I am considering an online webmaster course at FSU (http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/cpd/techn… for $1400.

I plan to do this because it will be possible to do from home, freelance, and I can continue easily when I move to Europe. I also have a bachelors in something I don’t wish to persue.

–What is the difference between graphic designer and web designer?

–Are great art skills needed for this career? (I know when something looks good, but can barely get by with stick creatures)

–What besides design and code language should I focus on?

–Can you recommend a great online course to persue this career? (Is $1400 a good price for whats provided?)

–Is there a website that will answer these questions, so I can stop bothering you all?

–Lastly, Is there an abundance of web/graphic designers? (aka will I have trouble finding work once go through all this training?)

Would love to hear feedback from people in the field. Thank You!
The actual address: learningforlife.fsu.edu/cpd/technologyTraining/webmaster/index.cfm

Information Technology is a field that encompasses a wide range of employment possibilities. From software development and hardware integration to webmasters and beyond, the possibilities are almost limitless. What isn’t limitless, unfortunately, are the educational opportunities related to IT training. For an industry that undergoes drastic changes on an almost yearly basis, it’s difficult for our current educational system to keep up. Relevancy is almost always compromised by lengthy computer science degree programs that teach fundamentals which the newest developments no longer adhere to.

This begs the question; how exactly does one go about establishing a career in the IT field. Between communications and computer science majors, self taught gurus and others already working in the field, there doesn’t seem to be a particular academic path to follow which can guarantee success. There are, however, more than a few ways to hedge your bets and come out on top.

The first step is to choose an area of IT that interests you and for which there is a growing need. As an example, it may pay to be relatively familiar with UNIX if you’re planning on making a career in coding, but there’s rarely a need for someone with more than a working knowledge. Choose an area, be it network security, coding, administration, integration, OS management or any of the other possibilities, that hasn’t outlived its shelf life.

Once you’ve settled on an area you wish to develop expertise in, get certified. Certification classes may not be the most impressive thing on your resume, but they’ll impart a large amount of knowledge in the shortest possible timeframe. Better yet, they’ll give you the entry level criteria you need to take the next step.

The next step, as it were, is to gain some experience. Whether through internships or short term contracts with less than desirable compensation, experience in combination with certifications can help you go from a job to a career. Not only will you learn more, the nature of working on projects forces you to become acclimated to putting your knowledge to use in real time.

Once you have a little experience under your belt and a few certifications behind you, you have two choices. You can either parlay what you have into a career in your chosen field or continue to work part time while you go for a degree at either the associate’s or bachelor level. The advantage of the latter is that it may save you from toiling at entry level wages and has the possibility to open the door to opportunities with companies that will make your education worthwhile.

HTML clipboardAs the leading IT industry association, CompTIA has created a variety of educational programs and initiatives to benefit IT professionals, educators and business owners. Explore the following links to see how you can enhance your IT education today.

CompTIA Certification Programs
CompTIA certifications are a recognized credential throughout the IT industry, validating foundation-level IT knowledge and skills. CompTIA offers twelve certification programs in key technology areas.

CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ certification confirms a technician’s ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

CompTIA A+ ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job scenarios, CompTIA A+ gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that best fits their needs.

CompTIA Network+ Certification
CompTIA Network+ validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician’s ability to describe the features and functions of networking components and to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate and configure basic network infrastructure. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Network+ candidates have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or adequate academic training, along with a CompTIA A+ certification.

The demand for skilled networking support professionals continues to grow, and CompTIA Network+ is a valuable credential to help launch or enhance a networking career. In fact, many IT certifications integrate CompTIA Network+ into their curriculums. Microsoft added CompTIA Network+ into their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.

CompTIA Network+ and Related CompTIA Certifications
CompTIA Network+ prepares networking professionals to earn vendor-neutral certifications in other areas of expertise. CompTIA Network+ certified professionals who want to diversify their base knowledge in other areas should also consider pursuing CompTIA Security+, Server+ or Convergence+.

CompTIA Server+ Certification
CompTIA Server+ validates the knowledge and skills of advanced IT technicians. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification for individuals with 18-24 months of experience with Industry Standard Server Architecture (ISSA) technology. CompTIA Server+ certifies technical knowledge in areas such as RAID, SCSI and multiple CPUs, as well as capabilities with server issues, including disaster recovery. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Server+ candidates hold a CompTIA A+ certification.

Many corporations recognize the importance of staffing technicians who can competently perform basic server support. Companies such as CDW Computer Centers and CompuCom value the CompTIA Server+ certification and require it of their IT employees.

CompTIA Security+ Certification
CompTIA Security+ validates knowledge of systems security, network infrastructure, access control, assessments and audits, cryptography and organizational security. It is an international, vendor-neutral security certification that is taught at colleges, universities and commercial training centers around the world.

Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Security+ candidates have at least two years of on-the-job technical networking experience, with an emphasis on security. The CompTIA Network+ certification is also recommended.

Because human error is the number one cause for a network security breach, CompTIA Security+ is recognized by the technology community as a valuable credential that proves competency with information security.

CompTIA RFID+ Certification
CompTIA Radio Frequency Identification (RFID+) certification validates the knowledge and skills of professionals who work with RFID technology. It is an international, vendor-neutral credential that recognizes a technician’s ability to install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot the hardware and software functionality of RFID products. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA RFID+ candidates have a minimum of six to 24 months of RFID or other auto-id technology experience.

RFID is quickly becoming the standard technology for tracking goods in the supply chain, but it will only be effective if it is executed by properly trained and certified individuals. CompTIA RFID+ provides a baseline for the knowledge and skills required of RFID workers, giving business owners the opportunity to hire qualified professionals, and individuals a credential to prove their ability.

CompTIA CTT+ Certification
CompTIA CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer) certification validates excellence in instruction. It is a vendor-neutral certification that is applicable to training professionals in all industries. CompTIA CTT+ recognizes the mastery of core instructor skills, including preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation in both a classroom and virtual classroom environment.

Certified instructors are essential for students who want to receive top-notch training, and employers agree that a professional training staff is valuable to the company. Adobe, Dell, Microsoft, Novell and Ricoh recommend that their trainers be CompTIA CTT+ certified. The Training Associates also look for CompTIA CTT+ certification when hiring trainers.

CompTIA CDIA+ Certification
CompTIA Certified Document Imaging Architech (CDIA+) validates the knowledge of professionals who deliver document imaging solutions. It is a vendor-neutral certification that proves expertise in the technologies and best practices used to plan, design, and specify a document imaging, management system.

CompTIA Linux+ Certification
CompTIA Linux+ is a vendor-neutral certification, generic across distributions, that validates the knowledge of individuals with a minimum of six to 12 months of practical Linux experience. Professionals holding the current CompTIA Linux+ credential can explain fundamental management of Linux systems from the command line, demonstrate knowledge of user administration, understand file permissions, software configurations, and management of Linux-based clients, server systems and security.

Because of the growing popularity of enterprise-ready platforms such as Linux, both employers and professionals realize the importance of skill validation. The industry recognizes that CompTIA Linux+ certification is a good indicator of foundational proficiency in everyday management of Linux-based clients and basic management of server systems.

CompTIA Project+ Certification
CompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized project management certification that provides validation of fundamental project management skills. It covers the entire project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support and closure. Unlike some project management certifications, CompTIA Project+ can be acquired in a quick and cost-effective manner. There are no prerequisites, and candidates are not required to submit an application or complete additional hours of continuing education.

CompTIA Project+ gives project managers the skills necessary to complete projects on time and within budget, and creates a common project management language among project team members.

CompTIA Convergence+ Certification
CompTIA Convergence+ validates the knowledge and skills in the area of Communications Technologies (CT), where datacomm, telephony/telecommunications, video and broadcast multimedia technologies combine into a single IP-based delivery system. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician’s ability to design, implement and manage both data and voice networking. Although not a prerequisite for CompTIA Convergence+ certification, it is recommended that CompTIA Convergence+ candidates are CompTIA Network+ certified and have 18 to 24 months of work experience in areas that include data networking, VoIP, and other convergence related technologies.

The demand for skilled technology professionals with knowledge in convergence technology continues to grow, as more businesses adopt IP Telephony Solutions. CompTIA Convergence+ is a valuable credential to enhance a career with convergence technology. Corporations such as Avaya recognize CompTIA Convergence+ as part of their certification tracks.

CEA-CompTIA DHTI+ Certification
CEA-CompTIA Digital Home Technology Integrator (DHTI+) validates the knowledge and skills of home technology professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician’s ability to configure, integrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and comprehend the basic design concepts of electronic and digital home systems. It is recommended that CEA-CompTIA DHTI+ candidates have 18-24 months experience in some area of home integration technology.

CompTIA PDI+ Certification
CompTIA Printing and Document Imaging (PDI+) validates the knowledge and skills necessary to support printing and document imaging devices including printers, copiers, scanners, multi-functional devices and fax machines. It is a vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician’s understanding of basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes and components, color theory and connectivity/networking. The exam also covers soft skills such as customer service, professionalism, safety and environment. While there are no prerequisites for the CompTIA PDI+ certification exam, it is recommended that entry-level candidates have foundation-level knowledge or hands-on experience working with printing and document imaging devices.

CompTIA PDI+ provides a solid foundation for a career involving the service and support of printing and document imaging devices. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and service providers find that CompTIA PDI+ certification ensures that their technicians have the core knowledge and skill sets to provide effective repair activities.

Testkingdom.com is only IT online training provider that provide the all the and complete Comptia A+ Certifications exams training in just one package, testkingdom. self study training kits, save your money on bootcamps, training institutes, It’s also save your traveling and time. All training materials are “Guaranteed” to pass your exams and get you certified on the fist attempt, due to best training testkingdom become no1 site for 2008.

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Computer User, published by MSP Communications on August 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1311 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Webmaster of your own domain: a … More >>

Webmaster of your own domain: a career in Web design or Web development is training’s best-kept secret.: An article from: Computer User

i was looking into what certifications would be beneficial to me, so i was wondering how effective they actually are.

Eventually i plan on attempting my own web hosting/computer programming business. I was wondering how impressive (if at all) they look on a resume for being hired onto a company as a computer programmer/web designer/network technician.