URL.biz - Computers

This is just a brief overview of some of the courses available.

Office Skills Courses

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL/ICDL)

The ECDL/ICDL is the European and worldwide qualification that enables you to demonstrate your competence in the most commonly used and widespread computer skills. The ECDL course is designed specifically for anyone who wishes to gain a basic qualification in computing to help with your current job, develop your IT skills and enhance your career prospects. No prior knowledge of IT or computer skills is needed to study the ECDL, so it can be taken by anybody at any age or level of education.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

This course teaches students how to use the Office 2000, Office 2002/XP and Office 2003 suite of applications and become more effective on the job. This course provides training for beginners, as well as advanced users and covers Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. An additional module covering FrontPage also introduces the student to the basics of web design. With the skills and knowledge you gain from this curriculum, you will have increased job opportunities and salary potential.

Web Design Courses

CIW foundations

CIW v5 Foundations is the world's first skills certification specifically designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. CIW v5 Foundations teaches the practical skills for every 21st-century job. Fundamental online skills - such as Web browsing, research, e-mail, documentation, project management, networking and Web development - make every employee more valuable. The CIW v5 Foundations courseware prepares individuals for the CIW Foundations certification exam. Those who pass the CIW Foundations exam earn the highly respected CIW Associate certification, which is recognized throughout the industry as validating essential Internet skills for the workplace. This is a pre-requisite for the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) series of certifications

Web Manager (CIW Designer)

The Web Manager curriculum introduces Web design concepts, page layout, usability, navigation, graphics and multimedia. Other topics covered include Web technologies, Web site development tools, basics of using Microsoft FrontPage, Macromedia DreamWeaver and Allaire HomeSite, JASC Paint Shop, in addition to advanced Web design technologies and concepts, including XML, HTTP servers, cookies, plug-ins, Java applets, databases and standards organizations. This course leads on to the CIW e-Commerce course that will gain a student the Master Web Site Designer qualification or may lead onto the Master CIW Web Site Manager qualification.

Networking Courses and PC Repair Courses

A+ Certification

Taking the A+ certification will give you a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosis, preventative maintenance and basic networking. This is a varied course for those that have a basic level of IT competency, covering topics to build your knowledge and prepare you for the next level. In today's computing world, skilled technicians are a necessity. By taking the A+ course, you will have better job opportunities, a visible career path and a solid foundation for taking certificates that are more advanced. Job positions include PC Technician, Operating Systems Specialist, Network Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Support Technician and Computer Operator

Network+ Certification

The Network+ certification is a testing program sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) that certifies the knowledge of network technicians. It covers vendor- and product-neutral networking technologies such as Data Communications, Network Connectivity, TCP/IP Internetworking, Planning and Implementing networks and Network security and troubleshooting. This certification is targeted towards two groups. The first group is Network Administrators with very little experience. The second group is technical professionals from a variety of fields who want to improve their effectiveness by learning more about the basics of networking. Typical duties performed are supporting existing networks, planning LANs, and developing technical solutions, which incorporate a network component. Job positions include PC Technician, Network Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, Network Administrator and Field Support Technician.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists. Job positions include Network Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, and Network Administrator.

MCSA — Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator/ MCSE — Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

You should have six to 12 months experience of managing and supporting a desktop server and network operations, in an existing network infrastructure before taking the MCSA course. If you do manage, support and troubleshoot the ongoing needs of a Microsoft Windows server based operating environments then MCSA is the course for you.

For those without the necessary experience Microsoft have an arrangement that the A+ and Network+ qualifications can be used in place of one of the Microsoft exams, enabling you to start out on a well mapped career track. Job titles include Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Information Systems Administrator, Network Operations Analyst, Network Technician and Technical Support Specialist. Career progression means that you can then move on to the MCSE. . Earning the MCSE acknowledges your expertise in working with Microsoft products and technologies, showing that you are technically strong with the ability to implement Microsoft business solutions. Job roles include Systems Engineers, Technical Support Engineers, Systems Analysts, Network Analysts and Technical Consultants.

Programming Courses

CIW Web Programming

The CIW Web Programming course is designed to give web developers a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge to enable them to develop useful, compelling, responsive web-based applications. This course covers JavaScript, PERL, CGI and Dynamic Server Pages, learn how to take full advantage of these scripting languages and design effective user interfaces for web-based applications. Ideal for those individuals who want a hands-on approach to web design or this course makes an ideal foundation for those individuals looking to attain CIW Enterprise Developer

MCAD — Microsoft Certified Applications Developer

The MCAD for Microsoft .NET credential is appropriate for professionals who use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services or work in teams developing enterprise applications. To earn the MCAD credential, candidates are expected to have one to two years of relevant work experience or the equivalent in these functions. Typical job titles include programmer, programmer/analyst, and software developer.

Database Courses

Oracle9i (OCP)

These courses are designed to give the Oracle 9i Database Administrator (DBA) a firm foundation in basic administrative tasks and provide the necessary knowledge and skills to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot an Oracle9i database. Participants will learn about the concepts of relational databases and the SQL and PL/SQL programming languages, database administration strategies and procedures provided in Oracle8i, the critical skills for planning and implementing database backup and recovery strategies. If your primary or intended job function is to design and administer Oracle databases, you should pursue the relevant Oracle certification.

MCDBA 2000/2003

The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator is specifically for professional who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server ä databases. Individuals who derive database designs, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security and install and configure Microsoft SQL Server would benefit from this course. The database administrator job title and function are a well-recognized skill set in the industry. Database professionals are recognized for participating in conceptual and logical data modelling, physical design, and implementation, maintenance and support of databases. If your primary or intended job function is to design and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases, you should pursue the MCDBA certification.