Just a little introduction

kinggeorge1987

Hey everybody,

My name is Josh and I'm currently attending Lincoln Tech to earn my Associates in IT & Network Communications /w Microsoft Systems, very fun stuff. I just became interested in earning CompTIA certs a couple of weeks ago, it was encouraged by my Office Applications professor and also mentioned in the enrollment agreement. Cant wait !

I've noticed everyone here is supportive of one another and very helpful in finding resources and what not, great environment. I really look forward in updating everyone of my status in the time to come and congratulating everyone I can on their achievements. My first question is this - I've been on the hunt for some good A+ study material to take the 701, and then the 702. I've found a media bundle that contains a text book, and a interactive CD-ROM, with flash cards included. --

The Ultimate CompTIA A+ 2009 Resource Kit, from Course Technology
CoursePTR.com

It is approved from CompTIA so I'm sure it covers the material, but has anyone here used it ? $75 dollars is a more then reasonable price for study material IF it is a good read. If this cant get me through the A+ exam I will probably purchase CompTIA 6-Month Elearning course for the $540.00. But it seems like such a waste considering I'm only studying for one exam right now. All of the other information I'm paying for will do me no good considering I have a strict budget set up so that I can obtain these materials 6 or 8 months apart. Eh sorry to ramble. Anyway, any reviews on the material above is much appreciated; I look forward to everyone's input.

rogue2shadow

First off, welcome to TE!!!

In terms of the A+, I have heard that a book by an author called "Meyer" is amazing for the A+ exam. I believe Lincoln Tech is providing you with the lab portion of it via required classes so you should be good to go once you know the objectives thoroughly.

IMHO, I would not go for the 6 month learning course. It is true that the A+ exam will setup a great foundation for going into IT but I believe self-studying will be a lot cheaper and you may learn a thing or two extra during the process. It really comes down to your preferred method of learning and what works in general for you.

kinggeorge1987

Great, thanks for the insight. I'll try and find the book your talking about. I keep hearing good things about this Resource Kit from other reviews and stuff so I probably will check it out first. I'll be keeping everyone updated.

I couldn't find how to setup my signature like everyone elses with the whole Education , Studying for , etc. Is there a well-known thread on how to setup signatures like everyone else ?

rogue2shadow

Np man. This seems to be the book:

Amazon.com: CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition (Exams 220-701 &…

You can edit your signature via "User CP" located in the top left corner of the center bar next to the side pane.

earweed

I don't think junior members can do the signature. You can do the details (stuff below the avatar)

kinggeorge1987

Oh ok. A signature is only as good as the Certs anyway . Considering I dont have any I can wait lol.

Thanks for your help, and I will be purchasing that book you referred too, rogue.

Also, as far as hands-on labs go I have none, there isn't an IT school here for 150 miles and moving is out of the question at this point. So I'm receiving all of of credits through there Online program. Which is very good and suprisingly interactive. I do have alot of hands on experience in hardware installation and plenty of 'junk' PCs to experiment on as I learn, and what better way to learn software troubleshooting for the PC, on the PC (in my humble opinion). So im sure between Lincoln, and my self-study materials I will turn out successful in the end. Anyone else here obtain any of their degrees online ?

Hopefully there isn't a bunch of people here who find them to be less credible then on-campus degrees, right ?

longhornxp2005

kinggeorge1987 wrote: »

Oh ok. A signature is only as good as the Certs anyway . Considering I dont have any I can wait lol.

Thanks for your help, and I will be purchasing that book you referred too, rogue.

Also, as far as hands-on labs go I have none, there isn't an IT school here for 150 miles and moving is out of the question at this point. So I'm receiving all of of credits through there Online program. Which is very good and suprisingly interactive. I do have alot of hands on experience in hardware installation and plenty of 'junk' PCs to experiment on as I learn, and what better way to learn software troubleshooting for the PC, on the PC (in my humble opinion). So im sure between Lincoln, and my self-study materials I will turn out successful in the end. Anyone else here obtain any of their degrees online ?

Hopefully there isn't a bunch of people here who find them to be less credible then on-campus degrees, right ?

For the most part the value in any degree is simply its accreditation or lack of. If this online college isn't accredited I would say your two year degree is worthless from a college level standpoint with any employer. They have no idea what standards your required to meet and thus cannot take any stock in said degree. In my case I'm lucky because my vocational school focuses on certifications but also requires closed book written tests and essay's to be completed often enough. Beyond that after completing the program (1 1/2 years) we get 26 credit hours transferred towards an A.A.S degree in Industrial Technology Management at our local University. This happens to be a four year university as well. The name of the school is St. Petersburg College by the way.

From my experience most employers in this area would consider a St. Pete College A.A.S over a four year degree from say University of Phoenix without even blinking an eye. They consider the two year degree to be worth far more.

kinggeorge1987

Well Lincoln College is accredited, and I think they have a longevity of 70 years. As far as curriculum goes, essays are required every week, 1 per class. Constant discussion posts, quizzes, and other forms of academic activity are required. They are not a institution to be 'sneezed' at. They have text book for your classes, it isn't online garbage to reference. Government financial aid, which automatically tells me they are accredited. Not just anyone can be allotted funds from the government. So I really have no worries about that. I dont believe I would be passed up just because someone attended the same classes behind brick.

longhornxp2005

kinggeorge1987 wrote: »

Well Lincoln College is accredited, and I think they have a longevity of 70 years. As far as curriculum goes, essays are required every week, 1 per class. Constant discussion posts, quizzes, and other forms of academic activity are required. They are not a institution to be 'sneezed' at. They have text book for your classes, it isn't online garbage to reference. Government financial aid, which automatically tells me they are accredited. Not just anyone can be allotted funds from the government. So I really have no worries about that. I dont believe I would be passed up just because someone attended the same classes behind brick.

That is exactly what I wanted to hear from you. You are well on your way towards a great career. Your school sounds great and your just taking online courses from the school just as I could from St. Pete College. I was just worried you were taking courses from a completely online only college but clearly your not which is good as you well know.

I know I could have googled this college but I figured the info I gave can help anybody reading to avoid online only colleges and try and find a college like Lincoln so they can be assured that the results mean something to employers and other universities.

In your case as long as you can get the hands on learning you should be sitting real good. Keep up the good work and let all of us know your progress as you obtain more certifications/degree's.