Monthly Archives: March 2013

[Posted 29 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]

When you are someone who is invested in getting a job in the Information Technology field, you will find that certifications allow you to get your foot in the door.  When you are considering what certifications will do you the most good, the CompTIA Network + certification, also commonly known as the Network+, is a great place to get started. What do you need to know about the Network+ and the Network+ Practice Test?

What Does the Test Cover?

Unlike the A+ certification that is administered by the same company, the Network+ presupposes a fair amount of prior knowledge about computers. Before you even start studying for the test, you are expected to have a fairly thorough grasp about basic computer hardware, basic computer safety and basic software needs. A Network+ Practice Test takes that basic knowledge and tests on you on networking in specific. You will be asked to explain what networks are and how they work. You will be tested on things like installation and configuration, and on top of that, you will also be tested on network management and security.

Who Requires the Network+?

There are many companies that find the Network+ desirable for their employees. Not only do they need to make sure that the prospective employee has a fair amount of experience in the field, the certification also shows them that you are capable of learning and being trained. Some companies that preferentially look for a Network+ certification include Dell, Sharp and Xerox.

Where Can I Go With Network+?

If you are looking at improving your job prospects in the technology field, the Network+ is definitely one important thing for you to investigate. It will help you get a foot in the door, and will show you know what you are talking about. Some positions which commonly hold Network+ certifications include: network administrators, help desk technicians, IT officers, cable installers and network maintenance technicians.

Network+ Itself

When you are thinking about taking the Network+ certification test, there are a few factors that you should be aware of. First, there are always 100 questions. The questions are divided up between simple multiple choice questions and performance-based questions. The performance-based questions require that the person being tested perform a specific task in a simulated environment. This is the practical end of the test, which tells the certification board that the person in question knowledgeable about networking. Every person is given 90 minutes for entire test, and a passing grade is to receive at least 720 out of 900 possible points.

Pre-Requisites

If you are thinking about getting Network+ certification, CompTIA does have a few recommendations for making sure that you pass. First, the A+ exam, also offered by CompTIA, gives you a solid background for a great deal of the information. Second, the company also recommends nine months in the networking field before you proceed. While these are only recommendations before you take the test, following them will insure you have a leg up come test time. If need be, there are also prep classes and practice tests.

If you are someone who is invested in making sure that you have the right certifications that will allow you to move forward, in the technical field, see what Network+ can offer you.

One of my students ran into a question on the CompTIA A+ Certification 801 exam the other day that had me scrambling for a Web search. The question asked about the type of memory used on a SIMM. What? SIMM? I haven’t talked about SIMMs in class or in print for a decade.

Historical scoop: We used single inline memory modules (SIMMs) back in the days when the fastest processor was an Intel 486 running at a whopping 66 MHz. Seriously. Today (read: since Intel came out with the Pentium CPU) every computer uses some kind of dual inline memory module (DIMM). A SIMM has identical electrical contacts on both sides of the stick; a DIMM has contacts that are unique on each side.

When my student mentioned the SIMM question, my response was historical: fast page mode (FPM) or extended data out (EDO). Those were the two memory technologies used on SIMMs. He just shook his head.

The SIMM question gave as possible answers only modern RAM types, like DDR or RDRAM.

An extensive Google session later revealed an obscure (to me) printer-only memory module on a SIMM . . . and it uses SDRAM. Here’s a link, in case you’re curious:

http://www.provantage.com/intermec-technologies-1-971134-001~7ITCA168.htm

Don’t miss this question when you take the CompTIA A+ exams!

[Posted 22 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]

The labor market is tighter and more competitive than ever, and jobs in the information technology field are in high demand. It is common to hear hiring managers talk about receiving hundreds of job applications for a single position. Because of this fierce competition in the job market, it is imperative that you have the right skill-set to gain the attention of the hiring manager. An A+ certification is among the most highly coveted certifications in the IT field. This certification tells hiring managers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the position offered. However, in order to earn this certification, you must pass the A+ certification exam. While there are multiple study guides and materials available, an A+ Practice Test from Total Seminars is often the ideal method for preparing for the exam.

A Complete Educational Resource

Total Seminars has all of the informational resources you need to study for your exam. Through this company, you can find an incredible all-in-one exam guide that has been carefully written by one of the leading A+ authorities. This book serves as your complete educational resource. While it is updated each year based on the last version of the test that was administered, it is fully detailed with color photos, easy-to-understand illustrations, review questions and even test-taking advice. In addition to this book, Total Seminars also offers the A+ Practice Test that can be purchased individually -as well as training videos. The fact is that Total Seminars offers an ideal educational solution for every learning style.

The Benefits of Practice Questions

Practice questions can be found in the practice exams as well as in the all-in-one exam guide. These offer you several distinctive benefits. First, they provide you with the opportunity to learn more about and to become comfortable with the style of questions that you will see when you sit down for the actual test. In addition, you will also be able to test your knowledge and discover any weaknesses that you have. This is a great way to gain confidence for the actual test and to fortify your weaknesses. In addition, it also tells you which subject matter may be covered more heavily. For example, the last exam that was administered focused heavily on PC hardware and only lightly on laptops and printers.

Choosing Your Materials

With so many different educational options available to you through Total Seminars, you may be wondering which options are right for your needs. While some people will decide to invest in the complete set of materials, others may be confined by their budget. Because the practice tests are so beneficial, they should be included with any purchase. When deciding between the books or videos, consider whether you prefer to study with a book in hand and at your own pace or if you learn better in a classroom-style environment. The videos provide you with the experience of being in a seminar.

Making the decision to pursue your A+ certification may be one of the best steps that you can take to promote job security or even to advance to the next level in your career. Those with this certification may have an advantage during the hiring process, and they may even earn a higher income than their uncertified peers. After you have made this wise decision, take time to visit Total Seminars’s website to order your study materials and practice exams.

[Posted 15 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]

The Internet and Computing Core Certification, ic3 Certification credentials verify that you have demonstrated a basic level of computer and Internet proficiency. You can obtain these credentials by passing the appropriate examinations at an authorized testing center.

Benefits of IC3 credentials

Employers on a global basis are beginning to recognize these ic3 Certification credentials. After receiving these credentials, you should display them proudly on your resume. They should help you get employment wherever computers are in use.

Industrialized nations are becoming based more and more on computer technology. Computers are taking over jobs formerly done by hand. Your best bet for getting a job is to have verified skills in the use of computers and the Internet. The IC3 credentials provide a gateway to future employment. These credentials also provide the foundation for more advanced computer certifications.

Overview of IC3 testing

You receive the IC3 credentials by passing the following three exams:
Computing fundamentals
Key applications
Living online

You are allowed 45 minutes to complete each exam. The IC3 testing is conducted globally at Certiport Testing Centers.

Computing fundamentals exam

This exam covers computer hardware, software, and the operating system. The minimum passing score is 710 out of a possible 1000. Here are some of the skill areas included in this exam: It tests your ability to use computers, process information, select and maintain computer equipment, and solve common problems relating to computer hardware. It determines if you understand how computer hardware and software work together, the various functions of computer software and the basic concepts of database applications. It tests your knowledge of how operating systems, how to use the Windows or Macintosh desktop, and how to install and remove software.

Key applications exam

This exam covers generic program functions as well as basic Word and Excel functions. The minimum passing score is 750 out of a possible 1000. This exam includes the following features: It verifies that you can start and exit a Windows application, use the online help, identify common screen elements, manage files, perform editing and formatting functions, and perform printing functions. It tests your ability to use common functions of word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Living online exam

This exam deals with the Internet and networks, e-mail, web browsers, and the impact of the Internet on society. The minimum passing score is 660 out of a possible 1000. The tests include the following areas: You must show your ability to identify network fundamentals, including the benefits and risks of network computing. You must identify how electronic mail (e-mail) works, how to use an e-mail application, and how to follow the rules of e-mail use (netiquette).

Studying for IC3 testing

You may want to do some studying before you take any of the IC3 tests. Two of the most popular tools are an IC3 textbook or take an online course.

Growing popularity of IC3 credentials

In today’s competitive world filled with computers and networks, IC3 credentials are becoming very popular. These credentials give people the self-confidence and skills they need to advance in the information technology (IT) industry. These credentials are becoming known and sought after by employers all over the world.

[Posted 8 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]

The Value Of Certifications In The IT Industry

The IT industry is build on certifications and experience, which means if an individual doesn’t have one then they need the other. The tech industry is a large and varied industry with many specialties. Unlike other industries, it also doesn’t have a strong emphasis on traditional degrees. Instead, the tech industry focuses on many specialized certifications in different fields, one of the most notable being Network+. These certifications show two things: that you have the basic knowledge necessary to fulfill your job, and that you keep on top of current technology and protocols.

Certifications range from entry-level and student certifications to advanced certifications that command a high salary. In general, those with certifications will command a higher salary than those without. Many positions within the IT industry need certifications such as the Network+ to even be considered for hire, especially in lucrative government contracts.

The Different Types of Certification

There are three main types of certification that an IT professional would consider: Microsoft, Cisco, and Comptia. Each of these certification companies have a variety of certification paths that one can go down to advance and specialize their knowledge.

Microsoft certifications focus on supporting Microsoft products for the use of systems administration and help desk support, where Cisco certifications focus on supporting Cisco products for network and routing capabilities. These are two very different industries which means that an IT professional should choose the industry that they prefer before deciding which certifications they want.

Comptia is different from the other certificate vendors because they are not based on any specific product line. Rather, Comptia certifications test entry-level capabilities in general technology, and thus show an individual’s ability to work in any environment.

When To Get Network+ Certification

Network+ certification is an entry-level certification that is usually taken at the beginning of one’s career or even while still in school. The Network+ certification will show employers that an individual is aware of the basic concepts of networking and routing. This differentiates an individual from other job applicants and proves that they have the basic knowledge required to be a network administrator.

Network+ certification is required for many positions, and is often preferred over Cisco Certified Network Associate certifications for positions that want all-around knowledge and not Cisco-specific knowledge. Network+ certification is a single exam that can be arranged through a local testing center.

How To Study For Network+ Certification

There are many different ways to study for Network+ certification, depending on an individual’s preference for learning. There are physical classes by local IT centers, video lessons, audiotapes, textbooks, and interactive practice tests. The Network+ certification is best taken by people that have at least a small amount of experience in the industry.

What To Do After The Network+ Certification

Since the Network+ certification is an entry-level certification there are a couple of options an individual can take after Network+. There are other Comptia certifications for a variety of technologies that can help grow an individual outwards. Obtaining a Microsoft certification or Cisco certification after Network+ can similarly make an individual look more well-rounded and professional.

The Cisco certification path for networking is more involved than the Network+ certification, so it is often easier to take Network+ before the Cisco exams. The Microsoft certification paths, however, can show that an employee is able to handle both the networking and the system administration side of technology as well as opening up different positions to a job seeker.