Comp TIA A+

[Powell41]

Good Day Good People of the Windows 7 Forums:

I have an off-topic question, but since so many of you seem to have an extensive level of knowledge regarding all things computer I thought this would be a great place to ask for advice.

I'm thinking of taking some courses to upgrade my understanding of computer technology and I am wondering if courses on Comp TIA A+ is a good place to start? I'm at a level where I am familiar enough with computers to understand the basics of the harware and software and how they function. I am able to change components and track down most of my software problems, but I want to dig deeper.

If you have any suggestions as to what is a good starting point for the basics I would be more than pleased to hear from you. I am interested only in courses that offer an industry recognized certificate. That way I can be sure that I am taking a course that has some meat on its bones and not some on-line powder-puff course that makes you feel like an expert but is really just some feel-good, no substance experience.

Best Regards and Merry Christmas to you all.

Powell Lucas

 

[Borg 386]

Any cert you can add can definitely be a plus & looks good on a resume.

The A+ focuses on troubleshooting PC problems from many aspects (software, hardware, some limited network problems, printer probs, etc). Go look for some of the practice tests available online, at the COMPTia site or other places, you'll get an idea of what you'll be quizzed on.

The test will be 90 minutes long with 100 questions to answer. More information here.

There are places that have offers of helping you pass the test. They charge for this service. If you want to pay for these, it's your choice.

Other good choices for COMPTia certifications are Network+ & Security+

The only bad thing about these certs is, your certification is only valid for 3 years & then you'll have to re-test. Each test is approximately $250.

Effective January 1, 2011, all new CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ certifications will be valid for three years from the date the candidate becomes certified.

I would advise you to get enrolled at a local college that is also a COMPTia Certified Test site. Being a student there often entitles you to 1/2 price for the tests. If the college is too far away, sign up for a online course, some colleges still consider you a student and eligible for the discount.

 

[Powell41]

Thanks for the reply but college courses are too structured for me. I'm 71 and I like to work at something that suits my schedule...not the school's. I am planning on doing it on-line or from an outfit that sends me the disks such as "Train Signal". I guess I should have mentioned my age. This is for my own benefit and, if I never use it except for my own gratification, that's fine. I take my university courses on-line with school supplied text books and disks, but I need a break for a while.

Once again, many thanks for taking the time to reply.

Regards
Powell lucas

 

[kdrucas]

I have a similar question, but since I did not want to start a new thread I used the SEARCH function and I found one where the topic was almost the same.

I am going to do the online course offered by CompTIA, since people are requiring that I take a class before the test. I know enough to take the test already, so I feel like taking the class is a waste of money, but apparently they want to waste it and there's no short cut here. To make the most of taking an expensive course, I am trying to decide which one to add (security+, network+, or the healthcare one) but asking industry professionals about what's out there should be the best way to gather research. Regionally, I am in Massachusetts, with some college but no degree, so it is very difficult to find anything without a certification under my belt. But I am also interested in hearing about any scenarios in the Fort Lauderdale/Broward Co. area. since moving there in a year or two is a possibility for me.

I hope people can suggest areas where I could find the information I am looking for, or that people can offer their own insights.

 

[Powell41]

I'm in the same boat as yourself as far as education goes, however in my case those courses and the CompTIA A+ course were taken more for personal enlightenment than anything else. I'm 71 years old and retired so I never expect to use them for any practical purpose but I'm often called upon by friends and aquaintances to assist them with computer problems. I took the course for free many years ago at a site called MindLeaders but never followed up on it. I decided to update the course and write the exam and I am now taking itthrough an outfit called TrainSignal. MindLeaders still offers the course, but not for free The TrainSignal course costs $297.00 Canadian and provides disks as well as online instructions. MindLeaders is $279.00 without the disks. You will probably find it tough slogging, not because it is difficult, but because it is boring and repetitive for people who have even a limited knowledge of computers. It is however a good refresher.
You can go to the CompTIA site for information on where to take the certification test and how much they cost, or you can take the course through them.
Sorry I can't help you regarding job prospects as I live in Alberta, Canada and all I can say is that if you can breathe you can work out here.

 

[kdrucas]

Thanks for the tips! Any pro's want to weigh in?

 

[Dave Atkin]

Hello,

I'm an IT/Network Engineer. I've done a couple of COMPTIA courses, the A+ and N+.

I agree with Borg 386, appart from the college classes... I dont like to learn in that environment either.

The COMPTIA N+ gives you a great foundation on Networking. Again I would recommend doing it if you want to learn more - It can be expensive though but if I had to turn back time I would do them again.



Dave

 

[Powell41]

Thanks for the info. At 71, my interest in IT technology is not for any career moves. It's just that, since I use my computer extensively for research on courses I am taking, I thought it was time that I learned a little more about this tool. I would prefer to take these courses at a school, (I enjoyed the personal interaction I had for courses I have taken at a bricks and motar institution) but as a retired person, I find them too expensive and time constraining. The accredited courses I take through Athabasca University are only a little over $400 a pop for us old farts and this includes all textbooks and other supplies.
I do, however, greatly appeciate the suggestions and information I receive from people such as yourself who are engaged in a very interesting field. It is truly enlightening and helps me grasp the complexities involved in this profession.

Best Regards
Powell Lucas