How many hardware techs do we have here?

[Jojo7]

I'm curious; with all this hardware advice being given out, how many professional hardware technicians do we have here?

 

[InlineFive]

In my opinion Professional means you are certified to have a certain amount of knowledge and experience with computers and work in some commercial field applying your knowledge about computers where ever it may be needed. People on this board (beginner or experienced) never the less have some knowledge about computers and therefore their advice should be heeded when deemed to be accurate. Being as we are all capable of error it is not fair to walk about saying that Professionals are the best and know absolutely everything flawlessly about computers specific to their field of knowledge. A person could acquire computers as a hobby and possibly even seek a career in the computer field. After working with them for so long they would eventually learn everything that is interesting to them about computers, either through classes, information websites (take this for example), books or just plain tinkering around with them. In this sense you have a valuable knowledge about specific areas of computers (or perhaps the whole thing) that can be put to good use, even if you do not have the title of Professional. In another sense the people on here to don't care much about how computers work but are interested in say networking, and Network/Computer security and know a lot about that are Professionals in their own way. In this way I find the word Professional to be misleading. It is for this reason I voted that I am a Professional because I know everything that is useful to know about desktop computers and home networking that is potentially useful.

Now, I'm not trying to denounce Professionals. In fact I see it that you had such a fascination for a computer field that you decided to go to College to learn even more then you probably already knew and get a degree which would allow you to better make a living for yourself.

I'm not really sure what my post means but It was interesting to get my thoughts down...

-Por

 

[mbackof]

I do support for PACS (Medical Imaging) systems. That involves network, hardware, software, OS. In a past life I ran a service department and manufacturing department (as well as working in both) at an imaging vendor. I like building machines as a hobby, but there is more money for me in system support than playing with the hardware. I do a lot of remote access support now.
I just want to say that this is definitely the best forum I've run across for computer hardware.

 

[arcenite]

I do not personally have a degree in hardware anything, but I consider myself pretty much a pc professional (for AMD rigs atleast ).

Bill

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

No degree or anything, but I know more than most people.

 

[InlineFive]

See?! All these posts prove my point! We are the Uncertified-Experts! What's nice about the forums is that everyone is anonymous in a way so everyone's opinion is pretty much respected.

 

[arcenite]

Let's start our own hotline and everyone makes 1000 dollars per call.

Bill

 

[josedawg]

I know a little bit of everything from first-hand experiences. (Had my first computer at 13, am now 20. Have built quite a few PCs in my days as well as lots of time with wired/wireless networking a bit at work and home.) While I don't consider myself an expert, I am quite a knowledgable guy, and pick up things quick. I'm a 2nd (or 3rd? I dunno, my freshman year was all partying with no credits, I doubt I could count that as a year) Comp Sci major.

What does this mean?

A lot of people here have a good general knowledge of basic computing. A few of us have a little bit more in depth knowledge. And then you have the Intel Lithography techs (hey where are the AMD, ATI, and nVidia engineers?) who frequent the boards, who know things we only wish we knew.
Also, don't trust Nebor, or any other incompetent fanboy who rant about something they know not.

 

<--- points at self.... Still in school though.....

 

[Bovinicus]

The only actual certification I have is an A+ certification. However, I just finished classes for my Network+ and a Windows 2000 Pro class for my MCP. Also, I have consulted, built, setup, and tweaked computers for about a dozen different people. I also help people with problems A LOT. I also have some volunteer network assisstant time, and many hours of lab experience. I don't know if that makes me a professional, but I certainly know more than some "professionals" that I have seen in action. The only thing that I don't do that a professional does is charge people money; I like helping people out. I will in the future though, when it becomes my career.

 

[jzodda]

Does a doctorate from Stamford in Computer Engineering count?

 

[ScrapSilicon]

build count 52 ..

 

[Schadenfroh]

i do computer work on a cash basis, sometime made up to $25 an hour. not a proffesional, cause being professional means being charged taxes

 

[Mitzi]

First Honours degree in Computer Studies I work as a Database Programmer so I'm not a hardware tech as such

 

[BoomAM]

Originally posted by: aRCeNiTe
I do not personally have a degree in hardware anything, but I consider myself pretty much a pc professional (for AMD rigs atleast ).

Bill

Same here.

Originally posted by: JustAnAverageGuy
No degree or anything, but I know more than most people.

As above, i know alot more than the majority of shops that sell PCs and PC parts, but thats not exactely hard.

Im currently studying;
BTEC National Diploma in Computer Maintenence and Electroncs/Electrical Testing. & ECAD. (equilivent of 3 A-Levels, and a AS-Level)
So i guess by next june, i`ll be able to have the ability to call myself a computer technician!
Thinking of doing another 2Year course at the same college after this one has finished. In a subject called "BTEC National Diploma in Computing". Not sure at the moment though.
Ive been working with PCs since i was 9. Ive done loads of different things, upgraded each one myself, selected the parts, modded them, OCed them, ect; Ive learnt alot from my hands-on experiance over the years. Ive also helped select the components and build machines for friends, helped them with their problems as well. Many of them still come to me asking for advice on things about PCs when i see them around college. I built up quite a rep at my old high school. I even embarassed the schools supposed computer technician, showing his lack of knowledge in alot of stuff to a whole class of 30 people, and the headmaster and several teachers.
So my choices of above courses is so i can continue doing it what i like.

 

[Sid59]

better than some of the morons who work at compusa and best buy

 

[magomago]

Originally posted by: Sid59
better than some of the morons who work at compusa and best buy

Preach it. Even though I have no degree and most things I noe is just what I pick up here...it amazes me how little the people who actually sell computers know.

 

[Bucksnort]

A+ certified here and do free lance work. Windows ME rules! uhh do certifications mean anything?

 

[Wingznut]

I don't assemble/upgrade/repair PC's... But I'd consider myself a "professional hardware tech".

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
build count 52 ..

I've worked for shops where I would do that many in a week.

 

[arcenite]

I'm looking for a place to build rigs for... can't find any though ^^

Bill

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: aRCeNiTe
I'm looking for a place to build rigs for... can't find any though ^^

Bill

It's just like any other assembly job as it is rather tedious.

 

[Goose77]

I am pretty much self edumacated. Pops brought home some old thrown out 286's, 386's, and 486's back in '96 took them apart and learned what did what! I then began to read voraciously! I tried to learn as much as possible, or as much as this damn slow a$$ brain could hold! My anwsers are not 100% right 100% of the time, but no ones perfect! Got a minor in IT and an A+ certificate (if those mean anything at all ).

better than some of the morons who work at compusa and best buy

this holds more turth than not! and love it when the ones that work on commission try to pressure you in to a buy! Im like "stfu!", well not really, I really just nod my head and say "thats interesting" and when he's done just walk away!

built many'a computers, do lots of trouble shooting for friends and family, and tinker as much as possible with my hardware trying to get to that utopia of perfect computing hardware!(still trying if your wondering).

 

[FFactory0x]

i am a Tech here

 

[beatle]

Oh, me, me, me! Help desk tech, actually... but I get to fool around with the servers too.