Welp... I guess I'll jump right in the IT game... :-)

[CLTEK]

Hey Kids!

I've decided to take a plunge into the world of IT and PC repair, etc by getting my A+ cert and getting my foot in the door of the industry.

For the past 10 years I've been a Pharmacy Technician and I'm topped out in pay ($17.00/hr) and there is no hope for a higher wage. Pharmacy school is out as I'm COMPLETELY UN-interested in becoming a pharmacist. What am I interested in? Computers. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

I developed this interest while pursuing my musical interests (been a musician for over twenty years)and modifying and optimizing my PC to serve as a Digital Audio Workstation. From there I took a larger interest in swapping software and hadware and optimizing systems and such.

I work for Eisenhower Medical Center (http://www.emc.org) which isn't well known as a mecca for computer geeks. However, they do have an extremely large campus (Betty Ford Center, Barbara Sinatra, Anenberg Center, Main Hospital, etc) and therefore have the largest network in the area (Palm Springs).

Since I have no 'real' experience working with computers, my plan is to become a (commonly frowned upon) 'paper technician' in order to get my foot in the door and transfer from the Pharmacy Dept. to the IS Department. With some luck, I will be able to make this transfer while remaining 'in house' without taking a pay cut. From there... It's all open and fair game. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

What little I know, is based on a ton of reading from the internet and the experience I have with my own/friend's PCs. I've been studying well over a thousand pages of docs that I've DLd from various sites on the net and a couple of books and study guides. And truthfully, I've been encouraged by all of the 'Practice Tests' that I've been taking on the interenet by getting passing scores on all of them. Encouraged, albeit disapointed. They seem too easy. I mean... I don't have any experience AT ALL, and I seem to pass the tests. What's up with that? All of the stuff that's out there for my consumption... All of the things you *CAN* know about computers, and I can pass this stuff? I'm baffled. But, then again, maybe I'm just a good test taker. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Anyway, since I don't have the ability to attend any kind of school (Married/Work 60 hours a week<nights>/three children/no money, etc, etc) do any of you all have any comments, suggestions or criticisms with regard to my plans? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully, Cory

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Age and Treachery will forever triumph over Youth and Skill.

[bassman]

Hey Cory, Sounds like you and I are the same dinosaur. The best suggestion I can give is to hit the flee markets and yard sales. Find a couple of old machines for around $5.00- $10.00. If they burn up, oh well. If you can find an old Compaq, pay top dollar. The education and the feeling of acomplishment in making an old broke Compaq come to life is incredible.(kinda kidding there). This site will become an obsession as the range of info is boundless and the people helpping are great. I think PETE would like someone with old machines to talk to also.(he he sorry Pete) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif Try playing around and having fun first, then see if you realy want to spend some money on further education. Keep us posted and e-mail if you like.
Frank

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bassman6996@aol.com

[mjc]

In reality if you can read and retain what you have read then those practice tests are easy, that's why 'paper techs' ar frowned upon. Most of my hands on is ten to fifteen years old but I found the practice tests easy without review.......But I got a new machine 1 year ago and started right in and its all coming back. I'm starting to build my own computer and I'm going to start taking the tests soon, too. I am going to some practice stuff with old machines though just because I think that it is fun.

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mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[Ken Thomas]

Hello Cory,

It sounds like you have a well thought out plan. I'd say the transferring within the same company is a wise choice also. The flea markets and friends upgrading to new systems is a good place to pick up older, and sometimes even a fairly new maching that you can upgrade. The books are plentiful on the A+ track. The new books will most likely be your wisest choice, since the are being written now with the new track in mind. I don't believe you will be eligible to test under the old test, as I think you had to be registered prior to Jan to take the test in Feb or Mar. You might want to check that date out, I'm not absolute on that.

You also mentioned that you have topped out your pay scale as a pharmacy technician at $17/hr, and I'm not sure that if you reseach it a bit, you may find that computer technicians aren't doing that well in certain parts of the county, and you may want to ponder that a bit more. I've looked in the Dallas, TX salary market surveys, and they show between $32,000 and $37,000 annual as pc technician I. By the way, that is $17.78/hr.

I wasn't sure if you plan to stop with the A+ certification, or seek other certifications, and other opportunities within the IT field. You may want to consider the Microsoft track and what it offers. There are several very informative post in the cettification forum that explains this well.

And finally, regarding the on line tests. I'm going to be sitting for the A+ exam this Wed, and hopefully all will go well. If you are breaking between 90% and 100% on these, and are comfortable with what you know, you may want to really focus on the new test material areas and then, with both those completed to your satisfaction, write the exam as soon as possible.

At any rate, I just wanted you to know that there are lots of us out here attempting the same type challenge. And these people in the fourm are very helpful, and there are "tons" of information within the PC Guide itself. Best wishes, and take care of those little ones. They have to be more fun than computers anyway. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif
Ken

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"If you don't stretch and grow, your 'status quo'."

[4thandgoal]

Sounds like a good plan to me Cory. I have recently passed my A+ (the old test) and thought it was fairly simple. You will have to study for the new test if you did not take any portion (the Dos/Windozes or Core hardware) prior to December 31, 2000. I have not seen any new A+ books or braindumps yet, but I am sure they will surface soon. If you have any old A+ books, I would recommend thay you still use them to study for the Hardware portion of the new exam. Hareware is hardware. The portion that may require the purchase of a new book is the Software side. NT/2000 questions will be on the new exam and most of the A+ books on shelf now do not address this MS client. I wish the best of luck in your efforts Cory. Ken do not stress about your upcoming exam. If I can pass, anyone with opposable thumbs can master it.