Computer Network Technician Education and Training

Employers who hire computer network technicians are looking for candidates with formal computer training. Educational requirements generally include at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, telecommunications, or a related field of study. Students interested in this type of work should study mathematics, computer science, and physics.

Candidates for jobs in this area may also need a special training certificate for various network specialties. For example, Novell Software has established a training program in which candidates are certified as a NetWare Certified Engineer (CNE) after a series of seven tests covering all aspects of planning, installation, maintenance and communication between networks that use Novell NetWare processes. A consortium of computer technology companies, including Hewlett-Packard and Cisco Systems, offers an examination and certification program that grants successful candidates the title of Certified Network Expert (CNX). Other manufacturers and industry groups offer certification programs for certain network specialties.

Getting the job

Computer network technicians are employees of companies or institutions that operate a computer network or consulting companies commissioned by an institution to plan, implement, and / or maintain a network. Candidates for these positions can find offers on various websites, in specialized publications and in newspaper advertisements. Universities and business schools that prepare students for CNX or another form of certification can also provide placement services for successful students.

Promotional opportunities and job prospects.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 231,000 network technicians were employed in 2004. Employment of qualified computer network specialists was expected to grow much faster in 2014 than the average for all professions. The number of users of computer networks is likely to increase. and the underlying technology will evolve. Skilled technicians who keep their skills up-to-date are valuable employees for companies, institutions or consulting firms that hire them.

In a typical professional career, a computer network technician can start as a basic troubleshooter or device service provider. The technician would take more responsibility if the existing network grew. Adding CNE and / or other certifications would qualify the technician for a position as network administrator.

Technicians who have the ability to communicate with non-technical employees can pursue careers as network builders. To transmit rapidly developing technologies, network trainers must continually update their knowledge.

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Computer Programmer Nature of Work

Computer programmers write step-by-step instructions that instruct computers to process the information. These instructions or programs tell the computer what to do in a series of logical steps. Programmers work on a variety of projects. The way a programmer works depends on the employer. Programmers work in manufacturing, industry, engineering, government offices, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Programmers receive detailed job descriptions that identify the goal of the program. Programmers can then create system flow diagrams that schematically show how information flows through the computer and its peripherals or related devices. If a great deal of creativity and experience is required in this step, system analysts or software developers can create the system flow diagrams. In most medium and large computing facilities, programmers get their instructions from system analysts or software developers.

When the preparatory steps are complete, the programmers write the actual program in special computer languages. Different computer languages ​​are used for different applications. For example, HTML and XML are useful when building web applications, and COBOL is useful for commercial applications. Since most programs are long and complex, they need to be tested to see if they run as expected. This step is called debugging. If the test run is unsuccessful, programmers check the program for logic and data errors and make corrections or report the problem to a software developer. Writing a simple program can take a few days, while developing a sophisticated program can take more than a year.

Most programmers are involved in application programming. You work on certain tasks that can be applied directly, e.g. B. in the design of accounting procedures. Application programmers generally specialize in writing programs only for a professional field such as science or business. Application developers meet with customers and designers to understand the scope of the project before they start writing the code. You work alone or in teams, based on budget, deadline and project size.

System programmers write programs to maintain and control system software that can run systems such as the computer network of a large office. For example, they would write a program that would allow a new printer to work with an old computer. They typically work for computer manufacturers or for companies with large computer facilities. Some are involved in the development of new computer languages. Software developers who are very experienced programmers design and implement complex programs from scratch. You are familiar with the design of hardware, memory, and how computers work internally.

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Computer Assistant Salary and Outlook

Employers who hire computer assistants look for people who have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants who complete IT training programs or have a bachelor's degree in an IT field stand out among employers who compete for the same job, although this is generally not a requirement for IT assistants. When travel is required as part of the job, computer assistants must also have a valid driving license.

Paid workplace training is provided to IT assistants so they can become familiar with techniques for solving common IT problems. The training period varies by employer, but generally lasts two or more weeks. During training, IT assistants work under the close supervision of a senior IT assistant or IT supervisor while learning about the company's practices and procedures.

Computer Assistant Salary and Outlook

Employment statistics from the Office of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that IT support specialists earned an average salary of $ 25.39 an hour, or $ 52.810 per year, in 2017. In 2016, there there were more than 800,000 jobs for IT support specialists, a number of BLS forecasts will increase by 11 percent until 2026. This rate is faster than the national average for employment growth. IT support specialists provide advice and support to computer users, performing the same activities as IT assistants. In some companies, the securities are interchangeable. Computer assistants may also be known as technical support assistants or computer assistants, who earn an average hourly income of $ 16.04, according to PayScale. PayScale data shows that computer assistants earn $ 14.86 an hour.

Full-time IT assistants receive full benefit packages from employers. These packages include health, dental, visual and life insurance benefits, as well as retirement planning options. Part-time IT assistants generally do not receive insurance benefits of any kind. After keeping a job for several months, IT assistants receive paid vacation, sick leave and vacation days. Computer assistants who must travel to provide services to computer users also receive travel reimbursements from employers.

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Computer Operator: Career Diploma Summary

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers place stricter demands on applicants, and training is required for many jobs. Buying a Computer Operator Diploma ensures that your resume will catch an employer's attention.

Career opportunities

Professional perspective and demand for computer operators.

Although the jobs will be available due to the need to replace older workers in the workplace, the general outlook for computer operators is disappointing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually reports that computer operator employment is declining rapidly.

Salary information for computer operators

According to Salary.com, people who work as a computer operator report an average annual salary of $ 31,947.

Specific grade

Course requirements for computer operators

Students of a computer operator diploma program learn to maintain and operate computer hardware and associated peripheral devices. You may be asked to take courses such as:

• Concepts for computer skills
• Software applications
• Hardware and software configuration.
• Data entry / keyboard
• Introduction to operating systems.
• Skills learned for computer operators

Computer operators can work as part of a team or on their own. In any case, they must have good computer and problem-solving skills. You may also need to have the following skills:

• Monitor a mainframe and connected devices
• Report problems with terminals, printers, and storage devices
• Reconfigure failed systems
• Set up and schedule computer and print jobs

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What Do Computer Operators Do?

A computer operator performs a variety of tasks, including operating multiprocessor computers and organizing, managing, and distributing related reports. You must be able to operate electronic computer systems in a high data communication environment, as well as read and understand manuals and instructions for performing work tasks. The main functions of a computer operator include the operation of computers, mini / microcomputers, printers, PCs and mainframes. He or she also creates and manages operational documents and must be able to set a daily schedule for setting up order control. You also need to do some math calculations quickly and accurately and write quickly. A computer operator must have a solid understanding of the specific processes that his organization expects. They must be able to work independently in the performance of their tasks.

A computer operator must have experience in a central computer / minicomputer environment and knowledge of the terminology of computer system operation. You must also be able to use basic computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite and Windows and Macintosh operating systems. A computer operator must also be an effective communicator who can build effective relationships with superiors and colleagues.

An inexperienced computer user with less than a year of experience can expect an average total salary (including tip, bonus, and overtime salary) of $ 14.99 with 35 salaries. A computer operator with 1 to 4 years of work experience earns an average total salary of $ 16.40 based on 252 salaries. A mid-career computer operator with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total salary of $ 17.78 based on 127 salaries. An experienced computer operator with 10 to 19 years of experience earns an average total salary of $ 20.23 based on 179 salaries. In their late careers (ages 20 and up), employees earn an average total salary of $ 23.

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What Do Sr. Network Engineers Do?

Senior network engineers design and create computer networks within a company and ensure that they function properly. In some cases, they also maintain networks for third-party clients. The network must be balanced for it to function properly and for data to flow smoothly. If the networks are not working properly, the network technician must use troubleshooting skills to find a solution. It is also important to back up the systems so that they can be easily restored.

Some senior network engineers are responsible for implementing network security systems so that data is not compromised. Most of the time, the work is done in an office, and occasionally it may be necessary to visit different offices in the office to install hardware for a network or help other troubled employees. Although part of the work is sedentary, some steps may be required for walking, bending, lifting, bending, and other physical requirements.

Advanced computing skills are important in this position, and knowledge of server software and hardware is essential. Budget management skills are also important because the network engineer may need to work on a budget. This position may require a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, although some employers accept an associate's degree. Because this is an advanced position, higher network engineers can be expected to lead teams of lower level network engineers.

Duties of the Senior Network Engineer

Install, configure and repair the network architecture.

Monitor and diagnose performance problems with network architecture.

Design and implement business solutions using network devices.

Design, write, and update system documentation and network diagrams.

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What is CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)?

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a mid-level certification offered by Cisco that is part of the Cisco Certified Professional program. This certification is aimed at full-time network or system administrators or at people who work with the infrastructure of local networks and / or geographical networks (LAN / WAN).

The Cisco Certified Network Professional program trains candidates for enterprise-wide planning, implementation, verification, and troubleshooting of local area networks (LAN) and geographic networks (WAN). CCNP certified professionals can effectively collaborate with specialists in advanced security, voice, radio and video solutions. Cisco certified network professionals can also be successful in corporate network roles such as network administrator, network engineer, network technician or system engineer.

Below are seven areas of the professional certification that Cisco offers as part of the Cisco Certified Network Professional program. The course was designed according to the requirements of the IT industry.

CCNP cloud

CCNP security

CCNP collaboration

CCNP service provider

CCNP data center

CCNP Wireless

CCNP routing and switching

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How difficult is the new CCNA?

Of course, success rates will tell the story in about a year, but today we can draw some conclusions. In general, the new CCNA is considered to be more difficult than the old CCNA.

Changes require a broader knowledge base. Previously, you could make your access to CCNA Routing & Switching easier by starting with a CCENT (withdrawn on February 24, 2020) to access CCNA Routing & Switching. This also helped ease his path to other CCNA paths. This is no longer possible, which can increase the difficulty of winning the new CCNA.

With the new CCNA you will not lose any focus areas, they have only been replaced by specialist certifications (more on this later). However, you go to an exam that covers more basics of the network. This requires a broader view and a better understanding of the material. That doesn't mean that the old CCNA certificates didn't cover the basics, but the new CCNA dives dive a little deeper. As a result, testing can be more difficult than the previous CCNA.

The difficulty arises from the fact that the new CCNA covers the basics of the modern end-to-end network. There is a lot to do in itself. Programmability and automation in particular can be a challenge for new network professionals. While DevOps and automation currently seem to be the norm, mixing programming with network certificates is a new concept. This can represent an additional level of difficulty for certificate recipients who are familiar with basic networks but are new to automation.

How the changes will benefit you

Before this change, it was a long time ago that Cisco made major changes to its certification program. During this time, the requirements for IT experts have changed. Employee experience does not require concentration in any area. Typically, someone who wants to hire a person with a CCNA would like that person to have a basic understanding of Cisco applications and be able to shape that person into what is best for that organization. This offers a clear path of progress throughout your career.

When you're ready to take the next step, you can choose a Cisco specialization that will help you shape your career to meet your company's needs. This also gives you much more flexibility than before. If your career takes you on a different path, you can easily shift your focus to that area. The change shows a clear path of progress that is likely to increase success rates for those who follow the CCNA route. All of this ultimately prepares him well for something like a CCNP in the area he wants to focus on.

With so many changes to IT entry requirements, it's natural for businesses to look for people who have these new skills required.

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CCNA Scope in India

Cisco is an American multinational company and IT and network leader. Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner founded Cisco in 1984. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, California, in Silicon Valley. Check Robbins is the CEO of Cisco. Cisco develops, produces, and sells network hardware and software, telecommunications products, and products and services for advanced technologies.

The CCNA scope in India is enormous. In each sector, network technicians have to take care of their network infrastructure. The CCNA certification plays an important role in imparting the basic skills and knowledge of the network to the candidates. They have various product and service offerings to support their customers in every way.

In addition to providing products and services, Cisco also offers certifications in areas such as routing and switching, security, collaboration, data centers, service providers, cyber-ops, cloud, wireless, and industry. The certification marks its presence in four phases: entry, employee, specialist and expert. Architect certification is the highest certification level provided by Cisco.

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CCNA Certification Career Outlook

CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) confirms your ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot addressed and switched networks. CCNA-certified professionals can connect to remote locations over a wide area network (WAN), mitigate security threats in the core network, and understand basic network concepts and terminology.

CCNA certification is Cisco's most popular certification and one of the most sought-after professional references in technology. CCNA certification is a remarkable first step towards a rewarding career as a network administrator or engineer. There are numerous Cisco training programs and special degrees with courses in the Cisco network.

Skills measured by CCNA certification

The key areas of knowledge and competency covered by the Cisco CCNA certification exam include the following. Cisco Certified Network Associates can:

Understand how different network topologies interact to form a secure IT network

Explain how a computer network works and how it interacts with network devices

Configure, test and troubleshoot a switch with VLAN and Interswitch communication

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet specific network requirements

Configure, test, and troubleshoot router routing and operational issues on current Cisco devices

Identify network security threats and describe mitigation methods and countermeasures

Describe and perform appropriate tasks for WLAN management (Wireless Local Area Network)

Configure and test WAN connections and follow the correct methods to connect to a WAN

Implement and support network address translation (NAT) lists and access control (ACL) lists in branch networks

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