Is it worth it to invest in LiveLabs for "hands-on" practice?

Unlike LabSim (I'm a WGU IT-Security student), I'm finding the Messer videos fantastic, far better than reading through Meyers' AIO book. I already purchased Messer's A+ 700 series ebook so I can read through the material out of the country in case my internet connection is spotty or non-existent, but upon my return to the states, I'm thinking of purchasing the LiveLabs. I have zero practical or hands-on experience with PCs and I'm wondering if LiveLabs is better than LabSim. Supposedly LiveLabs isn't a simulation so I'm wondering if it will really help me understand motherboard components and connectors better...

Thanks for any recommendations!

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Comments

Asif Dasl

There is no substitute to learning with the real thing. Can you get access to a couple of PCs and disconnected them and rebuild them?

razz2525

Unfortunately, I do not know anyone with spare PCs and my job would not allow me to use even old inventory they have. I can see if any of my co-workers have any, but apart from relying on that, I have no access unfortunately. I have an old, broken laptop - that's about it. Would that work?

Asif Dasl

I would prefer if it were a desktop PC but a laptop would work as well. It has similar parts, CPU, RAM etc - just smaller. Maybe you could check out the high-res pictures on the NewEgg website as well. But like I said earlier there is no substitute for real hands on with actual hardware and buying a simulator might help somewhat but at the end of the day a real-life working or dead PC will provide a much better learning tool. A co-worker might have an old PC they are going to **** - maybe you just need to ask?

NetworkVeteran

razz2525 wrote: »

I can see if any of my co-workers have any, but apart from relying on that, I have no access unfortunately.

I have no idea what these virtual labs you're considering cost, but your local Craigslist sells working, used PCs for $50.

Snow.bros

Without a doubt i prefer doing rather than listening and reading i feel like i can do it better when experience it. After all action speaks louder than words.

Plantwiz

Old hardware is fairly easy to come by,just ask around and frequently folks are happy to let youhave their stuff when they are done.

Otherwise, check out places like Goodwill or computer recyclers, hardware is frequently very cheap