subject: An Overview Of More Common Courses In Microsoft Training [print this page] Microsoft training is a very big subjectMicrosoft training is a very big subject. However, it can be divided into to broad categories. Simply put, there is training aimed at end users. Then there is training aimed at more technical specialists. The latter category encompasses IT professionals whose jobs involve them primarily in Network and general system support, maintenance and management.
The end user training, though thorough, tends to be less technical. An exception would be programming training for expert end users in such languages as Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Otherwise end user training usually covers the software operating environment fundamentals and day to day application usage. The latter are mostly in the "Office" suite.
In the case of Microsoft, the operating system is some version of Windows. The latest is Windows 7. One of the most popular is Windows XP, still used by a huge number of individuals and corporations. Apart from the different versions, within the versions there are variations. Fundamentally they are nearly the same, but have been adapted to suit different class of user. The two large categories in this regard are "Windows Home" and "Windows Professional."
People have to learn Windows before they can learn to use any application that runs under it. A student being taught Windows learns about the basic file and folder structure. About Creating files, and folders. About moving moving them, saving them, and deleting them. They also learn about about opening and closing application software. The learn to install a printer. To create shortcuts to applications. To copy and paste different items. If appropriate the person will also learn about working in a networked environment.
Microsoft had many application software programs. The most important are those included in the MS Office suite. Most training is in those packages. They include: Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint and the e-mailing and calendaring application, Outlook.
Word is probably the most widely used software application in the World. Learning to use it involves page layout, typography and graphics. In the financial world in particular, Excel is probably the most widely used software. The student learns the complex formulas and functions that enable the manipulation of mainly numeric data. Having mastered its myriad uses the student has available a very powerful tool in formulating financial projections and plans.
PowerPoint courses teach the user how to design create and present Slide shows. This involves learning to use text and graphics effectively. It may also touch on incorporating videos or sound files in the presentation. Crucially the training should ideally also involve learning some fundamental principles of Graphic Design.
"Access" is a Database application. A student learns about manipulating large quantities of diverse data, numeric or textual. Important features are taught such as methods of extracting very targeted and specific data from a huge database. The student learns to create related reports which can be printed if necessary.
For people who specialise in "Project Management" "MS Project" and related training is invaluable. A prior knowledge of the methodologies and terminology of this field is vital before take training in the software. This training involves learning about efficiently scheduling Project resources. So the student learns about Tasks, Relationship, Phases, Milestones and Constraints.
Apart form the application software Microsoft training is available in much more technical areas. Such courses are taken by System Administration personnel, Network managers and those who need to provide timely and speedy support to big user bases. Among other fields, these specialists study Server technology and complex technical configurations typically in network environments.
