Hello brand new to this... LOTS OF ?'S PLEASE HELP

[rsm]

Hey everyone-:)

I have always had an interest in computers and their workings since being young. I know some things about HTML and how to hook up computers/small networks. But thats about as far as my knowledge goes. I dont consider myself illiterate but I know im no expert.

I was thinking about taking classes online at Penn Foster College. This is the program outline:

pennfostercollege.edu/PCMaintTech/ProgramOutline . html

This isn't for the carreer certificate that they offer. This says it's an actual associates degree and Penn Foster College is an actual college unlike Penn Foster Carreer School which just gives you the carreer certificate issued by them. It costs around $5k for four semesters.

Would this be worth the money or are there books that will teach me the same things as they offer? If so what books are they? I would really like to get to know more about IT and being a computer maintenance tech before I start looking into A+, MSCE, cisco, etc.... certifications.

Thanks and nice to meet you all!
Ryan

[Nospicer]

personaly i would find a mom and pop shop in town and see if they would hire you to help around the shop. I did that and went to a tech school at the same time and i learn more watching the other guys at the shop then reading the books. but i was always a hand on kinda person.

[iptech]

ENG100 - English Composition (3 Credits)
The Basics; The Writing Process; Descriptive Writing; Writing Narrative; Reflective and Persuasive Writing

Easy when it comes to computer repairs!

Descriptive = "It's f*cked"

Narrative = "It's f*cked because you visited a dodgy website and/or downloaded hooky software"

Reflective & Persuasive = "If you want us to put right the mess you've made it'll cost ya!"

:D

Seriously, these courses are well intentioned an no doubt useful, but they are limited in their scope and will only teach you what's on their syllabus. As Nospicer says you'll learn far more about the realities of a computer repair business from people who are working in the business - maybe do the course and work weekends/part-time for a local firm?

[jj2000]

personaly i would find a mom and pop shop in town and see if they would hire you to help around the shop. I did that and went to a tech school at the same time and i learn more watching the other guys at the shop then reading the books. but i was always a hand on kinda person.

agreed with the above 100% even try to offer yourself for free if no one is hiring paid employees just get your foot in the door and learn all you can from doing the job and then worry about certs.