Passed A+ software. A few thoughts on it and other certs

[Dave Anderson]

I should have taken Hardware on the same day. Man, that was an easy test. The day before the test I chickened out and rescheduled the hardware part to next month.

I should point out that I have nearly 10 years experience as a PC tech. But even so, I expected it to be harder. I guess it was appropriate in terms of a certificate that certifies 6 months of PC experience, though.

Comments on a few of the questions:

1) You install Windows 2000 onto an HFPS partition and Windows 98 onto a FAT32 partition - both on the same hard drive. Windows 2000 sees both partitions just fine. Windows 98 cannot see the FAT32 partition. What do you do to fix it?

Answer: I liked the wording of this question because it tries to trick you. Obviously there is nothing that can be done to fix it since Windows 98, on its own, has no ability to see a NTFS partition. Anyway, there was obviously an answer similiar to 'Windows 98 does not support NTFS partitions'

There was one question where it asked which of the following devices can be shared in Windows networking (pick any three). The choices were CD-ROM, Printer, modem, keyboard, and monitor. This threw me at first. The two obvious ones to me were printer and CD-ROM. Process of elimination told me the obvious ones to elimiate were keyboard and monitor. Now, a modem itself cannot be shared as far as I know. But you can set it up as a fax device/printer, which can be shared. I'm assuming I got that one right.

The other answers were so easy I just flew through them. I honestly can't remember them. I was plan on reviewing everything when I reached the end, but I passed on like question 20 (out of 30).

I'm still hoping the A+ hardware is a bit more difficult, as I plan on spending more time studying for it. For the software I only spent a few hours going through a big A+ book I have, which focused mostly on hardware.

I did this mostly for resume dressing. I'm 26 and have been working with computers since I was 16. I started out as the yard boy and soon moved up to building their computers. Fast forward several years later (I was around 24), I've gone through a few different companies and have gained a lot of experience. I decided it was time to back that up with some education. I now have an Associates in Computer Programming (around January 2005 I will have a B.S. in Computer I.T. and ultimately I hope to get a B.S. in Computer Science much further down the road - on a more part time basis).

I actually think most of the + exams are fairly pointless. Do any companies put a lot of weight behind these in terms of consideration during the hiring process? I don't know, but I tend to doubt it given their low cost and relative ease of passing.

Now I'm trying to decided what other certificates I want. I've always, always, always wanted to be Red Hat ceritifed. I love Linux. I know Windows inside and out thanks to my job, but I'm an intermediate at best when it comes to Linux. I can recompile the kernel and troubleshoot problems, but I still don't really *KNOW* it inside and out. I know some will argue against Red Hat, but I feel that they are the biggest and therefore should get most of my focus. RPM has its own problems, but I do like the idea of having easier (easier than compiling) to manage add/remove software options. I still compile lots of software so I feel I had good experience there. And I do try to use both Red Hat utils and the 'modify config files by hand' method; that way I wouldn't be completely helpless on a non-Red Hat distro.

One area I feel I'm lacking in is Networking. Besides basic home networking knowledge, I'm a completely novice here. I suppose someday I should go for MS certification, though it's mighty expensive. I think when they switch it over to Sever 2003 I'll probably go for it. In the mean time:

August '03: A+ hardware
2004: Network+ (considering, though I'd have to really study)
2003/2004: Linux+ (maybe)
2003: Start class for Red Hat cert. I'll probably start out with their online courses.
2004: More college classes towards Computer I.T. BS

My end goal was to secure a better paying job in the I.T. field, though it seems that field has gone to hell as of late. I'm now leaning much more towards starting my own business. The company I work for now charges $100 /hr for me to do on site service. I see a small, small fraction of that. I could do that same work on my own for half the cost and still be damn happy.

Anyway, this seems more like a rant now. But I would like to hear what all of you are doing, what you think about certs, etc.

[rockpile]

I would go into business for myself and congrats on the test.

I have CompTIA A+, am occassionally studying for CompTIA N+.

I'll take an M$ test just to get the MCP cert. and eventually get MCSA or MCSE.

I have recently opened my own business, and to date, nobody has asked me about my certifications. I kinda let my actions do the talking for me. I think they'll offer some security to folks that do hire me though, at least small businesses.

Congrats on the software and good luck w/ the upcoming hardware.

Check out these links . . .

http://www.freecomptia.com

http://mcpmag.com

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert

[Dave Anderson]

In terms of opening your own business and the weight certs may have, I tend to agree with your statement (i.e. "...nobody has asked me about certs.") But, I believe when opening my own business, it would be nice to have 'A+ certified, Red Hat Linux certified, B.S. in Computer I.T., 10 years experience' on any ads I may place. I also think it would be a bit more important for businesses, though I'm sure a home user could care less as long as you can solve their problem. Also, education is nice to fall back on should a business fail and one has to go back to the 9 to 5 world.

Rick, what sort of business did you open? How is it going? Profitable to the point where you don't need another job.

I don't necessarily agree w/ advertising how long you've been at something. To me, that's kinda like grasping to say, "Hey, I've been doing this for xx amount of years, I know what I'm doing."

I do agree w/ letting people know your accomplishments though.

[John Prophet]

When I worked at a local comp store, a few people did ask if 'we" were A+ certified in case she needed some comp work done. I told her that A+ is an individual certification, not a shop one, but that, yes, the techs we're certified. (I was anyway, lol)

And now that I am own my own, people ask things like "where did you learn about computers, did you go to school?"....in those cases it's nice to say "yes, I took classes and got my A+ certification" etc. Soon I will be able to say "and I am a microsoft certified professional"...lol, sounds impressive although we know better. Still, if it gives the customer confidence that is of enormous benefit to you, makes your life easier cuz they will be less inclined to question everything you do. Although we may debate the value of certification endlessly, Id rather say "yes I am certified" than, "no, I am a jackleg"...lol...or "naw, I just learn as I go, I learn from making mistakes on peoples comps, like yours"...lol.

Along the same lines, if you have a neat personal appearance, and decent people skills, and "carry yourself" properly, its a fact that you will get more respect.


Also I have seen A+ listed as a job requirement on several jobs and from what I see in the comp world, certification will be way more important in the future....this comp thing is getting complicated with security,open source,networking,home media, etc etc etc....people are gonna want to know where you are coming from before they turn you loose on their $5000 home entertainment system or their companies' data.

JP

[Nighthawk]

I thought the A+ hardware test was way easier than the software one, but I spend more time reading about hardware I guess

1) You install Windows 2000 onto an HFPS partition and Windows 98 onto a FAT32 partition - both on the same hard drive. Windows 2000 sees both partitions just fine. Windows 98 cannot see the FAT32 partition. What do you do to fix it?

You've got bigger problems if Win98 can't see its own FAT32 partition Your answer is right, though, since 98 has no clue about NTFS.

I think the sharing thing with the modem was more based on the Internet Connection Sharing tool introduced in Win98SE. It's the only possible answer.

I got my A+, but as far as I know it hasn't been a factor in any of my recent jobs. I still think it's a good thing to have if you want to be a PC tech, though.

[SeanC]

To be a PC tech in most PC shops you need A+ at least. That's what I've seen anyway.

Sean

[Eraserhead]

I passed my A+ OS today. I did the H/W exam first (a couple of weeks ago) and found it more diffficult - the OS exam was a breeze.
So now I'm A+ certified - Network+ next (as part of the MCSA course).
At last I'm on my way out of the sh*t job I'm in at the moment (I hope :-)

BTW, big thanks to this site and all the contributors - reading all the forum posts and replies has *really* helped me prepare.

[SeanC]

I thought the OS was easier then the hardware as well. My test score proved that. I still passed the hardware easily but it was more difficult and I had to think about things a lot more.

Good work!!

Sean