I would like to train for a job working with computers/software. I
have aptitude and am fixing the problems of friends and family and
have been encouraged to do it for a living.
    Aptitude isn't enough. If I'm to earn a degree I need to know what
will get me a job without spending years in school.
    Colleges offer so many different options it's nearly impossible to
choose. My current level of education is high school graduate and I
live in the Northeastern United States. A job troubleshooting and or
    BOTTOM LINE: What training/degree is most likely to get me to work?
   Thanks

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Clarification of Question by shashanek-ga on 07 Sep 2004 18:15 PDT

I need to train for a job. I need to know what the best bet for job
training is. Is my question too difficult?

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Request for Question Clarification by googleexpert-ga on 08 Sep 2004 16:41 PDT

Hi shashanek,
Am I correct in saying that you want to be a Computer Technician?

If so, you might want to train for A+ certification.
Here's a description of the A+ certificationi from The Computer
Technology Industry Association:
URL: http://www.comptia.org/certification/a/default.aspx

A+ certification is an international industry credential that
validates the knowledge of computer service technicians with the
equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on experience

Also, are you interested in programming as well?

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Clarification of Question by shashanek-ga on 08 Sep 2004 17:57 PDT

Googleexpert has asked for clarification, and so I'll try. Guess what
Googleexpert. Last night I stumbled my way to the conclusion that A+
might be a good starting point and have an appointment to tour a local
school tomorrow (Thursday). From there, programming isn't necessarily
what I would want but is something to consider. My main goal here is
starting a career in the industry in a position that's in demand in my
area. Understand, it's all about getting a job and does not have to be
my favorite computer related sub-field. I need a good job that won't
further wreck my back. Had enough bending and lifting, thanks.
    So, how about Microsoft certification or network+? I hope this
helped. Thanks for responding and I look forward to benefiting from
your further input.

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Request for Question Clarification by googleexpert-ga on 08 Sep 2004 19:09 PDT

it's good to know you have previous work experience.

>>>So, how about Microsoft certification or network+? 

I would go for Network+ certification because it is "Vendor-neutral".
And since Network+ is vendor-neutral, the thinking is that you can
apply your knowledge and skills in almost every environment;

Whereas with Microsoft, Novell, and Vendor-specific certifications, you are tied
to a specific set of software or products.

For more information, read article:
Title: Are Vendor-Neutral Certs worthwhile
Date: 4/16/02
URL: http://certification.about.com/library/weekly/aa041602a.htm

by the way, so I can get an idea about what demand is like in your area,
which part of the Northeast are you located in?

Thanks.

-googleexpert

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Clarification of Question by shashanek-ga on 08 Sep 2004 19:47 PDT

Hello Googleexpert
   First, I didn't mean to give you the idea that I have previous work
experience in anything computer related. Formally and officially, I
don't. No training, and no job ever that was computer related. I have
been in the work force for twenty years having had other types of
jobs, but maybe that's what you were referring to. I just want to be
clear. Having said that, I do work on computers of people I know,
working out problems with both hardware and software. I have aptitude
and interest.
    Where in the Northeast? South-central Pennsylvania. Specifically,
Lebanon. Near the Lancaster county border. Lancaster may be where I
end up working because there is more industry and more jobs. But I
would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be in a position to work from my home someday.
There you go Googleexpert. More than you asked for probably.

When you said you had enough bending and lifting, I got the feeling
you were tired of physical labor from your previous jobs, or at the very least,
something that does not involve computers.

I went to dice.com as well as other job sites and am pleased there is a demand
for Tech Support jobs in and around the PA area like the following:
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobseeker/jobsearch/job_detail.html;_ylt=AjaU6b6dRRbO9f.vhXoBQrz6Q6IX?job_id=J906999NF&search_url=%2Fjobseeker%2Fjobsearch%2Fsearch_results.html%3Fkeywords_all%3Dcertification%2BA%252B%26industry1%3D%26city1%3D%26state1%3DPA%26country1%3DUSA%26search_type_form%3Dquick%26updated_since%3Dsixtydays%26basicsearch%3D0%26advancedsearch%3D0%26metro_area%3D1%26search%3DSearch%26kw
%3Dcertification%2BA%252B&keywords_any=&keywords_all=certification%2BA%252B&keywords_phrase=

To answer your question, I think a combination of A+,Network+, Linux
certifications along with hands-on experience will get you the job you
want.

Please let me know if you have anymore questions.


-googleexpert

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Clarification of Answer by googleexpert-ga on 10 Sep 2004 06:16 PDT

Thanks for the rating, I appreciate it.