To many Computer users, the word 'Windows' comes to mind when they think of 'Microsoft'. To some, it's synonymous with the key 'Office' applications used, either at home or at work, to complete specific everyday functions. 'Microsoft' 'Word' is the most commonly used application for word-processing globally. Excel is also a tremendously well-liked program for spreadsheets, as well as Access which enables us to create databases. For presentations, Office has the software application PowerPoint, which completes the principle packages within the suite. There is however much more to 'Office' as a whole, for example 'Microsoft' Outlook serves as a calendar, e-mail & messaging-system.

If you would like to be a competent user to assist you with your job, or train for a specialist job in a supporting role, there are lots of training packages to help you get there. For in-depth information regarding how to professionally use Office yourself, consider the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) or the 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist' ('MCAS'). A grade up from 'MOS' and MCAS is 'MCDST' - 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', which will give you the skills to support other users within an office.

Or, you may be thinking of getting in to a professional role in the I.T. sector, and need advanced level Microsoft certification. The assessment structure at 'Microsoft' has fairly recently gone through a significant over-haul. Many career training routes still lead to 'MCP' qualifications, but the trend is gradually going towards 'MCITP' and MCTS programs ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional' and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist respectively). Normally, the 'MCTS' qualifications are achieved on the way to a full 'MCITP' program.

If we take the core IT systems we're able to then look at the certification programs that 'Microsoft' is offering. So essentially we are focusing on Programming, Networks & Databases. There are particular & very different qualification groupings pertaining to each one of these routes; visit the relevant sectors on this website for additional information.

Databases have got their own language called SQL (Structured Query Language) which can be used to decipher information from a 'standardised' database. SQL is key to how data is saved on a Database and extracted from it. Consequently an understanding of the language is essential for anyone who wants a professional level database position. Developers ('DBDs') create & design Databases for 'Administrators' ('DBA's') to regulate, interpret and create reports on the data. Frequently, a 'DB Developer' will also gain programming certifications (in either VB or C#,) to hold the full skill set needed to write Database software, as well as design the storage structures.

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