It appears the pain and suffering is over. Consumers are finally moving on, at least in the United States. Windows XP still maintains a healthy lead in Global share. Windows 7 has apparently proven its worth in the US market. While some die hard XP fans will express dissatisfaction with this news, it certainly is a positive for Windows.

We have seen plenty of new interest in our Windows 7 learning products like Windows 7 Configuration and Windows 7 Enterprise Desktop Support. Be sure to also check out our MCITP certification, A+ certification, CCNA certification and Cisco certification materials as well.

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One of the most important investments you can make in life is that of your Education. Education is an incredibly powerful asset because it can lead to impressive outcomes–success, opportunity, understanding, and even happiness. When you invest in your education, you are ensuring that you have control of your life.

You must invest in yourself. Any certified IT Professional will tell you how grateful they are to have spent the time and energy to create a future for themselves. They are working in an ever expanding industry doing what they love and making a nice living doing it. Yes, they spent hours studying, learning and perhaps struggling—but now they aren’t. They are settled, knowledgeable, employed and certified.

Sometimes, making an investment can be hard. It’s easy to be short sited and only see what we are losing, rather than what we are gaining. What must be remembered is that long term gains are far greater than the short term losses involved with making the proper investments in our future. Do you think Warren Buffett regrets spending $25 to buy a Pinball machine to place in barbershops at the age of 15, only to own several more machines months later? Absolutely not. This investment preceded a long, successful career which placed him in the running as the wealthiest person in the world.

Chances are you have some things in mind already. Ideas you have been toying with. Perhaps you want to start a business or invent something. Maybe you want to build up your certifications to increase your job options. Regardless of what your investment is, don’t be afraid to make it. Get out there and give it all you got, because that is the only way to make big things happen. You have to just go out and do it. Then one day, when you reflect on your life journey, you will remember the sacrifices you made to achieve your goals and become what you always wanted to be.

What goals in life do you need to invest in? Let us know by leaving a comment!

Over at Linux Questions, one of PrepLogic’s Unlimited Access subscribers has taken some time to write about his experiences with our training and show how it’s helped his career. So far, he’s been able to earn his CCNA certification and keep his job although a number of his colleagues haven’t been so fortunate. You can read about his experiences or join the conversation yourself over here: PrepLogic Review.

Another blogger discusses his quest for the PMP certification. PrepLogic has helped many people become PMP certified, and it’s always good to get a progress report. Project Management has so much carry-over into other technology roles that it’s a wise career choice for many IT professionals. Read about one blogger’s pursuit here: PrepLogic Blog.

A member of PrepLogic’s sales team recently spoke to John Gilliland, a Network Operations specialist from Cumming, Georgia who took part in PrepLogic’s “IT Career Starter Pack plus Free Laptop” promotion. John was very pleased to receive his free Netbook computer that came along with his total A+, CCNA and Network+ training. When we asked what he liked about the training, he said “my favorite part about the PrepLogic IT Career Starter Pack was the whole thing!” He mentioned that our training experts are “knowledgable and easy-to-follow” and that he would “recommend PrepLogic to get the training you need to take your A+, Network+, CCNA and more.”

Do you have a success story you’d like to share with us, or a blog about your experiences? Be sure to let us know and we may just feature you on our site! Good luck to everyone on your training, and thanks for choosing PrepLogic.

The Gasparilla Distance Classic included a 5K run on Saturday and a full 26-mile marathon on Sunday. The courses winded through downtown Tampa and along the waterfront on Bayshore Boulevard, which is a really pretty view even when it’s cold and rainy. PrepLogic is proud to have been represented in both the 5K and the Marathon and equally proud that everyone made it to work on Monday morning.

CCNA Concentrations:

The great thing about CCNA concentrations is that in addition to renewing your CCNA for another 3 years, they allow you to upgrade your basic CCNA to reflect a specialization in Security, Voice or Wireless, all by passing just one exam!  Think about your on-the-job experience.  By now, you may have developed a focus or interest in one of these roles.  Specialization helps you stand out and makes you more valuable to employers.  Doesn’t it make sense to have a credential to reflect your specialty?  Below is some basic information about each of these concentrations.

CCNA Security:

This credential validates your skills in installing, troubleshooting, and monitoring Cisco security technologies.  It also signals to employers that you have a demonstrated ability to develop security policies and mitigate network risk.  With more and more employers cutting costs by bringing their security in-house, security certifications are more relevant than ever before.  This credential is a natural stepping stone toward the CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional) certification and prepares you for job roles such as Network Security Specialist, Security Administrator and Network Security Support Engineer.  In order to obtain the CCNA Security you will need to pass the CCNA Security (640-553) exam.

CCNA Voice:

The CCNA Voice certification is a great way to showcase your skills in voice applications and infrastructure concepts.  CCNA voice also demonstrates proficiency in installation, configuration, and maintenance of Cisco VoIP technologies.  This certification prepares you for job roles such as Voice Engineer, Voice Manager, and Voice Administrator and is a pre-requisite for the CCVP (Cisco Certified Voice Professional) certification.

CCNA Wireless:

This Cisco Certification demonstrates your ability to install, configure and support Cisco wireless LAN networks in both SMBs and large enterprises.  Job roles for this certification include Wireless Technician, Support Technician, Network Administrator and Wireless Network Security Engineer.  In order to obtain the CCNA Wireless certification, you will need to pass the CCNA Wireless (640-721) exam.

Start upgrading your CCNA today:

Keeping your CCNA current is very important for your career. It shows your attention to detail and due diligence as much as it shows your abilities. Now you have an extra incentive to keep current with Cisco’s specialized CCNA certifications. PrepLogic can help you get ready to renew your CCNA. Check out our site for free practice exam previews for all of your specialized CCNA exams. Download them today, try them out and give us a call when you’re ready to start training. Good luck on your exams!

Our Tampa, Florida offices are right around the corner from Ybor City and the big Guavaween festival coming up this weekend and our sales guys are ready to go. And let’s not forget about the people from our editorial, marketing and accounting departments getting their kids ready to scare the neighbors and fill up their bags with candy. But that doesn’t mean things aren’t business as usual. Everyone’s still working full force to get you the high quality training you need for your career — they’re just doing it in costume!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!