Where to Start? 1

[bloodstrike75]

First a little history about myself:

I have been in the telecom world for about 7 years now. When I first got out into the “real world”, I was a data specialist and worked in both IT and telecom for a company. I enjoyed the IT side of it being responsible for loading and maintaining software, setting up email accounts, and responsible for network connectivity. But I made the change to go over to telecom about 6 years ago and have been in it since. I am wanting to get back into the IT field because it seems to interest me more. I have dabbled in a lot of things related to the IT field, so I consider myself a “jack of all trades, but a master of none.” I also build pc’s for friends and family or for my personal gaming use.

I am considering going for my MCSA and then maybe up to MCSE. I was also thinking about some Cisco certs. My problem is, I am not sure where to start. I don’t know if I should start with A+ and Network+ and then move on to the Microsoft certs, or get a Microsoft OS cert to get MCP and then get CCNA to get started? I have checked into a local community college to help me get started because I have problems sticking with the books. The community college has a 7 month program for the MCSE track that would help me out.

Also, I am interested in becoming a Network Admin or working in Network Securities. Which certs would benefit me more in each of those fields? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KimberTech]

I think you have the cart before the horse..so to speak.

So many techs figure out what certs to get, and then find out that the jobs they are interested in need something else...or something more.

You are going to have to identify what area of IT you want to go into.

If you want to work for an ISP for example, you will focus differently than if you wanted to open a consulting firm doing networks and hardware repair.

The education you are looking at is fine as far as what to take, and I would advise anyone to take A+ to start with because it is a basic hardware/os entry cert.

After that, you are going to have to narrow your options down more, and decide where you want to be.

If you want to do networking you can go CISCO...or Microsoft or both. If you want to work with upgrading and migrating networks you will need to focus on operating systems more.

Do you know what area you want to lean toward?

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[bloodstrike75]

I feel that I am leaning more towards the Network Administrator side of the house. I think that I would enjoy it more.

 

[KimberTech]

That's a good start..

Now what operating systems are you most comfortable with, or interest you the most?

I am trying to ask you questions that will help you answer your own post.
If you know what you want to do, then the answers will be easy to identify.



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[bloodstrike75]

After reading some of the other threads, I think I will go with Win2K.

I appreciate your help on this matter. So you think I should go with A+ first? Do you know of any good resources? I bought the All In One A+ Certification Exam Guide, written by Meyers last year, but could not stick with it because I get bored reading after a while.

 

[KimberTech]

I really do think the Comptia exams are a good start.

Does the Meyers book come with a CD?
I know what you mean about getting bored with reading, but you had better get used to it if you are going to start a certification track.

The CD with the official A+ exam books has mock exams and things like that, for more auditory and visual learners.
I think that based on what you have stated that something like that might help you out.

If you are getting bored just reading, why not try having some parts and a computer in front of you while you read.
Take a break every so often to look at what they are explaining. It will help cement what you are reading, and maybe you will get less bored.

Once you get to the 2K track, get some transcender exams......they are basically practise tests that will help you learn HOW M$ asks questions, and what THEY expect the answers to be.

Any other questions don't hesitate to post. If I can't answer them, there are lots of others here that can.

Also, in case you haven't seen it, I did write an FAQ on the subject of taking Microsoft Exams:

faq468-2603

As for the help, anytime!

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[thutmose]

Go here

http://www.computerworld.co.nz/webhome.nsf/UNID/01EFC34650E236C6CC256CCD00042624!opendocument

These are the top certifications you can receive. Also, the Microsoft field is flooded with folks and the demand has seen better days. UNIX has some pretty good pay and you do not have to relearn the samething over and over and over and over and over again, just a thought!