GUEST BLOGGER: Brian Parker, Technical Instructor: MCT, MCSE, MCTS, CCNA, CCDA, A+, Network+, Security+

I highly recommend that anyone pursue a degree at some point, to expand their learning and thinking, but having it is not necessary for an IT career; neither is it a guarantee. Whether you choose to go the path [...]]]>

GUEST BLOGGER: Brian Parker, Technical Instructor: MCT, MCSE, MCTS, CCNA, CCDA, A+, Network+, Security+

I highly recommend that anyone pursue a degree at some point, to expand their learning and thinking, but having it is not necessary for an IT career; neither is it a guarantee. Whether you choose to go the path of education or certification to achieve your career goals, one thing remains the same between them: you need some general education.

In a degree program, general education includes math, English, science and more. When you focus your career training in IT, your general education includes some basic applications, hardware, operating system, networking and security knowledge. Additionally, some of the certifications are necessary just to get past the door of HR and into the interview. Here are the top five skills worth pursuing for 99% of IT careers:

1. Applications (MOS): I choose to use Microsoft Office because a majority of businesses still use it without fail, as well as many home users. Having a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification or two shows that you are ready to take on the business side of the IT job. No matter what field you pursue, you will likely be using Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint extensively. It helps if you have more than a basic knowledge of these applications.
2. Operating Systems (MCTS): Along with Office, most companies also use Windows since it comes pre-installed on the majority of business machines. Taking classes and pursuing a Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist in Windows 7 Configuration (the most current OS) shows that you are smarter than the average bear and have basic configuration and troubleshooting skills.
3. Hardware (A+): CompTia’s A+ certification is one of the first certifications people pursue, and one of the hardest; but it is also the only well-respected, non-specific hardware certification on the market. It reflects a thorough understanding of hardware elements, including troubleshooting and upgrading, as well as elements of network and security.
4. Networking (Network+): Some people may think they do not need CompTia’s Network+ because they do not plan to be network technicians. On the contrary, fundamental networking knowledge is essential to most IT jobs. The baseline knowledge gained in this certification applies not only to networking, but also servers, programming, databases, security and more.
5. Security (Security+): Everything today revolves around security. While other certifications exist that are better, this CompTia Security+ certification is a great essential to have to understanding everything from concepts to security threats. Show that you are security-minded, this will apply to every field.

One of the most important tools any computer technician will ever have is his handy-dandy screwdriver(s). As such, everyone has their own personal favorite style and size. Here are three quick options that I have seen (and used) over the years:

1.) Get a good pocket-sized pen [...]]]>

GUEST BLOGGER: Brian Parker, Technical Instructor.

One of the most important tools any computer technician will ever have is his handy-dandy screwdriver(s). As such, everyone has their own personal favorite style and size. Here are three quick options that I have seen (and used) over the years:

1.) Get a good pocket-sized pen screwdriver for those quick fixes. The one I use ($5 on eBay) has changeable heads that can be stored in the handle and has a magnetic head for those dropped screws. It would not hurt to have a full-sized and a precision-sized screwdriver, although the precision driver will handle most computer jobs without fail; just keep a good variety of heads with you. Make sure you can also find the T3, T4 and T5 Torx heads for cell phone repair.

2.) Forget the “basic computer kits” you find everywhere for about $10-$15, the fixed handle screwdrivers are good, but they clutter up your case. One of the most efficient kits I found was at an auto parts store for $5. It contained a good precision driver, lots of interchangeable heads, a bendable extension bar for hard-to-reach screws, and even a magnifying glass (great for small print on motherboards). Find the kit that works for you.

3.) Don’t limit yourself to computer stores only to find a good screwdriver kit. Especially around Black Friday – Christmas you can find several nifty kits at department stores as well in the men’s gift sections. I found a terrific kit for $15 with a full-size screwdriver in the shape of a T, which gives me extra torque for tough screws and, of course, lots more interchangeable heads and a great straight extension bar.

I have a Bachelor’s in Information Technology; I am going to get that job! I have a high-level, world-recognized certification; I am the best for that new hire position! I have been in this business for over 15 years, who better than I for this position?! Really, which [...]]]>

GUEST BLOGGER: Nora Daniels, Technical Instructor

I have a Bachelor’s in Information Technology; I am going to get that job! I have a high-level, world-recognized certification; I am the best for that new hire position! I have been in this business for over 15 years, who better than I for this position?! Really, which one is more marketable and gets your foot in the door, or even possibly all? This is constantly debated because there are no clear-cut answers. So I’m not going to throw out any concrete facts and I can’t hope to change anyone’s mind on the matter, but here are a few things to consider when weighing the benefits of a degree versus a cert with the included experience if possible. First of all, keep in mind that the degree/certification matter is only a part of what you should concern yourself with when you’re marketing yourself for a new job or a better position. Certifications and Degrees provide potential employers with a “calling card” of what you may be able to bring to the table, but remember what you are really selling, “YOURSELF!”

Once you are in that job role, your employer will want to see the individual who can “get the job done” and doing it in the most efficient, cost-effective manner. If you don’t have either a degree or certification, no one is going to dismiss your good results because you lack those credentials, especially if you have the experience or the aptitude for the position. However, in IT, keeping up with the changes in technology is important, and in some cases because of regulatory requirements, a must have. Certifications and degrees can demonstrate your awareness of that required knowledge, especially to a hiring company reviewing a multitude of possible applicants.

On that note, the Human Resources (HR) person who is reviewing that resume is a variable as well when looking at degrees versus certifications. You might get a HR person who is ticking off check marks against a criterion to filter candidates. For example, to apply for a Windows Administrator job, you must have a high level Microsoft certification in order to be seriously considered for the position. They might not be aware that many of the degreed programs offer you the equivalent knowledge, just not with that official certification and title.

However, if the HR person is an “academic”, they may respond to the presence of a degree most positively since they often come from a mindset that they had to acquire and complete their degrees and any new hire for a position should have that equivalent educational level or higher for their chosen field. They may see the jumble of certification acronyms as just that, a jump of letters and characters of no real value unless instructed otherwise, like from an IT Manager. Like I advised, these are not hard-core facts, just things to take in consideration.

There are lots of good reasons to get a degree, both personal and professional. In the eyes of some employers, a completed four-year degree shows that you can finish what you start with a show of dedication and work ethic. But do be aware that if the degree is dated, then a certification which is often required to be renewed as the technology changes and evolve shows most employers about your proficiency levels and how you are willing to shift those to meet changes in the IT environment.

Degrees can prepare the foundation for dealing with technology, but you can’t generalize. I know we have all heard of the guy with a Master’s degree in something like Computer Science, who can’t get a position as a computer technician or possibly be able to do those simple troubleshooting tasks for that role in a business. This could be a concern with specificity in a job role. Some companies have a budget for a “Jack or Jane of All Trades” but most do not have that luxury and are looking for those hires with the certification and/or experience for that specific position. Ramon Padilla, and experienced IT Manager [TechRepublic], states when he is looking at a job candidate: “If I am looking at a highly technical position (DBA, network engineer, etc.) then I lean more heavily toward certification. However, if I’m looking at a managerial, administrative, or analyst type position, the degree is more valuable.”

So, the answer to the age-old question of degrees vs. certifications is “it depends.” I say, it depends on the specifics of the job, on the person doing the hiring, and on your capabilities in general. When it comes to IT, there is a high degree of mental ability needed for the job; not just for problem solving, but also can you deal with stress as well. Having a degree without the experience can hinder you just as much as having a certification without the experience. Depending on the company, to really market one well for a position, having a degree, with some certifications and experience will put you over the scale of most other possible applicants. Don’t limit yourself, no matter the educational choice, because in the world today an applicant with either or both a degree and certificates often proves to that employer that you are a hard worker and willing to go that additional level to gain expertise in your chosen field which often equates to a “Must Hire” applicant versus a no-hire!

If the application happens [...]]]>

So, you’re asked to fix a database problem for a web application. The trouble is that nobody can tell you a valid database username and password—or even where the database is! You could spend hours searching the application code and tracking down everyone in your company who you think might know.

If the application happens to be written in ASP.NET, there’s a good chance that all this information is in a file at the top level of the application’s web directory called web.config; the database connection string may even look something like:

<add key=”MyApp.DataAccess.ConnectionString” value=”Provider=SQLOLEDB;server=34.329.169.201;uid=doodle1; pwd=$%^ytr;database=larry;Connection Reset=FALSE” />

That’s terrible for security, of course, but since someone else wrote the program anyway, at least it’s nice that you’re able to find the information and get on with your assignment.

If the application is in ASP classic, try looking in global.asa. Otherwise, search the source code for phrases such as conn, password, uid, provider, SQLOLEDB, and so forth.

Open a new grayscale document in Photoshop and make its size 1 pixel wide by 2 pixels tall. Select a color from the Swatches panel: [...]]]>

Need a dashed line for a design? Not sure how to make it consistent, much less quick and easy? Try this technique and modífy it according to your needs.

Open a new grayscale document in Photoshop and make its size 1 pixel wide by 2 pixels tall. Select a color from the Swatches panel: gray or black, for example. Select the Pencil tool from the Tools panel and set it to 1 pixel in size. Click once in the top portion of your 1-by 2-pixel document so the top half is a gray or black square and the bottom half is white. Choose Select > All and then choose Edit > Define Pattern. In the resulting dialog box, name the pattern Vertical Pattern and click OK. (This is a pattern you’ll use for vertical dashed lines. For horizontal dashes, make the new document 2px by 1px and place the black square on the left half of the document.)

In a new document, determine how tall your line should be by using the Rectangular Marquee tool in the Tools panel and noting the Height value in the Info panel. Create a new layer, and use the Marquee tool with a fixed size of 1 pixel wide by the height you just noted. Select Edit > Fill and select Pattern from the Use pop-up menu.

Click on the Custom Pattern pop-up list and choose the pattern you just created. Click OK and Photoshop fills the 1-pixel wide marquee with the dashed pattern. Hit CTRL+D to deselect the marquee, and position the line where you’d like.

For a little dash variety, try changing the size and color of your pattern!

[Tip: For horizontal dashed lines without creating a new pattern, make a new vertical line in a separate layer, and then Edit > Transform > Rotate 90°]

Azure SDK .NET Download

Azure 90-Day Trial

Azure 90-Day Trial for MSDN Subscribers

Phone SDK Download

Windows 8 Consumer Preview [...]]]>

Microsoft will be releasing quite a few new products in the next 12 – 18 months. So, take this opportunity to download some of the newest technologies and take them on a test drive.

Azure SDK .NET Download

Azure 90-Day Trial

Azure 90-Day Trial for MSDN Subscribers

Phone SDK Download

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Download

WebMatrix Download

Visual Studio 11 Express Beta for Windows 8 Download

CARE: System Center 2012 Suite

And be sure to check out our Microsoft technical classes on NHComputerlearning.com

In Cushing Anderson’s article, “Impact of Certifications: Do Certifications Matter?” the issue of certifications and their measurable impact on the success of an employee/company is addressed. Cushing states that there is not a measurable way to determine exactly how much certifications matter, because the benefits of certifications are unique to each company’s circumstances and [...]]]>

In Cushing Anderson’s article, “Impact of Certifications: Do Certifications Matter?” the issue of certifications and their measurable impact on the success of an employee/company is addressed. Cushing states that there is not a measurable way to determine exactly how much certifications matter, because the benefits of certifications are unique to each company’s circumstances and needs.

Instead, Cushing outlines four categories of areas where a technology vendor might be able to demonstrate the impact of certification that may represent a good starting place for anyone – sponsor or client – looking to measure its effectiveness:

1. Why was the certification program/requirement put in place? What were the founding objectives of getting certified?
2. What does the certification attest to?
3. What do the stakeholders (certification holders, their bosses, their clients) think about the certification?
4. What other metrics does the organization already track that the certification program might influence? What metrics could be collected that demonstrate impact?

Though not an extensive assessment of how to establish the impact of certifications, it provides a solid basis for establishing how much of an impact certifications can have in the world of IT.

Read Anderson’s full article here.