What computer hardware, operating systems (probably Windows), and networking certifications I should get?

[dude8604]

edit: In case the above was unclear (which has now been removed because it is unclear), I am basically wondering what computer hardware, operating systems (probably Windows), and networking <U>certifications</U> I should get. I'm not looking for any jobs yet, it's mostly just to learn about those things and get certified while I'm at it. Also, is there an age requirement to take the tests (I'm only 16)?

 

[tweakmm]

A+ and an MCSE are competly different things
an MCSE(Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) is what you become once you complete a series of MS tests

 

[dude8604]

Well basically I'd like to get some IT certifications. I think I'm looking for the A+ tests, but I really don't know.

 

[jaydee]

MSCE will take awhile to get. You have to pass 7 tests, and the study material for these tests are about 700 pages long each. A+ you might be able to get by with common sense, wouldn't hurt to find some sample questions on the web. OS, Windows 2000 for sure. Hardware, whatever you can scrap up (gotta meet minimum W2k requirements, I think 200 Mhz, 64 MB RAM). If you got the money to spend gluttonously, take it to GH and title a thread "Build me the best money can buy!" and you'll have dozens of responses in a couple hours. No age reqs I know of. Look for something published by Sybex in study material. Good luck.

 

[dude8604]

<< OS, Windows 2000 for sure. Hardware, whatever you can scrap up (gotta meet minimum W2k requirements, I think 200 Mhz, 64 MB RAM). If you got the money to spend gluttonously, take it to GH and title a thread "Build me the best money can buy!" and you'll have dozens of responses in a couple hours.. >>



Thanks for the help, but I'm a little confused by what you mean here. Please explain...

 

[jaydee]

<<

<< OS, Windows 2000 for sure. Hardware, whatever you can scrap up (gotta meet minimum W2k requirements, I think 200 Mhz, 64 MB RAM). If you got the money to spend gluttonously, take it to GH and title a thread "Build me the best money can buy!" and you'll have dozens of responses in a couple hours.. >>

Thanks for the help, but I'm a little confused by what you mean here. Please explain... >>


You'll need to answer the following questions for yourself:
1. Are you willing to put the time into MCSE?
2. How much money are you willing to spend?

It takes a couple years probably to obtain it, I kinda started but backed off and am looking towards Engineering at this point in my life (about graduate from high school) more so than networking. I've looked through 1 of the MCSE books. It's long and thourough. It's doable, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and serious dedication to make it happen. You can't blow by it with great logic/reasoning skills. You need information. If/when you decide this is something you want to do, pay up probably $40 a book for 4 core exams, and then 3 electives on top of that. You'll need to practice. So you get yourself a couple systems running W2k, and work through excersizes. No real need to the most powerful computers, but if you can afford it, and want to go for it, than why not ask the good people in GH to build you a fine rig for $x. Is this a little more clear? If not ask more specific questions.

 

[dude8604]

Thanks a lot for your help! I think that for now I'll just look into the A+ exam(s?). Any good books to use to study for that? AFAIK it's easier than the MCSE because it's only one test. Is that true?

 

[jaydee]

A+ is one test based on hardware. It's not too challenging from what I hear, also means it won't get you too far by itself. Don't know any books off-hand, but try to look for something by Sybex, they seem to have the best out there in many other similar areas.

 

[Tallgeese]

A+ might be good for an absolute newbie, to help get your foot in the door with an entry level tech job, but I'd think carefully about what direction I was interested in before spending the time & $$$ just getting any old cert.

KIM that having certain certs (especially a "screwdriver-heavy" cert like A+) might pigeon-hole you, depending on how cool of a company you work for. Also, some certs are more interested in general theory/knowledge, while others are so vendor-specific as to be useless on any other type of equipment.

Knowing what I know now, here is how I would structure my own cert program:

Network+ = one exam (but only if it still replaces one exam requirement for MCSE).
MCP = one exam (either W2K (or XP) Workstation or Server).
CCNA = one exam (get a good router simulator or a cheap 2nd-hand router and a study book).

That would give you three entry level certs, by only taking three exams, and have your MCSE almost 30% completed.
At that point, I would look for an entry-level job with a GOOD company, that offered both resources (ie time, money, etc.) for completing additional certs, and opportunity for advancement once those certs are successfully achieved.

BTW: This is a good question for the "Networking" forum here at AT. Tell 'em Tallgeese sent ya!

 

[milagro]

The All in One A+ Certifcation Exam book by Mike Meyers (not the actor) is a great book. It thoroughly covers everything you
need for both the Hardware and OS exams.

Yes, there are two exams you need to pass. Each costs approx $125 and is in the adaptive format...which is cool, because you can end up only needing to answer 20 questions if you know your stuff and get outta there.

But more importantly, the A+ is agood place to start to have a good understanding of peecees, and the book is a great resource you can keep as a good reference later on.

..and while certs are good, its hard to beat the learning skills you develop by going to college---yeah you can major in this or that, but what you'll really be doing is learning how to learn.

 

[Tallgeese]

<< its hard to beat the learning skills you develop by going to college...what you'll really be doing is learning how to learn. >>

Cannot stress that point enough.

 

[nihil]

MCSE and CCNA or CCNP (preferably) are probably 2 of the more valuable IT certs out there.

 

[acidvoodoo]

oooooooo, A+ sounds intresting, as this thread relates to exactly the same postition i am in. do u think i can get the book from like amazon in the UK?

is that all it's called, "a+"?

 

[acidvoodoo]

i did a search on amazon, and found a few books with that name, but this one looks lik it could be it?



Upgrading and Repairing PCs: A+ Certification Guide ~ Scott Mueller


am i right?
what exactly does this book cover?i'm 15, and familiar with simpler upgrades like motherbaords, vid cards etc, but i want to learne form sources rather them teach my self, as there is still alot of aspects of computer hardware i don't understand

and, do u take a test with this book after u've read it or what?

 

[dude8604]

Then you take the test at one of these locations. Also, the book called The All in One A+ Certifcation Exam book by Mike Meyers is at amazon.com here and at amazon.co.uk here.

 

[dude8604]

What are some good MCSE books?

 

[odog]

i went A+ then N+ now i'm working on CCNA... in between all those i got 5 cable centric certs..

get a cert that will bring you into a field your interested in....

 

[dude8604]

<< What are some good MCSE books? >>

ttt