some guidence, if you dont mind.

>PH45ER> · #1 16-Nov-2008, 03:46 AM

hello very nice site indeed.
im currently working as a chef but have always had a good computing background since an early age.
i have read quite a lot about computer security and virus/spyware removal.
im thinking of changing my career and embarking on a computer security adventure. this is a tough task i know.
im not really bothered whether it takes years to achieve. i like helping people a lot and if i could help people with there computer problems and get paid for it, then that would be a great job in my view.

i can sometimes get worried about just googling stuff and hoping you get a trustworthy company.
thats why i like forums,

i would greatly appriciate it if anyone could give me any examples of where to start from the bottom?
also cost etc.

also when ive visited previous sites they always say you need some other qualification before you take that one.
so please, the very bottom and upwards

thanks again.

scottm · #2 17-Nov-2008, 12:30 AM

well if you're interested in the security side of I.T then i suggest you study Comptia A+ & Secuirty+. This will teach you the basis on general computing tech and security pratice. you can either self study for this or join you're local collage. the books and exams will roughly cost around less than £500. to go to collage it would probably cost less than £1000. i would recommend applying for a job in tech support helpdesk and starting to gain experience from that and work you're way up. getting these exams and cerfications would really help you move up and get into security. hope this helps but its just my recommend way to go, others might say different

Obinna Osobalu · #3 17-Nov-2008, 08:49 AM

The A+ and security+ should be your starting point just like Scottm said, if after that you will want go further on security i think you can go for EC-council certs, they offer certs on security such as CEH(certified ethical hacker), NSA(network seurity administrator), LPT(licensed penetration tester) etcetra. Visit their website . Best wishes

**greenbrucelee** · #4 17-Nov-2008, 08:55 AM

I would agree with Scottm, also consider the N+ and MCDST also as you will probably have to start of in a support role then progress into networking and security.

The A+ covers the basics of PC hardware & software, The N+ covers the basic of Networking, The MCDST covers supporting Windows XP and the applications that run on it and the S+ covers security issues.

You could find a training provider to do these certs but they can be very expensive, or you could look at you local college to see if they do them or you could self study where you just get the books and study on your own. Then you take the exam

Jiser · #5 17-Nov-2008, 10:35 AM

Go to university and do a sandwhich degree in I.T. or something simmilar. During this time try to volunteer/get a part time I.T. job somewhere. Alot of primary schools often have job openings for part time techs.

Or alternatively go down the cert route.

Either way a mix of the two is a good idea.

Just build a firm foundation before you specialise. A good mix of experiance, paying your dues, ambition, networking, certs and academic qualification will get you far IMO.

W/E you do though, self study will be the cheaper and recommened option.

>PH45ER> · #6 17-Nov-2008, 11:17 PM

thanks for all your comments.

ive always preffered self study and if i can do that and save alot of money, then thats probably the route for me.
as of all your comments i will now probably do the CompTIA A+, network+, security+.
then i will decide where i want to go from there.
the reason for this is i do not want to expect to much at this stage.
as long as i can get these under my belt i can then move up from there.

also thanks for introducing me to the professor messer website.
he seems clever on the videos and and im sure i can learn from it.

thanks also for the all in one A+ book by mike meyers. sure that will come in handy.

i know its a big ask but can anyone give me a full example as i know there is studyplans etc.
im not to sure of the complete cost and everything i will need.

i know it was mentioned but would i do the A+ then look for a starting job, then do the network+ and security+ then move up from there.

sean.