The road you must follow to become an IT expert and earn the big bucks, start with what may seem like a very insignificant step.
STEP 1: BECOME COMPUTER LITERATE.
The reason to become computer literate is to lay a foundation for yourself going into the future. Each step on this ladder supports the one above it.
Your first real goal is to become an IT expert in Desktop support. That means you will earn money by supporting computer users at your company with problems they may run into with Windows, Office and their internet and email.
If you are lucky enough to be sponsored by a parent to continue studying full time instead of having to work to support your own learning by being a desktop computer support staffer at a company, you will still need these skills in your career going forward.
By becoming computer literate, we mean being skilled in Windows 10 and Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook and Internet. On all these you will start on level one and progress to level two and in some cases level three.
STEP 2: DO A BASIC IT HARDWARE SUPPORT COURSE.
The next rung on your ladder to becoming an advanced IT expert is to do the basic hardware support courses like CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network +.
Computer hardware is basically explained by Wikipedia as: physical parts or components of a computer, such as the central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphic card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.[1] By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. Hardware is so-termed because it is “hard” or rigid with respect to changes or modifications; whereas software is “soft” because it can be easily updated or changed.
Now let us return to the computer courses described here:
CompTIA A+ is described by CompTIA itself as: CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT.
CompTIA A+ is the foundation of your IT career
CompTIA A+ is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. It is about much more than PC repair.
- Candidates are better prepared to troubleshoot, and problem solve.
- Technicians understand a wide variety of issues ranging from networking and operating systems to mobile devices and security.
- A+ supports the ability to connect users to the data they need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used.
The two exams you will need to write to be officially certified by CompTIA when you pass and give you the credibility you will need to get a basic support job are:
CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues.
CompTIA A+ 220-902 covers installing and configuring operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also addresses security, the fundamentals of cloud computing and operational procedures.
CompTIA A+ 220-901
CompTIA A+ training teaches students fundamental competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security, troubleshooting, customer service and communication to work with clients. In order to achieve your CompTIA A+ certification you will need to pass two exams – 220-901 & 220-902. After completing the CompTIA A+ 220-901 course, students will know hardware, laptops, motherboards, processors, memory, CPU, troubleshooting theory, preventative maintenance techniques, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS, cables, connectors, network types, security concepts, security technologies, viruses, malware, communication and professionalism. CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking.
CompTIA A + 220-902
CompTIA A+ 220-902 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS. As a CompTIA Partner, our course curriculum is either CAQC (CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum) or in the process of becoming CAQC, ensuring you receive the training and knowledge needed to succeed. According to CompTIA.org, A+ certifications are held by 900,000 IT professionals. This certification is a proven starting point to your career in IT – with whatever path you may choose. Who is the target audience?
- Anyone with basic computer user skills who is interested in obtaining a job as an IT professional or PC technician.
- Computer users – intense, enthusiasts
- Newcomers who want to develop a career in IT and tech support.
- Technicians / Professionals in tech support that need a recognized validation of their skills and experience
- IT Professionals outside tech support that need tech support skills and certification to advance their careers
- It is for anyone who wants an internationally recognized credential as a competent computer service professional.
STEP 3. AFTER DOING AND RECEIVING A+ CERTIFICATION WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU START WITH THE NEXT COURSE FOLLOWING THE CLIMB UP THE LADDER. THIS COURSE IS COMPTIA NETWORK +.
CompTIA describes Network + as: “CompTIA Network+ helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks.
Network+ ensures an IT professional has the knowledge and skills to:
- Design and implement functional networks
- Configure, manage, and maintain essential network devices
- Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks
- Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
- Implement network security, standards, and protocols
- Troubleshoot network problems
- Support the creation of virtualized networks
The latest CompTIA Network+ N10-007 exam is available as of March 2018. “
The A+ course and exams are detailed as:
CompTIA Network + N10-006
CompTIA’s Network+ N10-006 is a vendor-neutral certification that validates technical competency in networking administration and support. The Network Plus certification confirms a technician’s critical knowledge of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation and network support. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism. The CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Certification Training Course measures the necessary competencies for an IT professional with approximately nine months experience in network support or administration. Students will learn the knowledge and skills needed to install, manage and troubleshoot variety of networks on any platform. Our Network Plus training course follows the CompTIA objectives, ensuring you receive the training and knowledge needed to succeed. Who is the target audience?
- Network+ Certification is suited for computer technicians who are searching for a challenging career in the administration and support of complex internetworking environments. Anyone who wants to learn about fundamentals of Networking and TCP/IP.
- Network+ is a great starting point for a number of entry-level job positions, and a launching point for many career paths, including those related to network infrastructure, desktop and server support, and more.