Hello All!

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by thecresta, Apr 20, 2006.

  1. thecresta

    thecresta Bit Poster

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    Hi All!

    Just registered - what a find! It relieving to find useful advice rather than training providers blurb. :biggrin

    I'm looking to break out of a dead end job (with possible redundancy) , and feel a system support role is the way forward for me.

    I feel I have a decent overall knowledge of computers, but I can't see me getting into a computing role without some in-depth knowledge and qualifications (I have an A-level in computing, which I loved, but probably means nothing to employers).

    I was originally looking at an MCSE, but following advice on this website I see that I was leaping over a few rungs of the ladder. Besides, I have no network contact or experience (apart from my router-based home network).

    I have already started revising for the 70-270 exam (Installing, Configuring and Administering XP Pro) which I believe should land me an MCP, but popular advice is pointing me towards an A+ and N+. Is there a particular order I should do these in, especially considering I may have a time restriction?

    Also, I would like to by-pass online training providers and read my way to the exam (I'm an unlucky person, and am bound to get a bad deal). The books that are recommended in these forums are followed by advice that they will not soley get me through the exams. Could somebody point me in the direction of any extra stuff that I will need?

    Many thanks in advance, and thank you all for the advice I have already read!
     
    Certifications: MCP, MCDST (70-271, 70-272), MCTS (70-680), (70-290)
    WIP: MCSA, MCITP, EIEIO
  2. Jakamoko
    Honorary Member

    Jakamoko On the move again ...

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    Hi and welcome, thecresta. I think most folks here would recommend going A+ -> N+ -> MCP and then on to whatever else you want to specialise in, be it desktop support, networking, design, database, whatever. If you have achieved even one or two of the above certs, you will certainly be more aware of what you enjoy and what is there to be done.

    Hope that helps, even a little :)
     
    Certifications: MCP, A+, Network+
    WIP: Clarity
  3. juice142

    juice142 Megabyte Poster

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    Hey Cresta and welcome
    You say you've started revising toward the 70-270 - have you already studied for this exam? The reason I ask is because 'revision' means you have seen it (the material required to pass the exam) before. :blink

    I'd suggest (in the nicest possible terms) that you use XP and feel that that knowledge will get you through the exam?

    You'll be wasting your money on the exam fee. :eek:

    Start (along with the rest of us) with the A+. Move on to Network+. Then, and only then, (unless you have complete and utter confidence in your abilities) do you study for and take MCP exam(s). :biggrin

    Or you could spend a lot of money, become disillusioned and do something else. :noway

    And we'd miss you if you did that. :cry:

    Just my tuppence and I hope I'll be able to track your progress like everyone can track mine. :biggrin

    Did I mention that my two A+ exams are booked for the coming Tuesday, 10.00am for Core Hardware and 12.00pm for OS? :ohmy

    J.
     
    Certifications: BSc (Hons), A+, Network+
    WIP: 70-270, MCSA
  4. thecresta

    thecresta Bit Poster

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    Thank you both for replying so soon!

    As you both suggest A+ first then N+, I think I'll order the Meyers 'A+ All in one' book and make a start on that (unless anybody can recommend otherwise).

    You're right Juice142, I meant to say study. I've only skimmed through the XP training book. It seems familiar - I've been breaking and fixing computers for a whilst now - learning from the internet (I've found google a great troubleshooting tool :biggrin ) But its packed full of details, and there's so much of it!

    Thanks for you help!
     
    Certifications: MCP, MCDST (70-271, 70-272), MCTS (70-680), (70-290)
    WIP: MCSA, MCITP, EIEIO
  5. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    Welcome to CF! :biggrin
     
  6. zimbo
    Honorary Member

    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    Hi and Welcome to CF! :biggrin
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  7. Mr.Cheeks

    Mr.Cheeks 1st ever Gold Member! Gold Member

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    Welcome to CF

    Too bad google is not going to be there in the exam... :cry:
     
  8. Tyler D

    Tyler D Gigabyte Poster

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    Greetings :biggrin
     
    Certifications: A+,70-270
    WIP: 70-290
  9. Malnomates

    Malnomates Megabyte Poster

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    Welcome aboard mate.. 8)
     
    Certifications: A+ Network+
  10. nugget
    Honorary Member

    nugget Junior toady

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    Hi and welcome to the forum.:D
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP (270,271,272,290,620) | MCDST | MCTS:Vista
    WIP: MCSA, 70-622,680,685
  11. jackd

    jackd Megabyte Poster

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    Welcome To CF! 8)
     
  12. tripwire45
    Honorary Member

    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    Greetings, thecresta. Welcome to CertForums. :)
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  13. Island3r

    Island3r Nibble Poster

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    welcome dude,

    i think these guys are right, go with the a+, net+ route. i did that and it really prepared me for the IT world and gave me an idea to how i wanted progress with certs.

    Good luck mate
     
    Certifications: A+, Network+, MCDST, MCSA 2003, MCTS: Windows Vista, Config, MCTS: Exchange 2007, Config, MCTS: Server 2007 Active Directory, Config, MCTS: Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, CEH
  14. wizard

    wizard Petabyte Poster

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    Hi there and welcome to CF :)
     
    Certifications: SIA DS Licence
    WIP: A+ 2009

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