Martoch needs IT advice - please help me

**Martoch** · January 7th, 2007, 04:43 PM

Hey guys.

I'm 32 - jobless - no degree - no certs. I got laid off of my last job (assistant Systems Admin) back in October and haven't found work since.

I really need some guidance with what I should do next in my life. I'm so far behind in life that I don't even know where to "start again" if you know what I mean. I'm not sure exactly what I want to do IT wise, but I know that I want to do something IT related. Can you guys please help me figure this out?

I don't know whether to finish my degree in whatever or go for a cert or what...I'm so lost right now and I need to get back on some sort of path.

First off, would you mind helping me understand in real life terms (not IT jargon) what various certs are meant to help one achieve in terms of work?

Such as...

MCSE is mean for people that want to do ??? for a living.
How about MCSA, CCNA, etc?

There's an MCSE Semester I course coming up at our local UWF here.
$4500
Course Link
I guess this course prepares me for the various MCSE exams, but then what do I do? Sign up to take the tests where? How much extra will the tests cost me? Is the course even worth taking in the first place?
[shrug]

Please post up any advice/recommendations you may have...I feel like such a bum all the time and my self-esteem took a drastic dive. I need to do something soon. If I talk to another one of my buddies (I just got off the phone with one) that seems to have everything going for him, I'm going to fall on my own machete.

**vass0922** · January 7th, 2007, 04:46 PM

MCSE is primarily for network admins.. to be honest if you're ok at reading I wouldn't bother blowing 4500 bucks on a class.

If you have one or two boxes you can learn a lot with networking right there.

If anything get a VM server going if you have a strong box and start a new domain all in virtual servers.
That'll teach you DNS, Active Directory, Permissions, and a few other things right there.
Could even build an exchange server to learn how to do a forest prep, domain prep etc.

Note: Not to mention the experience of using VMWare (suggested) ... its getting more heavily used all the time as companies try to consolidate hardware.
Where I work now we use VM to house 5-10 servers on a lot of boxes where high end hardware isn't required.
You can get a copy of VMWare for free for your purposes.

Each test is I think a hundred bucks, you can search around MS's site to find out where you can take them locally.

**Martoch** · January 7th, 2007, 04:51 PM

Thanks for the quick response, vass. Here's the problem with me learning on my own...I'm so "out of it" as far as school goes, that I don't have enough faith in myself to do it all alone. I'd be afraid to try anything on our home computers as I don't really have any "spare" ones to play with. If anything went wrong, I'd be affecting a computer that is used daily.

I used to be so confident...bleh, I don't know what's happened to me.

**RobRich** · January 7th, 2007, 05:14 PM

$4500 for a MCSE class?

If you want a class, there are several options for less money. Check into local community colleges and technical trade schools for certification training courses.

The better question you should asking is what aspect of computers interests you: hardware, software, networking, support, etc.? Once you figure that out, you will have a better understanding of what certifications to complete.

Most people generally start with the basic A+ certification. It is an entry-level test about general x86 computer knowledge. You can study for it yourself with a good book. Don't worry about real-world application for the A+, as most of it is theory, which you can learn from study guides and practice tests. The A+ is affordable to take, and it will provide you a good insight into how the certification process works.

**Milwaukee** · January 7th, 2007, 05:20 PM

Hey Rob you post double

I forgot to say my Uncle who work for Ford he is IT tech and it start lay off some IT people but my Uncle is very worry about that job and he already applies job forms. Are you in Michigan? Many IT techs is lay off in Michigan

**Martoch** · January 7th, 2007, 05:20 PM

Thanks, Rob.

Originally Posted by RobRich

The better question you should asking is what aspect of computers interests you: hardware, software, networking, support, etc.? Once you figure that out, you will have a better understanding of what certifications to complete.

I'm interested in hardware/software installation and support as that's where most of my experience lies. I enjoyed doing the systems admin work at my last job...working with active directory, pushing software to clients, e-mail admin stuff, etc. I'd love to learn more about networking as I've only scratched the networking surface.

Milwaukee - you're advice to me is don't apply for IT jobs in Michigan?

**RobRich** · January 7th, 2007, 05:31 PM

It sounds like you would be a good candidate for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification certifies a user's knowledge in system administration of Microsoft Windows operating systems and is generally simpler than, but not a subset of, the MCSE. The Windows Server 2003 MCSA is achieved upon passing 2 networking system exams, a client operating system exam (generally Microsoft Windows XP), and an elective exam. The Windows Server 2000 MCSA title is granted after taking 3 core exams and one elective. Although the MCSA isn't a subset of the MCSE, it is possible to gain an MCSA on the way to an MCSE without doing any exams that are extraneous to the MCSE on Windows 2000.

Whereas the MCSE is supposed to certify a person's ability to "plan, design, and implement Microsoft Windows server solutions and architectures in medium- to large-sized companies", the MCSA certifies a holder's ability to "implement, manage, and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium- to large-sized companies".

Like the MCSE, the MCSA is available as "MCSA on Windows 2000" and "MCSA on Windows 2003" as of 2005. There exist two specializations for both tracks: Messaging and Security.

As an alternative to the electives on the MCSA electives table, certifications or certification combinations may substitute for an MCSA elective. For example, CompTIA A+ and Net+ or CompTIA A+ and Server+ can be credited and subsituted for an elective through a Microsoft and CompTIA partnership agreement. This is just one cost effective way to earning an MCSA if candidates are already certified in other areas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microso...d_Professional

**Martoch** · January 8th, 2007, 12:26 PM

Yeah, it looks like MCSA would be the way to go for me...hmm. Now to find out who offers it locally and is not out to rip me off.

**poopeyhed2** · January 8th, 2007, 12:35 PM

Hey Martoch,

My university is always hiring PC Desktop Support Technicians, so you might want to take a look at that approach to see if any of the local colleges have those positions open instead of the corporate world.

Don't forget also that when you take the certs there's coupons available that can substantially drop the prices.

**Ebisoba** · January 8th, 2007, 02:37 PM

I recommend VMware as well. You are not going to messed up your PC because each virtual PC is isolated. So basically they are indivdual PCs. If something is screwed up in one of the virtual PCs nothing will happen to your current PC. It's great way to mess around. But make sure you have a decent PC. I'll say a P4 2.4 GHZ with 1G of RAM is good enough.

**Tekk** · January 9th, 2007, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Ebisoba

I recommend VMware as well. You are not going to messed up your PC because each virtual PC is isolated. So basically they are indivdual PCs. If something is screwed up in one of the virtual PCs nothing will happen to your current PC. It's great way to mess around. But make sure you have a decent PC. I'll say a P4 2.4 GHZ with 1G of RAM is good enough.

I highly agree. I am starting to see quite a bit more VMWare implementations across my larger clients. From the IT managers I talk to, they love VM Ware and have had great luck with it.

I think certifications are only o.k. this day and age. Experience speaks 10x more than any cert IMO but as others have mentioned if you are going to go for one make it worth your while (Microsoft, Cisco, RedHat, CISSP, etc). The A+/N+ and others of the sort are really a huge waste if you ask me.

**Martoch** · January 9th, 2007, 08:25 PM

Bleh...I just had to pass up a job opportunity because I don't have my A+. I called our local community college and I already missed two of the A+ cert classes. I need to at least get my A+ as soon as I can...quite a few of the job listings require it and I hate being counted out because of a stinkin' cert.

**ShuckyD** · January 9th, 2007, 08:30 PM

hey just wondering Martoch, but wont the GI-Bill cover some education for ya? I thought you were in some form of military?

**RamonGTP** · January 10th, 2007, 04:28 AM

I personally would start off with a simple MCP test... It's a single test in whatever catagory you feel more comfortable with, say Windows XP for example. To prep for the test I would order the transcender exam prep software. http://www.transcender.com/ It has sample tests who's questions are VERY similar to the real thing. I used it to take my XP MCP test and passed with flying colors.

You won't retain as much from the software that you will from a class, but it will help you get your cert so that it will be easier to find a job. Once you do and get settled a bit and feel better about life in general, you can opt to self teach yourself or enroll yourself in some courses and continue with the certs. Good luck whatever you decide doing.

The A+ cert is pretty easy IMO, I don't think you'll need to take a class for that. If you're already comfortable with computer hardware, simply go to a bookstore and get an A+ study guide and brush up on some of the specifics. I finished the test in less than 15 minutes and only missed a couple questions that were dealing with IRQ's and the such. I don't know if the test has changed much sicne I took it though.

**RamonGTP** · January 10th, 2007, 04:43 AM

Oh, and when I'm looking to actually attend a course, I do so through vortex data systems... http://www.vortexdata.com/ I don't know if they have testing centers in your area or not, but it's worth a check. It isn't cheap, but it's about half the price you're finding.

**usslindstrom** · January 10th, 2007, 05:27 AM

You'd have no problem in getting the MCSA - I guarantee it. You'z one smart cookie.

But to tell you the truth, if you're going for the MCSA then I would suggest knocking out the MCSE as well. Just a couple of more tests, and you'd have it.

The MCSE alone pretty much landed my job that I have now once I got out of the Navy. The cert speaks for itself. ALOT of people downplay certs, and say you don't need them, but I'm living proof that certs can open a lot of doors for you that were previously closed by not having them.

It's just like being a doctor I guess. You can be the best one in the world, that could even cure AIDS, but unless you have that little piece of paper on the wall that "Says" you're the best, then nobody will care.

Careful though, certs are like tattoos. They're VERY addictive. 9 Certs down for myself, and I gotta' keep trucking. The CCNA is where I'm at now, and holy crap that's a fun one (4th time's the charm, right?)