Looking for the Light at the end of the tunnel

[rsbrash]

Ok, after this most recent crash of my system (which still hasn't been repaired yet), I have decided to get a grip on my PC knowledge and education. What I am looking for is any suggestions on course (either online or correspondence) that I can utilize to achieve some level of success in this area. I do have a basic understanding of PCs, have had a couple of generic software and networking courses in college. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas I would greatly appreciate it. :confused:

[DrZaius]

Hi rsbrash, welcome to the PC Mech forums!

My suggestion...

Read as much as you can from PC Mech site. TONS of info on every component. http://www.pcmech.com
Read the forums.

You'll learn a whole lot, and best of all, it's free.

[rsbrash]

This is definitely a site I will obtain a lot of info from, but can I learn enough from this and other sites like it to possible pass certification for PC Repair or otherwise??

[KronoLeginaire]

Yes and No: THis site is a start, after reading everythin there is on this site and asking any questions you have you need to seek additional lerning. At that time come back to use and we can tell you where to go from there.

[KR0316]

rsbrash....I have learned tons by just reading forums and some of the articles here on PcMech.

[Mr N8]

If you really want a book, look for a book that is for A+ certification. A+ is for PC maintenance and repair. The actual test runs $100 and nobody really looks for it as a qualification anymore, but the knowledge base will be priceless when dealing with computer harware and software issues.

n8

[Cricket]

Hi rsbrash,

Although you could learn a lot by reading the articles and forums here and at other websites, nothing beats hands-on experience and having a curious mind.

If you have only 1 PC now (either home built or store bought), my suggestion is to build yourself another PC (if your finances allow). It doesn't have to be a high end dream machine, just a simple rig that you can "play" with and use to get familiar with all the components that make it work and to maybe "play with and learn" different operating systems and software applications.

Taking classes is good, but will only take you so far. There's a big difference between "book smart" and actual hands-on experience. Most of what I know about PC's comes from learning this stuff on my own. I've only taken software "classes" that my job sends me to. All hardware related knowledge I have comes from first fighting to upgrade a Pentium 100MHz Packard Bell, then putting together my first PC (much easier to upgrade), then putting together PC's for friends and family (with the accompanying calls for help) to finally owning several PC's that I "mess" with. I learn the most when I'm experiementing with my "bench machine".

And I spend a lot of time here reading the threads where a problem is presented, ways to resolve the problem are offered, seeing that some suggestions work and some don't, and finally the fix is found and the machine is repaired. It's really interesting and I feel time well spent. Plus you can pick the brains of some very knowledgeable people here.

But I honestly believe you'll learn the most by building your own PC and maintaining it.

:) Cricket

[Nuclear Krusader]

I second Cricket's opinion.

Myself, I have learned 90% of my computer knowledge by autodidactical means. I'm an enemy of schools and classes. I learn by reading books, magazines and PC Mech's posts, and by tinkering with my PC.

Schools and classes are good, but by being an autodidact you learn at your own pace, with no pressures of any kind. Thus you learn better. And if you have doubts, you can post here and you'll get lots of answers, tips and tricks and lots of useful stuff.

So, welcome to PC Mech and the wonderful world of assembling computers. Hope you enjoy the ride!

[bosco]

I've been told by a few people that you can learn more from a good forum than you can from any book.

But.......Exam Gear's A+ Certification is an excellent book. Lots of good info. Not just a cram it down your throat course.