An enormous number of organisations throughout the World provide Microsoft training. The kind of training they provide can be divided into two main groupings. The first is training of end users. Provided the software does what they want, this group is not particularly interested in “how it does it”. The second group is mainly interested in “how it does it”. These are the IT professionals who look after Networks and systems and support.
End users need to be taught to use the applications for what they were intended. They don’t need to know too much about the technical aspect of what’s “under the hood”. There are some exceptions to this. Some experienced “power” users of, say, Excel and Access are taught nifty tricks and customisation by learning the programming language behind these applications. This language is called “VBA” (Visual Basic for Applications).
Within the definition of User training, again it could be said that there are two subdivisions. There is training in the application software. But before someone can even begin to learn this, they need to have been trained to use the underlying operating system interface. In this case it is one or other version of Windows. The latest is Version 7, though many millions still use XP. Regardless of the version of Windows a person is being trained on, they will be using either the Windows “Professional” edition, or the Windows “Home” edition.
“Windows” training for the end user basically covers the following topics. Understanding the screen environment and elements. Learning about folder and file concepts. Opening moving and resizing windows. Copying, moving and deleting files and folders. Connecting and configuring printers. Launching programs and creating “shortcuts” to them. Understanding the file structure and searching for files and folders. Understanding and working with other computers on a Network.
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” and “Excel” are the most widely use applications in the Suite. Word training involves learning about creating and formatting mainly textual documents to an elaborate degree. Hence the name “Word”. Excel is a spreadsheet package. Training involves learning to deal with and manipulate large volumes of numeric data. This entails understanding and setting up mathematical and other formulae and complex automatic calculation. An aim of training is to teach students to quickly test numerous numeric scenarios and strategies.
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.
Those who need to use and extract information from large amounts of assorted data in a Database learn Access, Microsoft’s Database software. It is what’s called a relational database management system. Students learn to use the “query” interface to extract data and forms to enter it. They also learn about creating reports and printing them is needed.
Another popular application related but usually sold separately from Office is MS Project. Anyone, whose job involves Project Management, is advised to obtain training on the versatile software. It automates the intricate process of managing a complex project. Students learn to set up the project in the application, create Tasks and Resources, set up Relationships and Scheduling, Phase Milestones and Constraints. Because of its technical nature, only those with a basic knowledge of Project Management and its somewhat obscure terminology should take such training.
There are many technical Microsoft training courses available. These include studying Network environment and Server software. Three examples of these are; Microsoft Exchange; SQL server and Office SharePoint server. Other popular technical training covers learning techniques for providing efficient general support for end user and their applications.
Microsoft training is a lot cheaper when carried out in a far away land like India. India-based training companies offer the same globally recognised standard of qualification but with the exchange rate it works out at a fraction of the price, even with the price of flights and hotels. Click on mcse training courses for more information.
