Are You Guys A+ Certified

[Honda_Boy]

I'm 17. I'm tech support for most folks i know. i've been paid to repair systems. Hope to soon be paid to build them. Yet I'm not A+ certified. I want to be. My brother is an ASE certified Automotive Parts Specialist but that has nothing to do with me.

Basically, screw Geek Squad. Call the neirborhood techie, Honda Boy. He's cheaper and a 30 second walk away.

Edit* My first comp. 1997. A POS Localy built PC with a Cyrix 233MHz (worlds worst processor 98se was unstable on that thing) with originally Windows 95, and 64 MB of ram. My next system (2000) where i did most of my hardware learnin on was a Gateway Performance 800 originally an 800MHz PIII with 64mb ram, 16Gb harddrive, Sounblaster 128 and an nVidia Riva TNT2 video card (awful card there was conflict between it and that particular mobo model) it now has 512mb Ram, twin WD 20GB drives, SOunblaster Live! 5.1, and a 64mb nVidia GeForce2 MX400. Then earlier this year i built my current system.

Edited September 10, 2005 by Honda_Boy

[Tootsdog9]

Just out of curiousity - what would be a good book to read/a course to take that would be good for the A+ test?  I have some pretty good knowledge as far as how to build and fix computers, but I'd need something to learn all of those trivial numbers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Call your local college and ask about courses on A+. The books you will need for those class's have all the info you will need to pass the core and os parts of the test. If you feel you are advanced enough, just the books will do the trick. But you will need to study them to pass. I took the class's because I wanted to and I wanted to be able to also mention it on my resume. The more certs on your resume, the better your chances. I recently got Dell certifiied for desktops and laptops. A company out of town needed some psu's changed and gave me the tests for free just to do the job for them locally. So I got 2 certifications and paid. More to add on to the resume. Books I have are Jean Andrews A+ guide to hardware and its counter part book on software. Also Scott Mueller's book Upgrading and Repairing PC's. They were a bit expensive but will always store the knowledge I can't always remember. When you get older, you will know what I mean.

[TymeKyller]

"To me A+ certification is about on par with a GED. It's not going to do much for you, but if you are in a bind or want a head start when you are young it can lead you onto better things."

I agree, I just got mine about 4-6 months ago and it doesn't really do anything for a job, but will lead me to better things down the road...

[blim]

To add a bit to Tootsdog's comments about the books, also check your local libraries! Our library is part of a Multi County Cooperative and has a website where you can order books online to arrive at the local library--they even call you when they arrive. Good for the cheapskates and the young'uns with good memories

Liz

[CataclysmCow]

I'm not on the up'n'up of tech support jobs at Best Buy and your local Comp USA, but I dont' think I've ever seen an A+ cert as a requirement for a job position.

I know a lot of people who are in a position to hire for IT support and I don't think any of them have ever made any judgement calls based on an A+ cert. They are in a position where they are accountable so they invariably look for experience. I occasionally do hiring for a company I work for when I get overwhelmed or we need PC repair techs on staff. And as snooty as it sounds I think I'd actually give less value to someone who listed an A+ cert on their resume.

All the A+ cert shows is that you had the will and desire to get a worthless certification. The certification is worthless, but it does at least illustrate that you have drive and smidgen of willingness to put forth some effort.

What do I look for when I interview someone with lightweight resume? Someone who can show me that they can see the intent of my questions rather than autonomically answer with a kiss-ass response. This shows me that they will get to the heart of the issue fast and that they possess at least a little instinctive troubleshooting skill.

If you are under 17 years of age I can see where an A+ cert would be a valuable chance to prove your attitude and resolve and maybe relax ageist views of an employer, but I can't see how anyone would actually put any value on the cert itself.

[lefty1953]

Are many of you who do computer repair A+ certified?

edit added//

do many of you make your living doing computer repair?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Self taught here also. My son-in-law however is A+ certified and he is always asking me for advice on repairs and fixes. I have used PC's since the early 80's and started out with a TI99 4a and then had both a 8088 and 8086 machines before setting up to my first 386. Wow what a rush!

[tictoc5150]

Are many of you who do computer repair A+ certified?

edit added//

do many of you make your living doing computer repair?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Certs?

Nope, all self taught...At one time I strongly considered getting all the major certs to land one of those jobs that's a little less demanding on the body as my current position but looking at the saturation of geeks and the few positions in the IT field in my area, I felt I was a little too old to be sacrificing what I've accomplished at my current place of employ (yeah, some of it might've been fear of uncertainty too)

"do many of you make your living doing computer repair?"

Make a living? no....make money? yes....don't tell Uncle Sam, ok?

I, like yourself, have been considering making a business out of it.

Most of the people that I've done work for or have sent work my way, probably don't have a clue what a certifcation is and really couldn't care less as long as they have the files that they didn't have backed up, right where they left them on their now bootable PC.

The only thing that doesn't thrill me is the spyware aspect...I feel like wiping their drive and installing linux everytime I see an infested machine.

Edited September 10, 2005 by tictoc5150

[Tootsdog9]

I'm not on the up'n'up of tech support jobs at Best Buy and your local Comp USA, but I dont' think I've ever seen an A+ cert as a requirement for a job position. 

I know a lot of people who are in a position to hire for IT support and I don't think any of them have ever made any judgement calls based on an A+ cert.  They are in a position where they are accountable so they invariably look for experience.  I occasionally do hiring for a company I work for when I get overwhelmed or we need PC repair techs on staff.  And as snooty as it sounds I think I'd actually give less value to someone who listed an A+ cert on their resume.

All the A+ cert shows is that you had the will and desire to get a worthless certification.  The certification is worthless, but it does at least illustrate that you have drive and smidgen of willingness to put forth some effort.

What do I look for when I interview someone with lightweight resume?  Someone who can show me that they can see the intent of my questions rather than autonomically answer with a kiss-ass response.  This shows me that they will get to the heart of the issue fast and that they possess at least a little instinctive troubleshooting skill.

If you are under 17 years of age I can see where an A+ cert would be a valuable chance to prove your attitude and resolve and maybe relax ageist views of an employer, but I can't see how anyone would actually put any value on the cert itself.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The problem with you CC is that you havn't been looking for a job. At least not entry level. You are way advanced in networking and I'm sure many other areas of the IT industry. So you don't see any importance. Check out the jobs for yourself! You will see they often want A+ and a whole lot more. You keep putting down those stores as poor jobs leading to nothing, but we can't all start out with degrees and work high paying jobs right out of the gate. Please stop looking down your nose at people that are just starting out in the computer industry. They often work hard as I did to take the courses that give you many of the basics about computers. As much as you know, I bet you would fail the test if you didn't study. Why does it seem that you always look down your nose and talk rudely to people? Does it come natural or did you work at it?

[cherokeechief]

A+ certified?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

are yu kidding?

i was an A student in electronics for 2 1/2 years.

worked in electronics for 15 years.

i was learning about computer systems before MS became popular.

most of the electronic organs i worked on had a computer in them.

[TheTrueDarkOne]

Im A+

IN MY HEAD

No I am

[CataclysmCow]

Toots, you seem to have a real problem with anyone who posts anything that you can argue with. You have a long post history of flying off the handle with no reason. Your post is largely insultive and completely judgemental. I don't expect you to change anymore than I expect your expectations of me to change, but maybe you should be made aware of it?

The problem with you CC is that you havn't been looking for a job. At least not entry level.

Right, so I'm some high class snob who's out of touch? I spent 3 years of my life recovering from a chronic, systemic illness and had to support myself completely off the goodwill of others. I spent years rebuilding my career and business. It was a great lesson in humility. Not only do I have experience in hiring for the positions we are discussing I have a lot of experience in applying for them.

You are way advanced in networking and I'm sure many other areas of the IT industry. So you don't see any importance. Check out the jobs for yourself! You will see they often want A+ and a whole lot more.

I do check the local available jobs - OFTEN. I've never seen any job that required or even mentioned an A+ cert. Unless the job was highly specialized I've only seen general certs like a MSCE, CISSP, CCNA, etc.. The only common theme I've seen in job requirements of that sort is experience which is what I've been saying all along. Only in highly specialized environments will you find a need for certs like GIAC.

You keep putting down those stores as poor jobs leading to nothing, but we can't all start out with degrees and work high paying jobs right out of the gate.

They are poor jobs. They do lead to nothing. I'm not insulting anyone here and I don't expect anyone to argue this point. I worked digging ditches for years and I'm not about to glorify it as a rich job with opportunities. Any job that you can put forth a good work ethic is a GOOD JOB. Any job that allows you to support your family is a GOOD JOB. If you feel insulted it's because of your own expectations of yourself. Personally I'm damn happy digging ditches and if it provided for what I need I'd choose it over my current profession. Don't pull this "you were born with a silver spoon" crap on me. I was on the streets at the age of 13.

Please stop looking down your nose at people that are just starting out in the computer industry. They often work hard as I did to take the courses that give you many of the basics about computers

I don't look down my nose at people just starting out. I do get a little harsh on people who are just starting out and become king of the hill and start handing out really bad advice to others looking for a similar career. If you look at my post history you'll see me helping out dozens of people who are looking to the InfoSec/Networking fields as a career. If you don't act like you suppose everyone else is an idiot I won't treat you like an idiot. If you find any post of mine that doesn't follow that rule then I'm just being an ass and you are more than welcome to call me out on that - I really don't care.

As much as you know, I bet you would fail the test if you didn't study.

Actually, I have taken it a few times (stolen tests) and I did pass. I don't attribute this to any greatness of mine. I've just been around for a long time. The test covers a lot of late 80's/early 90's history. If you want something more embarrassing ... I failed a fake GFCW test last year (which is supposedly my specialty). Just goes to show that most certs don't really mean squat (or I suck).

Why does it seem that you always look down your nose and talk rudely to people? Does it come natural or did you work at it?

No, I just have a long history of learning to start hating people like you who are so frickn' judgemental. Where have I been rude to someone who hasn't deserved it? Aside from being a geek, where have I insulted someone for not knowing some obscure fact?

Get over the fact that other people are more skilled and knowlegable than you in some areas and you'll be much more likely to succeed in life. Ego is the one thing that will hold you down. Am I an ass sometimes? Sure, but it's not going to do squat to you unless you have an issue with your ego. Thomas Jefferson had some great advice on this - suggest you read up on it.

[hitest]

No certification here, self taught. I've also graduated from the Oh Sh!t college of computer repair. Many people here seem to have gone to the same school:-) I help friends, I'll work for beer:-)

Good luck with the business, shanenin!

[shanenin]

No certification here, self taught.  I've also graduated from the Oh Sh!t college of computer repair.  Many people here seem to have gone to the same school:-)  I help friends, I'll work for beer:-)

Good luck with the business, shanenin!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks :-)

I have low expectations. If I cover my two hundred a month in expenses, plus make another $100/week I will be succesful in my mind.

I will be truely happy(on the job front) When I can QUIT serving food for a living. The thougt of making a living at something I enjoy(computers) is a great motivater.

[hitest]

No certification here, self taught.  I've also graduated from the Oh Sh!t college of computer repair.  Many people here seem to have gone to the same school:-)  I help friends, I'll work for beer:-)

Good luck with the business, shanenin!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks :-)

I have low expectations. If I cover my two hundred a month in expenses, plus make another $100/week I will be succesful in my mind.

I will be truely happy(on the job front) When I can QUIT serving food for a living. The thougt of making a living at something I enjoy(computers) is a great motivater.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're very welcome You know a hell of a lot about computers, shanenin.

I'm wondering if you should let your customers know that you're an expert with Linux? As you know Linux is taking off these days, that may be something that sets you apart from the other computer repair guys, it could perhaps help to promote your business. You run Gentoo, how many A+ certified people can claim that? You could tell them that you can fix their PCs and help with setting up a Linux work station.

Just a weird thought I had:-)

[robroy]

sounds like a pretty good one to me hitest

[shanenin]

fixing windows computers(and getting paid) would be great.

fixing and setting up linux computers(and getting paid) would be a dream :-)

As for commercial linux business, I can convert old units to video players. I have done 500mhz celeron systems with 65 mb of memory that will serve movies(mpegs 4s) directly to the tv(uses composite or svidio) and serve movies to two other computers in the house with out any jerkyness on any of the movies. The cpu load is only about 60%. I was thinking about showing people my freevo box, and offering to build them one.

http://freevo.sourceforge.net

freevo as I use it is just mainly as a video jukebox for the tv, not a pvr(which can be done)

Edited September 11, 2005 by shanenin

[Tootsdog9]

Toots, you seem to have a real problem with anyone who posts anything that you can argue with.  You have a long post history of flying off the handle with no reason.  Your post is largely insultive and completely judgemental.  I don't expect you to change anymore than I expect your expectations of me to change, but maybe you should be made aware of it?

The problem with you CC is that you havn't been looking for a job. At least not entry level.

Right, so I'm some high class snob who's out of touch? I spent 3 years of my life recovering from a chronic, systemic illness and had to support myself completely off the goodwill of others. I spent years rebuilding my career and business. It was a great lesson in humility. Not only do I have experience in hiring for the positions we are discussing I have a lot of experience in applying for them.

You are way advanced in networking and I'm sure many other areas of the IT industry. So you don't see any importance. Check out the jobs for yourself! You will see they often want A+ and a whole lot more.

I do check the local available jobs - OFTEN. I've never seen any job that required or even mentioned an A+ cert. Unless the job was highly specialized I've only seen general certs like a MSCE, CISSP, CCNA, etc.. The only common theme I've seen in job requirements of that sort is experience which is what I've been saying all along. Only in highly specialized environments will you find a need for certs like GIAC.

You keep putting down those stores as poor jobs leading to nothing, but we can't all start out with degrees and work high paying jobs right out of the gate.

They are poor jobs. They do lead to nothing. I'm not insulting anyone here and I don't expect anyone to argue this point. I worked digging ditches for years and I'm not about to glorify it as a rich job with opportunities. Any job that you can put forth a good work ethic is a GOOD JOB. Any job that allows you to support your family is a GOOD JOB. If you feel insulted it's because of your own expectations of yourself. Personally I'm damn happy digging ditches and if it provided for what I need I'd choose it over my current profession. Don't pull this "you were born with a silver spoon" crap on me. I was on the streets at the age of 13.

Please stop looking down your nose at people that are just starting out in the computer industry. They often work hard as I did to take the courses that give you many of the basics about computers

I don't look down my nose at people just starting out. I do get a little harsh on people who are just starting out and become king of the hill and start handing out really bad advice to others looking for a similar career. If you look at my post history you'll see me helping out dozens of people who are looking to the InfoSec/Networking fields as a career. If you don't act like you suppose everyone else is an idiot I won't treat you like an idiot. If you find any post of mine that doesn't follow that rule then I'm just being an ass and you are more than welcome to call me out on that - I really don't care.

As much as you know, I bet you would fail the test if you didn't study.

Actually, I have taken it a few times (stolen tests) and I did pass. I don't attribute this to any greatness of mine. I've just been around for a long time. The test covers a lot of late 80's/early 90's history. If you want something more embarrassing ... I failed a fake GFCW test last year (which is supposedly my specialty). Just goes to show that most certs don't really mean squat (or I suck).

Why does it seem that you always look down your nose and talk rudely to people? Does it come natural or did you work at it?

No, I just have a long history of learning to start hating people like you who are so frickn' judgemental. Where have I been rude to someone who hasn't deserved it? Aside from being a geek, where have I insulted someone for not knowing some obscure fact?

Get over the fact that other people are more skilled and knowlegable than you in some areas and you'll be much more likely to succeed in life. Ego is the one thing that will hold you down. Am I an ass sometimes? Sure, but it's not going to do squat to you unless you have an issue with your ego. Thomas Jefferson had some great advice on this - suggest you read up on it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I argue with people like you because you can be such an ass at times. All someone has to do is look at your post and yes they will see a very smart IT person who has a chip on his sholder. If you look through my post you will see that I even said so recently and told prybar he need not look any further than the 2 forums as he had already gotten network advice from the best in either forum. Now I try to help people too but I try to not down grade them as you do. I would not even suggest that I know as much as you, but I only started doing this for the last 2 years as I have a perminent disability from a ladder accident on my last job and no longer can drive because I can't pass the DOT physical (Crushed feet). So I don't consider a physical problem as an excuse to ridicule people or be rude to them. Just because you can.

Toots, you seem to have a real problem with anyone who posts anything that you can argue with. (Are you kidding me! ) Talk about someone calling the pot black!

Get over the fact that other people are more skilled and knowlegable than you in some areas and you'll be much more likely to succeed in life

I am well aware of this fact as I look for a job I can do everyday and find them requiring skills I do not have yet. Or are unable to do because of physical requirements.

Don't talk to me about ditch digging, I used to disperse bundles of shingles on roofs all day long in the hot sun or the freezing winter. I was the best at what I did and took pride in my work. At least you had a business and career you could rebuild! I am starting all over and when I see an old fart critisizing a young man for wanting to learn something new and willing to go to school for it I say shame on YOU!

[hitest]

Toots, you seem to have a real problem with anyone who posts anything that you can argue with.  You have a long post history of flying off the handle with no reason.  Your post is largely insultive and completely judgemental.  I don't expect you to change anymore than I expect your expectations of me to change, but maybe you should be made aware of it?

The problem with you CC is that you havn't been looking for a job. At least not entry level.

Right, so I'm some high class snob who's out of touch? I spent 3 years of my life recovering from a chronic, systemic illness and had to support myself completely off the goodwill of others. I spent years rebuilding my career and business. It was a great lesson in humility. Not only do I have experience in hiring for the positions we are discussing I have a lot of experience in applying for them.

You are way advanced in networking and I'm sure many other areas of the IT industry. So you don't see any importance. Check out the jobs for yourself! You will see they often want A+ and a whole lot more.

I do check the local available jobs - OFTEN. I've never seen any job that required or even mentioned an A+ cert. Unless the job was highly specialized I've only seen general certs like a MSCE, CISSP, CCNA, etc.. The only common theme I've seen in job requirements of that sort is experience which is what I've been saying all along. Only in highly specialized environments will you find a need for certs like GIAC.

You keep putting down those stores as poor jobs leading to nothing, but we can't all start out with degrees and work high paying jobs right out of the gate.

They are poor jobs. They do lead to nothing. I'm not insulting anyone here and I don't expect anyone to argue this point. I worked digging ditches for years and I'm not about to glorify it as a rich job with opportunities. Any job that you can put forth a good work ethic is a GOOD JOB. Any job that allows you to support your family is a GOOD JOB. If you feel insulted it's because of your own expectations of yourself. Personally I'm damn happy digging ditches and if it provided for what I need I'd choose it over my current profession. Don't pull this "you were born with a silver spoon" crap on me. I was on the streets at the age of 13.

Please stop looking down your nose at people that are just starting out in the computer industry. They often work hard as I did to take the courses that give you many of the basics about computers

I don't look down my nose at people just starting out. I do get a little harsh on people who are just starting out and become king of the hill and start handing out really bad advice to others looking for a similar career. If you look at my post history you'll see me helping out dozens of people who are looking to the InfoSec/Networking fields as a career. If you don't act like you suppose everyone else is an idiot I won't treat you like an idiot. If you find any post of mine that doesn't follow that rule then I'm just being an ass and you are more than welcome to call me out on that - I really don't care.

As much as you know, I bet you would fail the test if you didn't study.

Actually, I have taken it a few times (stolen tests) and I did pass. I don't attribute this to any greatness of mine. I've just been around for a long time. The test covers a lot of late 80's/early 90's history. If you want something more embarrassing ... I failed a fake GFCW test last year (which is supposedly my specialty). Just goes to show that most certs don't really mean squat (or I suck).

Why does it seem that you always look down your nose and talk rudely to people? Does it come natural or did you work at it?

No, I just have a long history of learning to start hating people like you who are so frickn' judgemental. Where have I been rude to someone who hasn't deserved it? Aside from being a geek, where have I insulted someone for not knowing some obscure fact?

Get over the fact that other people are more skilled and knowlegable than you in some areas and you'll be much more likely to succeed in life. Ego is the one thing that will hold you down. Am I an ass sometimes? Sure, but it's not going to do squat to you unless you have an issue with your ego. Thomas Jefferson had some great advice on this - suggest you read up on it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I argue with people like you because you can be such an ass at times. All someone has to do is look at your post and yes they will see a very smart IT person who has a chip on his sholder. If you look through my post you will see that I even said so recently and told prybar he need not look any further than the 2 forums as he had already gotten network advice from the best in either forum. Now I try to help people too but I try to not down grade them as you do. I would not even suggest that I know as much as you, but I only started doing this for the last 2 years as I have a perminent disability from a ladder accident on my last job and no longer can drive because I can't pass the DOT physical (Crushed feet). So I don't consider a physical problem as an excuse to ridicule people or be rude to them. Just because you can.

Toots, you seem to have a real problem with anyone who posts anything that you can argue with. (Are you kidding me! ) Talk about someone calling the pot black!

Get over the fact that other people are more skilled and knowlegable than you in some areas and you'll be much more likely to succeed in life

I am well aware of this fact as I look for a job I can do everyday and find them requiring skills I do not have yet. Or are unable to do because of physical requirements.

Don't talk to me about ditch digging, I used to disperse bundles of shingles on roofs all day long in the hot sun or the freezing winter. I was the best at what I did and took pride in my work. At least you had a business and career you could rebuild! I am starting all over and when I see an old fart critisizing a young man for wanting to learn something new and willing to go to school for it I say shame on YOU!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Tootsdog9 and CC,

Your discussion is starting to get a bit heated. I think it is time to lighten up with the insults and cool off. I'm not comfortable with flame wars here at BT.

Thank you.

[Guest fbelzile]

I actually graduated from highschool with a cisco network certification im also working on a eet degree and a cet degree my cet classes are a joke they are so easy but my eet class is different im actually learning new stuff all the time in that class

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am doing CCNA1 (Cisco Certified Networking Administrator) I am in grade 10.

What highschool did you go to? Balfour?

[naraku9333]

You're very welcome   You know a hell of a lot about computers, shanenin. 

I'm wondering if you should let your customers know that you're an expert with Linux?  As you know Linux is taking off these days, that may be something that sets you apart from the other computer repair guys, it could perhaps help to promote your business.  You run Gentoo, how many A+ certified people can claim that?  You could tell them that you can fix their PCs and help with setting up a Linux work station.

Just a weird thought I had:-)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can claim that. I'm A+ and Network+ certified and i run Gentoo (although i'm no linux expert yet).

I have to agree with CC for the most part, it's a decent first step. Taking the A+ prep class I took was the best thing for me, not because of any job I can get (I have see a few entry level positions that where looking for A+ cert.) but because it got me interested in school. I just started full time at the local comunity college where I will hopefully get a CS degree.

My advice, the certification cant hurt but may not help much. If you can go to college.

[hitest]

You're very welcome   You know a hell of a lot about computers, shanenin. 

I'm wondering if you should let your customers know that you're an expert with Linux?  As you know Linux is taking off these days, that may be something that sets you apart from the other computer repair guys, it could perhaps help to promote your business.  You run Gentoo, how many A+ certified people can claim that?  You could tell them that you can fix their PCs and help with setting up a Linux work station.

Just a weird thought I had:-)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can claim that. I'm A+ and Network+ certified and i run Gentoo (although i'm no linux expert yet).

I have to agree with CC for the most part, it's a decent first step. Taking the A+ prep class I took was the best thing for me, not because of any job I can get (I have see a few entry level positions that where looking for A+ cert.) but because it got me interested in school. I just started full time at the local comunity college where I will hopefully get a CS degree.

My advice, the certification cant hurt but may not help much. If you can go to college.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well said, naraku9333!

I'm going to disagree with you on one point. I do think you are a Linux expert; your posts demonstrate a deep understanding of Linux. We are lucky you are posting in our forum!