Study help

[anijam85]

Does anyone know where I can find a study group (chat or mail) for the A+ (or multiple tests)? I am trying to down the information for the A+ but I need some help and probably need to talk to other human beings rather than reading more guides or self tests (preferably one on one or just a friend that I can ask questions).
I am the type of person that came into the scene with little-to-no previous knowledge and I am learning very quickly but there are some things that comfuse me. Most of them I understand later with the intigration of other information but like I said, I'm confused.

[Variable]

IMHO, I would ignore most web sites. I would get a book that is CURRENT, read it and set up a small lab. You need a computer you can tinker with for software and hardware. If you have questions about things you don't understand you can post them here or other of the many tech forums like http://www.anandtech.com/
I have never found a certification forum that wasn't full of bs. You have lots of people who will never actually take a cert exam but want to talk about it coupled with people who are actively disseminating bad information. Then you have the people advertising for their own sites and bad mouthing other sites. A+ is an easy intro cert. Most of the intro comptia certs are pretty easy compared to MS and Cisco. Very few trick questions and pretty straightforward.

[anijam85]

Current books and toy computers cost money. The computer that I'm on...free. The internet, jacking from my father-in-law. I have no money. I am currently reading the Certiguides but I dont think that's current. I have a practice test that I installed from an older cd...2001 I think. I know that the way the sciences and technology jump, I know that's not nearly what I'm to expect.
I have been asking my husband to help me. He learned everything by messing with his parents computers so he knows what things do and how to make things work but he doesn't know small details. I want to know computers inside and out. Im not taking the A+ to have something on a resume, I am taking it to prove to myself I can.

[bassman]

Hello [b]anijam85] and welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

Money or not, you are going to have to come up with enough parts to be able to assemble and test a working computer. There are many ways to come up with this for free (or very cheap). I have found craigslist (craigslist.org) to be an invaluable resource. Don't be afraid to ask for a donation for your cause.
Also, people around my town have a habit os setting unwanted items on the curb (me included ;) ) and other folks who need them pick them up for free with no need for personal interaction. One of my employees picked up a case with several decent components including a DVD drive. I gave him sevearl older HDD's, some RAM, a case/PSU, and other parts. He made two working computers from all of this. One for himself and one for another employee.
Ask local small businesses if they have old computers they are no longer using. Explain what you are trying to do and most will be more then happy to help, and clear out their store rooms. My wifes boss found out I was into computers and sends stuff home all the time.
Be creative and resourcefull, but be careful, you will end up with a garage full of computers :D

As for books, Certiguide is current. The A+ exam deals with older techknowledgy more then it does with current. You have to know history before you can head into the future ;)

Good luck with your quest
Frank :cool:

[Variable]

I agree with Bassman, you can get computer for very little money. I would also look at the Salvation Army and Goodwill. You can pick up old pc's for very cheap. You can always talk them down on price.