Struggling with N+
For some reason I can't get into it, I completed my A+ in October and enjoyed it overall as I've tinkered with PC hardware since being a boy.
N+ though, I've been taking notes off Professor Messer, I've only completed Section 1 - Network Concepts, but struggling. Maybe it's because networking is new to me and I don't have any real world practical knowledge of it, apart from the usual home network/router setup and configuring. The majority of what I've studied so far isn't familiar to me, and there is a huge amount of
acronyms, which you have to know.
I think I'd much prefer to have some network experience in a job before taking this any further. What I'm most interested in is the physical cable laying and setting up, configuring and troubleshooting networks and devices.
I was toying between N+ or a Microsoft OS cert to help get a job, I have more experience with OS so maybe I should go down that route...?
N+ though, I've been taking notes off Professor Messer, I've only completed Section 1 - Network Concepts, but struggling. Maybe it's because networking is new to me and I don't have any real world practical knowledge of it, apart from the usual home network/router setup and configuring. The majority of what I've studied so far isn't familiar to me, and there is a huge amount of
acronyms, which you have to know.
I think I'd much prefer to have some network experience in a job before taking this any further. What I'm most interested in is the physical cable laying and setting up, configuring and troubleshooting networks and devices.
I was toying between N+ or a Microsoft OS cert to help get a job, I have more experience with OS so maybe I should go down that route...?
Comments
However, if you're finding Network+ difficult, you'll might find some of the Microsoft certs more difficult. The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking (Microsoft Windows Networking Essentials) is a good introductory Microsoft cert on networking but it is more focused on building a foundation of knowledge rather being an OS cert.
It's also possible that because so much of it is new to you, you might just need to change your focus for a while If you plan on doing the Security+ in the future, you might like to pursue that. In some ways, you'll find that it is easier than the Network+ exam and your studies with Network+ might have helped you lay a foundation for the Security+.
Hope this helps.
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Having said that if I could land a role where I can learn on the job, I know I'd take it in far better, I'm not a fan of learning out of books solely, real world practical experience is where I work best.
I'd suggest watching train signals network+ series. I used this solely but a few people i know who are virgin new to networking also used it and passed. He keeps it simple but does explain stuff in a enjoyable way.
I agree theory is important, I just find it easier to learn and remember theory if I'm actively using it day to day in a work environment, makes it easier for me to understand and relate concepts to the real world. I'm confident I could pass Network+ but I fear I may forget it quickly if I'm not using that knowledge in a practical industry environment, plus I'm not convinced I have enough interest in this area of IT yet. Maybe I should begin studying the next section which concentrates on Installation and configuration. I'm sure I'll enjoy this section more, but I wanted to get the Network Concepts part nailed first as it's probably going to be important throughout the whole course.
Thanks for your posts everyone.
I think you are wise for seeking out more experience before moving forward. There are MS exams available that likely match your skillset better and until you can get some hands-on you may prefer this route.
Any of the desktop exams from MS would be a good start. Likewise, if you have some server experience, you could take one or two of these. Plus the office exams are available (need to confirm that they did not retire these???) but if you stick with exams that highlight things you know, you'll find you'll need more review rather than full-on-study and many exams are geared toward candidates WITH experience (though, reading a number of responses, it seems there are plenty of people who put the exam before their experience and it shows int he work place).
You can set up a lab for some practice, but then branch out and volunteer with smaller networks or look for some job shadow opportunities...they are out there, but you may need to be creative.
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"Grammar and spelling aren't everything, but this is a forum, not a chat room. You have plenty of time to spell out the word "you", and look just a little bit smarter." by Phaideaux
***I'll add you can Capitalize the word 'I' to show a little respect for yourself too.
'i' before 'e' except after 'c'.... weird?