Anyone here got A+ and MCDST training?

[RodLeach]

Im meeting a bloke tomorrow about going into I.T.

He wants me to train up on the A+ courses aswell as MCDST.

Its mostly for hardware issues on computers really which is something i'd be fairly happy going for.

So any tips/advice would be much appreciated.

[Gizmo]

MCDST is basically your Microsoft Desktop Support - mainly used to qualify for help-desk/office support

A+ certification confirms your ability to perform tasks like installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.


They're like the basic entry to proving that you know your job and are able to support companies/peoples machines (mainly used for contracting/working in companies)


Luckily, I have got by so far without any Microsoft Accreditation and I've worked on contracts for Citibank, Dansico Flexible etc...and have also run a computer department for a small finance company.

Now working in an Academy looking after all the equipment/software.


Most companies are now requiring at least these qualifications or MCP (microsoft certified professional on one of its core systems/software, if not MCSE (microsoft certified software engineer)

[RodLeach]

Fantastic mate!!!

The blokes asked me to check them out an i'd imagine hes going to be asking questions!

I've checked there websites but i've not really been able to think of something to say without just listing off whats on there website!!

Good sum up that!

Are you happy with it as a job/career?!

[hellmett]

Re

Ooops!

Never press enter when you are posting!

[hellmett]

Re

Rod,

If you need any info/help mate gimmie a shout.

I got a load of Microsoft Certs last year mate, I went on a Boot Camp and then did a fair few off my own bat as well!

I got:-

MCTS - Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist - Vista (x1 Exam)
MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (x4 Exams) HARD
MCITP - Microsoft Certified IP Professional - Enterprise Support Technician (x2 Exams)
MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (x7 Exams) VERY HARD
MCP - (Any "older" Microsoft exam pass)

You can mix and match and use previous exam passes for other certificates.

Anyone who passes one of the "older" Microsoft exams automatically gets MCP, it is slowly being phased out now and being replaced with MCTS.

The MCSA and MCSE are going as well and being replaced with MCITP.

Microsoft Certification

I can tell you the BEST way of studying and passing your exams!

I have got SHEDLOADS of study aids/videos/CBT Nuggets etc. and mock exams.

Yours if you want them!

Gary

[RodLeach]

Any help would be bl**dy great mate!!


The guys changed my courses for something more suited to me.

Im starting A+ training on tuesday aswell as several website design courses including Flash etc.

Then hes going to help me set up my own buisness doing websites and offering pc repair services..

Fingers crossed it would be pretty good!

He said that i came across that i'd do better on my own rather then being a 'cog in the machine' for someone else!!



My dad said that means he thinks im unemployable!!

[hellmett]

Re

Rod,

I run my own PC Repair business and officially you DO NOT need any qualifications!

A lot of the MS stuff only applies to workplace/corporate type scenarios!

CompTIA A+ is a good start.

Unfortunately its like anything mate!

You get out what you put in.

People notice very quickly if you "blag" your way in this game.

Is this fellow charging you for anything?

Gary

[RodLeach]

Rod,

I run my own PC Repair business and officially you DO NOT need any qualifications!

A lot of the MS stuff only applies to workplace/corporate type scenarios!

CompTIA A+ is a good start.

Unfortunately its like anything mate!

You get out what you put in.

People notice very quickly if you "blag" your way in this game.

Is this fellow charging you for anything?

Gary

Exams only mate. I wont have the confidence or complete know how without the course.

He's from Pitman training an is a friend of my dads buisness partner. Seems like a sound bloke!! Got about a million cards on his wall thanking him for sorting people out!

[hellmett]

Re

Sounds good!

Are you a complete noob with computers?

How much can you do?

Could you reformat a PC, reinstall the OS and drivers etc?

Gary

PM me your email address and I can send you some ebooks and example exams etc.

The CompTIA A+ is no easy exam mate despite what people say, CompTIA have recently got their shit together and made their exams a LOT harder than they were.

I did the CompTIA Security+, cost me a fortune and I failed it by 22 points (1/2 questions if I can remember)

I won't be taking it again.

If I were you, considering you want to be more hardware orientated then I would follow the CompTIA route to it's conclusion.

See here:-

CompTIA

Don't bother with Microsoft just yet!

Gary

[RodLeach]

I could install hardware etc.

The insides of a pc aint a problem but as for installing OS etc i'd be nervous!!!

Email is - rodsterman12@hotmail.com -

I can't pm you mate. It says you've either chosen not to recieve them or somet or other!



cheers mate!

[hellmett]

MCDST is basically your Microsoft Desktop Support - mainly used to qualify for help-desk/office support

A+ certification confirms your ability to perform tasks like installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.


They're like the basic entry to proving that you know your job and are able to support companies/peoples machines (mainly used for contracting/working in companies)


Luckily, I have got by so far without any Microsoft Accreditation and I've worked on contracts for Citibank, Dansico Flexible etc...and have also run a computer department for a small finance company.

Now working in an Academy looking after all the equipment/software.


Most companies are now requiring at least these qualifications or MCP (microsoft certified professional on one of its core systems/software, if not MCSE (microsoft certified software engineer)

MCSE = Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

Sorry to be so pernickity mate but best not to confuse Rod!

[hellmett]

Re

Rod,

Your email will not accept the files mate, too big!

I'll upload them to Megaupload for you.

Will send you the links asap.

Gary

[RodLeach]

Thats great!!

I appreciate the help mate!!




It will be nice to finally get myself sorted out again.. I've been on an off with plumbing for ages now!

Saying that it is nice to just go out an do what i want, When i want.

[hellmett]

Re

Here you go Rod,

Here is some stuff to get you started!

EBOOKS

Have fun!

Gary

PS Anyone else feel free to grab these!

[RodLeach]

Just downloaded the file! cheers mate..


Just sorting a program to open the file an i'll have a browse!