(ISC)2 wins the “Best Professional Certification Program”

By Sarah Morgan

(ISC)2 has won an SC Magazine Award in the Best Professional Training Program category at the 16th annual SC Magazine Awards Gala in San Francisco.

It was the fifth SC Magazine award for (ISC)2 organisation that has already won twice before in the category of the “Best Professional Certification Program” for its CISSP certification.

Executive director of (ISC)2 W. Hord Tipton said  “The 2013 (ISC)² Global Information Security Workforce Study released at RSA this week confirms that the gap between demand for qualified information security professionals and supply has further widened, which makes it imperative for government, academia and industry to embrace a new approach to information security training and education,”

“Through our comprehensive education program, we are working to close the skills gaps that are threatening the future of the global information security workforce. It’s an honor to be recognized by SC Magazine for these efforts.”

There were many professional information security organisations that entered the Professional Award categories.

All submissions were reviewed by a panel of judges, who selected the winners. There are many factors judges consider when selecting winners such as reports or product reviews to narrow down the hundreds of submissions to the Best Professional Training Program Category.

The SC Magazine Awards is now in its 16th year and are the global leader for IT security professionals and products that fend off the security threats of today.

About the Author:
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.

Apple was powered by The Terminator?

We’ve all seen it; all our favourite movies in the 80s and 90s had it. Robots and cyborgs with evil commands and strange code running down their eyes. But something you have never noticed is that evil code is not just nonsense the writer of the movies came up with… Its actual code, with a purpose, and a designer.

When you look closely and analyse the code, you’ll soon discover that the designer is in fact Apple!

Apple (AKA Skynet) who suspiciously released its Macintosh Performa on the year before Skynet became ‘Self-aware’ (1997), has been used in other Sci-fi movies too.

But before we accept our fate, and even before we attempt to start building a Terminator of our own to send back to the past, the code shown in the movie is actually just an assembly code for the Apple II (or so they say!). “Maybe the Terminator is booting up off a 5.25-inch floppy.”

The infamous Terminator is among many other movies which have had their robots powered by one of the tech giants of today, as Networkworld discovered.

Robocop was powered by Microsoft?

Our dedicated police officer, who was killed and brought back to life as a Cyborg, ran COMMAND.COM to keep him alive (see top left). That’s right, Robocop was powered by MS-DOS.

Others…

In Terminator 3, if you look closely to the left of the her hub, the T-X model shows "Remote Access," "Software Update," "Quicktime Player," and others all from the Mac OS 9. And Apple didn’t use this as an ‘I’m a Mac” ad?

In both Stargate SG-1: Ark of Truth and the movie Strike Back, you see the JavaScript source code files for WordPress.

Have you noticed any coding on one of your favourite Sci-Fi movies?

Let us know in the comment section below…

20 billion apps downloaded last year!

Remember when we were happy enough with just a game of ‘snake’ every so often.

But since the iPhone was released the rise of the touchscreen began, a need for apps has arisen.

There were 20 billion apps downloaded from Apple devices alone last year. That’s almost 3 apps for every person on this planet!

There were so many downloads last year alone, that the figure represents about half of the 40 billion downloaded to iPhones, iPads and iPods since the App store was launched in 2008.

2 billion of those downloads happened in the last month of the year which was a new record alone. It was due to the launch of several new Apple devices just in time for Christmas sales.

Apple revealed that it had paid developers (who created around 775,000 worldwide) over £4.4 billion.

Last year among the top paid apps were Whatsapp Messenger at 69p, Draw Something at £1.99 and Angry Birds Space at 69p.

Olly Mann, tech expert and presenter on LBC 97.3 has stated that the app boom will continue in 2013. Adding that “Downloads in the Android, Amazon and Windows app stores will continue to grow too, so this isn’t solely Apple’s wheelhouse.”

Google Play app store for Android devices got to 25 billion downloads in September 2012.

This increasingly growing industry is a very lucrative one, and many are jumping at the opportunity. Especially now with the big release of Windows 8 devices.

20 million copies of Windows 8 devices sold since November

In the ten weeks since its launch, Windows 8 has sold 60 million copies, announced Tami Reller, CFO of Microsoft’s Windows division, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2013) in Las Vegas.

Take the opportunity

Take the first steps in becoming an app developer with an MTA Mobile Development Fundamentals and MTA Gaming Development Fundamentals certification.  They can both can be gained together in just 4 days. They’ll help you be on your way to succeeding in advanced certification courses.

You can also take the MCSD: Windows Store Style Apps course where you’ll learn how to create Windows Store style apps using C#. The MCSD certification will prove your ability to design and develop beautiful, elegant apps that are alive with activity for the cloud. You can also learn to create Windows Store style apps using HTML5 on the MCSD: Windows Store Style Apps course. Both take just 9 days. 

The top 5 certifications to start your IT career

Want to get into IT? We have compiled a list of our top five certifications that are the most efficient way of entering the IT industry and starting career. Once you have gained one of these certifications, you can gain further experience and gain higher certifications that will boost your salary up to $500,000:

1. CompTIA A+ & Network+

The A+ certification is considered a benchmark and stepping stone for people who want to enter the IT World. The Comptia A+ certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge in installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. It is part of the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Novell, and has become a requirement for their engineers. There are almost a million IT professionals worldwide who have certified in A+ since the program’s beginning in 1993. CompTIA also offers its popular Network+ certification which you can gain with the A+ in just 7 days. You'll gain the skills and knowledge necessary to configure and operate a variety of networking products. Combined, the A+ and Network+ certifications are backed by major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers and publications.

2. MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate)

More than 95% of companies around the world use Microsoft products and technologies. Now's your chance to be a part of it. The MTA certification is the first stepping stone for all Microsoft certifications. The MTA is part of Microsoft’s new range of certifications which are very popular. Gaining this cert offers a stepping stone onto the more powerful and respected MCSA and MCSE certifications. This year will see many companies now looking for the updated Microsoft certs, which is why many MCITP aspirants are being directed to MCSA and MCSE. Learn more about the new Microsoft certs and the paths to take here: How to become a Microsoft Certified Professional.

3. CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI (Level 1)

In a Linux Jobs report, eight in ten recruiters said that hiring a Linux talent was a priority in 2012. The popularity for Linux has not stopped growing, and will continue to grow throughout  2013. This CompTIA course provides you with the basic hardware, software, and networking skills necessary to function in an entry-level Linux role. It also offers a stepping stone to the more powerful Linux certs such as the LPI level 2 and level 3.

4. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

CCNA is a great way to enter the IT industry. But requires dedicated training and some may find it hard if they are completely new to IT. You can first take the CCENT to get more familiar with the material. Cisco certifications are world renowned and respected. Having a CCNA shows that you have the ability to setup, troubleshoot, monitor, upgrade and maintain networking hardware based on Cisco equipment. Once you gain your certification, and some experience, you can move on to more advanced certifications like CCNP.

5. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

The CEH certification is offered by EC-Council. If you want to enter the IT security industry (the fastest growing sector in the IT industry), CEH is the one to go for. As an ethical hacker, you’d attempt to penetrate the networks or computers of the organisation you work for. Why would you do this? "White hat" ethical hackers are widely sought after to help find and fix the vulnerabilities that would otherwise be exploited by "black hat" criminal hackers. Demand for CEH professionals continues to grow. Due to the alarming increase in cyber attacks over the past decade, organisations are looking for ways to protect themselves and tighten their security. The CEH course and certification covers all that is needed to identify system vulnerabilities and countermeasures.

Are there other IT certifications to consider?

Yes, there are many others that offer a great entry into the IT world. Let us know your top cert in the comment section below.

It all depends on what sector of the industry you would like to enter. The further you go with your certifications, the more specific your skills will become. Good luck in starting your IT career in 2013.

What is MSP?

By Sarah Morgan

What is MSP?

Managing Successful Programmes (or MSP) is a methodology which comprises of principles and procedures for managing a programmes.

It’s a proven ‘program management good practice’, as it successfully delivers change in an organisation. It does this by brings together the key principles, governance themes and interrelated processes to simplify the flow of business information.

MSP describes programme management as "the action of carrying out the coordinated organisation, direction and implementation of a dossier or projects and transformational activities to achieve outcomes and realise benefits of strategic importance to the business".

MSP is used widely by many organisations, in both public and private sectors. 

What are the benefits of using MSP?

MSP gives you a structured framework to ensure your program achieves its goals. It does this by guarantying that there is strong leadership, a focus on the benefit delivery, an aim to strife for and a strong engagement from stakeholders with realistic aims put into place.

How is MSP different to PRINCE2?

MSP helps manage a program environment where you also manage multiple projects. Whereas PRINCE2 is a structured method which is applied to a project environment to ensure projects deliver specific objects.

What MSP exams do I need to take?

There are three exams available for MSP.

The first one is the Foundation exam. It is multiple question and closed book. You’ll have 40 min to complete the exam which is out of 50 marks. You’ll need to at least get 30 marks (60%) to pass.

The next exam is the Practitioner. In order to do this exam, you’ll first need to pass foundation exam. This one is an open book exam that lasts 2:30 hours and is out of180 marks. You’ll need to get at least 90 marks to pass (50%).

The last exam is the Advanced Practitioner exam. You’ll first need to pass both the Foundation and the Practitioner. Unlike the other two, is an essay style exam which lasts 2:30 hours. It is open book and you’ll need to get at least 35 out of the 75 marks to pass (50%).

Do I need PRINCE2 as a prerequisite for MSP?

You do not need PRINCE2 to pass the course, but it does help and is recommended.

About the Author:
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, IT training, , IT certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the IT industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.

Exam tips and preparation: Cisco CCNA certification

The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is the entry level cert to the Cisco certification path. 

To gain this certification, you must to complete one of these two exam options: Pass both the ICND1 and ICND2 exams or pass the longer CCNA 640-802 exam.

The CCNA certification has received a Gold certification from the IPv6 Forum's Education Certification Program. This means that if you gain this certification, you can display the IPv6 logo, which shows that you have attained IPv6 knowledge and skills.

CCNA is well known in the industry and is in high demand. It's also a stepping stone onto the more powerful Cisco certifications. The average salary of a CCNA professional is £38,000 in the UK according to itjobswatch.co.uk.

CCNA ICND1 Exam

If your only interested in gaining a Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCNET) certification, you’ll only need to pass the ICND1 exam.

This exam covers the basic topics related to modern networks, including:

• TCP/IP
• IP Routers
• Ethernet LANs
• LAN switching

The exam covers the protocol knowledge of LANS, WANs, hardware basics, and subnetting. It will also cover the Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI) which is used to configure, monitor and trouble shoot problems on Cisco devices.

There will be around 40 to 50 questions. They can be multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and hands-on sims, simlets and testlets. 

Unlike other exams, you’ll not be able to skip questions and go back later. You'll have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

CCNA ICND2 Exam

This exam picks up from where the ICND1 exam left off, with more depth and a larger number of configurations.

This exam covers more advanced topics related to modern networks, this includes:

• Advanced LAN switching - such as Spanning Tree Protocols, VLANs and VLAN Trunking
• Advanced IP subnetting – including variable length subnet masks
• Advanced routing protocol - like EIGRP and OSPF

It will consist of 40 to 50 questions. They can be multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and hands-on sims, simlets and testlets. Just like ICND2 exam, you’ll not be able to skip questions and go back later. The exam time limit is 90 minutes.

CCNA 640-802 Exam

As mentioned before, you’ll have the option to take this longer exam instead of taking the ICND1 and ICND2 exams.

This exam covers topics related to modern networks, this includes:

• TCP/IP
• IP Routing and addressing
• Cisco router and switch CLI
• LAN switching
• WLANs
• Spanning Tree Protocols
• VLANs and VLAN Trunking
• RIP, EIGRP, OSPF
• NAT

There will be around 45 to 50 questions. They can be multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and hands-on sims, simlets and testlets. Just like ICND exams, you’ll not be able to skip questions and go back later. The exam time limit is 90 minutes.

Tips for difficult areas

The following topics are the ones that seem to be the most difficult for students, so here are some tips to deal with them:

IP Subnetting – This is challenging because it is hard to interpret the terminology, mastering the mathematics behind it, such as remembering which processes to use and knowing how to use them and applying the IP addressing and routing concepts while working with the math.

Time – This is crucial to take care of. As already mentioned, you will not have the option to skip a question and go back to it later making each question more time consuming. The sim, simlets and testlets also take a very long time.

Hands-on – The sim, simlets and testlets require you to have a good understanding of hands-on application of typing commands on Cisco router or CLI.

Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM) – This introduces the possibility of subnets with overlapped address ranges which are not easily identified.

Spanning Tree Protocol – As most people have STP enabled and it works, so there isn’t much need of understanding it, so you must try harder to fully understand it.

Access Control Lists (ACLs) –Knowing how to match TCP and UDP port numbers, both source and destination can be quite difficult.

Preparation Hints

Before you start these exams, it is recommended that you practice using commands on the CLI. Become familiar with the configurations and spend time understanding the router and switch commands. It is also recommended that you practice subnetting. You should also take advantage of the Cisco learning network (learningnetwork.cisco.com).

We recommend reading the CCENT/CCNA ICND1 640-822 Official Exam Certification Guide (ISBN: 1-58720-425-8) and the CCNA ICND2 640-822 Official Cert Guide (ISBN: 1-58720-435-5). Also, try and join a study group to study for the exam. Discussing the topics with others will help you remember the material.

Good Luck

How to Manage Multiple Servers in Windows Server 2012 - Infographic

Cloud computing is now the future, and software is moving into this great technology. Server Manger now has a multi-server view of the environment. You can now see all your servers, check their performance and fix any issues.

Windows Server 2012 allows multiple servers; with remote management, monitoring, installations and roles. I can now make changes to a group of DCHP or DNS servers – regardless of where they are physically.

Learn how to manage multiple servers in Windows Server 2012 with this useful infographic designed by Firebrand. The content is from our Windows Server instructor Ed Baker.

To see the original article posted by Ed Baker, follow this link: http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/roundup/how-to-manage-multiple-servers-in-windows-server-2012-1098422

To embed this Infographic copy the text in the box below:

<img src="http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/how-to-manage-multiple-servers-in-windows-server-2012_50d1db8b29d8f.jpg" width="625"> <p> <a href="http://www.firebrandtraining.co.uk/courses/microsoft/technology">How to Manage Multiple Servers in Windows Server 2012 by Firebrand Training</a></p>