end-user support specialist

An end-user support specialist, also known as an IT support specialist, helps customers and computer users ensure that all computers, software, and peripherals work correctly. An end-user support representative can work in an organization or support customers who have purchased a particular software or hardware product.
Most end-user support professionals must be trained in repairing and installing computer hardware and software. Depending on the end user's responsibilities, certifications may be required in computer networks, software, or specific applications. As this position may involve a very wide range of tasks, many organizations may set up a new college or complete a technical school and allow them to learn at work.
Responsibility for end-user support :
In today's fast-paced world, technology is the key to survival. Technology plays a key role in survival in almost every business and opens the door to the needs of the user support market. End-user support professionals are in high demand in today's technology-driven environment, so there's plenty of room for maneuver in this area to build an advanced career. Before you decide on a particular career, you must have an idea of ​​the responsibilities and responsibilities of this job. Below are detailed analyzes of support responsibilities for the end-user.
Key Responsibilities :
The primary responsibility of the end-user support engineer is to diagnose a malformed program in computer systems within an organization and to provide an immediate solution to the problem so that the organization can work effectively.
When a defect is detected in the computer system, the clients request the service experts at the end-user of the company to solve this particular problem. End-user support then diagnoses the problem and is working to fix it. In the event of a severe technical defect in the system, the end-user support representative must call the Level 2 technical support team to resolve the issue. The workload for end-user support depends on the company policies.
The primary end-user support activities include:
User support
Identifying, diagnose and resolving hardware and software problems of higher level in mainframe systems such as laptops and PCs
Installs and updates hardware and software and provides complete support for hardware, software and peripheral configuration for the end-user
Provide general desktop support, project coordination, imaging / re-imaging of PCs and laptops
Individual assistance of the end-user in relation to the technical defect, by telephone, by e-mail or in-person
Resolve network problems such as LAN connection, network access, e-mail, Internet, dial-up connection, etc.
Contact the third-party vendor to repair the system based on the maintenance contract and to resolve minor hardware problems if not covered
Support for the installation of other peripherals such as printers, scanners, etc., cabling systems such as LAN cables, network interface cards, cable switches, etc.
Work support
Support and support colleagues and work with other support groups and suppliers to solve second level problems
Develop strategies, support projects, and applications, test software, develop and promote with level 2 support to prevent future technical failures
Monitor and analyze the performance of an updated system, monitor performance, reliability, risks and benefits
Help network engineers create easy-to-use information materials like brochures and flyers, update the latest IP policies and other technical controls
Qualifications and skills required:
end-user support must have basic training in the configuration, installation, and troubleshooting of computer hardware and software. Depending on the qualification requirements and the area of ​​competence, a certification course will be considered for IT networks, hardware, software and / or specific applications. Someone with a degree in information management systems or information technology is preferred to a regular graduate.
Depending on the scope of the tasks, the work experience will also be considered in this work. However, many companies employ students directly at technical schools, as this activity involves a variety of tasks. Previous experience with MS Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, TCP / IP, and other technical knowledge is generally considered helpful for better positioning. In addition to work experience, interpersonal skills are also taken into account, since the main work areas and several customers have to be managed simultaneously.
Working hours :
Because end-user support professionals work in a technical field, they play an important role in the overall operation of the system. In addition to regular working hours, an end-user support representative may oblige you to work beyond the regular office hours and / or weekends due to shift shifts.

Salary Compensation
The average end-user support technician salary ranges from $ 40,000 to $ 50,000 a year, depending on the business, the complexity of the work, and the sense of responsibility.
Shortly, end-user support professionals will make great strides in their technology careers as they evolve. A quick look at the tasks of end-user care is always helpful when you are ready to start a career in this area.

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What is a Computer Network, Network, LAN, WAN, and Salary

Computer Network
Define the term Computer Network: Two or more computers are connected to transmit the data electronically. In addition to physically connecting computers and communication devices, a network system provides a consistent architecture that allows a variety of device types to transmit information in an almost seamless manner.
The primary network types are Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Local networks connect computers and peripherals in a limited physical area, such as an office, lab, or university campus, through connections (wires, Ethernet cables, fiber optics, Wi-Fi) that transmit data quickly. A typical LAN contains two or more high-capacity computers, printers, and large-capacity storage devices, known as file servers, that allow each computer on the network to access a standard set of files. With LAN operating system software that interprets inputs and directs networked devices, users can communicate with each other. Sharing printers and storage devices; and simultaneously access processors, data, or programs (instruction sets) located in the center. LAN users can also access other LANs or wide area networks. LANs with similar architectures are connected by "bridges" serving as transfer points. LANs of different structures are connected by "gateways" that convert data as they transfer among systems.
WANs connect computers and lesser networks to more extensive networks in larger geographic areas, including various continents. You can connect computers to cables, fiber, or satellites, but their users typically access networks/systems through a modem (a device that computers can talk to over the phone line). The largest WAN is the Internet, a network of networks and bridges connecting billions of computer users on every continent.
What is a Network?
A network is made up of two or more computers connected to share resources (such as printers and CDs), share files, or provide electronic communication. Computers in a network can be connected by cables, phone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
The two most common types of networks are:
Local Area Network (LAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
You can also see references to metropolitan area networks (MAN), wireless (WLAN), or wireless (WWAN) networks.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN (local area network) is a network that is limited to a relatively small area. It is usually limited to a geographical area such as a writing lab, a school, or a building.
Computers connected to a network usually categorized as servers or workstations. Servers are typically not used directly by humans, but always work to provide services to other computers (and their users) on the network. Services provided include faxing and printing, software hosting, sharing files and saving, messaging, saving and recovering data, full access control (security) of network resources, and many more.
Workstations are referred to as such because they usually have a human user interacting with them through the network. Workstations have traditionally been considered desktop computers, consisting of a computer, a keyboard, a screen, and a mouse or a laptop with an integrated keyboard, display, and touchpad. With the advent of tablet and touchscreen devices like the iPad and the iPhone, our workstation definition is rapidly evolving to include these devices because they can interact with the network and use network services.
Servers are usually more potent than workstations, although configurations based on requirements. For example, a server group may be located in a secure area that is not close to people and accessible only through the network. In such cases, it is common for servers to operate without a dedicated screen or keyboard.
Nevertheless, the size and speed of the server's processors, hard drive, and main memory can significantly increase system costs. On the other hand, a workstation may not require as much memory, but an expensive display to meet the needs of the user. Each computer in a network must be configured to use it.
In a single LAN, computers and servers can be wired or connected wirelessly. Wireless access to a wired network provided by wireless access points (WAP). These WAP devices bridge the gap between computers and networks. A typical WAP has the theoretical capability to connect hundreds or even thousands of wireless customers to a system, although the practical capacity may be much lower.
The servers are almost always connected to the cable network because the cable connections remain the fastest. Stationary workstations (desktops) are typically also connected to the network via a cable, although the cost of wireless adapters has dropped so much that installing workstations in an existing installation with short cabling may be more comfortable and less expensive. Use Wi-Fi for a desktop.
For more information on configuring a LAN, see Topology, Cabling, and Hardware in this tutorial.
Wide Area Network
WANs (Wide Area Networks) connect networks in larger geographic areas such as Florida, the US, or around the world. Dedicated transoceanic cables or satellite uplinks can be used to connect this type of global network.
Using a comprehensive network, schools in Florida can communicate with places like Tokyo in seconds, without having to pay big phone bills. Two remote users from around the world who equipped with microphones and webcam workstations can make a real-time conference call. A WAN is complicated. It uses multiplexers, bridges, and routers to connect local and metro networks to global communication networks such as the Internet. For users, however, an extended network does not seem to be very different from a local network.
Salary
In the United States, the average computer network technician salary is $44,562, while an independent technician earns $20.07 per hour, according to PayScale.

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CompTIA Security + Is it worth it

IT security is expected to increase by 28% between 2016 and 2026, making this an attractive career option. Many professionals turn to certifications to gain a reasonable edge in the marketplace. Today we take a closer look at CompTIA Security + certification and ask the question: Is it value it?
Security is unique of the fastest-growing zones in IT. The US Department of Labor (BLS) Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment growth of 28 percent in computer and information technology for information security analysts between 2016 and 2026.) With growth rates above the national average, IT security positions remain a very beautiful career opportunity for those who assume security functions or seek a career change.
Nearly 90% of IT professionals have at least one certification. Many IT professionals see certifications as a way to gain a competitive advantage in the labor market. Unfortunately, not all certifications are the same, and popularity does not necessarily guarantee a return that will help you find a new job or ensure much-needed growth.
Today, we'll look at one of CompTia's outstanding certifications - CompTIA Security + - and see if it offers employment and higher wages benefits.
Information about CompTIA Security +
CompTIA is recognized worldwide and one of the largest IT trade associations in the world. CompTIA is a leading supplier of vendor-neutral certifications and has provided more than two million certifications since its launch in 1993. Currently, the company offers 13 vendor-neutral certifications in four key areas: core competencies, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more. professional skills (eg project management or training).
One of CompTIA's most popular certifications, CompTIA Security + Certification, is part of the CompTIA core certification portfolio, which includes IT +, A + and Credit + networks. Security + is based on the technical and network knowledge acquired through A + and Network + certifications. Both A + and Network + are recommended requirements for Security plus certification jobs, as well as two years experience in security-oriented IT management.

Security + is an entry-level accreditation and ideal for people who want to establish themselves as IT security experts. Certification is for IT professionals who troubleshoot, configure, and manage network problems. It not only settles a candidate's knowledge of the core issues of cybersecurity but also his ability to perform the core tasks of cybersecurity. Holders of security and credentials are able to identify and resolve security issues. You are very familiar with managing and mitigating risk then detecting threats.
The latest version of the certification test is sy0-501. As with many other certifications, Security + is valid for a limited period of while and requires training for each renewal.

CompTIA Security +: Salary overview for certified professionals

Security + is often one of the first certifications that potential IT security experts have received. It is confirmed that a candidate has the knowledge and skills to perform a variety of security related roles for juniors and newcomers, such as: penetration testers, junior IT examiners and system administrators, network or security. Security + Skills are also used by security professionals, engineers and security consultants.
According to the April 2017 Report for Employment and Wages for Employment (BLS), the national average salary for security analysts is $ 99,690, the first ten percent earning over $ 153,000. A number of factors - such as the particular role of the job, years of experience, industry and geography - affect individual wages. The report finds that the use of IT security is the highest in Virginia, California, Texas, New York and Florida. On the other hand, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Maine are the top winners if you are looking for excellence. (Similarly, the Global Knowledge and Technical Knowledge Report 2018 on Global Knowledge states that respondents from the south and northwest have received lower salaries and higher salaries in Eastern European countries.)
The BLS report also shows that the five industries where most IT security professionals are paid are: (1) wholesalers, agents and electronic brokers; (2) securities, freight contracts and other financial assets and related activities; (3) scientific research and development services; (4) construction of supply systems; and (5) legal services. For more information on job opportunities and security benefits in your location and in your industry, visit the Employment and Salary website in May 2017.
CompTIA Security + Is it worth it?
Are certifications important? The answer is a clear YES!
According to CompTIA, 96 percent of managers seek certifications when they find candidates or include certifications as part of the job requirements. Data from the IT Knowledge and Salaries Report from IT Global Knowledge 2018 shows that 15 percent of respondents said adding new certifications to skills has led to an increase, while some respondents reported increases of up to 16 percent. The Global Knowledge Report also recognizes that IT professionals earn 22% more than their non-certified peers. This strongly speaks in favor of obtaining certifications.

Are employers looking for security experts + certified?
The CompTIA Security + ID card is very popular with both jobseekers and employers. A simple hunt for "CompTIA Security +" on SimplyHired has resulted in 2,250 jobs where employers are looking for candidates with the + security certificate.

How about earning opportunities?
CompTIA Security + occupies the 10th place in the global knowledge list with the 20 most successful payment certificates. Also included in the first 20 lists are CISSP (CISP) 2 (first place) and ISACA's Information Security Manager (CISM) 6th place.
As you can see from the following table, the average salary of persons with CISSP or CISM status is $ 20,000 more than the average Security + Certification holders earn. This pay gap is not surprising, as CISSP and CISM are experts who are dedicated security professionals with experience at the height of their careers, while Security + is an entry-level model.

Certifications make the difference. Certified IT professionals acquire skills that allow them to work faster, easier and more safely, often with higher salaries. If you are new to IT security and want to test your skills against current or potential employers, CompTIA Security + is an excellent vendor neutral reference that adds value to the certification portfolio. However, if you are an experienced security expert, you should take a closer look at CISM or CISSP, as these certifications are more appropriate for security professionals.
If you have chosen the Security + certificate and need help with the exam, read a practical test and study guide we have prepared to assist you on your preparation journey.

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The SD-WAN market is getting into the router replacement

The worldwide market for software-defined networks (SD-WAN), including control and management equipment and software, grew 23% sequentially in the second quarter of 2019, while companies accumulated purchases to replace the installed router base. with activated SD-WAN device

According to IHS Markit | In the second quarter, major companies began to replace their existing routers with SD-WAN technology. Technology is now part of Informa Tech. SD-WAN revenue surges by 23%. These efforts have been expanded, and some deployments have reached up to 5,000 sites for a single customer, as reported by IHS Markets Data Tracker Market Technology.

"Our discussions with providers have shown that most SD-WANs are core technology," said Josh Bancroft, senior research analyst at IHS Markit. "As a result, larger companies have begun to upgrade their old WANs, router-centric with SD-WAN. Sellers are using upgrade options for customers with a large number of aging router devices."

VMware remained the leader in the SD-WAN market with the highest revenue share in the second quarter, followed by Cisco and Aryaka. Fortinet moved up to fourth position, benefiting from a continuous upgrade of the security apparatus for large enterprises.

The growing quantity of remote and mobile workers will continue to be an essential growth factor for SD-WAN devices. Despite the detail that compact appliances are the most cost-effective solution for home office deployment, traditional SD-WAN devices are still linked in home office environments. In the second quarter, up to 200 devices remained joined in the homes of radiologists in North America.
"In the future, we expect to continue deploying SD-WAN devices in the homes of remote workers using more compact or more traditional form factors," Bancroft said. "LTE connections and broadband connections ensure session-based reloading for unified communications users. It also encourages the security of sensitive patient data through security policies that can be set by the medical service providers in the orchestration portals at the device level. "

At the recent SD-WAN summit in Paris, it became apparent that SD-WAN vendors continue to invest in LTE devices and provide consistent traffic for applications deployed on mobile devices.
"During key discussions and notes, vendors said they are already testing the performance of 4G LTE interconnect devices from various vehicle manufacturers," Bancroft said. "A number of vendors are also in talks with automakers to prepare for the autonomous deployment of vehicles."

Further highlights of the market for data center networks are:

IHS Markit | Sales of SD-WAN technology project providers will grow to $ 4.4 billion by 2023.
The Data Center Tracker Marketplace Equipment Tracker covers the application delivery segment as a service. Quarterly revenues increased 3 percent (QoQ) to $ 24 million in the second quarter of 2019.
For application delivery controller vendors, hardware decreased by 2%, virtualized devices by 4%, and virtualized software ADCs by only 23%.
SD-WAN defined

For SD-WAN sales, IHS Markit | The technology captures the manufacturers' revenues in dollars for SD-WAN devices. The shipment tracking includes modules (I / O interfaces, textile cards and processing modules), power supplies and software (operating system, service functions, etc.) for the sales recorded in the chart quarter.

The entire does not contain revenue from WAN connectivity, services and support, product maintenance, managed services, and professional services. Where appropriate and possible, sales of charged products will be attributed to the brand and not to the OEM.
Regarding the sales of manufacturers with SD-WAN control and management software, we track software licenses provided for sales recorded in the chart quarter. IHS Markit does not contain revenue from WAN connectivity, services and support, software maintenance, managed services and professional services. Software licenses may be available indefinitely or for a fee. If so, and if possible, sales of renamed products are official to the brand and not OEM.

Market tracker for data center network devices

According to the forecasts by 2023, IHS Markit's Market Tracker for data center networks offers quarterly global and regional market size, vendor market share, analysis, and trends for Ethernet switches for data center, by category, and market. The tracker also includes category-by-category application controllers, software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) devices, and control and management software. Suppliers included include A10, ALE, Arista, Fortinet, Array Networks, Aryaka, Barracuda, Cisco, Citrix, CloudGenix, CradlePoint, Cato, Dell, F5, FatPipe, HPE, Huawei, Hughes, InfoVista, Juniper, KEMP and Nokia (Nuage) . , Silver Peak, Radware, Riverbed, Talari, Teloip, VMware, Versa, ZTE, and others etc.

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Site surveys that improve your wireless network

1 - Overview of Predictive Sites
They are often understood; this type of pre deployment site survey offers cost and time efficiency and is very accurate. Using RF and specialized algorithms, site surveys will produce RF projections in your specific environment.
In our experience, this software is very accurate and gives you incredible insight into their environment. In combination with an experienced wireless service provider, a successful design can be achieved even in high-density areas. The key to a good predictive survey is to have as much information as possible. We recommend creating floor plans and blueprints.
2 - Survey on physical locations
This type of wire recommended for more complex wireless purposes. This usually affects applications from AP to AP and is often conceptually sensitive. For example, RTLS in hospitals, wireless video surveillance and multimedia over the air.
Typically, an on-site survey uses the projected results to compare them to the wireless design and create that design in the light of real-life interference or noise. It's important to simulate applications running on the network to make sure they are working correctly.
3 - passive
With these survey types, you can capture RF data from all access points in a specific area and review your design requirements. This feature allows you to save WiFi thermal maps, giving you a good overview of the extent of your coverage and the presence of holes at different levels.
Key design elements that passive validation can support include primary and secondary RSSI interference, noise, SNR, and co-channel interference.
4 - After validation
A wireless network design can be great on paper, but real success is that it does exactly what it needs to support. A site survey after validation will ensure that your new network meets the requirements you set at the beginning of your design.
Areas to consider include data rates, radio device ratios, jitter, latency and quality of service, high density and co-channel interference, and other RF characteristics.
You can even use an application performance test to test your network on the application side and get a single view of your network performance.
It is important to understand the different types of site studies. To find out when you need it and to make sure your next wireless network is working correctly. In this way, we are confident that your stress level will undoubtedly decrease.
The Definitive Checklist on Wireless Site Survey
1. Identify your wireless needs
Before running the actual survey on the site, it is essential to consider your wireless network needs. What is the desired speed and bandwidth? How many client devices will access the network simultaneously? What emission power will they have? These are all factors to consider before starting your investigation.
2. Get a floor plan
The next step is to get a diagram of the area covered by the network. Construction plans are perfect, but a fire evacuation diagrams can be used if it does not exist. On the floor plan, note the positions of walls, stairwells, elevators and other elements that could lump wireless signals.
3. Perform a detailed procedure
The ideas are useful, but they do not tell the whole story. You will need to complete a complete survey on the wireless coverage area, detecting all the crucial elements that are not included in the projects.
4. Evaluate the current infrastructure
Find locations where you can mount wireless access points, such as ceilings and pillars, and note the locations of existing wired network cabinets and existing access points.
5. Determine areas to cover
Where is it most important for users to have high bandwidth? Offices, meeting rooms, and meeting rooms are usually essential. Is good coverage needed even in corridors, bathrooms, stairwells and elevators? Do not forget the service areas that can accommodate wireless equipment. Indicate these areas on the map. Being strategic in the spaces to be covered, you will obtain a powerful and efficient network.
6. Decide temporary positions of the access point
Based on the considerations above, develop some initial ideas for the location of access points. Be sure to check the extent of coverage of your access points. Create overlaps between nearby access points to ensure seamless roaming, dynamic load balancing, and network resiliency.
7. Participate in a survey on the wireless site
Here are some options. You can install the wireless site detection software on a laptop or purchase a specialized survey tool. In any case, place your wireless access point in each of the temporary slots, then use the poll tool to collect data at different times. The software records the connected access point, the transmission rate, the power and the signal quality. The more complete the procedure, the more useful the survey will be.
8. Refine the locations of the access points
Based on the data you collect, play as you move access points to find the optimal places. Experimentation at this stage will pay off once the network installed.
9. Save the results
Once you have found the best locations for access points, save them on floor plans. Congratulations - your wireless network is now designed and ready for deployment. However, keep in mind that wireless polls should be done at regular intervals to maintain high performance. Radio environments can modify with new wireless devices or new furniture. The locations of the access points will need to be adjusted periodically.
As you can see, many steps lead to a successful survey on the wireless site. It is an important task, the result of which affects the daily performance of your network. That's why we recommend leaving this to the professionals. Turnkey technologies have vast experience in conducting wireless surveys for a wide range of businesses. Contact us today to start your study on the broadcast website.

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