In terms of job options to select from and career avenues to follow, of all the fields out there to pursue it is certain that within the IT working world not only are a slew of selections available, but a handful of opportunity is also provided. Experience a side, no matter if you're extremely well-versed in computer and/or information technologies, or are, on the other hand, out of the loop with the computing world - yet enthusiastically willing to learn - there's an IT spot for you. And of the many choices available there is one that seems to be a shining choice, offering both promising results and lucrative outcomes. This IT option is that of Comp TIA, specifically Comp TIA Network+ and Comp TIA Security+.

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Comp TIA Network+ and Security+ - Both Are Fine Choices

So, whether you're looking to get into networking or security operations, the Comp TIA realm of the IT working world can undoubtedly prove to be a beneficial pursuit to better your current work proficiency (as well as status) or even sturdily start you out as an IT certified professional. And it's clear that being certified in the IT world is essential to making the most money, gaining the highest level of respect and attaining career-improving promotions. Overall, gaining certifications in either of the Comp TIAs will be a great asset and accomplishment to have; this is so simply because both the networking and security work forces are constantly evolving and rapidly expanding, and as such, are continually requesting for a larger and much more adept workforce.

But, I'm sure you want to know just exactly what both the Comp TIA Network+ and Security+ certifications are all about first, right? Of course you do.

So, What Is This Comp TIA Network+ Certification?

As a vendor-neutral certification you'll know that you have options in selecting which vendors to work for and under, such as Microsoft and Cisco. Now, what you'll gain from such a certification is more or less a stamp of credibility to your specific title. In this case, you will gain competency in network administration and overall support. So, what does this confirm about you once you've completed the certification? Well, a few things. Of the knowledge gained you will confirm to current and/or prospective employers that, as a technician, you have the aptitude of media and topologies, standards and protocols as well as network implementation and general network support.

Through the examination process, you will also gain such knowledge as all-purpose security, how to keep safety in mind as well as how to communicate well, in a professional and proper manner.

And, What of This Comp TIA Security+ Certification?

Again, being a vendor-neutral certification, you'll have options. In terms of what you'll gain here, expect to know everything about IT security. Through gaining this certification you will validate, from your technician stance, that you are fully knowledgeable of communication comptia a+ course london security, infrastructure security, operational security, cryptography and all other rudimentary and general security concepts.

Why is this a worthwhile certification to pursue? Due to the simple fact that most security breaches are caused by the lack of a refined security knowledge and overall human error, having a Comp TIA Security+ certification is comfort to the working IT community's ears. This is so simply because this certification proves that you have competency and credentials with IT security, and hopefully ("canceling" out human error) the knack to stop an infrastructure break in way before it's even attempted.

Part of passing the Network+ exam and being an outstanding network administrator is being prepared for disaster. Sometimes that's a disaster on a relatively small scale, such as a drive failure. If you're running data backups on a regular basis (and you are, aren't you?), you're prepared for that issue.

What is your network's disaster recovery plan from a true disaster, either natural or man-made? What if the entire building your servers are in disappeared tonight? What is your plan if that happens? In today's world, that's not a rhetorical question. Disaster recovery is taken to the next level by preparing a cold site, warm site, or hot site at another physical location.

A hot site is the highest level of disaster preparedness. Hot sites are maintained by commercial companies for their customers, and these sites include everything from the office space itself all the way through telephone and computer equipment. The servers at the hot site will be mirrors of the servers at the primary location. Basically, your staff walks in and gets right to work.

Hot sites are very expensive to maintain. An alternative is a cold site. Cold sites will have the physical devices necessary to get up and running again, but they're not configured or mirrored from the primary site. This is much cheaper than maintaining a hot site, but obviously a lot of work needs to be done before work can continue after a disaster, and this is time many corporations, government offices, and public utility companies cannot spare in such a situation.

There is a middle ground, the appropriately named warm site. Warm sites are going to have all the physical equipment needed along with some of the servers configured and maintained. Disaster recovery using a warm site will still take longer than if a hot site were maintained, but basic communications are back in place much more quickly than if a cold site were used. The "mission critical" servers will be ready to go, but secondary servers will need to be brought up to date through data restores from backups.

You have to know about these sites to pass the CompTIA Network+ certification exam, but the stakes are much higher than that. If you're not the person in charge of network disaster recovery, find out who is and ask if any of these sites are being kept by your company. The better informed you are now, the better you'll be ready to get to work at such a crucial time.