Computer Training for Not Yet Techies

Yes, I know how thick they are – the tests do cover that much material, so what can you do? Real life has even more detail than computer training does. A teacher is not going to talk that much without wearing out their throat, so in the final analysis, with computer training, you are going to spend a lot of time reading and studying those books anyway.

I was told by a computer training school recruiter that the recommended process for most beginners was to take a class for 3 full days, then study for a month, then take the certification exam.

So, that’s at least ten days of study in front of a thick book for each day of computer training class anyway.

So you’re going to buy and study thick books anyway. Do you really need to pay for a live teacher too for computer training?

People can and do pass the certifications simply by studying on their own.

This is of course very similar to the above method, except that computer based training is more interactive, more fun, probably more effective for most people and also more expensive, although still nowhere near $5000.

It’s easier to stay awake. The questions and interactivity force you to interact with the material. Using it immediately and getting immediately feedback does help reinforce learning and understanding, so is good computer training.

This is recommended for people who really dread the thought of just sitting and reading the thick books, but who can’t afford the $5000 classes. If you have a question you just cannot find the answer to, put it out on one of the many newsgroups or listserves on the Internet, and let experienced on the job networking professionals help you out. Live teachers giving computer training can do the same, but sometimes not with the same extensive background in what’s happening in the real world.

People can and do pass the certification exams just by taking computer based training. One company, Forefront, even gives you a 90 day money back guarantee on all its certification courses. If you don’t pass after using their CBT course, you get your money back. Details available at (877) 872-4646.

Look for used computers cheap online, in your local newspaper For Sale ads or just ask your friends. Lots of people have old 386/486s they’d gladly give you for free just so they’ll have more closet space. Buy the network parts in a local computer store or online.

Next: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Programming