CompTIA Featured Articles

Greg Capps Shares His Experiences as an IT Instructor

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Before he became an IT instructor, Greg Capps was introverted and shy. But once he started teaching, Greg became much more at ease talking to others.

“I wasn’t the wallflower at the party, but I wasn’t the center of attention either,” Gr

Candra Hicks Shares Her IT Professional Experiences

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Candra Hicks was a late bloomer, but she’s looking to surpass many of her peers in the IT industry in the next few years.

Candra works as the IT Governance Coordinator at Biomet Microfixation, implementing, testing and maintaining IT con

Certifications Make Adam Ellis Stand Out

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Adam Ellis’ certifications lend him authority and credibility in his position as Internal Auditor at Lincoln Financial Group.

Since he began working at Lincoln in 2004, Adam has earned two internal promotions. He believes his certificati

Becoming a Better Presenter

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Being tongue-tied is cute if you’re a presenting to a kindergarten classroom. And you’re a student. In all other situations, it’s decidedly not adorable. Presenting yourself well is always important, and can have a significant impact on your c

Fred Gates Shares His Experiences as an IT Instructor

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

No two weeks are ever the same for Fred Gates. As an IT instructor for the Manhattan Associates in Atlanta, Georgia, Gates travels at least two weeks out of every month for his job.

The constant change is one of the things he likes most

Patrick Stamps Shares His IT Experiences

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

You could say IT runs in Patrick Stamps' family. His father owned a computer repair shop when Patrick was young, so he grew up around computers. But Patrick did not really get involved in IT until his early 20s, when his involvement in music led

Jeannine Lilly Benefits from Creating Futures

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

After a 30-foot fall from a cliff left her struggling to do simple tasks, Jeannine Lilly was told by doctors that she would never be able to do much more than lie on her couch and watch TV. Thankfully, the former Latin teacher decided to ignore their

Optimizing Search Requires Strategy

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Getting a high ranking for your business on an Internet search requires much more than what potential clients see on your home page. In order to move up in search results, companies are increasingly turning to search engine optimization (SEO) firm

Using the Media to Effectively Promote Your Products and Services

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

A good marketing strategy can differentiate your business from other resellers with similar products and services. How can clients choose your services or your products if they don't know about them? The media can help. But media relations is mor

Member Voice: What VARs Shouldn’t Do in a Credit Crunch

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

What we perceived to be a national slowdown erupted into a worldwide financial disaster involving some of the largest and most revered institutions in history. Credit is frozen in every corner of the world. The personal and financial shock has resu

Jan Dziadul Shares His Experiences as an IT Instructor

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Jan Dziadul had a keen interest for learning about a variety of equipment and technologies. This led him to request an assignment as a telephone central office repairman when he entered the U.S. Air Force. The position gave him the variety he desi

Member Insight: Doing Business in a Challenging Economy

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Ongoing economic uncertainty and the accompanying “credit-crunch” have many Resellers and Solution Providers looking for ways to continue business growth while meeting the challenges of today’s market. CompTIA’s Vice President of Membership Recruiti

Maureen Ross-Gemme Uses CompTIA CTT+ to Educate Trainers

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Maureen Ross-Gemme needs to be certified – she’s teaching a roomful of other trainers, and she has to stand out. As part of her job role as Senior Training Lead with Hartford Life, Maureen conducts CompTIA CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer) instru

CompTIA Project+ Provides a Good Framework

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Getting CompTIA Project+ certified has lent the consultants at IreeTec more credibility. Lisa-Ann Barnes, president and founder of IreeTec, Inc., served on the CompTIA Project+ committee when the certification was originally created. She earned he

Lana LaMon Shares Her IT Experiences

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Ms. Lana LaMon took an accidental path into IT, but she loved the challenge so much that she stayed. Ms. LaMon was born in Serbia, a small Central European country , and was determined to receive a university education in the United States. She l

Mike Meyers Talks CompTIA Network+

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Mike Meyers is excited about the updated CompTIA Network+ certification exam. Meyers shared some of his thoughts on the new version of the exam in this podcast, along with recommendations and other insights.

“If you want to do anything

What's Next for the World Wide Web?

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Predicting what the World Wide Web, and the Internet in general, will do next has almost become an exercise in fanciful and irresistible futility for many IT experts, a prognosticative allure that keeps people perpetually guessing as to the online wo

Using Social Networking to Reach Your Customers

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Social networking is exploding across cyberspace, allowing people to reach out to others as never before. Whether it's Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace or another social media utility, people are finding others with shared interests all over the globe. Bu

Rich Belanger Shares His Experiences as an IT Instructor

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Rich Belanger advises other IT instructors to find a balance. Belanger enjoys IT, but doesn’t let it take over his entire life. Belanger is a marathon runner, blue grass guitar picker, churchgoer and family man – and an IT instructor. "Sometime

From the CompTIA IT Glossary: Unified Communications

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Unified communications (UC) refers to the coming together of a wide variety of communication mediums—including both hardware and software deliverables—onto a single device or environment. Such communication mediums can include land line and mobile te

Chuck Whitley Shares His IT Experiences

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Chuck Whitley always wanted to be in the theater, but he did not count on being behind the scenes. After high school, Whitley took a job at a vending machine company. After 28 years and going as high as he could within the company, he decided it w

Rick Simpson and 3G Apps Stand Out with CompTIA RFID+ and CEA-CompTIA DHTI+

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Rick Simpson uses CompTIA RFID+ and CompTIA DHTI+ to differentiate himself in the market. Simpson said his certifications make him stand out from the competition. Simpson owns his own Technology Consulting Firm, 3G Applied Technologies. They provi

Chris Trimble Offers Rules for Strategic Innovators in Breakaway Keynote

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Innovations expert Christopher Trimble, co-author of 10 Rules for Strategic Innovators — from Idea to Execution offered his tips for businesses to follow to vet and plan for new ideas in his keynote speech at CompTIA Breakaway.

From the IT Glossary: Virtualization 2.0

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Virtualization 2.0 is a term many in the IT industry use to describe the emerging next level of virtualization technologies. This article defines the term for the industry.

Tips for Following-up After a Conference or Show

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

You’re an IT reseller who has just attended what, by all accounts, was a very successful IT conference expo. You met with dozens of potential clients and demonstrated, in convincing fashion, why they should consider relying on you for their IT device

Deploying Virtualization in SMB Environments

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Thinking about using virtualization as a way to save money, time and space? Mike Mitsch of NEC offered some practical real-world advice during his presentation “Challenges and Real World Solutions in Deploying Virtualization in SMB Environments” at C

Mike Holliday Shares His IT Instructor Experiences

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Mike Holliday thinks being an IT instructor is the best job he's ever had. Holliday worked in the pre-press industry for 25 years, and now works as a mentor at New Horizons Great Lakes in Cleveland, Ohio.

Benefits of being an Accredited Training Partner

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Training materials and courses are beneficial tools for individuals who are preparing for their certification exams. Earning certification may lead to career advancement or a new career path, so preparation is very important. Studying from accredited

Linux Job Market Grows across All Verticals

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Linux job market is growing rapidly, and there are several job opportunities for open source professionals in a wide variety of verticals across the globe.

Exploring CompTIA A+ with Product Manager Miles Jobgen

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

You asked, he answers. We have compiled your questions for Miles and answered them in this podcast.

Miles will cover study material, differences between the exams, updates and more in this informative podcast.

Keep an eye out for

Steven McEvoy Shares His IT Experiences

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

For a time, Steven McEvoy's job prospects were few and far between. McEvoy was having trouble getting a job after being off for a long period of time due to injury. He had experience working in IT for non-profits, but no official credentials. Two yea

David Decker Uses CompTIA RFID+ to Gain Credibility

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

David Decker feels his CompTIA RFID+ certification helps his credibility in the field. Decker is the IT Director at Automotive Components Holdings, LLC, which is owned by Ford Motor Co.

Michael Goodman Uses His CompTIA Membership to Grow His Business

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Michael Goodman started his business, A-PC Computers, in 2002 and joined CompTIA at the same time. "The recognition of the CompTIA name has been a great benefit for me," Goodman said.

How to Get the Most out of Your Next Conference

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

We've all traveled to a conference with the intention of returning home with a pocket full of new business accounts or at the very least a head full of priceless insights, only to toss the stack of collected business cards on the office desk where th

Trustmarks Help Promote Security Business Practices

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Once upon a time, business was conducted with positive word-of-mouth referrals and deal-sealing handshakes. Unfortunately, some companies took advantage of that trust and, along the way, alienated once-loyal customers. In this digital age, one of

CompTIA CTT+ Helps Darrell Williams Train Military Personnel

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Darrell Williams uses his CompTIA CTT+ certification to help create interesting lesson plans and make training military personnel more interesting. Williams, who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, now designs and develops training for employees

Rick Hinze Shares His Experiences as an IT Instructor

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Rick Hinze was afraid of computers until an injury left him unable to drive for six months. Hinze’s wife was determined that he would not get hooked on soap operas while he was stuck at home, so they went to Best Buy and purchased a computer. Hinz

CompTIA Security+ Product Manager Carol Balkcom Answers Instructors' Questions

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

In addition to her work at CompTIA, Carol also represents CompTIA on the National Visiting Committee that advises the Cyber Security Education Consortium of Oklahoma colleges and universities. The CompTIA Security+ certification is being updated.

Shawn Bolan Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Shawn Bolan went from tennis pro to IT pro in a just a few short years. Bolan took a circuitous route to IT, beginning his career as a professional tennis player. He played competitively for five years, and then took up a new role at tennis clubs and

Devin Carlson Uses CompTIA A+ to Sell His IT Skills

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Devin Carlson has nearly nine years of experience in IT, but his recently-earned CompTIA A+ certification has helped him prove his value to customers as an IT professional. Carlson earned the certification because it was one he has always wanted to g

Podcast with CompTIA Security+ Product Manager Carol Balkcom

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Carol Balkcom answers your questions in this informative podcast. Carol is the Product Manager for CompTIA Security+, and she covers what's changing on the exam, what to study and much more.

Michael Meyers Answers IT Professionals' Questions

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Michael Meyers has answered your questions about certification studies. Follow this link to listen to this informative podcast now.

Michael Meyers, lovingly called the "AlphaGeek" by those who know him, is a leading authority on CompTIA A+, Co

Stuart Selbst Maximizes the Value of CompTIA Membership

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Stuart Selbst has been a member of the IT industry for more than 18 years. In his two years as a CompTIA member, he has made lasting friendships, great business connections and even landed a job through a CompTIA contact. “I believe in what CompT

Eight Mistakes to Avoid to Get Past the Gatekeeper

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The gatekeeper is the person who stands between you and your sales prospect. If you can get your point across to them and gain access to your target contact, you are on track towards a successful sales call. Kendra Lee of KLA Group led the third i

Techniques to Help Introverts Overcome the Challenges of Networking

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Let's face it; folks in the IT profession are more akin to librarians than they are to salespeople. IT professionals tend to be introverts. They're the ones you'll often see sitting alone at a table sipping a drink at networking functions. Still t

Seven Strategies to Survive—and Prosper—in an Economic Downturn

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

These are challenging times for value-added resellers (VARs). Thin profitability and dramatic changes to the traditional business model have forced consolidation within the VAR community. But tough times do not affect all companies equally. By ma

E-learning Versus Classroom Training

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Imagine working from home and setting your own schedule. Imagine being constantly available to students and struggling to maintain a balanced life. Such are the highs and lows of being a full-time online instructor. IT Academic Mentor Charles

Karl Dietrich Shares His Experience as an IT Instructor

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

After ten years of working in the food service industry, Karl Dietrich decided there weren't any advancement opportunities. He enrolled at Purdue Statewide Technology in Versailles, Indiana and began looking for a new career. Dietrich's claim to

Michael Meyers Answers IT Instructors’ Questions

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Michael Meyers answers all the questions you sent in during this informative podcast. He covers training tips, offers study advice and more! Mike is the president and co-founder of Total Seminars, LLC, a provider of PC and network repair seminars, bo

Heather Keever Shares Her IT Experiences

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Heather Keever wasn't sure what she wanted to do when she "grew up." As a freshman at Messiah College in Grantham, Penn., she explored her options through introductory courses. A course in Computer Science gave her the direction she needed – it was s

CompTIA Security+ Updated Exam Objectives

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The updated CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) exam will launch October 2008. CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that validates knowledge of access control, assessments and audits, cryptography, network infrastructure,

Is Professional Online Networking Right For You?

Tue, 27 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

While personal online journal and social networking providers like MySpace and Facebook continue to flourish, with hundreds of millions of existing members and hundreds of thousands still signing up daily, another subset of professional networking is

Some Core Offerings, and More, MSPs Should Consider

Tue, 27 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

As the world of managed services providers (MSPs) continues to grow and the field becomes more crowded and competitive, it’s considered good practice for some MSPs to step back and ask basic questions about their MSP business model to ascertain wheth

Creating a Powerful Prospecting Value Statement

Tue, 27 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Sales calls can always be an intimidating process. Kendra Lee of KLA Group shared this insight and many others while hosting the second in a four-part series on sales skills presented by CompTIA University and KLA Group. The second installment, “Crea

Training Company Profile: DataVault, Inc.

Wed, 21 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

DataVault, Inc., the leader in document imaging training and consulting, is headquartered in Fiskdale, Massachusetts. DataVault has offered training, consulting, and office-automation solutions to commercial and government agencies since 1993.

Tips to Begin the Certification Testing Process

Wed, 21 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Spring is here and now is the time for many of your students to sit for their CompTIA certification exams.

Joshua Van Camp Shares His IT Experiences

Tue, 6 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Joshua Van Camp was working on his business degree at Michigan State University when he started to think of ways that would make him more marketable while job searching. Having spent time working on his own computer, he decided to pursue a CIS degree

Steven Johnson Answers Questions About Soft Skills

Tue, 6 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Listen to this podcast to hear answers from Steven Johnson about soft skills and how you should use them to get ahead in your career.

MSPs Can Overcome Common Client Challenges

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The need for managed service providers (MSPs)—information technology (IT) entities that are well-versed when it comes to the rapidly evolving world of technology and the rules and regulations springing up in an attempt to control and legislate it—is

Consumer Technologies Transform Business

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

As consumer technologies have emerged and advanced over the last decade, they’ve simultaneously been working their way into the world of business. Personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones and other mobile devices have morphed into more powerfu

Member Voice: Top Ten Reasons for VARs to Embrace Defrag

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Derek De Vette, vice president of Channel Affairs, Diskeeper Corp. has shared his top ten reasons why VARs should accept defrag.

Profiling Your Prospect for Profit

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Make your customers respond by being responsive. Focusing on your customers’ business needs is a key part of developing a profile for sales prospects. Kendra Lee, president and founder of KLA Group, shared this insight and many others while hosting t

James McCanney Shares His Experiences as an IT Instructor

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

James McCanney is a busy man. Not only is he an IT instructor at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep in Chicago, Ill., he is also the technical coordinator for the whole school.

This role allows him to instruct some of his students as part of his Te

Nima Khamooshi Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Nima Khamooshi was in college when his friend earned a degree in information technology (IT). He was impressed by the starting salary his friend was offered. Nima thought since he had always enjoyed playing with computers, figuring things out, and s

Certification Fills the Skills Gap

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Research released by CompTIA shows that there are skills gaps in several key areas. When comparing reported proficiency in skills to the importance of those skills, the skill with the widest "gap" in proficiency is security/firewalls/data privacy.

Dealing with Suspicions and Gaining Trust as a Managed Services Provider

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

One of the emerging necessities in today’s information technology (IT) space has been a growing reliance on managed services providers (MSPs). In a time when innovations and regulations continually emerge, making it difficult to stay informed, MSPs p

Some Basic Remote Workforce Management Considerations

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Today’s data-storage landscape has been shaped by a confluence of evolving realities: On the one hand, data storage has become both more reliable and drastically less expensive, while at the same time government- and industry-ordained regulatory comp

Mark Krukowski Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Before Mark Krukowski decided on the path as an IT instructor, he was working on a degree in architecture at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). He later transferred to DeVry University and received his bachelor’s degree in computer science. Af

Ed Puchot Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

If it wasn't for Ed Puchot's brother, he would never have wound up in the IT industry. Ed's brother, Samuel, started his career working on his CompTIA A+ certification. After a few months, Ed noticed how Samuel could answer any question about compute

Certifications Keep Mark Schroeder on Track

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Mark Schroeder keeps his skills up-to-date by studying for the latest versions of the certifications he holds. Schroeder works as a network engineer for CACI, Inc., as a contractor for the U.S. Air Force.

He recently earned all three desig

Some Common Client Experiences Managed Services Providers Can Expect

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

One of the emerging necessities in today's information technology (IT) space has been a growing reliance on managed services providers (MSPs). In a time when innovations and regulations continually emerge, making it difficult to stay informed, MSPs

Tips to Consider Before You Begin a Data Migration Project

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Today's data-storage landscape has been shaped by a confluence of evolving realities: On the one hand, data storage has become both more reliable and drastically less expensive, while at the same time government- and industry-ordained regulatory com

Barbara Dove Follows Technology Trends

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Barbara Dove has been in the IT industry for more than 20 years, and started her own company, Dove Help Desk, five years ago.

"My background is in process engineering and quality," Dove said. "If you want to make things work better, you h

Debby Jarrell: Creativity in the Classroom Keeps Students Motivated

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Debby Jarrell, Computer Systems Technology Instructor at Highland Springs Technical Center in Highland Springs , Va. , has many original ideas for helping her students get excited about technology. Jarrell has 25 years of experience in the informatio

CompTIA CTT+ Helps Experienced Instructor Mitch Panzer

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Mitch Panzer has more than 20 years of experience in teaching IT. He is one of the founders of Strategy Computers, where he is now a lead instructor and IT consultant. Strategy Computers trains in many different certifications with an eye toward job

RFID Training and the Department of Defense

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Overview: RFID Solutions Center
The RFID Solutions Center (RSC) in Dayton , Ohio was created to teach end-users how to leverage the potential of RFID, to validate the application of RFID in the RSC's EPC Accredited Performance Test Cen

David Whicker Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

David Whicker is adamant that those wishing to enter IT need to love it.

Whicker worked hard to get to his current position as a systems engineer at Miller Brewing Co., and he says it was all worth it.

Whicker began his IT career seven

Navigating Today's IT Security Threat Landscape

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Although it’s been awhile since the last big hacker threat has been splashed across the headlines, the amount of viruses and other malware out there is greater than ever.

Regulatory Compliance and the Evolution of IT

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Compliance at the governmental and industry levels has had a definite impact on the way companies do business and how they approach IT in general.

New Year’s Resolutions for IT Professionals

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Many people view the New Year as a time to make a fresh start in their personal life or career.

Sello Tlabela Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

CompTIA turned Sello Tlabela into an IT guru. Tlabela was working for a company that was partly involved in IT when he decided to pursue a CompTIA A+ certification and go into IT himself. He now holds CompTIA A+, Network+ and Linux+ certifications as

Getting Noticed in the Online World

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Attracting attention to your business via the Worldwide Web and generating general buzz about your Internet presence can be a tricky proposition in today’s interconnected world of instant communication and information.

Outsourcing and IT Management: What To Expect

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Overseas personnel outsourcing has been an ongoing and growing component of business models for companies looking to streamline costs and ensure a continuation of increased profitS.

Andrew Diedrick Shares His Experience as an IT Instructor

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Andrew Diedrick discovered his ability to teach when he was still in high school. Andrew Diedrick discovered his ability to teach when he was still in high school. Today, he is the owner and operator of ComAid Computer Training & Servi

Creating Futures Training Helped Suzanne Krebel Land a Great Job

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Krebel participated in the CompTIA Creating Futures program, receiving free training for CompTIA Certifications. She has just completed her first week of work and writes that she loves her job working for a non-profit organization.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Classroom

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

New year, new leaf. The start of a new year is an excellent time to make some changes in your classroom. Take an honest evaluation of yourself over the past semester and determine what needs to be changed.

Fred Larkin Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 5 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Fred Larkin’s day is quite different for most IT helpdesk administrators. Larkin works 12 hour days, six days a week, occasionally wears full body armor and a helmet to work, and must be on the alert for mortar attacks, which occur frequently.

IT Pro Shares His Job Search Tips

Wed, 5 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Finding that first job or changing careers can be tough for many IT Pros. After each issue of CompTIA IT Professional Access, our editorial inbox receives several e-mails asking for career advice; how and where to begin.

3-D and Virtual Reality in Today’s Business World

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

For many people, the term “virtual reality” conjures images of specialized goggles and gloves attached to a spaghetti network of wires, all working together to present the wearer with the impression of interacting with an imaginary three-dimensiona

Companies Increasingly Look Toward Internal IT Security Threats and Data Loss

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

There was a time, not that long ago, when headlines routinely appeared pronouncing the latest computer virus, worm or Trojan horse wreaking Internet havoc across the globe, interrupting business operations and incurring millions upon millions of do

Back to Basics, Part II

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

SoftwareCEO, the online resource for software executives and entrepreneurs, concluded their series of PR seminars with a look at using guerilla PR tactics as a beneficial business strategy. Small companies who utilize PR tactics can appear as a big

Abigail Bornstein Shares Her Experience as an IT Instructor

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Abigail Bornstein was working in a non-IT position at a hard drive equipment manufacturer, but she spent her break time with the engineers. Occasionally, they would let her into the clean room. Her inquisitiveness and determination to break into the

Instructor Teaches Students by Helping Community

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Service learning can not only help your community, it can also help your students.

Sheila Sicilia was able to teach her students valuable lessons about customer service and computer repair, as well as do a good deed.

Sicilia

Help Your Students Pass the Test

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

For many students, preparing for the holiday season also means preparing for exams. Semesters are wrapping up, and students need to pass their finals before enjoying Thanksgiving and Winter break.

Vicki Gould Shares Her IT Experiences

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Vicki Gould wasn’t always a technician. She started off working as a communications coordinator in the medical information services (MIS) department at a local hospital. After being laid off, she was offered a position as an MIS technician.

IT Professional Salary Growth: How to Ask for and Get a Raise

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

A significant number of the 1,501 IT Professionals who responded to a CompTIA Web poll (15%) received a salary boost of 20 percent or more in the past year. In years prior, IT salaries had stagnated somewhat, but in the last couple of years, they are

Starting a Career in Cyber Security

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

With increasing threats of data theft, viruses and browser attacks, businesses today have made cyber security a crucial part of their IT operations. Even HotJobs.com recently named cyber security, and the specialty of steganography, in their list of

Applying Continuous Improvement to Sales Strategies

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The concept of continuous improvement - developing a defined process, constantly studying its effectiveness at each stage of the process and repeatedly surpassing previous achievements in pursuit of higher quality products, earnings and productivit

Business Intelligence Moves Strongly Into the SMB Space

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

There was a time when business intelligence (BI) solutions were practically the sole domain of large enterprises with complex information technology (IT) infrastructures. The complexity of those IT environments necessitated a solution that could moni

Back to Basics: PR Tips from SoftwareCEO

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Not all companies have access to the proper public relations tools. SoftwareCEO, an online resource for software executives and entrepreneurs, put together a series of PR seminars in order to provide companies with beneficial strategies.

CompTIA A+ Roadshow Events Provide Knowledge and Networking

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

In a roomful of people who like to talk, Steve Johnson leads the conversation. Johnson was giving a presentation for attendees of the CompTIA A+ Training Roadshow on Oct. 4 at CompTIA headquarters. At the event, 25 instructors gathered to share ideas

Nic Bunting Shares His Experience as an IT Instructor

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

After 10 years of teaching physics at boarding schools in England, Nic Bunting decided it was time for a change and applied for a job teaching IT and computing.

Tips for Teaching CompTIA A+

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

CompTIA A+ is recognized by the industry as the foundation-level certification for entry-level techs. For many individuals, passing the exam is an opportunity to begin their career in IT; and they depend on their instructors to help them prepare for

Standard Error Codes Help Increase Efficiency for IT Pros

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The jobs of IT technicians have just been simplified. The Services Section at CompTIA has updated the standard error codes, which will allow technicians to identify problems and solutions for equipment they are working on with a simple 6-digit code.

George Rothwell Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT

George Rothwell has always been interested in technology that is used to automate tasks. He started writing software in the fourth grade, and after college he co-founded an RFID consulting and solutions business.

Environmentally Conscientious IT Disposal Reseller Strategies

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

With the environmental movement continuing to grow in influence, and with topics such as global warming - or climate change - regularly gracing the headlines of today’s 24-7 news cycle, a burgeoning environmentally conscious worldwide populace is eme

Fostering Company Culture and Retaining Valued Employees

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Navigating the differing psychologies of today’s workforce can be a tricky business. There are baby boomers representing the old guard, and so-called “Generation X” and “Generation Y” employees that make up the burgeoning younger ranks.

Brett Thompson Shares His Experience as an IT Instructor

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Brett Thompson has always enjoyed working with people and being able to positively influence them. He has also always enjoyed working with electronics. So after earning his degree in Technology Education, Brett’s obvious next step was to take on a ca

Participate in Creating Futures

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Creating Futures is a program run by the CompTIA Educational Foundation. Creating Futures provides training to transitioning U.S. veterans, individuals with disabilities, youth at risk and dislocated workers. The training and vouchers for the certifi

Study Highlights Student Views of Information Technology

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Today’s college students have grown up with information technologies such as computers, cell phones and the Internet. Understanding how they view and use these technologies in their lives will help you determine the most effective ways to integrate t

Creative Ways to Land a Job

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

In today’s world, the traditional methods of job hunting may not be enough. You need to get creative to land that perfect job. But the basic rules still apply. While you may need to employ unconventional search methods, you still need to adhere to th

Mike Mancuso Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

As chief technology officer at SYMX Corporation, Mike Mancuso sounds like just another IT guy. But Mike’s job goes beyond servicing the customer; the application he controls saves lives.

Online Training Available Through Creating Futures

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Tips for Shifting Gears to Sell Managed Services

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

There was a time not that long ago when information technology (IT) resellers could think almost exclusively in terms of hardware and software sales. IT today is a different beast entirely. There has been an increasing emphasis by resellers to promot

Reseller Education Resources in the Information Age

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

For resellers, and really anybody in the realm of technological innovation, the need to stay up to date and educated about the next big thing is a constant and ongoing requirement. Resellers must know the products and/or services they’re selling righ

Challenges of Online Instruction

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Online courses are quickly becoming one of the preferred ways to further one’s education. Having the choice to study from virtually anywhere offers a time-efficient, and cost-efficient way for students to advance themselves, either in school or in th

Teaching Your Students to be Good Online Citizens

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Keep your hands to yourself, eyes on your own paper and be polite when others are speaking. Simple classroom rules such as these help children learn the proper way to interact with others in school, as well as the outside world. Today, students need

Instructor Stephen Charles Rea Discusses the Appeal of the Industry

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Stephen Charles Rea feels his career as a radio DJ and improvisational comedian prepared him well for his current position as IT Trainer.

“I think that, plus my IT background is the reason I got into IT training,” Rea said. "To be honest, I ki

Joe Pinedo Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Joe Pinedo got into IT by accident. But it was a happy accident, because now, Pinedo has a job he loves, working on an Air Force base as a Computer Support Specialist Technician where he supports rocket launch personnel.

Passion for Security Leads to Online Magazines and Industry Event

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, it seemed only natural that Donald C. Donzal would start his own ventures one day. As the Director of IT for the Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Don had built a successful

Municipal Wireless Market Opportunities for VARs

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The municipal wireless market is growing rapidly, as more smaller communities and rural areas are demanding Internet access that is faster and easier to use than dial-up.

Municipal Wireless Market Opportunities for VARs

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The municipal wireless market is growing rapidly, as more smaller communities and rural areas are demanding Internet access that is faster and easier to use than dial-up.

WiMAX on the Horizon

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Just as the online world is acclimating to the new realities of Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) access and other modes of remote connectivity, a rapidly-developing technology called Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is poised to take t

Open or Closed: Weighing Two Software Development Models

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

As the Internet has evolved and become capable of faster and larger downloads and uploads over wider bandwidth thresholds, the phenomenon of open-source software development has similarly adapted and evolved, almost as if a symbiotic relationship exi

Carla Scholtz Shares Her Experiences as an IT Instructor

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

After working as a secretary for ten years, Carla Scholtz was ready for a change. She began studying for her CompTIA A+ certification in the evenings while continuing to work as a secretary. Even though she was working toward a career in IT, she was

Alex Rosier Shares His IT Experiences

Tue, 3 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Alex Rosier persevered and wound up with a job he loves. He was working as a waiter/bartender for catering companies, and no longer enjoyed it. He decided to see if he could parlay his lifelong love of computers into a new career.

Starting a Business? Get Certified

Tue, 3 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Fernando Callender has more than 10 years experience in the IT industry. As a software engineer specializing in Internet, e-commerce and integration technologies, he was ready to start his own business.

Security Considered the Hottest Technology

Tue, 3 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

A recent CompTIA Web poll revealed that the highest number of respondents (24.3%) feel that security technology will have the greatest impact in the coming year. Wireless data applications and convergence were closely behind, at 13 percent and 12 per

Considerations for Securing Remote Access

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The days of the 9-to-5 workplace, with personnel toiling in cubicles behind PCs that would never see the light of day outside the office, is gradually morphing into a “workplace” where employees can access company computing resources and data off-sit

Three Tips for Improving IT Reselling

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

For the information technology (IT) reseller, the need for continual improvement can’t be overlooked, especially given the fierce competition in the marketplace. It’s important for resellers to revisit some of the basics when it comes to bringing in

CompTIA Provides Scott Storm with a Network

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

It was 1984 when Storm began his company, now called Storm Computer. Now the company runs a service department and depot repair in a large territory. They cover a territory that is 150-200 miles radius of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Dorie Bowden Shares Her IT Experiences

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The high school guidance counselor told 16-year-old Dorie Bowden that her future did not involve furthering her education. The counselor told Dorie she should learn how to type and file so she could at least get an office job.

Dorie spent years

Web-based Training Done Right

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Traditional classroom training is still a popular choice for many businesses and professionals, but Web-based training has gained momentum over the past few years, and is becoming a preferred method.

Offering the option to train online makes p

What Your Students Learn May be Their Employer’s Decision

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Most IT professionals are choosing the courses and additional learning they take based on what their employers tell them. The majority of respondents (86%) to a Web-based survey launched in IT Professional Access said they choose the training they ne

Lee Myers Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 6 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

In high school, Lee Myers’ guidance counselor told him he would have a great career as a truck driver.

But Lee wasn’t interested in trucks, he liked computers. He found a job at Circuit City; however, he soon realized that selling computers mig

CompTIA Study Shows Security is a Top Priority for Management

Wed, 6 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Security training is proving to be very valuable to employers. Thanks in large part to proper training, fewer breaches are caused by human error alone. Spyware, e-mail attacks and viruses account for more than half of all security attacks. Viruses ac

IT Pros Maintain Their Skills

Wed, 6 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The majority of respondents (86%) to a Web-based survey launched in IT Professional Access said they choose the training they need based on their own career plan. Five percent choose based on their employer’s requirements or recommendations, while tw

Considering the Costs of Data Breaches

Wed, 23 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

For many companies, the term “data breach” conjures images of a malevolent hacker working mischievously from the outside to outflank the company’s firewalls and other security measures to obtain valuable company and customer data. In reality, however

The Road to Remote Access

Wed, 23 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Today's world is one of laptop PCs, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Blackberries, WiFi, and a multitude of other assorted technological gadgets and innovations intended to keep users plugged into the online world. With the explosive

Longtime CompTIA Member Witnesses Industry’s Dramatic Changes

Wed, 23 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Michael Schuler has been in the PC industry "from the beginning."

And how the industry has changed during that time! When Mr. Schuler first started out, he was in the rental and leasing industry - many businesses could not afford the lates

Linda Hanks Tells of Her Experiences with Training Trends

Wed, 16 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Linda Hanks can speak to the fact that a career in IT has definite longevity.

Hanks started with Focus: HOPE in 1983 as a programmer, and has managed their training program since 1999. In between, she also managed their IT department. Foc

Security Training Essential for Employers

Wed, 16 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The annual CompTIA security study, “Information Security: A CompTIA Analysis of IT Security and the Workforce,” proves that quality security training is more important than ever today. IT security continues to be a top priority for management, as mor

Help Your Students Find Scholarships

Wed, 16 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Going to college is expensive, and many students who would like to continue beyond high school struggle to finance their education. According to a recent report by the College Board, the average tuition and fees for a four-year public university are

Tommy Akin Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 2 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

A broken promise led to the start of Tommy Akin’s IT career. Akin was working in the auto business as a Fleet and Lease manager for a nation-wide auto dealer’s auction when he purchased a PC-XT from a local computer store for about $3,000.

Security Knowledge Important for Your Career

Wed, 2 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Looking for a leg up at work? Take a cue from management and brush up on your security skills. The Annual CompTIA Security research report, "Information Security: A CompTIA Analysis of IT Security and the Workforce," shows that managers are very co

Business Continuity Tips and Best Practices

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Business continuity, the ability of a business or enterprise to continue functioning both during and following a disaster - either natural or man-made - to ensure operations continue as uninterrupted as possible for both customers and users, is one o

Fitting Managed Services Into Your Budget

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

As information technology (IT) continues to evolve - becoming more complex and more critically important at the same time - businesses are increasingly coping with the difficulties inherent in staying current with the latest innovations while at the

Finding the Right Person for the Job

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Interviewing job candidates is an important process. It’s interesting to consider that you entrust someone with a part of your livelihood (however small a role they may play) based on what often amounts to less than an hour or two of conversation and

Foundation-Level Certifications Build Solid Security

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Teaching your students can be a challenge, especially if you are trying to teach them the value of a foundational certification. George Proeller, president of the Information Security Systems Association, Colorado Springs Chapter (ISSA-COS), believes

A Day in the Life of an IT Instructor

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

It's Monday morning at 7:45 a.m. The coffee's ready, the staff is assembled, classrooms are open and books are set out like a banquet waiting for the guests to arrive. A hotel van drops some 35 students off at the West entrance and they proceed up th

David Weig Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 4 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

One man's junk is another man's treasure… or in David Weig’s case, one car dealer’s old computer is another man’s new career. When the dealership David Weig worked for upgraded their system, he decided to save one of the old PCs from the junk pile.

IT Professionals Feel Upgrading Business Skills is Important

Wed, 4 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

IT professionals feel that employers want them to not only be able to do their jobs, but to be personable while they are performing their duties as well. When presented with a list of six different major skills, IT professionals believe that employer

Creating Futures Launches Pilot Program in Jacksonville, Fla.

Wed, 4 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Transitioning military personnel are being given an opportunity to receive valuable training that will help in their careers. CompTIA’s Creating Futures program has launched a pilot training program in Jacksonville, Fla. The program has been develope

A Taxing Time

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Tips to help your business save some money this tax season

It's that time of the year again. The snow is melting, the birds are singing, and the IRS is anxiously awaiting your tax information. Perhaps you're hastily preparing your taxes t

Narrowing the IT-Business Divide

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Two distinct camps used to be apparent in most businesses - and still are in some business today. The IT folks know the ins and outs of information technology. They understand speeds and feeds and bits and bytes. The business folks know all about fin

IT Professionals Feel Upgrading Business Skills is Important

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Creating Futures Launches Pilot Program in Jacksonville, Fla.

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Best Practices in Education: Western Governors University

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

All colleges strive to provide their students with the best programs. Western Governors University (WGU) goes one step further, and also focuses on giving their students the best credentials.

WGU is an online, accredited university. It was f

Tom Pintaric Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 7 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Tom Pintaric lives in Calgary, AB Canada and works for an engineering/consulting company that hosts contractors on a full-time basis and deals with a variety of projects out in the field. His current job role is that of an IT Server-desktop-network t

RFID Center for Excellence Trains and Applies Technology

Wed, 7 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

As RFID technology is growing more popular, it is important to keep up with this growing technology. The RFID Center of Excellence at Pennsylvania State University, Erie, has created an educational program that has already trained over 550 industry p

Linux Training Important to IT Industry

Wed, 7 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The majority of respondents to a recent CompTIA survey feel that it is important for a person supporting Linux to complete training. Nearly three-quarters (72%) believe a vendor-neutral Linux certification is valuable to them/their organization.

SMB Reseller and Solution Provider Blogroll

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
There's little doubt that there's a lot of information on the Web for SMB IT resellers and solution providers. The problem is deciding which is most relevant to your organization. To help you sort the wheat from the chaff, CompTIA came up with a smal

Gone Digital

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
Look around you. No matter where you are- at home, in the office, in traffic- you can't miss the fact that the world has gone digital. Consider how mail has gone paperless; we check our e-mail inboxes to receive bills. Instead of making a trip to an

Partnering to Sell Your Product

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
In 1989, John Williams was a traditional VAR in Atlanta, GA. Today, his solutions are sold by partner resellers, and his products are delivered worldwide. Williams' company, SafeNET, provides application development, computer telephony and network se

Managed Services Study Released

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
Managed services is one of the fastest growing fields in the IT industry right now. In order to identify trends/discrepancies in the definition of managed services, success and challenge factors among MSPs, solutions to challenges and opportunities f

Creating Futures with IT

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
After 15 successful years in the IT training industry, Gene Longobardi feels it’s his duty to give something back. “I’ve been blessed to benefit greatly from all that has gone on in the training industry,” he explained, “I really feel compell

Linux Training Important to IT Industry

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
The majority of respondents to a recent survey feel that it is important for a person supporting Linux to complete training. Nearly three-quarters (72%) believe a vendor-neutral Linux certification is valuable to them/their organization. The survey w

RFID Center for Excellence Trains and Applies Technology

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
As RFID technology is growing more popular, it is important to develop a curriculum and program centered around this growing technology. The Center for RFID Excellence at Pennsylvania State University, Erie, has created an educational program that h

Starting Your Own Business

Wed, 7 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
Starting your own small business is a dream many people have. Who wouldn't want to call the shots, be their own boss? But the fear of losing stability is often a roadblock to getting started.

But there are things you can do give you the b

Could You Work From Home?

Wed, 7 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
Telecommuting is a growing alternative for professionals across all industries, including Information Technology. According to The Telework Advisory Group for WorldatWork, an interna

David Hardy Shares His IT Experiences

Wed, 7 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT
David Hardy had worked in the textile industry for about six years when he decided he wanted a career change. He took computer classes at a technical college and now holds his CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications.

David now wor

Following Policy

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT
Thanks to government regulations, companies implement and follow security policies

These days companies face many threats in daily operations: Will the late arrival of information keep the deadline from being met? Will the late

Leaders Are Made

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT
By following a few simply guidelines, you can find the right leader for the right position
“Leaders are made, they’re not born,” the late Vince Lombardi, former coach of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins, once said. Fo

Top 7 for 2007

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT
What tech policy initiatives will help America create jobs, provide more innovation and tech leadership, and keep our economy globally competitive? CompTIA believes that Congress and U.S. policymakers should focus on seven top priorities for 2007 to

Learning about Blended Learning

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT
Technology continues to integrate with traditional teaching methods, and "blended learning" is becoming a common practice in the classroom.

Blended learning takes place when face-to-face and computer-based instruction are combined. Exa

Is Too Much Time Online Detrimental to Students?

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT
There is a paradox at work in the educational world today. Knowledge of computers is considered good, even necessary. Yet, those children, teens and older students who spend too much time online are often lambasted for this practice.

How

Tim Dami Shares His Experiences as an IT Professional

Wed, 3 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT
Tim Dami never thought he would be traveling by canoe to fix a computer.

Working in the United States as a mid-level manager in the service industry, Tim already had communication skills; he simply wanted to learn how to work with technol

Job Prospects Bright for IT Professionals in 2007

Wed, 3 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT
The coming year looks prosperous for those working in the IT industry. The Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report states that increased IT hiring is expected for the first quarter of 2007. The report polled CIOs, 16 percent of whom

Critical Criteria

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
What criteria do customers use when choosing a reseller?

The biggest shopping season of the year is naturally in December, around the holidays. Even though the holiday shopping season goes by relatively quickly for most people, the

The Importance of Continuing Customer Education

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Ongoing Training is Key to Customer Retention and a Strong Reseller/Customer Relationship

Although it's often an overlooked—or at least undervalued—aspect of the reseller/customer relationship, continued education and training for

Technology Students Need Communication Skills Too

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Recently trained and certified IT professionals may know all the latest technology, but to be competitive in the job market, and successful on-the-job, they need to have good communication skills too.

Don’t Lose Focus When Taking Time Off

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
For most teachers and students, the winter months include at least one fairly lengthy break from their classes. This break can make it difficult to maintain momentum that was built up previously.

There are many ways you can help your stu

Organize Your Classroom With Technology

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Palm Pilots, PDA, mobile phones, iPods – there are so many great technology gadgets on the market that it seems everyone is hoping for some type of gadget for the holidays. And CompTIA members are no exception. A recent CompTIA Web poll showed vide

A Career in Computer Forensics

Wed, 6 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
IT professionals with an investigative side can put their talent to work. Computer forensic expert was recently listed as one of the top careers for 2007 by Careerbuilder.com. Computer forensics is defined as the application of the scientific met

Going Out on Your Own – Tips for Becoming an Independent IT Consultant

Wed, 6 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Many people who work in IT are called upon to help fix their families and friends computers. You might be known as Mr. or Ms. Fix-it to all these people. If you enjoy these personal consults, you might be thinking – how can I branch out on my own a

Justin Durrant Shares His Experiences as an IT Professional

Wed, 6 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT
In five years, Justin Durrant was able to advance from a level-one help-desk technician to a Windows Systems Engineer at Fair Isaac in Arden Hills, Minn.

Durrant was able to break into the IT field after obtaining his CompTIA A+ certi

Communication, company culture can be keys to good morale

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
While a company's bottom line is an easy way to gauge its profitability, determining the morale of employees is a little less tangible an exercise. For instance, the turnover rate can sometimes be a barometer of employee morale, but that is not alw

Back to Basics

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Increased workloads leave some companies looking for help with time-management challenges

Think for a minute about your company’s workplace assets. Some that come to mind immediately are infrastructure, people, furn

Election Results Provide Great Opportunity for IT

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
As you may know, the recent mid-term elections have brought significant changes in the U.S. House and the Senate. With the results, the leadership in both bodies will switch from Republican to Democrat in the 110th Congress (to be convened in Januar

Diversify your educational offerings

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
There's little doubt that information technology is here to stay. The world has grown used to the conveniences it provides. In fact, the majority of former technological "luxuries" such as Internet, cell phones and e-mail are now necessities for mo

B is for Blog

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Traditionally, students learn, collaborate and ask questions inside the four walls of the classroom. Will Richardson, "Learner in Chief" of Connective Learning, LLC and former high school teacher, believes that teachers can enhance their students'

New Buyers, New Services, New Revenues: Learning BPO Revenue Opportunities in the IT Training Industry

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Ambient Insight's research shows that revenues for Learning Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) in the US IT Training industry are growing at a five-year CAGR of 15.1%. Jill Burger, principal research analyst, reports that, "The corporate buyer is s

Training Important for Wireless Technology Support Staff

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Wireless technology training is rapidly increasing in popularity as more and more wireless technologies are supported.The most popular wireless technologies currently supported by respondents include Wireless t 802.11 Wireless LANs (95%), 802.15 Bl

Writing the Perfect Resume; Acing the Interview

Wed, 1 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Your resume is your first impression. Employers look to resumes to provide a quick and concise summary of a candidate’s experience; and decide from the resume if the candidate is worth interviewing. In order to make the most of your job search, you

Eric Kilgore Shares his IT Experiences

Wed, 1 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Eric Kilgore's interest in computer's developed when he was fairly young. He had fun with BASIC programming in junior high and has been a hobbyist computer builder since the 1990s.

Kilgore holds CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certificat

Training Important for Wireless Technology Support Staff

Wed, 1 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT
The most popular wireless technologies currently supported by respondents include Wireless t 802.11 Wireless LANs (95%), 802.15 Bluetooth/Ultra-Wide Band Personal Wireless (31%) and FireWire (18%). The results come from a Web based survey distribut

Formula for Partnering Success

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Jenaly’s Shoer believes partnerships should deliver value to clients

Laurel and Hardy, Lucy and Ricky, Lewis and Clark—all enjoyed successful partnerships. What made these partnerships successful? Many factors including the fact that ea

Member Voice: Out with the "Soccer Effect": In with Real Partnering

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
This has been the year of reseller recruitment. Recruit, recruit, recruit. It's filled the Channel headlines with "company announces plan to double recruitment efforts." I don't know about you, but I've never met a reseller who wanted to be recruited

Reading, Writing and Revenue

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
How to effectively educate your third-party sales staff

Relying on your solution provider’s sales force to sell your products and services can deliver business success when executed effectively; however, if not deftly handled, dependence o

CompTIA IT Merit Awards Honor Deserving IT Students

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Eighteen-year-old Ken Bonovich recently received a CompTIA IT Merit Award, which rewards students who have recently received a CompTIA certification. Ken achieved his CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ prior to graduating from POLYTECH High School in

Hiring managers say project management training is an asset

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Ensure your students have real hiring potential by teaching them project management skills. An overwhelming 98 percent of respondents to a recent survey say that whether their staff has adequate skills or not, they could use additional project mana

Hiring managers say project management training is an asset

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
An overwhelming 98 percent of respondents to a recent survey say that whether their staff has adequate skills or not, they could use additional project management training. The Web-based survey was sent to CompTIA members, CompTIA research providers

Following a balanced study diet

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Following a balanced study diet will help give you the complete knowledge to pass the test. The balanced diet is comprised of three rules:

1. Look at the exam topic from several perspectives. Combine different study methods while prepari

Eric Logan shares his experiences as an IT professional

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT
While working for a major automobile manufacturer and working on a degree in management, Eric Logan was intrigued by an introductory “computer concepts” class that was a requirement for the degree.

“During the class, I started investigatin

It’s a Trust Thing

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT
How resellers can use data-security best practices to stay ahead of the competition

In a world where an IT reseller shop could be run as a two-person operation or employ 5,000 people, what sets one reseller apart from the rest? It’

Understanding the World of RFID

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Sweeney expects an uptake of RFID technology

If you’re even nominally associated with the field of IT, chances are good you’ve heard or read about the innovations occurring in the realm of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tech

Member Voice: Regulatory Compliance and Information Security

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Contributed article from: Uday Ali Pabrai, CISSP, CSCS, ecfirst.com, Chief executive

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that more than 27 million people have been victims of identity theft in the last five years

Podcasts enhance training lessons

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Podcasting has made its way into the mainstream and is creating a buzz outside of the tech world. A podcast is the method of distributing multimedia files, either video or audio, for playback on a communications device. While the name is derived fr

Real-time Collaboration-based learning overtakes self-paced eLearning in IT training market

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT
One of the most notable trends in the IT Training industry is the growing demand across all buyer segments for Real-time Collaboration-based learning events, particularly live virtual labs and real-time virtual classroom events. Ambient Insight resea

What skills do your students need to get hired? CompTIA member companies respond

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Help your students get ahead by teaching them skills hiring managers want. CompTIA has surveyed training/education companies, channel companies and product vendors to determine what skills they are looking for in their employees and job candidates.

What skills should you have to get hired? CompTIA member companies respond

Wed, 6 Sep 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Good news for IT professionals - more than one-half (54%) of respondents to a recent Web-base survey indicate needing new tech support/customer service hires in the next 12 months in order to achieve business goals. Customer service and tech support

Certification test taking tips

Wed, 6 Sep 2006 07:00:00 GMT
Taking an exam can be stressful, but following these simple test tips can help ease your anxiety:
Slow down and carefully read the question. If you don’t understand it, reread it. Don’t rush through and guess, sometimes it may just take a

Julia Olson shares her experiences as an IT professional

Wed, 6 Sep 2006 06:00:00 GMT
Julia Olson feels like a hero every day. Self-employed as a home technology expert, Julia provides on-site PC repair and network configuration to home users.

She discovered her knack for working with computers after earning a B.S. in Itali

SMB Market Provides Significant Opportunity

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT
To remain competitive in today’s rapidly changing global marketplace, businesses are continually searching for untapped markets that tantalize with the allure of potential profits. Many IT organizations, both large and small, have identified the smal

Taking the Work Out of Teamwork

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Think about the configuration of the typical basketball team. Each player brings a different attribute to the court. You may have the 6-foot-6 player who can dunk, and the 5-foot-10 player who’s scrappy and causes turnovers. You put those two players

Best practices in training: RFID4U

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT
IT professionals signing up for a training course want one result: to get quality training so they can pass their certification exam. Successful training companies know how to provide the best instruction to achieve these results.

RFID4U

Help give a student a start through Creating Futures

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Creating Futures is a philanthropic program developed by CompTIA's Educational Foundation. The Creating Futures Program provides IT workers, employers, training providers and educational institutions with the necessary components to b

The importance of an IT internship

Wed, 2 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT
IT careers are "hands-on," and gaining real-world experience gives you an advantage over other entry-level IT professionals. One of the best ways to gain experience is through an internship. Randall Palm, Chief Technology and IS Director at CompTI

IT Pros comfortable with distance learning

Wed, 2 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Results from a survey of more than 600 IT Professionals show that they are very interested in distance learning. Sixty-nine percent have already taken a distance learning class in the past five years, and 92 percent would consider taking distance l

Learn about other IT professionals in the industry.

Wed, 2 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT
This issue features Ken Jennings, a system administrator and telephone technician.

Software can help your managed services business

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Managed services is becoming an ever more popular and profitable part of the IT Channel. Respondents to a recent CompTIA Web poll said that managed services or remote network monitoring were one of the most deployed solutions being offered by thei

Research: How to use it effectively

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Every business owner needs market research in order to determine a profitable strategy for their company. Research can be a formal process, questioning large numbers of people and compiling hundreds or thousands of responses into functional data.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 compliance, an Information Technology (IT) perspective

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT
The Act, in its original intent, was created to "improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the

Help your students take better notes

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Good notes are the key to your students’ success. Students who feel confident with their notes will not only be more engaged in the classroom, but also more successful when studying at home. Instead of just letting your students randomly scribble i

IT Pros comfortable with distance learning

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Preliminary results from 577 respondents to a survey of IT Professionals show that they are very interested in distance learning. Seventy percent have already taken a distance learning class in the past five years, and 92 percent would consider takin

Top IT Training Trends for 2006

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT
"The current US market for IT training is a classic 'perfect storm' that has led to unprecedented commoditization and pricing pressures," wrote Sam Adkins, Ambient Insight’s Chief Research Officer, in a new report, "The US Market for IT Training Prod

Most important skills for IT Professionals

Wed, 5 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT
A recent CompTIA Web poll showed that the most important skill for someone looking to start or advance their career is networking technologies, with 44 percent of respondents choosing that as their top answer. Other top skills include problem solving

Networking can be easy

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Networking is a popular buzzword in the business world today. Whenever someone asks, “How can I grow my business?” the usual response is, “Networking!” Even though the answer seems obvious, many small business owners feel it is easier said than don

Watson helps find the most accurate information

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT
While the accuracy of Internet searches has improved over the years, it is still difficult to find accurate, relevant information when performing an online search. A recent report by research company Outsell titled “2006 User Update – How Information

Using technology to teach technology

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Technology is very conducive to hands-on learning – make use of it, experiment and have fun. Each of your students have different learning styles, and integrating a variety of methods into your lesson plans will keep them interested and motivated.

Success Story
Focus HOPE: Information Technologies Center, Detroit, Mich.

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Setting group goals helped instructor Kim Wallace’s entire class at Focus: HOPE's Information Technologies Center (ITC) earn their CompTIA A+ Certification. Focus: HOPE is a CompTIA E2C member that offers training for CompTIA certifications. Teamwork

Time management tips for a productive workday

Wed, 7 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Learning how to manage your time wisely is one of the most important skills you can obtain. Time management skills give you the ability to effectively complete projects, solve problems and keep your stress level down.

Savvy IT Pros can reap benefits of technology dependency

Wed, 7 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Many people are addicted to their favorite technology. For some, laptops are lifelines. If given the choice to use only one technology per day, the greatest number of respondents to a recent CompTIA Web poll said they would limit themselves to using

RFID use increasing in vertical markets, but retail opportunities still strong

Wed, 24 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT
RFID implementation continues to move beyond the manufacturing and retail supply chain, but that doesn’t mean resellers have to follow to find business. Bill Allen, director of strategic alliances at Texas Instruments RFid Systems, notes that approxi

Positive response to technology provides opportunities

Wed, 24 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Laptops are lifelines. If given the choice to use only one technology per day, the greatest number of respondents to a recent CompTIA Web poll said they would limit themselves to using their laptop. Nearly half (45%) of all respondents said they woul

VARs benefit from tax bill

Wed, 24 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT
US value-added-resellers (VARs) can continue to increase their sales and reduce out-of-pocket expenditures with the help of HR 4297. On May 11, 2006, Congress passed HR 4297, the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005. Originally set

Voice Over IP: Its Time Has Come

Wed, 17 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Voice over IP (VoIP) has gained widespread acceptance in companies looking to reduce the cost of telecommunications between office locations. A CompTIA Web poll of 2,198 respondents showed that VoIP was the hot technology most thought would have an i

Want to keep your job? Be well-rounded

Wed, 3 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT
The majority of jobs that are outsourced to independent contractors or third-party providers are technical ones, a report from the Society for Information Management said. The report also showed that business skills and capabilities represent five of

Resellers can prevent software piracy

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Bootlegged software also harms individual users and businesses. Installing or using pirated software makes computer equipment vulnerable to viruses or malicious code, and if a problem occurs, users do not have access to product support. Businesses th

Voice Over IP: Its Time Has Come

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Voice over IP (VoIP) has gained widespread acceptance in companies looking to reduce the cost of telecommunications between office locations. A CompTIA Web poll of 2,198 respondents showed that VoIP was the hot technology most thought would have an i

Wanted: IT leaders

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Technical skills are not the only thing employers are looking for when hiring and promoting management-level employees. Great technicians do not necessarily make great managers. But with the baby boomer generation retiring, and a noticeable lack of a

Training and certification helps students prove they know security

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT
CompTIA’s fourth annual security study focused on areas and issues surrounding security training and certification, including IT security breach assessments, IT security training’s effectiveness and current and future hiring patterns. The survey foun

Top jobs are in IT

Wed, 5 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT
You can stop worrying about the IT employment shortage of years past. The IT industry is now a very secure place to be. Case in point - five of the top ten best jobs are in IT. According to a recent article published by Careerbuilder, software engine

Training and Certification is the way to prove you know security

Wed, 5 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT
CompTIA’s fourth annual security study, "Committing to Security- Fourth Annual Benchmark Study: A CompTIA Analysis of IT Security and the Workforce," focused on areas and issues surrounding security training and certification, including IT security b

Disaster recovery is a big problem for small business

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, when a disaster strikes, approximately 40% of businesses will never reopen. The main reason companies close is because owners are simply uneducated or unaware of the hardships and obstacles they face during

Study shows that human error still leading cause of security breaches

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT
CompTIA’s fourth annual security study, Committing to Security: Fourth Annual Benchmark Survey, focused on areas and issues surrounding security training and certification, including IT security breach assessments, IT security training’

Member Voice: Does Compliance Mean Your Organization Is Secure?
BY: Scott Lupfer, Senior Director, Security Evangelists, McAfee

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Much has been made in recent years of various regulatory and legislative compliance requirements and how they relate to information security programs and operations in affected organizations. However, many of these compliance requirements fail in pro

Why are your students getting trained and certified?

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT
If they are like most IT professionals, they are doing it independently for their own personal career interests. Many IT professionals do not think their employers understand the requirements involved in maintaining IT skills or the elements of IT ca

IT professionals work hard to keep skills current

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT
Many IT professionals do not think their employers understand the requirements involved in maintaining IT skills or the elements of IT career development. A CompTIA survey shows that a majority (85 percent) of IT workers themselves are actively invol

CompTIA TechCareer Compass maps your goals

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT
The CompTIA TechCareer Compass helped IT Pro member Rick Melone take his career to a new level. When his employer announced that the company would be relocating out of state, Mr. Melone embraced the change as an opportunity to stay in his hometown an