I'm a (mac) design professional looking for a career change and want to go the tech route. I want to do more network work since I figure that will get me out from behind the desk a little more.

What are the major differences? Work environment? Is microsoft more 'desktop' compared to Cisco being more large-scaled? What is the best path in your opinion?

I realize I'm going to get the Comptia network first since many of these tracks seem to have this as a prerequisite..

It really depends upon what you want to do and your technical strengths.

Any certification will improve your knowledge base. Cisco and Adtran network certifications involve more training in internetworking, network links, etc than does Microsoft. If you like point to point, vpn, LAN set ups etc, go for either Cisco or Adtran.

microsoft cets exclusively on microsoft family OS.

cisco is more network, and anetwork secutiy

it's good idea before you go for cisco or microsoft get A+ certification

I'm currently working on Networking+, and security+


good luck

S.T.

Cisco seems to have bigger sway with employers than Microsoft(viewed as practically a giveaway).

AAS Comp Networking

Microsoft is more all around network admin
Cisco is much more difficlut and specialized.
I did Microsoft first (as it is also easier than Cisco)
Actually I did Comptia, then Microsoft and now I'm working on Cisco.