Hello!!! Advice needed!!

Discussion in 'Training & Development' started by Nick84, Aug 18, 2008.

  1. Nick84

    Nick84 New Member

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    Hi my name is Nick and I'm new to CF!!

    This year I passed A+ and have been searching for desktop support / ICT Support jobs ever since!! Sadly having no luck getting an interview!! Also trying to volunteer at some places but also no luck!! Not to worry as I understand these things take time!!

    Anyway the point of the post!! Today I decided to have one of those computeach people trick me into a course, already having seconds thoughts and will no doubt cancel the meething.

    I did A+ at collage and loved it but sadly they dont seem to offer MSCDST.

    I think i could easily self study MSCDST, a few questions for you all!!

    1) How much would computeach charge for MSCDST??
    2) What would I need to aid my self study, i.e which books, what operating systems etc??
    3) How long untill the current MSCDST be a relevent cert for (or will vista not impact this???)
    4) In ref to my opening statement, is MSCDST the best next step?

    Thanks for reading, sorry its a long post i have this problem where I chat and ask to many question!!!
     
    Certifications: A+
  2. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    Hi & welcome to CF :)

    Check out the posts here regarding volunteering, we've put up quite a few links :)

    See here & here to start of with :)

    You can, all you need is one machine, so you can run a couple of virtual machines. A trial version of Server 2003 and a trial(s) version of XP, plus the books/CBT's and practice exams to go with it :)

    1. In my opinion, too much. But it depends on you (eg. your study habits, what you consider to be too much, etc). BTW, not sure what the MSCDST is, you may mean the MCDST, lol
    2. For operating systems: XP for the client and Server 2003 for the Server (you can get trial versions from MS, as well as some virtual HDD's - .vhd's). Study materials such as Sybex MCDST book or the MSPress book. For CBT's, you can check out Learnkey or CBTNuggets. For practice exams, you can check out either Preplogic or Boson (two of the developers for Boson are around here: BosonMicheal & BosonJosh).
    3. MCDST will be a relevant cert until people stop using XP, which will be years to come (some people are still using Windows 2000). No the MCITP: EST or the MCITP: CST is the version for Vista, both specialist in different operating systems.
    4. Yes, that and the Comptia Network+

    Hope this helps :)

    -Ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
  3. Nick84

    Nick84 New Member

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    Thanks a lot!! The sybex book is in the post, really hoping I'll get it tomorrow, eager to get stuck in with some studying again!!

    I keep seeing all different numbers and codes associated with this certification, wonder if any one could either expalin all the different exams etc or point me in the right direction!!! I remember having a similar problem when I was studying the A+ :hhhmmm

    Cheers again!
     
    Certifications: A+
  4. Nick84

    Nick84 New Member

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    Thanks for the information, i've now got my sybex book virtual PC's with server 2003 and XP running, so i'm gd to begin my studies asap, i cant wait!!! lol.

    Just a couple questions i keep seeing all these abrvations and numbers regarding MCDST could you possibly shine some light on them all!!

    As for you advice on Network + would i be shooting myself in the foot if i did it after MCDST or is order not a factor??

    Cheers

    Nick
     
    Certifications: A+
  5. natkay2603

    natkay2603 Bit Poster

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    Hi, i don't know how much computeach will charge for your course, but i had a meeting with them (for about 3 hours) and they quoted me £9000! for an MCSE course. In my opinion Home study best route, just buy the course books, i have been using MS press along with sybex books. And then book your tests with prometric. Thats what i am doing and so far it is going well.
     
  6. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

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    9k :eek: I hate those companies, salespeople guage you on how much theyu might be able to swindle out of you then all you get is some books and maybe a gui with some nice pictures on it.

    Home study as you say is the best option.
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  7. AArcher

    AArcher Nibble Poster

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    I got quoted £6000 for the courses but i've had cheaper quotes from a company that works with reed recruitment about 3k.... one thing is some companies can be a rip off some not. Computeach promise good employment opportunities through their recruitment side of business but whether thats true or not I don't know. I got ripped off by Cerco not too long ago read my post. So therefore I would really really consider your options carefully and if you have a meeting with Computeach remember they are a salesperson and will try to sell you the course!
    If you can self study I'd say go that route.
     
    Certifications: None
    WIP: CompTIA 2006 A+
  8. Nick84

    Nick84 New Member

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    wow thats a lot of money to spend!!!

    i'm on the self study route, finding it a little hard to get stuck in but sure as i get further into the book that will change, i guess thats the only downside of self study, it takes a lot of motivation.

    thanks again for the replies, I'll be sure to use the CF again as i dive deeper into my studies.
     
    Certifications: A+

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