Our Top 10 Technical Courses of 2017
IT training is one of our main focuses at LeapFox Learning, and last year was an excellent year for it. Here is a list of our most popular IT training courses from 2017, as chosen by our students. If you’re looking for our most popular Application courses that list can be found here
I hope this list can assist a lot of our current clients in making informed training decisions for 2018. This is often the time of year that businesses start thinking about how they can introduce formal learning solutions into their development plans. Although we offer well over 400 courses now here are the most popular of 2017.
Top 10 Technical Courses
Python for Data Science
One of our most popular courses this year also happens to be on of our newest. Python for Data Science launched just before the year ended, but we had several people waiting to take it and the reviews were stellar. This course focuses on Python, a very powerful programming language used for many different applications. Over time, the huge community around this open source language has created quite a few tools to effectively work with Python. In recent years, a number of tools have been built specifically for data science. As a result, analyzing data with Python has never been easier.
- Who should attend this course?
- Data analysts & data scientists
- Anyone who needs to aggregate large amounts of data
- People interested in machine learning
Introduction to Programming with R
With “Big Data” becoming a larger and larger part of many industries we aren’t surprised to see growing popularity in these languages that are especially good for data science. R is rapidly becoming the leading language in data science and statistics. Today, R is the tool of choice for data science professionals in every industry and field. Whether you’re a full-time number cruncher or just the occasional data analyst, R will suit your needs.
- Who should attend this course?
- Individuals who are interested in data science
- Data analysts, data scientists, or anyone who needs to aggregate large amounts of data
CompTIA A+ Bootcamp
We saw a ton of students this year diving into IT career fields by getting their A+ certification. LeapFox offers several flavors of this course ranging from a 5-day boot camp all the way up to a 3 week course. Our enrolled students gave us some raving reviews from the longer course in which they got to build their own computer and keep it! This course is all about acquiring essential skill and information necessary to install, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade PCs, digital devices, and operating systems.
- Who should attend this course?
- Individuals new to IT and wanting to have better basic computer skills
- Anyone who would like to obtain an entry-level IT position
- Those wishing to prepare for the 220-901 & 220-902 exams
CompTIA Security+ Bootcamp
A lot of the students who completed their A+ certifications went on to get their Security+ certifications as well. With all the data breaches, and security vulnerabilities in 2017 its no wonder that security was a hot field. Whether its Equifax level data breaches or malware like the WannaCry virus we need smart, trained people to protect us. In this course students implement, monitor, and troubleshoot infrastructure, application, information, and operational security. It is a great introduction to the world of Information Security
- Who should attend this course?
- Those who wants to start or further a career in security
- Those wishing to prepare for the SY0-501exams
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) course has always been a big hit with the students that attend. It’s no surprise that it made it into the top 10 this year with all of the breaches that have happened. In the interactive, lab-filled environment of this ethical hacking course, students will gain an in-depth knowledge and practical experience with current essential security systems. Students explore common ethical hacking topics such as intrusion detection, policy creation, social engineering, DDoS attacks, buffer overflows, and virus creation. This course gives students a deep knowledge of what methods hackers are using to subvert, breach, and phish their way past current security measures.
- Who should attend this course?
- Those who are concerned about the integrity of their network’s infrastructure
- Thos looking to test and improve their defenses
- Security officers, auditors, and professionals as well as site administrators
MOC 20461 – Querying Microsoft SQL Server
Moving away from Security we have to take a look at MOC 20461. This is always a popular course as it provides core knowledge for any SQL Server-related occupations including databaase administration, database development, and business intelligence. Over the 5 day period students will learn the differences between SQL Server 2012 and 2014, as well as the important capabilities across the data platform.
- Who should attend this course?
- Database administrators, database developers, and business intelligence professionals
- Those looking to take the SQL certification exam(s)
MOC 20696 – Administering System Center Configuration Manager and Intune
In this 5 day course, students will learn day-to-day management tasks including how to manage software, client health, hardware and software inventory, applications, and integration with Intune. Students will get hands-on practice configuring and managing clients and devices by using Microsoft System Center v1511 Configuration Manager, Microsoft Intune, and their associated site systems.
- Who should attend this course?
- Experienced IT professionals, specifically Enterprise Desktop Administrators (EDAs)
- Those using or intending to use, the latest release of Configuration Manager and Intune to manage and deploy PCs, devices, and applications
- Those looking to prepare for exam 70-696: Managing Enterprise Devices and Apps
MOC 10961 Automating Administration with Windows PowerShell v5.0
Recently we have seen an increase in the number of students we have who ask for PowerShell. By and large, most of the requests we get are for MOC 10961. PowerShell is an advanced tasking tool, with one specific use being aiding in completing necessary, but repetitive tasks. PowerShell uses a language to help write and execute scripts, remotely manage single or multiple Windows-based servers, automate day to day management and administration tasks, and more.
- Who should attend this course?
- IT professionals that have experience in Windows Server and Windows Client administration
- Those experienced in administering and supporting Application servers and services, like Exchange, SharePoint, SQL, etc.
- Those who want to use PowerShell to automate administrative tasks using any Microsoft or independent software vendor (ISV) product
MOC 10982 Supporting & Troubleshooting Windows 10
Another area we often see training requests for is Windows 10. As our clients make the move to the new operating system we are seeing more and more IT professionals come in for training on everything from deployment to support. This year 10982 won out as the more attended course. This 5-day class covers all the skills support staff will need to understand Windows 10 features in order to assist when issues occur, especially for those in an Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (EDST) role. The key responsibilities would be resolving technical issues in the installation, migration, and activation of Windows 10, as well as helping with device synchronization, remote network access, OS and data recovery, and more.
- Who should attend this course?
- EDST; this role would help support Windows 10 on personal computers and devices in a medium to large enterprise
Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1 (ICND1)
One of several courses required to complete the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices is split into two classes, with the more advanced class following. Students will learn how to install, operate, configure, and verify a basic IPv4 and IPv6 network. This includes configuring a LAN switch, configuring an IP router, connecting to a WAN, and more.
- Who should attend this course?
- Those looking to start their path to gaining the Cisco CCNA certification.