I am new - need advice on IT

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by InspClouseau, Sep 1, 2007.

  1. InspClouseau

    InspClouseau Bit Poster

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    Hi

    I need some advice on IT training.

    I am unemployed for last 15 months and use to work as a clerk.
    I am completing my ECDL and should finish the course later this month.

    I need to find a job but find it difficult to get one in office administration. Now, I am prepared to do some training. The following courses would appeal to me in order of importance:

    • CIW Web Design
    • MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Technician)
    • A+
    • N+

    I looked at several online sites and training providers:
    Advent, Redwood Futures, Home Learning College, ICS, affordablecomputing.com etc. Affordable Computing does an online course for A+/n+ combined for £450 only.

    I wish to start on one of the above course I listed but I am not sure how difficult they are. I am computer literate and 55 years old.

    Any advice will be appreciated.

    :rolleyes:
     
    Certifications: BSc (Hons) in Computing & Statistics
    WIP: A+
  2. Mitzs
    Honorary Member

    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    well since you know your way around computers, I would do a self study in all of these then paying someone. Amazon you can get very nice used books for reasonable prices. Or atleast in the US you can. And since I am based in the US, I could not help you with any of those schools. A+ and N+ are easy once you can wrap your head around it. I would do A+ before N+. But if you are wanting back in as an office admin, I would go for MS office certs too.
     
    Certifications: Microcomputers and network specialist.
    WIP: Adobe DW, PS
  3. wizard

    wizard Petabyte Poster

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    Hi there and welcome 8)
     
    Certifications: SIA DS Licence
    WIP: A+ 2009
  4. dmarsh
    Honorary Member 500 Likes Award

    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

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    Hi there and welcome ! :biggrin

    These are all fairly easy to learn concepts, the courses can be useful but self study is a very viable option for these certs.

    I don't know much about any of those providers, online courses can vary in quality, I'd prefer a book or traditional CBT myself.

    I'd ask yourself what you hope to achieve, you should do what interests you as none of these certs in themselves will necessarilly land you a job. A web dev and a support role are quite different, while theres no reason you shouldn't study both I'd try to focus your efforts if the objective is to land a job.

    If your background is in administration you may find the MOS/MCBS certs will give you more immediate benefit.

    Best of luck in your studies ! :biggrin
     
  5. InspClouseau

    InspClouseau Bit Poster

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    Thanks for the advice.

    But I was fed up with office administration as my last boss was a control freak and I could not handle the situation. Since I have not been working for over a year and its difficult to get a job as an administrator, I need a change in career.

    MCDST,A+ and CIW Web Design are my only options. I wish to know if they are difficult and if I get certified in either of the 3 courses, would it be easy to get a job.

    I prefer a on-line training or classroom training.
    By the way, Microsoft Certification UK offers:
    MCDST (£250+vat), MCP (£150+vat), MCSE (£600+vat) and MOS (£100+vat) - not pricey!
    They offer a free demo too.

    MOS would be easiest for me but is there any demand for it in UK job market.

    Any comments would help. :blink
     
    Certifications: BSc (Hons) in Computing & Statistics
    WIP: A+
  6. nick-mondo

    nick-mondo New Member

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    Hello there,
    Well I'm in the same boat as you InspClouseau I'm new to the site and to IT learning. And just like you I've been looking into ICS courses, I think that (for me at least) I need the support of the advisors and I need the push from myself to do the work, so paying £450 is an insentive not to waste my money haha!
    But what I would like to know is, has anyone used ICS before? I had a look at computeach and they wanted £1800 to do my A+ and thats not happening.
    In price ICS sounds good but I'd like some one elses view?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated chaps!
    thanks
     
  7. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

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    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  8. UCHEEKYMONKEY
    Honorary Member

    UCHEEKYMONKEY R.I.P - gone but never forgotten. Gold Member

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    Hello Nick and Welcome to CF:biggrin

    I have heard about ICS and almost did a course but didn't because of the bad reviews. I read somewhere that ICS Diploma stands I Cant See my Diploma:p

    Have a look at this website before deciding.

    ICS REVIEWS

    Why not try self study route is a big supporter here at CF?:biggrin
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+
    WIP: Comptia N+
  9. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

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    I was in your boat till I got some sound advice from the good people on here, you dont need a course you just need the appropriate books and determination to study them yourself.

    It'll save you cash and get you qualified :D
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  10. wizard

    wizard Petabyte Poster

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    Hi guys,

    InspClouseau you can save a lot of money by going the self study route, if you get stuck you can ask any of us and we will help you, IMHO you can learn a lot more from us than being tutor led.
     
    Certifications: SIA DS Licence
    WIP: A+ 2009
  11. UCHEEKYMONKEY
    Honorary Member

    UCHEEKYMONKEY R.I.P - gone but never forgotten. Gold Member

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    Well said and excellent point!:clap:rocks
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+
    WIP: Comptia N+
  12. nick-mondo

    nick-mondo New Member

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    Thanks all!
    I've got myself some books with dvd tuorials and stuff like that, is there anything else ill need at the moment? like a tool kit ect...?
    Im going to work on my A+ and N+ im no fool so i think doing two at once wont be too much trouble!!
    How long did you chaps take to finish the whole thing?

    thanks
     
  13. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

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    Hi Nickmodo

    People learn at different rates, it could take some a day or two to get the A+ dpwn, it could take someone a couple of years it just depends how you take in infomation and how much experience and stuff you have.

    Its not a race, just study till you know the concepts then do the exams.
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  14. Jakamoko
    Honorary Member

    Jakamoko On the move again ...

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    What GBL said, plus I would personally recommend doing one at a time. no point jeopardising your chances of passing each one by potentially takign on too much at one time.

    I'm sure you are no fool, but don't underestimate these entry-level certs ... they still require a good bit of application.

    Hope this helps :)
     
    Certifications: MCP, A+, Network+
    WIP: Clarity

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