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I am in a new position where i am working as a computer lab tech and would love to learn how to be more familiar with how to use the network here and for beyond here.

I am looking for a future in IT so i can have the knowledge to help my business and others out there.

Any advice and any sites i can go visit to learn everyday?

Thanks,

Jason

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I’m assuming “absolute” beginner. If so, I’d start with http://www.professormesser.com/

Go through A+ (there is plenty of networking there), Net+, and Sec+ training to get you a base foundation.

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Thank you for the reply

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Youtube is a great resource too. As you are going through the Prof Messer videos and have questions, search youtube for videos that provide more elaborate explanations.

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Just started watching his video on CompTIA + A

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Hey Jason - Just in case you’re in need of some extra help in achieving certifications, New Horizons can help you with gaining the A+ certification , which will help you be capable of performing tasks such as installation, configuration and troubleshooting of common PC systems.

Let me know if you’re interested in learning more - I’m happy to help out if I can!

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Thank for the reply to this and i will take what you said into consideration and let you know.

Thanks and have a good day

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+1 for http://www.professormesser.com/ - His videos cut down my study time for the CompTIA A+ exams. Great IT generalist entry level certificate.

As mentioned, YouTube is your friend and ofcourse, cannot forget Google.

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Go for the CCENT, then CCNA. I wouldnt waste time with A+ if your goal is to end up as a network engineer.l My 0.2 cents.

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If you really want to know I would say first start off by building a computer and know what each part does in case you haven’t done so already. While achieving that you should be studying for the A+ certification. Next go for Network+. IF you have the funds you should try to build yourself a lab that you way you can see how servers work as well as how networks work. I would say yes look at the professor messor videos, but you should use a hardback cover book A+ as well don’t just rely on those videos. Trust me and everyone else who has mentioned having a home lab helps you to understand how things work and you break things and understand what you need to do to correct the issue.

IF you don’t have the funds to buy routers and switches you could always go to cisco and use the packet tracer. It is a virtual simulation of how to work with routers and switches basically configuring them.

You have many parts of IT and it is up to you to choose what YOU think you would be interested in. Plus if you take the time to really understand and play around with different equipment you will soon land a sys admin job or network admin. job quickly. Please just hear what I am telling you and you will move up quickly. Unfortunately, I didn’t take the time to build myself labs when I first started out doing all this. I mean it is never too late I just wish I had started building labs way back when that way I could be in a sys admin job currently. Good luck to you.

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Jeff thanks alot for the kind words and i will budget out appropriately what i can do start following the right set up.
I have a few computers at home that i mess around with by taking them apart and putting them back together once in a while so i have a better understanding of what and how the computer works.
I have a A+ book that i have read and need to re-read again to remember what i have forgotten or just need a refresher on for the day and the future.
Jeff thanks again

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While CCENT and CCNA is valuable. I have seen a LOT of companies that require A+ Cert, just to be considered.

Besides that, it DOES provide a good “base” to work from. As you are studying for A+, you will soon discover the areas that you need to work on.

Also, since A+ is very broad in its scope, you may find that some areas interest you more. You can then focus on those areas to develop a specialization, or go for the broad spectrum and be a Jack of All Trades, (master of none).

My advice would be to get your A+ first. This will open employment opportunities, show your weak areas, and possibly raise your interest in a specializaiton.

At the same time, read a LOT of job descriptions and job requirements. Choose a target job that you would enjoy (this is very important), and work towards the additional skills that that particular job requires.

For example, I worked my way up from a Comp Sci major (had to leave before getting my degree due to personal reasons). From there I got my first “real world” job at a software company. In that company, they were lacking someone with strengths in hardware systems for new installs and supporting the current customer base. I chose to concentrate on the hardware systems at that time, (UNIX System V systems on Unisys, AT&T, NEC, and IBM hardware). Soon, I was the Sys Admin in charge of installations.

Unfortunately, this was a healthcare software company, and when HIPAA came along, it was too costly to modify our system, so we sold off. An opportunity came along to partner up with 2 others and we started a computer service company focusing on small businesses. Eventually, some bigger fish came into the market and pushed us small guys out.

I learned a lot though that experience however, and was able to get my A+ without too much difficulty. While studying for the A+, I found that I really liked working with networking and decided to make that my focus.

Fast forward to today. I am now a senior Network Engineer for an MSP, and spend the majority of my time designing and supporting network infrastructure for multiple clients. My broad range of background has given me unique skills in my market to work on small networks of a couple computers all the way up to clients with multi-city VPNs.

Bottom line: A+. Find out what you really like to do. Focus on that. It will take time, but you will be happy doing your job and as you advance, the pay and benefits get better.

Good luck! PM me if you would like some personal coaching on your quest.

@jasonallen6

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Learn and Do CCNA certification. You’ll get an idea after that. Go for it. :slight_smile: