critical data on other hard disks and write backup data on the CDs. After installing and configuring your server, take an image of your whole hard disk, with a good utility such as Norton Ghost. Always get ready an updated disaster recovery and fault tolerance plans. Do not leave the serve room unattended there must be someone responsible person present every time in the server room. Besides these general tips I have also provided list of the information tips

Following are the basic tips for administering a computer network.
1. If you are preparing a new system, make sure that you are using the best installation source such as an installation CD. After installing the operating system, also install up-to-date antivirus program such as Norton antivirus, Trend Micro, McAfee, Panda Antivirus or any other antivirus program of your choice.
2. After completing the installation process of all the networking computers, test your network for the performance, speed and security.
3. Keep your network design simple and segment your network in different sections so that it would be easy to isolate a faulty component of the network.
4. Regularly upgrade your network computers with the latest antivirus definitions, software patches and other security measures.
5. Purchase a planned hardware for your network and make a documentation of your hardware and software inventory.
6. Only install the required software applications on your server and networking computers. Any kind of unauthorized software or web based application can become source of viruses and other malicious codes from the internet.
7. Define network IP address, crate user accounts, create user material and keep the resources closer to the user.
8. Train your IT staff as well as all the users and warn them about any unauthorized activities.
9. Administer the access to the internet and put a tight security restriction on the unauthorized internet usage and block all the unwanted ports and web based application access.
10. Secure your gateway computer or proxy server as much as possible because gateway is directly exposed to the internet.
11. Mirror your hard disk.
12. Structure your network.
13. Being a network administrator, always research and test new network technologies and trends.
Also you must know the basic network technologies and troubleshooting tips. Do research and make a plan before setting up a network for your organization or clients. Always fill your resource kit with the data recovery software, backup utilities, up-to-dated antivirus programs, cable testers, cable cutter, cable connectors and other network security and troubleshooting tools. Also, keep yourself upgraded with the latest networking knowledge networking certifications such as MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, Network+, and Server+. Share your knowledge with your colleagues, IT managers and also reply the various networking troubleshooting and management related questions in the different forums on the internet. Hopefully this tutorial will provide you the basic understanding and insight of how to administer a computer network.