Below is a
list of some of the more popular languages and software programs
used by todays Computer Professionals. We hope that the information
below and the information provided on the builder or designer's
websites will help you choose what computer training is right
for you.
A+ Certification
- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) created
A+ Certification to standardize qualifications for entry-level
IT professionals. A+ Certification does not require any training
or experience in the industry. It is a test that assesses a technician's
ability to install, configure, upgrade, diagnosis, troubleshoot,
and perform preventive maintenance on computers. It also assesses
knowledge of the motherboard, processors, memory, printers, basic
networking, OS fundamentals, and networks. There are two types
of the exams: A+ Core Hardware Exam and A+ OS Technologies Exam.
Many companies require new hires to take the test to confirm their
skills. The test has a score of 1200; you have to achieve a score
of 596 to receive a certificate and ID card. For more information
or to register to take the test visit http://www.comptia.org/certification/A/default.asp
CCNA - CCNA of Cisco Certified Network
Associate is a certification that indicates a foundation in and
apprentice knowledge of networking. There are no prerequisites
to taking the exam. The certification is valid for 3 years. CCNA
certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN,
WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or
fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP,
IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access
Lists. Various learning and training options are available to
become CCNA certified. . There are other certifications from Cisco
that are designed for larger networks and broadband technologies.
Exams cost between $125 and $300. To register to take the exam
or for more information visit http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/programs/ccna.html.
CompTIA
- CompTIA or The Computing Technology Industry Association
is the leading global IT trade association. They strive to develop
industry standards for IT professionals, provide IT skills education
and development. The major areas defined by CompTIA for IT industry
are convergence technology, e-commerce, IT training, software
services, certification, public policy, and workforce development.
They offer many initiatives and programs dedicated to those areas.
The association also strives to support global public policy (for
instance anti-trust or privacy issues), develop vendor-neutral
IT certification exams, and foster civic outreach (National Cristina
Foundation partner) programs. CompTIA has a membership program
which offers access to industry research, networking and partnering
opportunities, best practices and developed standards. You can
visit their website
http://www.comptia.org/ for more information.
MOUS/MOS
- MOUS or Microsoft Office Specialist Certification is a certification
designed by Microsoft to validate technical proficiency of desktop
skills. To be certified you need to pass one of three exams. There
is one exam for each of the Microsoft suites: Office XP, Office
2000, and Microsoft Project. The exam takes approximately one
hour and costs between $60 to $100. Visit
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/officespecialist/ for
more information or for a list of testing centers.
MS Office - MS Office is a productivity software suite
for Windows developed by Microsoft. It is designed to help you
complete most business, data management, and word processing needs.
A standard MS Office suite comes with a word processor (Microsoft
Word), spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), personal information manager
(Microsoft Outlook), and a presentation graphics program (Microsoft
PowerPoint). For a standard new user price it retails for $399.
Other editions and upgrade options are available. To learn more
about the suite or to purchase it visit http://www.microsoft.com/office/
for more information.
Lotus Applications
- Lotus applications are software from IBM. These applications
include various messaging (Lotus Instant Messaging, Web Conferencing,
etc), collaboration (Lotus Notes, Lotus Domino, etc), e-Learning
(Lotus Virtual Classroom, Lotus LearningSpace, etc), collaborative
portal solutions (WebSphere Portal), and desktop (Lotus SmartSuite)
software. For more information on Lotus applications visit http://www.lotus.com/.
Microsoft
Access - Microsoft Assess is the Microsoft Office database
management program. It has features for both advanced and new
users. It is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data.
There are tools to make building databases more intuitive. The
XML support allows developers to created sophisticated database
solutions that are easily to integrate with the web. Access comes
with Microsoft Office Professional and Developer or can be purchased
as a standalone product. It retails for $229. For more information
visit http://www.microsoft.com/office/access/.
.NET -
.NET is a set of software technologies from Microsoft. It is used
to connect information, people, systems, and devices. It is a
technology based on XML interoperability and is being incorporated
across clients, servers, services, and tools. The basic idea is
to create small building-block applications that connect to each
other as well as larger applications over the Internet. A .NET
experience is comparable to a user's interaction with a current
standalone application with three differences: the devices generate
a different interface for the .Net experience, they are location-independent,
and they are personalized. Programmers choose .NET instead of
other XML solutions because it's easier, faster, less expensive
to build and integrate web services through .NET tools. The user
experience is also more personal, compelling, and manageable with
the smart devices and information agents. You can visit http://www.microsoft.com/net/
for more information.
ASP
- ASP or Advanced Server Pages is a web development tool created
by Microsoft. It allows you to create dynamic, high-performance
websites. ASP gives you the ability to access databases, respond
to queries, and dynamically edit content. ASP can be written in
any text editor. The file can contain HTML, XML, and scripts.
ASP scripts are executed on the server. Being the server returns
ASP as plain HTML they can be viewed on any browser. ASP only
supports interpreted VBScript and JScript. ASP runs inside IIS
(Internet Information Services) or PWS (Personal Web Server).
It comes as a free component to Windows 2000 and NT Option Pack.
Programmers choose ASP over CGI and Perl because of the simplicity,
speed, and it provides security being the scripts can not be viewed
in a browser. To download a free version of ASP or for more information
visit http://www.asp.net/.
ASP .NET
- ASP .NET is an advanced version of the original ASP web programming
language intended to build, deploy, and run web applications and
distributed application. It is a component of the Microsoft .NET
Framework. ASP .NET works in all browsers. It allows you to be
flexible with language options. It includes built-in support for
VB.NET, C#, and Jscript. You can write ASP in any text editor,
however products like Visual Studio .NET allow you many visual
drag/drop/double-click features. ASP .NET offers rich class framework
functionality like XML, access, file upload, regular expressions,
image generation, performance monitoring and logging, transactions,
messaging queuing, SMTP mail, etc. To learn more or for a free
download visit http://www.asp.net/.
C# -
Visual C# is an innovative object-oriented programming language
and tool for building .NET connected software. It is used for
Microsoft Windows, the Web, and a variety of other devices. Resembles
C++ and Java syntax. It has a flexible integrated development
environment (IDE) that has the capability to build solutions across
a variety of platforms. It offers a unified type system, "unsafe"
code for maximum control, and new language constructs that are
comprehensive to developers. You can easily build web forms and
XML web services using Visual C# WYSIWYG functionality. Visual
C# .NET retails for $109, to purchase or for more information
visit http://msdn.microsoft.com/vcsharp/.
Certified
Internet Webmaster CIW - CIW is an acronym that represents
a family of professional certifications. To become a Certified
Internet Webmasters (CIW) you have to pass a test that evaluates
your competency in IT industry standards, concepts, practices,
and knowledge of leading hardware and software technology. CIW
is vendor-neutral owned and operated by ProsoftTraining, Inc.
There are four master-level certifications: Master CIW Designer,
Master CIW Administrator, Master CIW Web Site Manager, and Master
CIW Enterprise Developer. Generally professionals in web site
design, enterprise development, network administration and security
take the test and become certified for placement or advancement
purposes. CIW is accredited by the International Webmasters Association
(IWA) and supported by National Workforce Center for Emerging
Technologies (NWCET). There is a fee range of $45 - $175 for testing
centers. Visit http://www.ciwcertified.com/
for more information.
CGI -
CGI or The Common Gateway Interface is a standard for external
gateway programs to interface with information servers. CGI is
often written for the web to produce dynamic information. The
difference between CGI and HTML is HTML is a static document and
exists in a constant state, however CGI is executed in real-time
and therefore can output changing information. CGI is a generally
used for forms or inputs in HTML documents. It is a protocol for
running programs on a server and allows for portable general-purpose
API that are not limited to HTML pages. One downfall to CGI is
that it has a lot of security risks, however CGI has many features
that add interactivity to web sites. It is common to use Perl
as a too to manipulate or access the data from CGI scripts. For
more information visit http://cgi.resourceindex.com/.
Cold Fusion
- Cold Fusion is a web application server developed by Macromedia.
It allows you to build powerful Internet applications and web
services quickly. It has an extensive suite built-in application
services as well as connectivity for Macromedia Flash and XML
support. Cold Fusion applications run as compiled Java bytecode;
the language is tag based. This increases performance and server
capacity. Compared to other applications (ASP, PHP, and JSP) the
main benefit is there are fewer lines of code. Cold Fusion is
built on the Java 2 Enterprise Edition platform. While using Cold
Fusion you can use JRun 4, have multiple instances on a single
server, and there is enhanced protocol integration. It also includes
and optimized CFML compiler, session management, code compatibility
analyzer, custom tags, and JSP tag library import. Cold Fusion
MX Standard 6.1 retails for $1,299. For more information or to
purchase visit http://www.macromedia.com/software/coldfusion/.
CORBA
- COBRA or Common Object Request Broker: Architecture and Specifications
is part of the OMG (Office Management Group). COBRA is divided
in three categories: Java and Internet Integration, Quality of
Service Control, and The COBRA component architecture. At first
scripting languages were intended for dynamic assembly of applications
from CORBA components (and Enterprise JavaBeans); scripting languages
now provide interpreted access to CORBA clients and objects. You
can download the specifications free from http://www.omg.org/.
DCOM/COM
- DCOM or The Distributed Component Object Model is a seamless
evolution of COM (Component Object Model) that allowed development
of component-based applications. DCOM is a protocol that enables
software components to communicate directly over a network. It
was developed my Microsoft to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient
communication on networks (including the Internet). Previously
called Network OLE. DCOM is designed to be used across multiple
network transports. It works with Java applets and ActiveX with
the COM (Component Object Model). To learn more visit http://www.microsoft.com/com/tech/DCOM.asp.
HTML
- HTML or Hyper Text Markup Language is the standard language
used to publish hypertext on the web. It is a non-proprietary
format based upon SGML. It works on all browsers. You can use
a simple text editor to write html or advanced software like Macromedia
Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage. HTML is a library of tags
that define format. HTML is a non-secure language i.e. any browsers
can view it. Being HTML was design primarily for format other
languages have been developed like XHTML, JavaScript, and XML
to define more dynamic features, have more control, and to animate
the user experience.
iNET+
- CompTIA developed a test for entry-level professionals that
tests their level of knowledge in Internet, Intranet, and Extranet
technologies. The test allowed for certification called iNET+.
It is recognized for baseline technical knowledge, designed for
entry-level Internet and e-commerce technical professionals. The
certifications allows for proof of skills, better job opportunities,
and advancement. The exam test 5 areas: Internet Basics and Clients,
Development, Networking, Internet Security, and Business Concepts.
It consists of 74 questions and you are allowed 90 minutes to
complete the exam. The test is based on a scale of 100 - 900;
655 is considered passing. In the United States exams cost $155
for members (1- 50 exams) and $207 for non-members. For more information
visit http://www.comptia.com/certification/i-net/default.asp.
Java
- Java is a programming language developed by Sun. Java is a complete
solution for networked or embedded applications. There are three
different technologies: J2EE (Enterprise Java Software), J2SE
(Core Java Software), and J2ME (Java Mobility Software). One key
functionality is that when a user requests Java over the Internet
it will run on a local machine, this conserves resources. This
feature defines Java as one of the top languages for security
and makes virus transmission almost impossible. Java is platform
independent, this allows developers to only make one version of
their program. Java is open source and free. For more information
or to download the latest version visit http://java.sun.com/.
Perl -
Perl is a high-level programming language initially written by
Larry Wall. It is derived from C programming language and a variety
of others. The process, file and text manipulation facilities
make it easy to use for prototyping, system utilities, software
tools, system management tasks, database access, graphical programming,
networking, and www programming. General users include system
administrators, CGI script authors, mathematicians, geneticists,
journalists, and managers. Perl is a free, open distribution language.
The currently release version is 5.0. It has been modularized,
object-oriented, tweaked, trimmed, and optimized until it almost
doesn't look like the original code. However, through the years
the interface has remained mostly the same. You can visit http://www.perl.com
for more information or to download the source code.
PHP
- PHP or Hypertext Preprocessor is a widely used scripting language
that easily incorporates into HTML. It is a derivative of C, Java,
and Perl. It allows you to quickly and dynamically generate pages.
PHP has slowly developed to what it is today. The current version
is PHP 4. You can run different versions simultaneously. PHP is
written within HTML however it is processed on the server. PHP
can be used as a server-side scripting language that requires
a PHP parser, a web server, and a web browser however you can
also use it for command line scripting that only requires a PHP
parser. A unique feature of PHP is that it allows you to write
client-side GUI applications. PHP can be used on all major operating
systems. For more information or to download the latest version
visit http://www.php.net/.
VB.NET
- VB.NET or Visual Basic .NET is a language used to develop web
applications and Windows desktop applications. VB.NET is very
similar to ASP.NET. VB.NET offers enhanced visual design, increased
application performance, and powerful integrated development environment
(IDE). VB.NET is perfect for web applications with the included
web form designer. The web form designer has many drag-and-drop
features to speed up production time. The ability to modify the
standard code behind the forms allows you to create a completely
custom look and feel. The code can run on any platform or server.
Other key features include smart device application with integrated
support for .NET Compact Framework and simple data access. Visual
Basic .NET Standard Edition is $109. For more information visit
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/.
XML
- XML or Extensible Markup Language is a language that provides
a format for describing data or documents. The documents must
contain structured information i.e. pictures, words. A markup
language is a mechanism to identify structures in documents. It
is different than HTML because the semantics and tags in HTML
are fixed. XML is a most easily defined as a meta-language for
describing markup languages or defining tags and structural relationships.
There is no predefined tag set thus no preconceived semantics.
XML is a part of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) specifications
and a subset (application profile) of Standard Generalized Markup
Language (SGML). You can visit http://www.xml.com/
for more information.
MCDBA -
MCDBA or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator is a certification
from Microsoft. The MCDBA certification tests knowledge of design,
implementation, and administration of Microsoft SQL Server databases.
To become certified you must pass three core exams and one elective.
There are various benefits from Microsoft if you are MCDBA certified.
For more information visit http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcdba/default.asp.
Oracle
DBA - Oracle DBA (Database Administration) is an unbreakable
database solution. It protects you from breaches, viruses, and
endless patches. It optimizes your database. Other features include
transaction processing, security, manageability, data integration,
business intelligence and content management. For more information
visit http://www.oracle.com/.
SQL
- SQL or Server Query Language is a database offered by Microsoft.
It is a management solution that ensures performance, scalability,
and reliability. It provides the ability to integrate heterogeneous
IT ecosystems, increase employee effectiveness, and maximize capital
and operating budgets. Some benefits include: Easy-to Use Business
Intelligence Tools, Self-Tuning and Management Capabilitiies,
Data Management Applications and Services. SQL Server has support
for XML and web features. For a Processor License Standard Edition
it retails for $4,999 US per processor. For more information visit
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/.
CAD
- CAD or Computer Aided Drafting is a series of programs used
to draw architectural and mechanical drawings. Most CAD drawings
are in architectural units (AU) with a series of measurements.
Architects and designers use the software to accurately draw their
designs and to test architectural integrity. There is a wide range
of prices for computer drafting software.
AS400
- AS400 is hardware developed by IBM including: servers, memory,
and workstations. AS440 is part of the iSeries line of servers
that are flexible to run on different technologies and applications.
They are an integrated solution. Features include built-in virtualization
of system resources and dynamic workload management. AS400 was
designed with open standards and has the most flexibility with
operating systems and applications compared to other servers.
It also has many autonomic computing features such as dynamic
logical partitioning, self-optimization, and enterprise identity
mapping. For more information visit
http://www-132.ibm.com/content/home/store_IBMPublicUSA/en_US/eServer/iSeries/.
CCID - CCID or China Center of Information
Industry Development is the largest Internet IT information service
provider in China. CCID possesses powerful trans-media broadcasting
capability covering a variety of IT domains. CCID is the authority
of comprehensive IT news release. CCID covers variety of IT domains,
including media, hardware and software of PC, computerization,
networking communication, products, business information, talents
and training etc. The information that CCID provides meets diversified
and multilevel information demands of IT manufactures, institutional
users, IT professionals, IT product users etc.
CCNA - CCNA of Cisco Certified Network
Associate is a certification that indicates a foundation in and
apprentice knowledge of networking. There are no prerequisites
to taking the exam. The certification is valid for 3 years. CCNA
certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN,
WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or
fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP,
IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access
Lists. Various learning and training options are available to
become CCNA certified. . There are other certifications from Cisco
that are designed for larger networks and broadband technologies.
Exams cost between $125 and $300. To register to take the exam
or for more information visit http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/programs/ccna.html.
CCNP
- CCNP of Cisco Certified Network Professional is a certification
that indicates an advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks.
It proves you can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and
wide area networks of 100 to 500 nodes. Topic on the exam to become
certified include: security, converged networks, quality of service,
virtual private networks, and broadband technologies. When you
register to take an exam you have 45 days to take the exam. The
only prerequisite for the exam is a valid CCNA certification.
The certification is valid for 3 years. Various learning and training
options are available to become CCNP certified. . There are other
certifications from Cisco that are designed for smaller or larger
networks and broadband technologies. Exams cost between $125 and
$300. To register to take the exam or for more information visit
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/programs/ccnp.html.
CCSA
- CCSA or Check Point Certified Security Administrator is a certification
from Check Point for Internet security. CCSA is a foundation level
certification that accesses a users ability to configure and manage
fundamental implementations of Check Point's flagship product,
FireWall-1, as an enterprise level Internet security solution
to protect corporate networks. CCSA professionals have the skills
to define and configure security policies that enable secure access
to information across corporate networks as well as the ability
to monitor network security activity and implement measures to
block intruder access to networks. For more information visit
http://www.checkpoint.com/services/education/certification/certifications/ccsa.html.
CCSE - Check Point Certified Security Expert is a certification
from Check Point for Internet security. To become CCSE you need
to first become CCSA certified. The certification accesses the
knowledge and expertise to configure VPN-1/FireWall-1 as an Internet
security solution and a virtual private network (VPN) that securely
connects corporate offices and remote workers, protecting information
exchange and granting access to network resources. Training includes
an in depth study of encryption technologies and how to implement
site-to-site and remote access VPNs. Other skills include configuring
content security by enabling Java blocking and anti-virus checking.
For more information visit http://www.checkpoint.com/services/education/certification/certifications/ccse.html.
Cisco Security
- Cisco has a security package that is designed for Intranet,
extranet, and e-commerce applications, network security technologies
with the main focus being to prevent corruption and intrusion,
and eliminate network security vulnerabilities. Cisco SAFE is
a flexible, dynamic security blueprint for networks. SAFE simply
determines which security solutions should be included and deployed
throughout a network. The uniquely designed "modules"
simplify security design, rollout, and management. Every "module"
may include Cisco's market-leading firewalls, intrusion detection,
scanning, device and user authentication, anti-virus technologies,
encryption, tunneling, and Virtual Private Networks (VPN). For
more information visit http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/44/solutions/network/security.shtml.
MCSA
- MCSA or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator is a certification
from Microsoft for System Administration. MSCA are able to implement,
manage, and troubleshoot system environments on Windows 2000 operating
systems. Before you take the test you should have 12 months of
experience working with a desktop operating system, a network
operating system, and an existing network infrastructure. You
need to pass three core exams and one elective exam. There are
many benefits from Microsoft for becoming certified. For more
information visit http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/.
MCSE
- MCSE or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer is a certification
from Microsoft for professionals who design and implement the
infrastructure for business solutions based on Windows 2000 platform
and server. You must pass seven exams to become certified: five
core exams and two elective exams. There are many benefits from
Microsoft for becoming certified. For more information visit http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/default.asp.
MCSD - MCSD or Microsoft Certified Solution Developer is
a top-level certification from Microsoft for advanced developers
who design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions using
Microsoft tools and technologies including Microsoft .NET Framework.
You must pass four core exams and one elective to become certified.
The core exams access technical proficiency and expertise in developing
and maintaining enterprise applications that are based on Microsoft
development tools, technologies, and platforms. The elective exam
accesses the user's expertise with a specific Microsoft server
product. An MCSD user should have two years of experience developing
and maintaining solutions and applications. For more information
visit http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsd/default.asp.
Sun Certification - Sun Certification is for developers
of industry. There are four paths of certification; they include:
Java technology, the Solaris Operating System, Sun ONE middleware,
and Network Storage. Certification assists in the professional
development and career potential. The skills accessed help define
professionals who are able to decreased time to market, increased
productivity, less system failure and higher employee satisfaction.
For more information visit http://suned.sun.com/US/certification/.
C/C++ - C is a computer language; C++ was developed from
C. C++ is an powerful general-purpose object-oriented programming
language created by Bjarne Stroustrup. C++ simplified memory management
and added several features - including a new datatype known as
a class. Classes allowed object-oriented programming. C++ maintained
the original C intent, which allowed for low-level memory access,
however it also gave the programmer new tools that simplified
memory management. It can be used to create small programs or
large applications as well as to make CGI scripts or console-only
DOS programs. After you write the C/C++ you need a complier to
compile the code. C++ can create almost any program. For more
information visit http://www.cprogramming.com/.
Visual
Basic - VB or Visual Basic is a language used to develop web
applications and Windows desktop applications. VB.NET is very
similar to ASP.NET. VB.NET offers enhanced visual design, increased
application performance, and powerful integrated development environment
(IDE). VB.NET is perfect for web applications with the included
web form designer. The web form designer has many drag-and-drop
features to speed up production time. The ability to modify the
standard code behind the forms allows you to create a completely
custom look and feel. The code can run on any platform or server.
Other key features include smart device application with integrated
support for .NET Compact Framework and simple data access. Visual
Basic .NET Standard Edition is $109. For more information visit
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/.
PeopleSoft
- PeopleSoft is a company that produced innovative technology.
Dave Duffield and Ken Morris founded the company in the mid-1980s.
They build the first human resources application on a client-server
platform (traditionally it would been on a mainframe). This added
flexibility and more power for users. They created PeopleSoft
8 which has a pure Internet platform for real-time enterprise.
PeopleSoft 8 eneble your enterprise to combine online transactions
with rich content. For more information visit http://www.peoplesoft.com/corp/en/public_index.jsp.
Novell Certification -There are many certifications provided from
Novell. They include: Novell Administrator, Novell Engineer, Master
CNE, Directory Engineer, Novell Instructor, Authorized Instructor,
Novell Salesperson, and Specialist. Employers use Novell Certifications
to determine if the recruit has the ability to perform certain
on-the-job tasks and functions. Novell certification tests are
high-stakes; they are given through an authorized test provider
and proctored securely. The costs of standard written tests in
the US are $125 and for the Practicum $395. For more information
visit
http://www.novell.com/training/certinfo/
