Monday, November 26, 2007

Networking - Are You an Extrovert or an Introvert and the 2 Reasons Why it Matters

Much is made by people on whether they are extroverts/introverts and that certainly being on extrovert is necessary to be a successful networker. Actually, both have natural strengths and weaknesses.

The intelligent networker first understands where they are on the scale of extrovert and introvert and uses the strengths (and works on the weaknesses) to their advantage.

First myth. Introverts are uncomfortable meeting strangers. The fact is EVERYONE is uncomfortable meeting strangers. And that's ok. A major part of networking is meeting new people. We just need to understand that being an extrovert or introvert has nothing to do with it.

So what are the differences?

Two things really..

* The interaction with other people

* Personal Energy

Extroverts love to interact in groups. If you're networking and see a group of 4 or 5 people (or more) with one person "holding court", chances are you're seeing an extrovert in action. Extroverts are bigger, more expansive, the hand gestures will be more pronounced.

The problem for extroverts is that we love to talk. Extroverts can be fun, hold a group together, provide the energy, but they also will do most of the talking. You will learn about the extrovert all sorts of things, but she may not learn much about you.

So it's important for the extrovert to scale back a little. Learn to not "take over" the conversation, listen, truly listen to other people when they talk, not just wait patiently until they can talk again.

The introvert is not someone who has difficulty networking. They just have to do it a little differently. Introverts for example excel one on one. Two people talking to each other is the perfect networking environment. Introverts are more likely cede talking time than others, but he might still need to learn how to listen properly just like everyone else.

For an introvert, groups are probably not going to be a comfortable environment for you, so if there is someone in a group that you want to talk to separate them from the herd! Take them aside and create that one on one comfort zone.

The other differentiator between extro's and intro's is energy levels.

Think of a long day at work. You're tired, but you have to go to some networking event. Geesh!

The extrovert on one hand, while maybe starting out bushed, starts getting energized as the networking event progresses. Extroverts basically get energy from groups and gatherings. Extroverts can typically last the night away!

Heck, as the event draws to a close, the extrovert might even try to get a group together and head out for a beer!

Understand that the extrovert will probably crash on the way home. They no longer have the group feeding them that energy and on the car ride home, tiredness will set back in. That's ok. The extrovert just needs to watch themselves because they can crash.

The introvert on the other hand essentially loses energy at group events. And if there was a long, tough day at work, the last thing you want to do is go networking.

So it's important for an intro' to recharge first. Perhaps between work and networking, stop someplace, do a caffeine and sugar thing, maybe if alone time with a book helps you recharge, stop at Starbucks or Mickey D's and take a half hour by yourself. If you show up a little late that's fine, especially if you are now more ready to dive in to the networking event.

Also understand that you may not last the whole time. Figure out what works for you. Don't make this an excuse to leave early (or not attend at all!) but try different things that will help you be on top of your game when you do network. It would be much more productive for you to be "all there" for 2 hours of a 3 hour event, then physically there, but mentally in la-la land for the entire event.

So understand where you sit on the extrovert/introvert scale and what are your strength's and weaknesses when networking. Adjust your schedule or behavior to maximize your networking to make it more successful and enjoyable for you.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Powerful Networking in Three Easy Steps

Networking is such an invaluable tool for the small business owner...if the networker knows how to do it well. But learning this vital skill seems to be the most overlooked step in the process. Most people wouldn't consider starting a small business if they didn't know how to do the thing that their business offers...but they venture blithely forward with no idea how to sell the thing their business offers. Here are a few basic tips to help things run more smoothly.

1.) Be likeable. If you aren't likeable, fake it. If you can't fake it, hire someone who can...they'll be well-worth the money.

2.) Be knowledgeable. It goes without saying (I hope) that you keep abreast of current trends in your industry, but when networking it's incredibly useful to know a little about a lot. Sports, politics, local theater, celebrity gossip, cars...anything that the person you're talking to might find interesting is a networking opportunity. Provided, of course, you know enough to have a relatively informed conversation...and you're not too emotionally invested in the results. If you adamantly believe that Paris Hilton should have gotten off scott-free, and you'll cry over a dissenting viewpoint, veer away from celebrity gossip.

3.) Be flexible. Networking is not about 'closing' or 'hard-selling' - it's about creating relationships. When you're trying to build a relationship, you have to be flexible enough to do it on the other person's terms. If that means that they need to know you for six months before they even think about sending business your way, by all means prepare for that six-month slog. That is the way in which that person does business...and if you don't respect it, it's your loss.

Developing Referral Relationships

Once you've received a referral, gathered information, and ranked the lead, it's time to pick up the phone. The following advice and scripts will help you at each step of the lead-conversion process.

Making first-time contact

The first call is the hardest one. Until you make first contact you really don't know the quality of the lead. It could turn out to be a huge business opportunity - or nothing at all. You have to hope for the best. The referral lead could result in years of business and an important new referral alliance, or it could go into the trash 60 seconds after you make the call. As you initiate contact with a new referral, heed the upcoming advice. Know the two objectives of your first call or visit.

The primary objective of your first contact, like the objective of any other first sales call to a new prospect, is to book an appointment. The first appointment might take the form of an exploratory session aimed at determining the wants, needs, and desires of the lead, or it might be an appointment to conduct a buyer consultation or listing presentation.

The secondary objective of your first contact is to open the door, establish trust and respect, demonstrate your knowledge, and establish your position as a reliable resource.

In your first contact, you're not trying to make a sale; you're just trying to achieve a face-to-face meeting.

Use the name of your referral source to open doors

The best way to get beyond your prospect's defenses is to share the name of your referral source. By presenting the name of your mutual associate, you establish immediate rapport and credibility. In your opening statement, include a reference to your referral source using a script such as this:

"Hello, Mr. Smith, this is Dirk Zeller with Real Estate Champions. The reason for my call is that your name came up in a conversation yesterday with Bob Jones with the Acme Delivery Company."

Then continue by using a linking statement such as:

"He said you're neighbors," or "He said you used to work together,"

Or

"He said your sons play soccer on the same team."

"Well, Bob Jones is a very valuable client. Bob knows I primarily work with referrals; he suggested I give you a call. He thought it would be worth a few minutes of our mutual time to see if we should meet."

You could also use a variation like:

"Bob was pleased with the service I provided to him and his family. He thought you'd like to evaluate how I might be able to assist you in the future."

Converting referrals into clients or referral sources

Once you've established a solid opening connection, it's time to ask probing questions that help you determine the wants, needs, desires, and expectations of the lead. Depending on your findings, the lead might result in a qualified prospect that you convert into a client, or you might determine that while the lead isn't ready to buy or sell, or to commit to an exclusive agent relationship, the person is a valuable resource to be added to your referral database.

Personal visits and calls

Leads generated through referrals come with a higher client-conversion probability than leads received from ad calls, sign calls, or any other cold sources. Due to that fact, consider investing some additional time as you launch the relationship. Instead of, or in addition to a personal call, consider stopping by to personally meet your new leads in their home. Once they attach a face and voice to your name they'll find it more difficult to reject you or select someone else to represent their interests.

If a personal visit isn't possible, aim to enhance the sense of personal connection through an increased number and frequency of calls. It takes, on average, four to six calls for you to leave a lasting impression.

Written notes, e-mail messages and mailers

Between calls and personal visits, build a bridge with personal notes and e-mail messages. Written communications will never replace the personal touch of phone calls or face-to-face visits, but in between live contact they do a great job of keeping the connection alive.

Send market updates, testimonials, letters from other satisfied clients, information on your current listed properties, and news about key awards or recognition you've received.

Beyond that, treat leads as if they're already clients by adding them to your newsletter list and to insider mailings that share news from your office.

Beware of The Itis

Strange subject line don't you think?

If you do not know what the Itis is and how it can be devastating to your network marketing career then listen closely.

Let me start with a little background . . .

A few days back I was watching a TV show with my family. They were watching a show called Boondocks.

The show itself is an outgrowth of a comic strip. It's actually an adult oriented cartoon based around an African American family which highlights and pokes fun at the racial tensions here in America. Well, this particular episode was about how one of the main characters was given the opportunity to open his own soul food restaurant, called "The Itis", and what happened there after.

If you don't know what the "Itis" is, it is actually pretty funny, in fact I am laughing about the whole concept right now as I write this, it is that tired feeling you get after you eat a huge and unhealthy meal. If you've ever eaten lunch and wanted to take a nap 15 minutes after you finished eating you've fallen victim to the Itis. It stops you in your tracks and puts you to sleep. Well, in this show, that is exactly what food from this soul food restaurant did to anyone who ate it.

It stopped them in their tracks and put them straight to sleep. People were falling asleep at the table and I think one woman went into a comma. It was pretty funny to see this concept taken to that extreme, and naturally the show conluded with the restaurant being closed.

Well what does all this have to do with network marketing and your business?

Simple . . .

I see people fall victim to the Itis everyday in their network marketing efforts. Not the type of Itis I've described above, but a much more sinister and personally elusive form.

Here is how it happens . . .

They will join a new business and after 15 minutes of really hard work promoting it by sending out a few emails and not getting any response they will start to say "It is not working". Then they will buy information product after information product looking for the golden key to success and after skimming through the information and putting in a good two hour solid effort to see if IT works they say "It is not

working. Then they go off and buy an new golden ticket to freedom and income. They find a new business or they find a new info product that promises them the world and they always meet with the same results. They put their brain to sleep after gorging on a meal of

easy promises of riches and enter into a comma like state of waiting for success to find them for an undetermined amount of time. When they wake up and see that making money online or in their network marketing efforts actually takes effort they aren't having it.

They look for another meal filled with easy promises of riches to put them back into their comma like state where they can relax as they dream of the success that is just going to happen around them. When they find it they gorge. They never really think to look at themselves as they grow fat and lethargic from all this consuming. They never realize that the reason that they are not getting anywhere is because they aren't really moving, except to the next so called easiest meal.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Networking for Jobs - Who Needs Networking?

Networking is one of the most important business and career development skills anyone can learn. Yet, even to a seasoned professional it can seem intimidating or positively scary some of the time.

I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the most clichéd and misunderstood words in our vocabulary; the dictionary defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions." Strangely it doesn't define the rationale of networking.

If we view networking as the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually advantageous, it won't take long to realize that networking is an important business and career development process. The continual building of relationships that can last a lifetime is what makes networking an essential part of our own development. This is why we do need to learn networking skills and keep our contacts in touch with us regularly.

Because, when we lose touch with someone, then call on them when we are in need, we create a negative networking situation and your contact no longer want s to talk to you. The person at the receiving end perceives the call as "he can't be bothered to keep in touch, till he wants something"

So, positive networking needs to become a way of life. As the old saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know." This is truer than ever in today's competitive world.

However, networking is not something that comes easily to everyone. You may be essentially a shy person, possibly feel you don't have the wherewithal, or as most of us are today, just plain busy. More than likely, you may feel you simply don't have the time to network. This is just an excuse!

Whenever you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to network and learn new things thus enriching your own existence. The truth then is: we really don't have time NOT to network.

Networking can be done any place, any time. As you learn about the other person you are networking with and how you can help them, they learn about you and how they can help you. This reciprocal effect is a direct result of you becoming interesting because you are showing interest. Help others connect to the people you know can help them, keep your promises and stay in touch.

You will frequently have opportunities to meet new people whom you can add to your list of contacts. Once you have established a connection, identify the people who can help you, stay connected, and keep your network growing. Identify the organizations and activities where people you want to know gather, get involved and become known.

Networking does not have to be difficult; in fact it can be quite fun, but bear in mind that you will need to continually work at it. Then, before you know it, you will have a strong network behind you whenever you need to call upon it.

Five Tips For Using MySpace

I remember the days when AOL was pretty much the only community in town. In fact, I remember when they billed you by usage time versus a flat monthly fee.

Today, there are many networking communities available. My favorite is MySpace. I have met more people and gained more business from MySpace than from any other networking community.

I'd like to share five tips on using MySpace:

If you are there to network, then make it easy for folks to network with you. Often I find folks who say I need their last name or email address to friend request them. Since they are currently a stranger, I don't have that information. Their profile tells me they want to meet others but their profile settings make that near impossible. Choose settings that allow others to communicate with you and friend request you.

Share information. Posting ads is not sharing information. I've actually deleted those who only advertise. I want to know YOU. I want to know who you are. Networking is about knowing one another and hopefully helping each other. If all you do is advertise, I am not going to send business your way. I do not want to send those I know to folks who only pitch products and services.

Join a few groups. MySpace has thousands and thousands of groups. Do a search and find a few groups that revolve around your interests. For example, I joined a scrapbooking group. I also joined a group talking about a t.v. show I enjoy. Finally, I joined a Starbucks group as I love Starbucks. Find groups that are YOU and join a few. You'll meet others that you already share something in common with.

Use the email and comment functions. Talk to others but more importantly when folks talk to you, answer them. I still communicate with folks I met the first day I began networking on MySpace. Just as I answer personal email in a timely manner, I also try to answer MySpace mail and comments in a timely manner.

Remember your words and photos will be seen by many. I sometimes shudder when I see someone who claims to want to gain business swearing up a storm and posting very non G rated photos. This is going to turn off potential business contacts. The bulletin feature is wonderful, but when the topic is a string of profanity I never even open it. When I was working on AOL, we had a rule of "if you wouldn't say it to your grandmother, don't say it here". I really believe this applies in a networking community also.qa

Friday, November 02, 2007

Networking for Jobs - Who Needs Networking?

Networking is one of the most important business and career development skills anyone can learn. Yet, even to a seasoned professional it can seem intimidating or positively scary some of the time.

I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the most clichéd and misunderstood words in our vocabulary; the dictionary defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions." Strangely it doesn't define the rationale of networking.

If we view networking as the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually advantageous, it won't take long to realize that networking is an important business and career development process. The continual building of relationships that can last a lifetime is what makes networking an essential part of our own development. This is why we do need to learn networking skills and keep our contacts in touch with us regularly.

Because, when we lose touch with someone, then call on them when we are in need, we create a negative networking situation and your contact no longer want s to talk to you. The person at the receiving end perceives the call as "he can't be bothered to keep in touch, till he wants something"

So, positive networking needs to become a way of life. As the old saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know." This is truer than ever in today's competitive world.

However, networking is not something that comes easily to everyone. You may be essentially a shy person, possibly feel you don't have the wherewithal, or as most of us are today, just plain busy. More than likely, you may feel you simply don't have the time to network. This is just an excuse!

Whenever you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to network and learn new things thus enriching your own existence. The truth then is: we really don't have time NOT to network.

Networking can be done any place, any time. As you learn about the other person you are networking with and how you can help them, they learn about you and how they can help you. This reciprocal effect is a direct result of you becoming interesting because you are showing interest. Help others connect to the people you know can help them, keep your promises and stay in touch.

You will frequently have opportunities to meet new people whom you can add to your list of contacts. Once you have established a connection, identify the people who can help you, stay connected, and keep your network growing. Identify the organizations and activities where people you want to know gather, get involved and become known.

Networking does not have to be difficult; in fact it can be quite fun, but bear in mind that you will need to continually work at it. Then, before you know it, you will have a strong network behind you whenever you need to call upon it.

Running Your Network is Only as Good as the People Behind It

If you are going to have an internal team running your internal network, it is important that you place the right person for the right job. If George Bush was a candidate to run your network again, you definitely would want him reevaluated to ensure he is the proper candidate for the job. Maybe even replacing him with someone with a better education and coordination in order to ensure your network runs smoothly without major interruptions.

Your candidates to run your network should have experience pertaining to the devices in which you want to have your network to run under. Cisco is probably the most efficient and common choice of network equipment for networkers to operate. Cisco offers their own certifications as proof for businesses that the person has the knowledge to run Cisco devices. The Cisco CCNA is the most common entry level certification a business should look for. Nortel and Foundry also provide certifications for their products as well.

If you require a head network administrator for a large network with advanced securities and you are dealing with Cisco, a certified CCIE would suffice, although you may end up paying him over $100,000. Even someone who is certified doesn't mean your network will be smooth sailing. Experience is also an area you want to look at. I find that if you are running Cisco equipment, candidates should have at least a year of experience enter a junior position.

A networker should also be available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week comparable to a doctor. If you rely on web for money, you have to have someone in place to fix it right away. A day lost can turn into a customer loss. A 404 or 500 error screams, "We may be out of business or the internet swallowed our company". Just be sure you have the right person on call for advanced troubleshooting, meaning he's bright enough to restore your network quickly.

You may also higher a 3rd party source to handle your system support and networking support. It may not be cheaper than having your own team in place, but usually there is a mixture of all types of technical techies services your network's operability. Personally, I recommend having your own team of networkers on hand.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Online Networking - Person To Person Communications At New Levels

Networking is one of the most important things you can do in your life, as you make personal friends as well as business associates with whom you can be mutually helpful. If you know the right people, you can accomplish almost anything. That's why it's important to start meeting people. There are two types of networking, and those are for personal and for business contacts. Here I will discuss the two types of networking, and how they can be used to make your life easier.

Personal networking is most apparent on sites like Myspace and Facebook. On these sites, you first add all of your friends that you have established in real life. Then, depending on how much you want to branch out, you can start adding your friends' friends, to bridge the social gaps. The systems make it easy for you to talk to multiple people at the same time, and quickly get to know them through conversation as well as the contents of their custom profiles. Most social networking sites also allow you to search or browse for complete strangers with similar interests, so that you can start to meet new people. It's definitely easier than going out and meeting random people in your day-to-day life.

Business networking is slightly more serious and formal, since almost everybody you meet will have some sort of objective that they wish to accomplish. Business networking can be compared a lot to personal networking, but it is focused on business. Many focus on the ability to maintain a personal list of contacts, and organize it well. When you're in business, it is a good idea to keep these things sorted. You can keep records of your previous interactions with people, and how much you would trust them to do well in the future.

Business networking sites allow you to create connections with people depending on your relationship to them. These can be used for many purposes, from finding jobs to finding employees. Professional networking sites like LinkedIn don't encourage, or even allow, random contact. Mutual relationships must exist previously.

If you haven't already jumped on the online networking bandwagon, then perhaps it is time to consider doing so. Personal networking is a great way to meet people with similar interests, without the hassle of tracking them down in the real world. Business networking is perfect for keeping track of contacts, as well as establishing new ones.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

A Brief History of Cisco Certification Training

Cisco Systems was founded in 1984 by a married couple named Len Bosack and Sandy Lerner. They were computer engineers employed at Stanford University near San Francisco, California. The name cisco, which was originally spelled using a small c, was taken from San Francisco. It created the first commercially successful multi-protocol router. This was exactly the right product at the right time as it enabled previously incompatible computers to communicate with each other. The cisco router was thus instrumental in the establishment and growth of the internet. The change to the standard Internet Protocol (IP) cut drastically into the need for a multi-protocol router, but by this time the company was well established and able to diversify into other networking system products.

In 1990, just six years after it was founded, the company went public and the name was changed to Cisco Systems. The founders walked away with a nice profit of around 170 million dollars. In the following years, the company continued to grow. Just before the dot com. bubble burst, Cisco Systems was one of the richest companies in the world. Today, the company has managed to stay on the cutting edge of networking systems technology and has retained its position as a leader in the field of Internet technology.

Around 1993, the Cisco systems became involved in training with the establishment of Cisco Academies. The idea was to provide global training for network associates. Since they were being trained by Cisco to use Cisco equipment, the establishment of the Academies contributed to the growth of the company. Cisco training was established as a benchmark standard for network associates and IT technicians. Cisco was also a leader in the introduction of formal certification programs to insure the competence and skill level of networking employees. The idea was that college educations by themselves were not a guarantee of a person’s capacity to do a job. Cisco Certification training was established to prepare candidates to pass the Certification exams.

Although in recent years, other companies have introduced Certification programs, the Cisco Certification remains an important indicator of the skill level of a potential employee. This is especially true in the networking field. At the current time, Cisco Systems sponsors 9 different Certifications. They range from CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) to CCSI (Cisco Certified Systems Instructor). The most common and entry level Certification is the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

MCSE Certification - Requirements And Courses

In this article we're going to go over the current requirements for getting an MCSE certification. Please keep in mind that these requirements could be old news by the time you read this. No knock on Microsoft intended.

So, you want to get an MCSE certification. Well, in order to do so you're going to have to pass a series of exams. As of this article, seven to be exact. Five of the exams are what they call core exams and the last two are called elective exams.

The five core exams consist of four operating system exams and one design exam. The four operating system exams offer the following choices. The first of the operating system exams is the client operating system. You need to take one of these. The last three are for the networking system itself. There is a bit of an overlap here so we'll just cover the choices as they apply to both options.

The overlaps are courses 2151 and 2152 which are Windows 2000 Network and Operating Systems Essentials and Implementing Windows 2000 Professional Server. Also in the overlap is course 1560 which is upgrading from Windows NT to Windows 2000.

This is where we have the breakoff between client operating system and the networking system. The last client operating system exams are course 2272 and 2285 which are Implementing Windows XP Professional and Installing and Configuring Windows XP Professional. This concludes the client operating system exams.

The remaining exams for the network system itself are courses 2153 and 2154. These include Implementing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure and Implementing and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services.

The design exam comes with a number of options which cover Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure, Designing a Security-Enhanced Microsoft Windows 2000 Network, Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Networking Services Infrastructure, Designing a Highly Available Web Infrastructure, Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure and Designing Security for Microsoft Networks. The good part about the design option is that the student has a number of options to choose from.

The two elective exams are a bit of a blessing and a curse. There are numerous courses that can be taken for the two elective exams. The problem is, with so many choices a new student may have a difficult time deciding which one to take. With some being infinitely more difficult than the others, the choice can mean the difference between passing and failing the exams. Having said that, the more popular of the elective exams, which doesn't necessarily mean they are the easiest ones, are System Administration for Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, which has been a staple for years, Implementing a Database on Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, which is usually taken with the other SQL exam, thus completing the elective section, Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange 2000, which has been another long time staple and finally its cousin, Designing Microsoft Exchange 2000 for the Enterprise. There are of course other courses but these are the most popular.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Computer Schools In New York

New York is the business and education hub of America and has a wide network of educational institutions. There are a large number of institutes offering computer courses in New York due to the increased demand for Information Technology professionals in every field.

The Briarcliffe College in Bethpage offers courses in Computer Information Systems, for Computer Applications Specialist, Networking and Computer Technology and Office Technologies. While the Briarcliffe College at Patchogue offers Computer Information Systems and Computer Applications Specialist courses. The Chubb Institute in NYC offers courses in Network Security, Graphic Design, and Computer Technician course. The DeVry University of Long Island has courses in Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, and Networking. The ITT Technical Institutes are situated in Albany, Syracuse & Buffalo. They offer several technology-oriented programs and also online programs in Information Technology, Web Design, and Computer applications.

The Katharine Gibbs School in Melville and in New York offer courses in Computer Network Operations, Computer Technical Support, Digital Media Communications, and Computer Programming for students. The Skidmore College CCI in White Plains has courses in Oracle Database Administration, Enterprise Applications Developer, PC & Networking Support, PC & Networking Administration, PC & Networking Design, and PC & Networking Design with Security. The Branford Hall Career Institute in Bohemia offers Digital Computer Technology and Computerized Office Technology. The Suburban Technical School in Hempstead has a course in Digital Computer Technology. The College of Westchester at White Plains has courses in Computer Applications Management, Computer Network Administration, Multimedia Development and Management, Computer Applications Specialist, Computer Networking Specialist, Microsoft Office Specialist Program, Multimedia Technology, and Word Processing Specialist.

There are other computer training schools also available that specialize in other allied training skills. There are Computer Repair Schools, Computer Animation Schools, Computer Graphics Schools, Computer Science Schools, and Computer Programming Schools.

Computer Networking Schools Produce Qualified Technicians

A penchant for computers and acquired technical abilities are desirable attributes for future computer networking technicians. Computer networking schools offer an education in the hands-on processes of computer networking. Students learn to configure routers and switches, and install wiring, as well as skills in maintenance and network diagnostics.

Computer networking schools offer professional training at many levels. Entry-level students can opt for a computer networking certification or a career diploma; they may further their education and obtain an associate’s degree. For the computer networking professional, a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree can greatly improve employment outlook.

A good computer networking college will cover all aspects of computer technology to prepare students to compete in the vast world of informational technology. Potential employment opportunities for graduates include positions in computer science, computer information systems, network administration, network systems engineering, network service technology, network analysis and programming, network information systems management, electrical and computer engineering, communications, telecommunications, and many other computer-related areas.

Computer networking has become one of the major career fields in today’s modern business world, and there is a constant need for qualified computer networking professionals. If you like working with computers and are you seeking a career in computers, a computer networking school is the right choice for you!

To learn more about the exciting and promising field of Computer Networking, and to choose the right Computer Networking School for you, look for more in-depth information and resources on our website.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

6 Additional Steps to Social Networking

At this point in time, it really is accurate to say that when it comes to cyberspace, social networking is all the rage. In this regard, you may be wondering how you might quickly become involved in social networking today. There are six steps to fast social networking that will be helpful to you in this regard.

1. The first step to fast social networking is joining a site that is popular and has high traffic. This will give you more opportunities to become known.

2. The next step to fast social networking is developing a cogent and yet interesting bio. This will entice visitors to visit your site.

3. Whether you like it or not, when it comes to fast social networking, you will get involved in the swim of things faster if you have a nice photo. Get one.

4. Consider adding other interesting images and perhaps artwork or graphics to your own social networking face or home page.

5. Advise other people who you already know that you are intent on fast social networking, that you are joining a social networking site.

6. Start to interact with other people. If you want to garner connections through fast social networking you cannot sit idly by and wait for people to come to you.

By following these tips and pointers, you do have the guidelines that you need to embark on a course of fast social networking in order to develop a whole new set of connections on the Net. These social connections can be your next customers.

Network Systems Online Schools

An online course in Network Systems introduces the student to the foundations of network systems, and progresses later to more complex subjects of technological skills. Students will study fundamental network systems devices, routers, network management, design, and troubleshooting.

Most Network Systems courses can be completed completely online, or through computer-based distance learning programs, depending on the delivery formats required. Courses provide an overview of Network Systems organization and management. Voice and data communications standards, components, topologies, and media for traditional and high-speed LAN are will be considered. Networking operating systems and management should be included in courses of study for degrees in Network Systems.

Diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor degrees and master degrees are available from Online Network Systems schools programs. Bachelor of Science Degrees (BS) in Network Systems focus on configuration and installation of network applications and services, infrastructure, design, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Students will learn uses of technologies and applications for business, and security solutions for LANs in private and public Network Systems. Courses will include networking operating systems, network design, networking security, network administration, and wide-area networking.

Career advancement or entry-level Network Systems employment is the focus of courses in programming, web development, database management, and networking. Bachelor degree programs prepare students with the knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking, and technical competencies required in the modern workplace for advancing their careers in information technology.

Among courses required to complete bachelor degrees in Network Systems are computer networks, computer network administration, and wireless networking. Online bachelor and master degree programs allow for choices in concentration, such as programming, computer systems, network administration, and management.

Online Network Systems Schools that offer Master Degrees in Network Systems and information technology programs may combine technology and Internet security with information management courses to assure greater success in the career market.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Computer Network Engineering Schools Offer Advanced Degrees

Computer Network Engineering Schools, colleges, and universities grant associate, bachelor, master, doctorate degrees, and post-graduate certificates in computer network engineering and management. Degree programs in computer network engineering teach the design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of computer system networks.

Computer network engineering college students will develop a solid background in math and science, as well as skills in critical thinking, communication, logic, and problem solving. Courses in calculus and physics, in addition to computer programming and networking can be expected.

Bachelor degree students in computer network engineering university programs will be prepared for entry-level positions as network administrators and technical support specialists.

Master and doctorate computer network engineering degree programs emphasize specialized technical network engineering. Post-graduate certificate programs provide advanced topics of study, allowing students to develop expertise in specific areas.

Computer network engineering college and university graduate degree programs are designed for engineers with bachelor degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or a related discipline, and for engineers in the fields of design and development of network systems, components, products, and services.

Corporations and businesses use computer networks in daily functions, making the jobs of computer network engineers important for keeping these networks in good operating condition. Computer network engineers are prepared for a variety of duties involved in designing new computers, testing computers, and maintaining existing computer network systems.

Since keeping current with trends and developments in technology, computer network engineers can anticipate continuing their education throughout their careers in workshops and continuing education courses.

Computer network engineering careers will continue to grow with the growth and use of advancing technology. If you would like to learn more about the promising field of Computer Network Engineering and Computer Network Engineering Schools, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Computer Networking Online Schools

There is great demand in today's business world for professionals who have earned a diploma, certification or degree in computer networking. For many working adults, an online school for computer networking studies is the most convenient educational path. And, with an online degree, you will be qualified to apply for many interesting and vital positions in the field of computer networking.

Many people find that an online computer networking course provides a flexible way to earn certification or a college degree. Students learn over the Internet by downloading the comprehensive distance learning programs, and studying at times that are convenient. In addition to basic software training, online computer networking curriculums usually involve in-depth studies of computer network engineering, network support and administration, program design, and information security (from major technology organizations). They also teach students about network authentication applications and operating systems, software tools, the technical aspects of computers and PCs, and numerous other relevant subjects.

The length of the individual course can vary greatly from school to school, but those who have successfully completed an entry-level computer networking course can go on to earn higher level degrees, including Associates, Bachelors and Masters. Graduates can look forward to jobs that would include network administrators, network managers, network system engineers, security analysts, and many more.

Online computer networking schools offer many great advantages: Flexible coursework, affordability, fully-accredited degrees, and no strict deadlines. An online course in computer networking works best for the self-starter who is looking for a step up in today’s technologically advanced world of computers.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Computer Networking Schools and other programs of study, please search our site for more information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Friday, October 12, 2007

A Brief History of Cisco Certification Training

Cisco Systems was founded in 1984 by a married couple named Len Bosack and Sandy Lerner. They were computer engineers employed at Stanford University near San Francisco, California. The name cisco, which was originally spelled using a small c, was taken from San Francisco. It created the first commercially successful multi-protocol router. This was exactly the right product at the right time as it enabled previously incompatible computers to communicate with each other. The cisco router was thus instrumental in the establishment and growth of the internet. The change to the standard Internet Protocol (IP) cut drastically into the need for a multi-protocol router, but by this time the company was well established and able to diversify into other networking system products.

In 1990, just six years after it was founded, the company went public and the name was changed to Cisco Systems. The founders walked away with a nice profit of around 170 million dollars. In the following years, the company continued to grow. Just before the dot com. bubble burst, Cisco Systems was one of the richest companies in the world. Today, the company has managed to stay on the cutting edge of networking systems technology and has retained its position as a leader in the field of Internet technology.

Around 1993, the Cisco systems became involved in training with the establishment of Cisco Academies. The idea was to provide global training for network associates. Since they were being trained by Cisco to use Cisco equipment, the establishment of the Academies contributed to the growth of the company. Cisco training was established as a benchmark standard for network associates and IT technicians. Cisco was also a leader in the introduction of formal certification programs to insure the competence and skill level of networking employees. The idea was that college educations by themselves were not a guarantee of a person’s capacity to do a job. Cisco Certification training was established to prepare candidates to pass the Certification exams.

Although in recent years, other companies have introduced Certification programs, the Cisco Certification remains an important indicator of the skill level of a potential employee. This is especially true in the networking field. At the current time, Cisco Systems sponsors 9 different Certifications. They range from CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) to CCSI (Cisco Certified Systems Instructor). The most common and entry level Certification is the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).

Network Troubleshooting Commands

Troubleshooting computer network is among the most important job descriptions of the network administrators, system administrators, network technicians and the IT consultants. A computer network can have different kinds of problems such as it can be infected with virus and spyware, attacked by hackers, accessed by unauthorized users and may face connectivity failure issues due to the faulty network devices or configurations. Following is a list of the basic network troubleshooting commands that are built-in the Windows based operating systems and UNIX etc. The right use of these troubleshooting commands can helps a lot in diagnosing and resolving the issues with your computer network.

PING
Ping is the most important troubleshooting command and it checks the connectivity with the other computers. For example your system’s IP address is 10.10.10.10 and your network servers’ IP address is 10.10.10.1 and you can check the connectivity with the server by using the Ping command in following format.

At DOS prompt type Ping 10.10.10.1 and press enter

If you get the reply from the server then the connectivity is ok and if you get the error message like this “Request time out” this means the there is some problem in the connectivity with the server.

IPCONFIG
IPconfig is another important command in Windows. It shows the IP address of the computer and also it shows the DNS, DHCP, Gateway addresses of the network and subnet mask.

At DOS prompt type ipconfig and press enter to see the IP address of your computer.

At DOS prompt type inconfig/all and press enter to see the detailed information.

NSLOOKUP
NSLOOKUP is a TCP/IP based command and it checks domain name aliases, DNS records, operating system information by sending query to the Internet Domain Name Servers. You can resolve the errors with the DNS of your network server

HOSTNAME
Hostname command shows you the computer name.

At DOS prompt type Hostname and press enter

NETSTAT
NETSTAT utility shows the protocols statistics and the current established TCP/IP connections in the computer.

NBTSTAT
NBTSTAT helps to troubleshoot the NETBIOS name resolutions problems.

ARP
ARP displays and modifies IP to Physical address translation table that is used by the ARP protocols.

FINGER
Finger command is used to retrieve the information about a user on a network.

TRACERT
Tracert command is used to determine the path of the remote system. This tool also provides the number of hops and the IP address of each hop. For example if you want to see that how many hops (routers) are involved to reach any URL and what’s the IP address of each hop then use the following command.

At command prompt type tracert www.yahoo.com you will see a list of all the hops and their IP addresses.

TRACEROUTE
Traceroute is a very useful network debugging command and it is used in locating the server that is slowing down the transmission on the internet and it also shows the route between the two systems

ROUTE
Route command allows you to make manual entries in the routing table.

Hopefully the above mentioned commands will help you to diagnose the troubleshooting your computer networking problems.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Network Systems Schools Provide a New Career Path

Good Network Systems Schools provide students with a thorough understanding of network systems organization and management, as well as voice and data communications standards, components, topologies, and media for traditional and high-speed local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Instruction begins with the foundations of network systems and network systems uses.

Bachelor degree programs in network systems prepare students with knowledge for advancing careers in information technology (IT) that includes fundamental network devices, systems, and routers; uses of technologies and applications for business; communication skills, analysis, critical thinking, and technical competencies required in the modern workplace. Network systems bachelor degree programs will present studies of uses of technologies and business applications; configuration and installation of network design, infrastructure, applications, and services; network operating systems and security; and problem solving and troubleshooting.

Master degrees in network systems and information technology programs may combine technology and Internet security with information management and administration courses. Master degree students can expect courses in digital technologies such as computers, high-speed control, smart devices; computer network management and network administration; wireless networking and network design; technological skills, theory, languages, and programming; security solutions for LANs in private and public network systems; and taking leadership roles in the development, applications, and management.

Incomes can vary widely according to specialization, and type and size of business. Graduates with bachelor degrees in network systems with concentrations in systems analysis, management, and IT can expect incomes of $40,000 to $50,000; master degree with specialties in security, database, or LAN administration will net about $15,000 to $20,000 more. Doctorate degree salaries can readily approach $95,000 annually.