Another 'Newbie' here!

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by Hilz, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. Hilz

    Hilz Bit Poster

    10
    0
    26
    Ok...so now that I've landed safely in amongst the virtual crowds of IT specialists, 'wannabees', 'know-it-alls' and novices I had better well make a decent introduction of myself;

    " Hello and pleased to make your acquaintance". That's It! :p

    The long and short of it, like many here I guess is to become educated about the world of IT / Computing courses and jobs in order that I make the correct choice for me. I would hate to learn that I had paid for and committed to a certified course which was not only badly run, but was totally unsuitable. For me, the dilemma is that I don't yet know enough about the various specialisms, to be able to decide which direction, but I did hear that there were certain course providers that cater for the confused. Having said this, I can say that I enjoy learning how to solve issues within various Windows packages and that I am confident enough to replace CPU's , graphics cards, memory, batteries etc within the casing.

    I know nothing about DOS or BIOS, but know that these are functions available outside of the general Windows program to enter commands and change settings respectively. :rolleyes: Oh, I enjoy helping people (usually neighbours, friends and family) to get online with broadband and whatever other computer issues are thrown in front of me. Still, this doesn't make me a computer whizzkid does it! :D

    So, bear with me folks if it appears I'm asking too many questions-it's the norm for me. LoL!

    Hilz
     
    Certifications: Non at present
    WIP: non at present, that's why I'm here
  2. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

    14,292
    265
    329
    Hi Welcome:)

    If you enjoy installing hardware solving issues and going to peoples houses to help them out then maybe a support role or field technician role would be of interest to you.

    The certs to study for these are compTIA A+, compTIA N+ and Microsofts MCDST. You could go with a training provider but they can be expensive I would recommend self study, just buy the books and practice the concepts.
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  3. Hilz

    Hilz Bit Poster

    10
    0
    26
    Hi greenbrucelee, thanks for the prompt reply!

    Yes well home study sounds like a good option, but I am quite attracted to the other type of learning where it is intensive too. I don't mind paying more for a course if that's what it takes though. Who would you recommend please? :eek:

    Thanks

    Hilz
     
    Certifications: Non at present
    WIP: non at present, that's why I'm here
  4. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

    14,292
    265
    329
    I think the people on here will know who I will recommend and thats yourself. I wouldn't trust any of these companies. Some of these intensive bootcamp places use illegal material to help you cheat and if your caught cheating you can get decertified for life.
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  5. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

    11,140
    555
    383
    Hi & welcome to CF :)

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

    Notes_Bloke Terabyte Poster

    3,230
    54
    146
    Hi & welcome to CF:D

    NB
     
    Certifications: 70-210, 70-215, A+,N+, Security+
    WIP: MCSA
  7. Hilz

    Hilz Bit Poster

    10
    0
    26
    I appreciate your honesty greenbrucelee, but without sounding naive why would a recognized course provider wish to pass someone who wasn't up to the mark? Apart from the obvious such as pass rate bragging to attract new paying students what else would make it worth their while?

    If there are non to be trusted I would be highly surprised to be honest, but hey I'm not not "in the know" as far as this area is concerned. So I am all ears. :twisted:

    Nice to meet you too Ken. :biggrin

    Hilz
     
    Certifications: Non at present
    WIP: non at present, that's why I'm here
  8. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

    19,183
    500
    414
    Because it looks good when they advertise a high pass rate to prospective students. That's why you can't trust those statistics from these training providers.

    Does there need to be any other reason than money?? After all, that's why they're in business - to make money - and they make money by signing up new students.

    There ARE good training providers out there, but there are enough bad training providers out there that the chances of you finding a bad one is pretty high. You really have to do your research to find a good one who is not just out to sell you the most expensive course they've got (one that may be completely inappropriate for your skill level).

    The only way to be SURE you're not being taken for a ride is to study on your own without the assistance of a training provider. If you get stuck, you've got the collective assistance of this forum to help you (which includes several classroom trainers and certification training authors). Worst case scenario, you discover that self study isn't your cup of tea and you absolutely *cannot* study without receiving periodic motivational "kicks in the rear" from a live instructor (though, in my opinion, if you have to be externally motivated to learn IT stuff, this might not be the career field for you).

    Welcome to the forums!
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  9. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

    14,292
    265
    329
    What he said + why pay thousands of pounds for something that you can do for a couple of hundred pounds?

    We have had people on here paying £4500 for the A+ N+ and MCDST. This could be done for under a grand if self srudy was used (Im including exam fees in this). You can get advice from a training provider and this is included in the price but you can also get advice on here and its free:D
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  10. Hilz

    Hilz Bit Poster

    10
    0
    26
    Hello to Notes_Bloke and BosonMichael-thanks for your welcome/advice.

    BosonMichael writes:
    "The only way to be SURE you're not being taken for a ride is to study on your own without the assistance of a training provider. If you get stuck, you've got the collective assistance of this forum to help you (which includes several classroom trainers and certification training authors). Worst case scenario, you discover that self study isn't your cup of tea and you absolutely *cannot* study without receiving periodic motivational "kicks in the rear" from a live instructor (though, in my opinion, if you have to be externally motivated to learn IT stuff, this might not be the career field for you).
    Welcome to the forums!"

    This makes a lot of sense and yes it's not always about the money but about motivation to succeed. :thumbleft I'm interested in this though as I enjoy trying to solve computer problems and find that with the right knowledge and methodology it could satisfying and rewarding. I am not put off by hard work whether it be home or away study, but I know if I am studying a course which is for it's own sake and not for turning over students at a high rate because it sounds good in the hard sell.
    I think I have arrived at the right place. :cheers

    Totally agreed btw Greenbrucelee!

    Thanks Guys!

    Where should I start to seek out info these home study courses?
     
    Certifications: Non at present
    WIP: non at present, that's why I'm here
  11. Sparky
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

    10,718
    543
    364
    So they can make more money.
     
    Certifications: MSc MCSE MCSA:M MCSA:S MCITP:EA MCTS(x5) MS-900 AZ-900 Security+ Network+ A+
    WIP: Microsoft Certs
  12. dalsoth

    dalsoth Kilobyte Poster

    325
    14
    54
    Hi and welcome to the forums.

    There are some great threads on study materials etc in the training and development forum.

    Good thread here.
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCP, MCDST, MCSA, ITIL v3
    WIP: MCITP EA
  13. Hilz

    Hilz Bit Poster

    10
    0
    26
    Thanks Dalsoth-that's a good start!
     
    Certifications: Non at present
    WIP: non at present, that's why I'm here

Share This Page

Loading...
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.