Where to start...Audio Study

g725s

I would like to be PC support. I know a bit about PCs. I assembled about 10 on my own since 1995. And I 've mostly kept up with the different specs. I'm always the one that my friends come to for questions, what little I know anyway. I should have started the Certification path long ago and now I'm mid/late 40s. is that too late to change careers and get into PC support?

But I'd want to be more hands on. Setting up networks and maintaining them. Fixing and setting up PCs. Security eventually.

So what certification should I start with?

And if possible are there audio books for certification that are recommended. I ask this because it would be helpful because It is something I could do while driving and doing mundane things and I'm thinking would accelerate the learning and eventual certifications.

Repo Man

I know Prep Logic offers Audio training but I haven't tried them

Audio Exam Training for A+ CCNP MCSE Network+ and Security+

An A+ cert could land you a job doing PC repair but the pay is not going to be great.

earweed

You might want to start with the A+. You would probably have an easy go of it even with just the experience you have. I recommend Mike Meyers A+ All in One 7th edition, don't know if there's an audio version available.

ajs1976

I used preplogic for the Sec+ and found it useful as a review.

Some of the trainsignal products also include audio files.

ibcritn

Most all training vendors offer Audio training options. I have used Preplogic, TrainSignal, CBT Nuggets, and Carnegie Mellon CERT trainings...all offering videos/audio options. It can be hit, or miss for the training vendors depending on the instructor.

Having said all that there are 3 main types of learning Audio, Visual, and Kinesiological (Hand's on). I found Audio training did nothing for me as I am very Visual/Hand's on....find out how you learn so you can strategically create a study plan.

RobertKaucher

g725s wrote: »

I would like to be PC support. I know a bit about PCs. I assembled about 10 on my own since 1995. And I 've mostly kept up with the different specs. I'm always the one that my friends come to for questions, what little I know anyway. I should have started the Certification path long ago and now I'm mid/late 40s. is that too late to change careers and get into PC support?

But I'd want to be more hands on. Setting up networks and maintaining them. Fixing and setting up PCs. Security eventually.

So what certification should I start with?

And if possible are there audio books for certification that are recommended. I ask this because it would be helpful because It is something I could do while driving and doing mundane things and I'm thinking would accelerate the learning and eventual certifications.

What are your expectations of this as a career?

g725s

RobertKaucher wrote: »

What are your expectations of this as a career?

Well I'm not sure exactly what my expectations are. I've just always liked building PCd and setting them up for myself, family, and friends. I feel I have a knack for it. I've always wanted to dive deeper into networking and security. I'm at a point in my life where I can find more time to study.

I've been a system technician / electrician / marine electronics on large yachts for most my life. I troubleshoot, repair and program engine/stabilizer controllers, inverter and electrical systems, and marine electronics. I am familiar with the technician side of things. In that sense it would be an easy transition.

But the boat industry has taken a big hit and I'm currently underemployed. So I'm looking to maybe get away from yachts and go into computers. could I be making 50,000 in not too long if I dove into it and got as many certifications as I could over the next couple of years.

g725s

I did pickup from the local library yesterday Mike Meyers 2010 Passport A+ book.

I'm thinking that I might just need to read through this book and could pass the A+. I scanned through the book and I'm familiar with most of it.

Like if this book was in audio that would be great. But I can just read it when I'm not doing other things. I looked on that site for the audio and that is too much cost for the A+ for me, since I feel I know most of the material.

Also what are the good websites for news and articles on keeping up with the things a network, security, pc support person would like to keep up on?

Bokeh

Keep an eye on this site for sure. Others I can recommend are:

Computerworld - IT news, features, blogs, tech reviews, career advice
Network World
SecurityFocus
TechRepublic - A Resource for IT Professionals
Lifehacker, tips and downloads for getting things done
Gizmodo, the Gadget Guide
http://www.sy0201.com

NetworkingStudent

g725s wrote: »

I would like to be PC support. I know a bit about PCs. I assembled about 10 on my own since 1995. And I 've mostly kept up with the different specs. I'm always the one that my friends come to for questions, what little I know anyway. I should have started the Certification path long ago and now I'm mid/late 40s. is that too late to change careers and get into PC support?

But I'd want to be more hands on. Setting up networks and maintaining them. Fixing and setting up PCs. Security eventually.

So what certification should I start with?

And if possible are there audio books for certification that are recommended. I ask this because it would be helpful because It is something I could do while driving and doing mundane things and I'm thinking would accelerate the learning and eventual certifications.

Start with the A+
Check out the Professor Messer A+ videos, they help explain the A+ certification material and they’re free!
I have heard that a few people have used these videos and they were able to pass their A+ exam. However, I suggest using a few other resources along with the Professor Messer A+ videos.
Professor Messer's Free 220-70x CompTIA A+ Training Course | Professor Messer - CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Certification Training

g725s

Thanks I've seen those before. But will check them out from time to time when I have the time. Thanks again.

I got a bit of discouragement today at the OneStop facility in my town. I am going there to get help in finding a job. By the way I've been a small passenger boat captain (under 150ft, and no more than 450 passengers) for most my life and also a boat systems technician, I know all electrical, marine electronics, diesel, hydraulics, etc.. recently laid off from a boat builder. I asked about using the WIA to get the $6,500 worth of training from the EDD. The girl said that the computer field is way saturated with personal with much more experience than someone with just one or two certificates. That every HR department has a drawer full of resumes from college grads with BS computer degrees and certifications looking for work.