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Instead of employing an accountant or CPA to do your small business taxes, why not consider using business tax software instead? With software that is user friendly and up to date, you can do your own taxes simply and affordably.

Tax programs offer tax tips, checklists and error checking to make sure that your taxes are done correctly. Today, you can easily complete your taxes with confidence, because most professional tax software has error check, tax tips and other checklists to complete before filing. These days, all you need to complete your taxes is tax software, a computer, an internet connection and download tax software.

TaxACT is income tax software available online, via a software tax download or in CD format. The basic TaxACT program is free, while the deluxe and ultimate packages are reasonably priced. Both the basic and the deluxe packages determine federal taxes with the state tax forms available for an added fee.

The ultimate package includes both the state and federal forms for filing returns, as well as efile tax features and additional help and advice tips. All three packages can be used for both personal and small business tax returns.

It is free if the taxpayer earns a gross income of $50,000 or less or is in the military. You can still use the program if you earn more than $50,000 per year; you just have to pay to be able to use it.

Another business tax software option is TurboTax. It offers online use as well as a software package for personal or small business tax preparation. The software is available for download or comes on a CD-Rom.

To ensure your return is error-free, the quick check and tips at the end of the program are helpful in clarifying any questions.

TaxSlayer online tax software is also available as a download. The web version is free of charge; however, there is a small fee to efile tax returns for federal and state taxes.

Though this company is not well known, it began providing income tax software to professionals in 1992, and the general public in 1998. This software bundle provides all the necessary forms to completely prepare state and federal online tax returns.

TaxCut is yet another preparation tax software package that is available. Developed by H & R Block, it is ideal for simple returns. The interview-type format asks you questions and then the data is automatically included in the appropriate place on the forms.

It is compatible with Microsoft Money, so it will automatically retrieve your personal information, saving you some time.

There are high quality tax software program programs on the market today that can easily out-pace your CPA or accountant. Over 53 million people used tax software last year to prepare individual and business taxes.

That is because they are confident in the product and know that software companies have well-trained customer service professionals available to assist their income tax software users.

When a prospective buyer is trying to establish whether he or she will purchase a particular business for sale, there are many buy business elements to take into consideration. When prospects arise, quite apart from the question of suitability, location and longevity, the issue of real-world business valuation is front and center. The seller will present a series of financial documents and it is, of course, in their best interests to portray the business for sale in a shining light. As such, the issue of “add backs” is likely to represent one of the thorniest problems.

In most instances, add backs are included in an effort to present the business from a real world point of view. When compiling traditional accounting reports, it’s essential to adhere to a set of very rigid standards - there may also be additional footnotes to consider, and depending on your point of view, these can be either positive or negative. When you’re thinking about buying a business, it’s crucial that you carefully scrutinize each and every add back, as they can often make a significant difference in your final valuation figure.

When performing the process of due diligence, checking recorded sales and purchases against ledgers and reconciled bank accounts is usually a fairly straightforward task. Far more often than you might think however, the current owner will strive to draw your attention to points which may be “one-time” instances, or to extra income which might not actually appear anywhere in the books at all. You should be open to all suggestions of course but maintain a degree of skepticism at all times until you are able to validate the claims, or otherwise.

Don’t forget that for an item to be claimed as a “one off,” it must not have occurred during any of the previous years. Seller could argue that a particular expense is much larger than it should be due to a particular incident or requirement, but if you see a pattern of any kind, then the add back must be discounted.

One of the most common add backs, especially when the business can be owner operated, is to suggest the value of a manager’s salary. You need to establish that the outgoing owner was not actively involved in the operation of the business in this case and this figure is only of interest to you if you intend to assume the role of the redundant manager.

Add backs may not be asserted whenever they represent intangibles, such as the prospect of additional revenues due to a new marketing initiative that the outgoing owner has just put in place, for example. Nor should you believe an owner claim that you can reduce a certain category of expenses through renegotiation or other initiatives. After all, if the outgoing owner has not being able to do so to this point it seems reasonable to assume that an incoming “newbie” is likely to have even less ability to affect short-term change in this regard.

Be particularly wary when you are told that a business retains a lot of cash sales. You must essentially discount this notion from a strict valuation perspective, even though such a claim made, after review, may be seen as reasonable. If the owner has not entered the cash sales on the books, he or she will not have accounted for taxes correctly and it’s not fair for them to expect to receive a double benefit in this way, a net tax saving and enhanced business value.

When you have reviewed the complete list of business financials, treat each claim for add back on an individual case basis and never roll them into an inflated value. At this stage you must be particularly diligent to enable you to arrive at a real world price for this prospect.

Richard Parker is the author of the How to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price series. As President and founder of Diomo Corporation - The Business Buyer Resource Center, his materials, seminars and consulting have helped thousands of business buyers realize their dream to buy a business.

Everyone needs to eat to live, and over time we’ve established a habit of making this process a social one. As such, a restaurant for sale is one of the most popular businesses to buy, and one which may represent an even more attractive purchase proposition if you have a particular taste for a certain type of food!

Perform due diligence carefully when looking to buy restaurant business, even though your intuition - and your stomach, might be telling you that it’s the right decision for you. This particular industry is extremely competitive, and there are an array of factors you’ll need to consider. Allocate a period of time, experts recommend four weeks, to observe the operation of the business. This should enable you to get a good feel and to smooth out any peaks or troughs before you make your final decision.

You have several key areas to investigate including the premises, the financials, the equipment, lease, the operations and the employees. Do not be afraid to bring in experts, including an accountant experienced in the food business to help you, but as you go through your observation period, use your general business sense and a good portion of common sense to observe how everything works, especially from a client point of view.

For your paper and number crunching chores, expect to review the tax returns, profit and loss statements, cash flow worksheets, inventory records, employee records, equipment agreements, maintenance schedules, all necessary licenses, health inspections certificates and a history and copy of the lease.

When reviewing the financial documents, it’s essential to keep in mind that the restaurant business has a large volume of cash sales. Surprisingly often, many business owners decide to siphon off some of this cash for themselves, not reporting it to save on taxes. In the long run this isn’t a good idea, as this money could have been applied toward a marketing budget or buying new business assets, and if siphoning is going on, it can be quite hard to prove income.

When you are inspecting the property, look at it from an overall perspective as well as in detail. Can it be adequately seen from nearby major roads, is signage appropriate, well-maintained and presentable? Are there any other major competitors and are they overbearing? What is your first impression when arriving in the parking lot? Take a look at external dumpsters and trash removal areas to make sure that these are as well-maintained as possible and are unobtrusive.

Moving inside, what is your first impression of the decor. Is the waiting area pleasant and contributory to the overall ambience? Is there adequate signage for bathrooms, emergency exits? Pay close attention to the bathrooms. They should be in perfect working order, comfortable and impeccably clean and well-maintained. In a restaurant, everything, repeat everything should be clean, presentable and in full working order.

Most of the equipment contained in a restaurant and specifically within its kitchen is subject to certification, inspection and permitting. Check to see that this is all up-to-date and timely. While every element of the equipment should be operated according to the letter of the law, you must also ensure that regular maintenance and cleaning schedules are top-notch. For major items and appliances, see whether contractor warranties are available and can be transferred to you.

Very often a lease can be a potential stumbling block when looking at a restaurant for sale. The landlord will want to ensure that the business is being operated as efficiently as possible and may be wary of transferring or issuing a new lease to someone who does not have much experience. Look for terminology within the lease stating that transfers will “not be unreasonably withheld,” and aim to ensure that you get at least as favorable terms during your tenancy. This would be a good time to assess the overall viability of the environment within which the business operates. If in a strip mall of some kind, are the anchor stores in good shape and do the majority of other businesses also appear sound? You do not want to see an anchor store disappear and the overall visitor level to the area decline.

When you analyze the operations of the business, you want to learn how the current owner operates and whether there are any immediate issues or challenges that you will have to take into account. Look closely at any “special arrangements” or unique selling points that involve a particular individual, a style or presentation of food. You want to be sure that these elements are transferable or will be present when you take over.

A restaurant will likely rise and fall on the strength of its employees. While you can expect a high turnover in any kind of restaurant, if you see some loyal staff and a good “team spirit” this can be a definite plus. Check to see how people are hired, the terms and conditions offered to them and exactly how they are paid.

While you should insist on an observation period, before you are involved in formal discussions with the seller why not kill two birds with one stone and visit the restaurant for a few nice dinners or lunches with other companions? You don’t have to show your hand at this stage and can get a really good feeling by observing how the staff come and go, the operation within the kitchen ideally and in general get an opinion of whether everything is orderly and well-structured during the busiest times.

Richard Parker is the author of the How to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price series. As President and founder of Diomo Corporation - The Business Buyer Resource Center, his materials, seminars and consulting have helped thousands of business buyers realize their dream to buy a business.

When looking to buy liquor store business, the process of due diligence goes way beyond just an assessment of the presented financials. You need to be able to access all the files and records, review information and research personnel as you review what you’re being told. It is recommended that you allocate at least four weeks for this process and do not be tempted to rush to judgement. There are a surprising number of issues which may only become apparent over a span of time, so always keep this in mind and proceed cautiously.

There are some decisions that you can make about buying a liquor store business before you immerse yourself fully in the due diligence process. While you’re likely going to have to do a great deal of number crunching and leg work as you press on ahead, is there anything at this point which you have come to understand about the industry, about this business in particular, its owners or its location so far that has given you pause, causing you to second guess yourself? If for example you already know that financial records are incomplete for reasons given by the seller, or the condition of the store or its assets are not as you had hoped or expected, inventories are incomplete, inspections, certificates or licenses are compromised for one reason or another – all may be reasons for you to turn around and bid good day.

For a process of due diligence to be complete, you will need to concentrate on seven different areas:

1. The Premises.

We’ve already covered the crucial importance of allocating not less than four weeks to this endeavour, and you should reach an agreement with the seller for this set period of time so that you can personally observe the day-to-day operations of the business. First of all, you’re going to need to assess the inside and outside of the place of business and figure out a rough estimate of what you might need to pay out to replace, repair or upgrade. Remember that the attitude of the staff is very important in the retail business and you should immediately assess how the existing staff interact with clients. Are they generally friendly, attentive, and prompt as well? Personal issues or conversations should not be apparent. Ask yourself whether the store looks good, has a good ambience, appears fresh and clean, has well-maintained restrooms and break areas and is generally spick and span.

You must also ensure that you are happy with the general location of the business, the surrounding stores, the type of people who frequent the area, the accessibility and especially beware of any pending major road construction in the area as this often has a significant bearing.

2. The Financials.

As a minimum, you will need to review the profit and loss statements, the balance sheets and tax returns. You would do well to employ the services of an accountant who is experienced in the liquor business to help you here. Look at all the supplier invoices and reconcile them to revenues. This may be a time intensive process but you will be able to determine your margins this way. Be very aware of any transactions that involve cash, especially if it involves your suppliers. You will need to get written confirmation from the suppliers of their ongoing terms.

Remember some of these industry benchmarks:

• gross margin should be between 24 and 28%.

• rent should be 7% of revenue maximum.

• product mix should be up to 70% liquor or up to 40% wine.

• labor should represent 5 to 7% of revenue.

• net profit should be 8 to 12% of revenue.

• inventory should be turned over between eight and 10 times per year.

3. The Equipment.

All equipment and furnishings should be in adequate working order and not in immediate need of repair or replacement. As such you should review all the maintenance and service records and look for yourself to see if all refrigeration cases are clean and well-maintained and all other equipment is well looked after.

4. Vendor Agreements.

Your wholesalers and suppliers are absolutely essential when you purchase liquor store business assets and you must get to know them well during your due diligence. Can arrangements be transferred to you or will you have to make new ones? You do not have to be prepared to settle with the existing suppliers or vendors and you should really investigate as many options or opportunities as you can. You may, for example, see better terms elsewhere and this knowledge will be great ammunition when you come to negotiations and peace of mind.

5. Lease Contracts.

Always be sure the lease is transferable or that there are no obstacles ahead of you. You must be able to assume or acquire a long-term lease before proceeding.

6. Operations.

It is likely that you will need a number of licenses and this should be a particular area of concern when it comes to a liquor license. Sometimes these may not be assigned or transferred or other onerous terms may be set by jurisdictions.

Go through the daily procedures from opening time to closing time; who has access to keys and alarm settings? Does the business have a procedure for emergencies of any kind? Ask the seller to provide you with an optimal inventory level. Ensure that you review all insurance certificates and be adequately covered for all eventualities. You will need to talk with credit card processors and merchant banks and be prepared to move to access better rates if necessary.

7. The Employees.

As this can be a significant cost and liability area, be focused here. Check each member’s compensation, especially if there’s any possibility of cash being paid “under the table.” If you see that there is a high turnover of employees, ask yourself why. Is there a procedure in place for training? While the seller will often be wary about letting his employees know that the sale is in process, you nevertheless need to analyze each employee individually, assess their loyalty and competence and adjust your plans accordingly. Understand that certain procedures may be quite traditional to them and you should ask yourself how you feel they will react if you need to make significant changes. If one or more employees are absolutely critical to your success, you will need to meet with them prior to consummating a contract.

When you find a liquor store for sale, if you conduct your due diligence correctly you will have the opportunity to see exactly how the business ticks, and you won’t be in for any surprises when you take over.

Richard Parker is the President and founder of the Diomo Corporation - The Business Buyer Resource Center. His inspiring materials, seminars and consulting have assisted thousands of business buyers with achieving their life long dream to buy a business.

Along with two of their gaming console competitors, Nintendo and Sony, Microsoft was attempting to dominate the market while attracting new customers all the time. As the competition between the three got ever more heated, Microsoft launched their Xbox 360 that became available for purchase at the end of ?05.

The Xbox 360 is far superior to the original Xbox which itself contained a powerful gaming engine. The developers of games are now able to create games that are very realistic and have the appeal to succeed in the market. This all allows the Xbox 360 to provide their customers with gaming entertainment that older consoles could not. Of course, the Xbox 360 did not remain unchallenged because Microsoft’s two other competitors, Nintendo and Sony, also released their own consoles to compete with the Xbox 360. Still, the system continues to generate sales while at the same time providing an excellent array of games.

The XBOX 360 started out with the “Core” version priced at $400 USD, which was considered the entry version. This was later replaced by the “Arcade” version, which bundled it with a few games along with a wireless controller, Ethernet cable, and 256 MB memory chip built-in. The “Pro” version is also available for gamers that want a hard disk included. Constant improvements have been made throughout the system’s history to these models by adding larger capacity and better hardware that solves noise and heat problems.

The next and most expensive of the Xbox 360 range to be introduced to gamers was the Elite version which includes a 120 GB hard. It is finished in an attractive matte black and comes with a set of matching earphones. The Elite also comes with its own HDMI 1.2 cable, which, for those who do now know, enables the games to be played in full 1080p. This is something that the earlier models do not have and so customers have to buy a rather expensive cable if they bought one of the other versions aside from the Elite.

Older consoles can also play the games available for the Xbox 360, so you will not be left out. A composite cable accompanies every configuration allowing standard play as well as a month long Gold trial, Silver Xbox Live membership so that you can also experience online gaming which is growing in popularity.[youtube:OgScgOHe9jI;[link:XBOX 360 Mod Chip?];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgScgOHe9jI&feature=related]

Manufactured by IBM the Xbox 360 come equipped with a Tri-Core CPU. Microsoft also makes use of an ATI chip which is not the one they used in the older systems. With these new features games have taken on a quality unseen before.

The XBOX 360 games all come in dual-layer DVD-ROM format with each game having up to 7 GB of space to utilize for the game to fit on a single disc. The XBOX 360 drive can also play DVD movies and read a variety of CD and DVD formats. An external HD-DVD drive used to be included, but was later discontinued prior to the fall of HD-DVD.

Another great feature is that many Xbox 360 games are also computer compatible. Not only serious gamers will appreciate the Xbox 360, even more casual gamers will as well, while they both enjoy increasing their own gaming library.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator course is a recognised route for men and women looking to get into supporting networks. So if you’re just about to get going or have previous knowledge but want a professional course with a good qualification, you can find the right training. For a newcomer to IT, it may well be necessary to have some coaching ahead of attempting to go for your four Microsoft Certified Professional exams (MCP’s) required to achieve an MCSA. Identify a training company that can create a bespoke package to suit your needs - with industry experts who will work with you to make sure that your choices are good ones.

How are we supposed to make the right choice then? With so many opportunities, we have to know where we should look - and what it is we should be looking for.

Don’t get hung-up, as a lot of students can, on the accreditation program. Training for training’s sake is generally pointless; this is about gaining commercial employment. You need to remain focused on where you want to go. Never let yourself become one of the unfortunate masses who choose a training program that sounds really ‘interesting’ and ‘fun’ - and get to the final hurdle of an accreditation for a job they hate.

Prioritise understanding what expectations industry may have of you. What qualifications you’ll be required to have and how you’ll build your experience level. It’s definitely worth spending time thinking about how far you wish to build your skill-set as it will force you to choose a particular set of certifications. Seek help from a skilled advisor who understands the sector you wish to join, and who can give you ‘A day in the life of’ understanding of what you’ll actually be doing day-to-day. It’d be sensible to understand whether or not this is right for you long before you embark on your training program. There’s little point in beginning your training only to find you’ve gone the wrong way entirely.

Often, trainers provide a big box of books. This isn’t very interesting and not really conducive to remembering. Long-term memory is enhanced with an involvement of all our senses - learning experts have been saying this for decades now.

Locate a program where you’ll receive a library of CD and DVD based materials - you’ll be learning from instructor videos and demo’s, and be able to use virtual lab’s to practice your new skills. You really need to look at courseware examples from your chosen company. Be sure that they contain video, demonstrations and various interactive elements.

Seek out actual CD or DVD ROM’s if possible. Thus avoiding all the issues associated with internet connection failure and issues with signal quality.

Training support for students is an absolute must - ensure you track down something that provides 24×7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also impede your ability to learn. Avoid, like the plague, any organisations which use ‘out-of-hours’ messaging systems - with the call-back coming in during office hours. It’s not a lot of help when you’ve got study issues and want support there and then.

Be on the lookout for training schools that utilise many support facilities around the globe in several time-zones. Every one of them needs to be seamlessly combined to offer a simple interface and 24 hours-a-day access, when it’s convenient for you, with no fuss. Always pick a training provider that offers this level of study support. As only 24×7 round-the-clock live support delivers what is required.

If you’re considering a certification company who is still pushing ‘in-centre workshop days’ as a feature of their programme, then consider these hassles met by almost all students:

* Many back and forth visits - normally hundreds of miles at a time.

* If you work for a living, then weekday only workshops cause problems at work. More than likely you will be contending with several days in a row too.

* Annual leave lost - most students get just four weeks holiday each year. If half or more of that is used up by training events, you haven’t got a great deal of holiday time remaining for the family as a whole.

* Classes can ’sell out’ fast and can sometimes be too big - so they’re not personal enough.

* Workshop pace - centre-days can consist of students of varying abilities, so there is often tension between students that want a quicker pace to the ones who need a little longer.

* Don’t ignore the extra expense of driving or taking public transport or accommodation for the duration either. Don’t be surprised to find this become many hundreds of pounds more - sometimes thousands. Take some time to add it all up - you may be surprised.

* Training privacy will be of paramount importance to a lot of attendees. Why would you want to lose potential advancement, pay-rises or success at work while you’re training. If your work discovers you’re putting yourself through accreditation in another sector, what are they going to be thinking?

* How many of us have avoided asking a question, because we wanted to maintain the illusion that we did, in fact, understand?

* Working away from home - a minority of students need to live or work away for certain parts of the programme. Workshops become problematic to attend, but the money has already changed hands with your initial fees.

It would be better to just watch and study with industry specialists one-on-one via filmed lessons, doing them when it suits you - not somebody else. Training can take place wherever it suits you. If your PC is a laptop, take in a little sunshine in your garden as you work. Any problems and get onto the live 24×7 support. It’s never going to matter how regularly you would like to re-take a quiz or test, video instructors can never get frustrated with you! Plus, as an added bonus, there’s no need to take notes. Everything is already there for you. The result: Reduced stress and hassle, less cost, and absolutely no travelling.

Being at the forefront of the leading edge of new technology is as thrilling as it comes. You’re involved with shaping the next few decades. We’re only just starting to get to grips with what this change will mean to us. How we correlate with the world as a whole will be profoundly affected by technology and the internet.

And don’t forget that income in the world of IT throughout this country is a lot higher than in the rest of the economy, therefore you’ll most likely gain much more as a trained IT professional, than you’d get in most other industries. It seems there’s not a hint of a downturn for IT industry increases in Great Britain as a whole. The market continues to grow hugely, and as we have a significant shortage of skilled professionals, it’s most unlikely that there’ll be any kind of easing off for years to come.

If you are thinking to purchase an XBOX 360, go for it because their gaming library doesn’t disappoint and there are plenty of games to get your hands on for weeks of entertainment. Getting original games for your new XBOX 360 isn’t a problem, but if you wish to back-up your games, play hacked games, or try out a couple of homebrews, you won’t be going anywhere due to the security features of the XBOX 360 unless you grab yourself a mod chip.

Mod chips were used a lot in previous generation consoles so many people are already familiar with them. There is nothing much different between those mod chips and the Xbox 360 chips. With the mod chip all security features installed by the manufacturer will not limit your gaming pleasure anymore.

If you are wondering what that all means the answer is simple. The mod chip will enable you to play the games that you obtained from another source as well as enable you to play games you have backed up. It even allows games that are customized but that did not receive a license from Microsoft to be played. Just one mod chip can do wonders for your gaming library.

Unfortunately the manufacturer also installed a feature that makes it impossible to use your Xbox 360 in a different country. And not only that, buying games from another country would be a waste of money, because they will not play on your Xbox either. However, mod chips enable you to use your Xbox 360 absolutely anywhere, as well as play the games.[youtube:OgScgOHe9jI;[link:XBOX 360 Mod Chip?];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgScgOHe9jI&feature=related]

The reason why Microsoft placed these security features is to mainly stop piracy attempts and prevent any sensitive components of the console from being damaged. Mod chips aren’t meant for everyone and gamers that wish to stick with buying new games every now and then for their XBOX 360 without worrying about homebrews and other stuff do not really need to get it.

Therefore, you should get a mod chip if you really need the extra features that it unlocks. Microsoft placed those limitations for your own safety and to comply with legal standards and the standards vary from country to country so go around local forums and see if it is okay to mod your XBOX 360.

As long as you follow the instructions that will teach you how to go about modding your system you should encounter no problems at all. In no time at all you can be enjoying any game that has taken your fancy.

Players are becoming more and more frustrated by the limitations installed by Microsoft. Many prefer to download games off the Internet and then burn them onto disc. However, as already stated, without the mod chips those games cannot be played on the Xbox 360. Naturally, because they are so easy to come by, people who make the mod chips are trying to make a profit from them. It is recommended that you take a look at reputable sites so that when you get them you will have good quality mod chips that actually do work.

If you’re seeking training tracks certified by Microsoft, you’ll obviously be expecting training companies to supply a wide range of the finest courses to be had. Perhaps you’d like to talk about career options with an industry expert - and should you be confused, then get help to sort out which area of the industry would suit you most, based on your likes and dislikes and your character. When you’ve settled on the area you want to get into, a relevant course has to be singled out that’s a match for your ability level and skill set. Make sure it’s well designed for you.

Picking up on the sheer volume of talk about computer technology right now, how is it possible to recognize what exactly to look for?

If your advisor doesn’t ask you a lot of questions - it’s likely they’re just trying to sell you something. If they wade straight in with a specific product before looking at your personality and experience, then you know it’s true. If you have a strong background, or perhaps a bit of real-world experience (maybe some existing accreditation?) then it could be that the level you’ll need to start at will be different from a trainee who has no experience. If this is your opening attempt at IT study then you may want to begin with a user-skills course first.

At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be proper direct-access 24×7 support via dedicated instructors and mentors. It’s an all too common story to find providers that only seem to want to help while they’re in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Be wary of any training providers which use call-centres ‘out-of-hours’ - where you’ll get called back during office hours. This is useless when you’re stuck and want support there and then.

Keep your eyes open for training schools that incorporate three or four individual support centres from around the world. Each one should be integrated to provide a single interface together with access round-the-clock, when it suits you, without any problems. Never make do with less than you need and deserve. Direct-access 24×7 support is the only viable option when it comes to technical study. Maybe late-evening study is not your thing; usually though, we’re at work while the support is live.

Trainees looking at this market are often very practical, and won’t enjoy sitting at a desk in class, and slogging through piles of books. If you’re thinking this sounds like you, try the newer style of interactive study, with on-screen demonstrations and labs. Long-term memory is enhanced when we use multiple senses - experts have been clear on this for many years.

Interactive audio-visual materials with demonstrations and practice sessions will forever turn you away from traditional book study. And they’re far more fun. Always insist on a demonstration of the study materials from the school that you’re considering. The materials should incorporate slide-shows, instructor-led videos and fully interactive skills-lab’s.

It’s folly to opt for on-line only training. With highly variable reliability and quality from your average broadband company, it makes sense to have disc based courseware (On CD or DVD).

It’s quite a normal occurrence for students not to check on a painfully important area - the way the company segments the courseware elements, and into how many bits. Normally, you will join a program staged over 2 or 3 years and get sent one module each time you pass an exam. This may seem sensible until you think about these factors: Maybe the order of study pushed by the company’s salespeople doesn’t suit all of us. What if you find it hard to complete all the modules within the time limits imposed?

To avoid any potential future issues, many trainees now want to insist that all study materials are sent immediately, and not in a piecemeal fashion. That means it’s down to you at what speed and in which order you’d like to take your exams.

It’s not uncommon for companies to offer inclusive exam guarantees - this always means you have to pay for the exams before you’ve even made a start on the course. However, prior to embracing a course with such a promise, why not look at the following:

Certainly it’s not free - you’re still footing the bill for it - it’s just been included in your package price. Students who go in for their examinations when it’s appropriate, funding them as they go are much better placed to get through first time. They’re aware of the cost and revise more thoroughly to be up to the task.

Doesn’t it make more sense to not pay up-front, but when you’re ready, not to pay any mark-up to a training company, and to do it in a local testing office - instead of miles away at the college’s beck and call? A lot of extra profit is netted by a number of companies that incorporate exam fees into the cost of the course. A number of students don’t take them for various reasons but no refunds are given. Surprising as it sounds, there are providers who actually rely on students not sitting all the exams - as that’s very profitable for them. It’s worth noting that exam re-takes with training course providers with an ‘Exam Guarantee’ are monitored with tight restrictions. They’ll insist that you take mock exams first to make sure they think you’re going to pass.

Exams taken at local centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in Great Britain. Why pay exorbitant fees for ‘exam guarantees’ (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and exam preparation systems and a dose of commitment and effort are what’s required.

Finding your first job in the industry is often made easier with the help of a Job Placement Assistance program. With the huge shortage of skills in Great Britain today, it’s not necessary to make too much of this option though. It really won’t be that difficult to get employment once you’re trained and certified.

Ideally you should have help with your CV and interview techniques though; and we’d encourage everybody to update their CV the day they start training - don’t procrastinate and leave it until you’ve graduated or passed any exams. It can happen that you haven’t even got to the exam time when you’ll secure your initial junior support job; yet this is not possible if your CV isn’t in front of employers. Generally, a local IT focused recruitment consultant or service (who will get paid by the employer when they’ve placed you) will be more pro-active than a recruitment division from a training organisation. Also of course they should be familiar with the local area and commercial needs.

To bottom line it, if you put the same amount of effort into landing your first job as into studying, you won’t have any problems. A number of people curiously conscientiously work through their training course and then call a halt once they’ve passed their exams and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

Being a part of the information technology industry is one of the more electrifying and revolutionary industries that you could be a part of. To be working on the cutting-edge of technology is to be a part of the massive changes shaping life over the next few decades. We’re only just starting to get to grips with how all this will mould and change our lives. The way we interrelate with the rest of the world will be significantly affected by computers and the internet.

If earning a good living is up there on your list of priorities, then you will welcome the news that the usual remuneration of IT employees in general is significantly better than salaries in the rest of the economy. Experts agree that there’s a significant national need for trained and qualified IT technicians. And as growth in the industry shows little sign of contracting, it is likely this pattern will continue for quite some time to come.

For almost all web designers, Adobe Dreamweaver is the starting point of study. It is thought to be the favourite environment for web development on the planet. We’d also suggest that you learn all about the full Adobe Web Creative Suite, which incorporates Flash and Action Script, in order to utilise Dreamweaver commercially as a web-designer. Having such skills can mean later becoming an Adobe Certified Expert or Adobe Certified Professional (ACE or ACP).

In order to become a web designer of professional repute however, you’ll have to get more diverse knowledge. You’ll be required to have knowledge of some programming essentials like HTML, PHP and MySQL. An excellent grasp of Search Engine Optimisation and E Commerce will also give you a distinct advantage in the marketplace.

How are we supposed to arrive at an informed choice then? With so much reward available, it’s important to know where to investigate - and of course, what to actually be investigating.

Throw out a salesman who recommends a training program without a thorough investigation so as to understand your abilities plus your experience level. They should be able to select from a expansive choice of training products from which they could give you an appropriate solution. With a strong background, or sometimes a little commercial experience (some certifications gained previously perhaps?) then it’s more than likely the point from which you begin your studies will be quite dissimilar from a student that is completely new to the industry. Commencing with a basic PC skills program first is often the best way to commence your IT program, but depends on your skill level.

At the top of your shopping list for a training program should be 24×7 round-the-clock support with expert mentors and instructors. Too many companies only seem to want to help while they’re in the office (9am till 6pm, Monday till Friday usually) and nothing at the weekends. Always avoid training that only supports trainees with a call-centre messaging service after 6-9pm in the evening and during weekends. Companies will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. The bottom line is - you want to be supported when you need the help - not when it suits them.

As long as you look hard, you will find professional companies that provide their students direct-access online support 24×7 - even in the middle of the night. Unless you insist on 24×7 support, you’ll quickly find yourself regretting it. You may not need it late in the night, but you may need weekends, early mornings or even late evenings at some point.

Trainees looking at this market often have a very practical outlook on work, and aren’t really suited to the classroom environment, and endless reading of dry academic textbooks. If you’re thinking this sounds like you, opt for more involving, interactive learning materials, where you can learn everything on-screen. Research has always confirmed that getting into our studies physically, is much more conducive to long-term memory.

Locate a program where you’re provided with an array of CD and DVD based materials - you’ll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, followed by the chance to use virtual lab’s to practice your new skills. Any company that you’re considering should be able to show you a few examples of the materials provided for study. You should hope for instructor-led videos and interactive areas to practice in.

It’s unwise to opt for on-line only training. Because of the variable quality and reliability of most broadband providers, you should always obtain physical media such as CD or DVD ROM’s.

‘In-Centre workshop days’ get pushed as a major benefit by a lot of certification companies. If you talk to the majority of IT hopefuls who have used them, you’ll discover that they’re really a difficulty to be ‘got round’ due to many reasons:

* Lots of round journeys - quite often 100’s of miles.

* Asking for constant holidays or time off - many colleges will only provide Mon-Fri workshop availability and group several days in a chunk. This isn’t ideal for most people who work, and this is made worse when travel time is included.

* With just four weeks vacation allowance, giving half of them to educational workshops leaves us with very few opportunities for days off.

* Training events usually reach their maximum intake very quickly, meaning we have to accept a slot that doesn’t really suit.

* Tension can be created inside the classroom where the right pace for one student is not the same as another.

* Many trainees talk of the high costs involved with travelling back and forth to the facility whilst paying for accommodation and food gets very high.

* Maintaining the privacy of our training can be high on the list of priorities to most trainees. You don’t want to lose any lift up the ladder, salary hikes or success with your current employer because of your studies. If your work discovers you’re putting yourself through accreditation in a completely different market, how will they regard you?

* It’s not unusual to avoid posing questions in a room full of other students - because none of us wants to look like we don’t understand.

* Working away from home - a lot of trainees find they’re living or working away for part of the programme. Workshops are therefore problematic to attend, but you’ve already paid for them in your initial payment.

Why don’t you watch on-screen and be taught by tutors one-on-one from filmed classes, working on them when it suits you - not somebody else. Think… Using a laptop you have the ability to work wherever you happen to be at that time. And 24 hr-a-day support is only a web-click away at times of difficulty. No matter how often you have to re-cover a topic, on-screen teachers can never get frustrated with you! Also, with this method, note-taking is gone forever. Everything is there for quick access. Could it be more straightforward: No travelling, wasted time or money; plus you get a much more comfortable learning atmosphere.

Huge changes are flooding technology over the next generation - and it only gets more exciting every day. Many people are of the opinion that the technological advancement we’ve had over recent years is easing off. This couldn’t be more wrong. We have yet to experience incredible advances, and the internet significantly will be the biggest thing to affect the way we live.

And don’t forget salaries either - the typical remuneration in Great Britain for a typical IT employee is noticeably higher than in other market sectors. Odds are that you’ll earn quite a bit more than you’d typically expect to bring in elsewhere. There is a significant nationwide need for qualified IT professionals. In addition, with the marketplace continuing to expand, it appears this pattern will continue for quite some time to come.