Computer Maintenance & Repair Course

poeticjustice

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone has heard anything about this course or one similar.

http://www.hitechtraining.ie/computer-maintenance-repair/

Waste of money or a good grounding in the basics? I'm new to computer builds and repairs but it's something that interests me.

Thanks

Sonics2k

Looks okay, but it doesn't actually give any real qualifications. You'd certainly pick up the basics of building a PC, but in terms of getting a job out of it probably wouldn't do much.

ED E

Do the A+ if you want to get into hardware and go from there.

Digital Solitude

You'd get more than a grounding in the basics from it anyways, though there isn't anything there you couldn't pick up as you went along if you jumped straight in to learning about hardware, and taking a stab at fixing broken crap.

poeticjustice

Thanks for the replies guys.

Sonics2k wrote: »

Looks okay, but it doesn't actually give any real qualifications. You'd certainly pick up the basics of building a PC, but in terms of getting a job out of it probably wouldn't do much.

Not even sure I'd want to get a job out of it at the moment anyway. It's more something to get me started really. Is there another course you know of with better qualifications at the end? I work full time already so would be looking for a part time course ideally.

poeticjustice

ED E wrote: »

Do the A+ if you want to get into hardware and go from there.

Sorry if this is a really basic question but what do you mean by the A+? Total noob here

Lu Tze

poeticjustice wrote: »

Sorry if this is a really basic question but what do you mean by the A+? Total noob here

Comptia a+, you can self study with a good book, and just pay for the exams.

poeticjustice

Digital Solitude wrote: »

You'd get more than a grounding in the basics from it anyways, though there isn't anything there you couldn't pick up as you went along if you jumped straight in to learning about hardware, and taking a stab at fixing broken crap.

Yeah, I was thinking of going down that route but hard to know where to start. Would definitely be the cheaper option because the course is 600 quid. I liked the idea of a hands on course though. Learning off the internet or a book takes a lot more effort finding reliable information that is taught well

poeticjustice

Lu Tze wrote: »

Comptia a+, you can self study with a good book, and just pay for the exams.

Ah right. Thanks a million. I'll look it up.

MRTULES

Buy some cheap 2nd hand parts and build a computer. Great learning and cheap enough depending what the end use will be.
Oh, and don't forget to subscribe and follow the PC building and upgrade forum.

poeticjustice

MRTULES wrote: »

Buy some cheap 2nd hand parts and build a computer. Great learning and cheap enough depending what the end use will be.
Oh, and don't forget to subscribe and follow the PC building and upgrade forum.

Thanks man. Do you recommend any learning resources to get started? So I'm not just going in blind

Sonics2k

poeticjustice wrote: »

Thanks man. Do you recommend any learning resources to get started? So I'm not just going in blind

There's a good few guides around, especially on Youtube. Linustechtips is always a good one.

Honestly, whether you're building a €400 or €4000 machine the basics are all the same really. The only -scary- part is adding the CPU to the mainboard, the rest is actually quite simple in comparison.

poeticjustice

Sonics2k wrote: »

There's a good few guides around, especially on Youtube. Linustechtips is always a good one.

Honestly, whether you're building a €400 or €4000 machine the basics are all the same really. The only -scary- part is adding the CPU to the mainboard, the rest is actually quite simple in comparison.

I'll look him up. Would be sickened to hand out 600 euro for something i could find online. Thanks for your help

knird evol

your local library should probably have some of these books

Lu Tze

I have Mike Meyers Comptia A+ book, though im sure there are new editions since. Got about 1/3 way through, was studying it when abroad and planning to come back to ireland to few to little prospects in my (different) industry, so low level IT helpdesk roles were the target backup job to try for (i have no IT qualification so the A+ was the first step).

Got a job in my industry though so it fell by the wayside. Would recommend though, was well structured and easy to follow. The exams are a few hundred if you want the qualification out of it, but its a good starting point regardless, you can decide on the exams at a later date.

Get the hands on by doing a few projects at home using old hardware

MagTuired

In Cork there's place called the CETB out in that offers free courses for people on unemployment. It's out by CIT in what was the Fas building and and as far as I know is run by Cork County Council or similar. They offer a computer maintenance course I think and also some CompTIA Modules.

Is there anything like that where you are?

catsbanter

not sure how computer literate you are but heres a few things to youtube.

What is Ram and how to replace it
What is a PSU and how to replace it
What is a hard drive and how to replace it
What is CPU and cooler and how to replace them.
What is a graphics card and how to replace them.
What is a motherboard and how to replace it.
How to build a computer? (Its actually quite easy, just a jigsaw)
Same as above but now try with laptop instead of a desktop and look up how to replace monitor and keyboard.

How to install a clean copies of windows
How to repair windows.
What are drivers.
Memtest software to check for ram issues.
HD Tune to test for hard drive issues.
Testing graphics cards (Best way is to try in another computer)
How to get rid of viruses

Linus tech tips is always good and look up forums as well. Happy learning.

catsbanter

Forgot to mention if theres a problem with power supply always helpful to have a spare to test that as well.

UrbanFret

Lu Tze wrote: »

I have Mike Meyers Comptia A+ book, though im sure there are new editions since. Got about 1/3 way through, was studying it when abroad and planning to come back to ireland to few to little prospects in my (different) industry, so low level IT helpdesk roles were the target backup job to try for (i have no IT qualification so the A+ was the first step).

Got a job in my industry though so it fell by the wayside. Would recommend though, was well structured and easy to follow. The exams are a few hundred if you want the qualification out of it, but its a good starting point regardless, you can decide on the exams at a later date.

Get the hands on by doing a few projects at home using old hardware

The exams are free if you are out of work. Just sign up for the course with Fas "or the modern day equivalent " I did it 3 years ago, it's almost up and I need to renew(not sure If I'll bother to be honest). Did the exam in letterKenny and full marks for the breakfast I got in the training centre too!:D

poeticjustice

knird evol wrote: »

your local library should probably have some of these books

Thanks. I did type the same thing into amazon myself. Thought a hands on course might be more beneficial. Might look into a good book though too. Have been given some good recommendations

poeticjustice

Lu Tze wrote: »

I have Mike Meyers Comptia A+ book, though im sure there are new editions since. Got about 1/3 way through, was studying it when abroad and planning to come back to ireland to few to little prospects in my (different) industry, so low level IT helpdesk roles were the target backup job to try for (i have no IT qualification so the A+ was the first step).

Got a job in my industry though so it fell by the wayside. Would recommend though, was well structured and easy to follow. The exams are a few hundred if you want the qualification out of it, but its a good starting point regardless, you can decide on the exams at a later date.

Get the hands on by doing a few projects at home using old hardware

Sounds good. Probably the smarter option than spending a lot of money on a course first. It's good that it offers a qualification too. Might have interesting job potential down the line. Thanks for your help

poeticjustice

MagTuired wrote: »

In Cork there's place called the CETB out in that offers free courses for people on unemployment. It's out by CIT in what was the Fas building and and as far as I know is run by Cork County Council or similar. They offer a computer maintenance course I think and also some CompTIA Modules.

Is there anything like that where you are?

There probably is alright. I've heard of similar courses but i'm in full time employment at the moment anyway. Was just something I was looking into part time as a hobby really and maybe leading to something more down the road. Thanks for the idea though

poeticjustice

catsbanter wrote: »

not sure how computer literate you are but heres a few things to youtube.

What is Ram and how to replace it
What is a PSU and how to replace it
What is a hard drive and how to replace it
What is CPU and cooler and how to replace them.
What is a graphics card and how to replace them.
What is a motherboard and how to replace it.
How to build a computer? (Its actually quite easy, just a jigsaw)
Same as above but now try with laptop instead of a desktop and look up how to replace monitor and keyboard.

How to install a clean copies of windows
How to repair windows.
What are drivers.
Memtest software to check for ram issues.
HD Tune to test for hard drive issues.
Testing graphics cards (Best way is to try in another computer)
How to get rid of viruses

Linus tech tips is always good and look up forums as well. Happy learning.

Yeah, I've had a look on youtube. There are some good videos and other that are not so good. i'm probably being too picky. I should just jump into it, get my hands on an old computer and start messing around. I just like a structured way of learning and thought a course like that might be good. Thanks a million for the youtube searches. I'll check them out

poeticjustice

UrbanFret wrote: »

The exams are free if you are out of work. Just sign up for the course with Fas "or the modern day equivalent " I did it 3 years ago, it's almost up and I need to renew(not sure If I'll bother to be honest). Did the exam in letterKenny and full marks for the breakfast I got in the training centre too!:D

Cool. Do you work in the industry or just did it for the interest? A good breakfast says a lot about an organisation

Johnboy1951

Based on the pic on their web page I would not touch them .....


The first things you should do, before working on a machine, is use a 'grounding strap' and remove all jewellery (particularly metal).
Seems they do not subscribe to such precautions.

Rather than paying for a course like the one linked to, at least at first, you might be better off getting as many old, discarded PCs as you can from relatives and friends etc., and get familiar with the hardware ...... easy to get info on line for the different machines.

I would also suggest you use different versions (distros) of Linux to test the hardware with an operating system.
There are specialised distros out there that will help with diagnosis etc. as well as general purpose operating systems.

MagTuired

poeticjustice wrote: »

A good breakfast says a lot about an organisation

Food in the canteen in the old Fas centers tends to be subsidized. €1.95 for a big dinner during yer lunch break.

poeticjustice

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Based on the pic on their web page I would not touch them .....


The first things you should do, before working on a machine, is use a 'grounding strap' and remove all jewellery (particularly metal).
Seems they do not subscribe to such precautions.

Rather than paying for a course like the one linked to, at least at first, you might be better off getting as many old, discarded PCs as you can from relatives and friends etc., and get familiar with the hardware ...... easy to get info on line for the different machines.

I would also suggest you use different versions (distros) of Linux to test the hardware with an operating system.
There are specialised distros out there that will help with diagnosis etc. as well as general purpose operating systems.

And look at those fingernails!!! Manicured to a tee. Yep, something about this organisation just seems off to me

Thanks for your advice. I'll try and get my hands on some old hardware and mess around with it. Good idea regarding Linux too.

Skerries

and as for his cable management, don't get me started!

drake70

Hi poeticjustice,

You can find free videos relating to CompTIA A+ here:
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/free-a-plus/

poeticjustice

drake70 wrote: »

Hi poeticjustice,

You can find free videos relating to CompTIA A+ here:
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/free-a-plus/

Looks excellent. Watched his first video there. Very promising. Thanks a million. Really appreciated

dreamers75

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

The first things you should do, before working on a machine, is use a 'grounding strap' and remove all jewellery (particularly metal).
Seems they do not subscribe to such precautions.

lol grounding strap.....

You know you can just touch the actual case with all your fingers to discharge any static?

If i see someone using a strap I have to question their knowledge of anything really.

to the OP A+ and Inet+ are all you need for now.

Johnboy1951

dreamers75 wrote: »

lol grounding strap.....

You know you can just touch the actual case with all your fingers to discharge any static?

If i see someone using a strap I have to question their knowledge of anything really.

to the OP A+ and Inet+ are all you need for now.

Hahahahahahahaha

Sonics2k

dreamers75 wrote: »

lol grounding strap.....

You know you can just touch the actual case with all your fingers to discharge any static?

If i see someone using a strap I have to question their knowledge of anything really.

to the OP A+ and Inet+ are all you need for now.

wat

poeticjustice

Let me read the A+ book first and i'll sort this argument out

the_syco

As said, have a look at Professor Messer.

As for the static strap thing; maybe if I was working on server costing several grand in an area where static would be generated, but otherwise, no. Touch wooden table to get rid of static, and then remove parts.

Go onto Adverts.ie and get an old PC for free to mess with, and get familiar with. The slots will have changed, but the basic format of PC's have not. Get a cheap version of Windows, and install it from scratch.

If you're unemployed, do the Computer Maintenance course with FAS (or whatever FAS is now), as it usually does the Comptia A+ exam at the end.

The course you linked to, "City & Guilds Diploma in IT Systems Support (7267-24)"; I've never heard of it, so can't comment on it.

Johnboy1951

the_syco wrote: »

As said, have a look at Professor Messer.

As for the static strap thing; maybe if I was working on server costing several grand in an area where static would be generated, but otherwise, no. Touch wooden table to get rid of static, and then remove parts.

What about static generated by the person themselves? ..... clothing etc.

You reckon a wooden table is a good conductor of electricity?

So for the sake of a few euros to protect ICs you would prefer to take the chance.
That is fine for you, but hardly a sensible piece of advice for someone starting out on this journey.

Go onto Adverts.ie and get an old PC for free to mess with, and get familiar with. The slots will have changed, but the basic format of PC's have not. Get a cheap version of Windows, and install it from scratch.

If you're unemployed, do the Computer Maintenance course with FAS (or whatever FAS is now), as it usually does the Comptia A+ exam at the end.

The course you linked to, "City & Guilds Diploma in IT Systems Support (7267-24)"; I've never heard of it, so can't comment on it.

Digital Solitude

Touching a wooden table will not discharge static :pac:

Stand on timber or tile while building and ground yourself off the inside of the case. I do a lot of work fixing phones and consoles and never worn a strap, but it certainly isn't a bad idea

Sucr

Haha good ole professor messer!

You should consider the N+ as well

Sonics2k

Digital Solitude wrote: »

Touching a wooden table will not discharge static :pac:

Stand on timber or tile while building and ground yourself off the inside of the case. I do a lot of work fixing phones and consoles and never worn a strap, but it certainly isn't a bad idea

I work in a repair centre too. The head PC engineer we have wears an anti-static band just in case. At the very least the other guys will tap on something metallic or leave the PSU plugged in and just tap it now and then.

the_syco

Digital Solitude wrote: »

Touching a wooden table will not discharge static :pac:

Meh. Been touching wood (har har) to get rid of static thus far.

Sonics2k wrote: »

At the very least the other guys will tap on something metallic or leave the PSU plugged in and just tap it now and then.

IMO, more of a chance of you getting fried that way :pac:

UrbanFret

poeticjustice wrote: »

Cool. Do you work in the industry or just did it for the interest? A good breakfast says a lot about an organisation

No I just did it because It's something I have an interest in. I'm a firefighter. It's an interesting little course. These are some of the resources I used. They may need updating for the new exams.
http://www.measureup.com/
http://certification.comptia.org/Training/testingcenters/samplequestions.aspx
http://davidlprowse.com/21-aplus-220-702-questions.php
http://www.professormesser.com/category/free-a-plus-training/220-701/
https://quizlet.com/2027294/measure-up-220-601220-701-flash-cards/

UrbanFret

MagTuired wrote: »

Food in the canteen in the old Fas centers tends to be subsidized. €1.95 for a big dinner during yer lunch break.

yes this is indeed correct and as in in my case (LetterKenny) because of the journey I had travelled , The examiner a very friendly man called charlie (I can't recall his surname) told the the canteen staff my breakfast was on the house.;)

Solitaire

the_syco wrote: »

IMO, more of a chance of you getting fried that way :pac:

Not really, so long as the plug socket isn't dodgy If its switched off at the mains and the socket's good then the PSU has no access to power and any static (or indeed any charge that may have been in the PSU and has access to its chassis or an earth trace or plane on the PCB) will flow straight to ground as the mains earth connection is always on.

poeticjustice

UrbanFret wrote: »

No I just did it because It's something I have an interest in. I'm a firefighter. It's an interesting little course. These are some of the resources I used. They may need updating for the new exams.
http://www.measureup.com/
http://certification.comptia.org/Training/testingcenters/samplequestions.aspx
http://davidlprowse.com/21-aplus-220-702-questions.php
http://www.professormesser.com/category/free-a-plus-training/220-701/
https://quizlet.com/2027294/measure-up-220-601220-701-flash-cards/

Thanks for the links. I'll have a proper look at them over the next few days. just an interest for me too. for now anyway

G88

Lads I need help. Want to get into and specialise networking. Already have a diploma in computing. Which course is better- Certificate in Advanced Networking and Cloud Technologies at level 8 with Microsoft Technology Associate in Networking Fundamentals included in DBS or level 6 blanch it Certificate in Cisco CCNA and Systems Administration with Work Experience?

Xenoronin

The Cisco CCNA looks pretty entry level based on this.
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/index.html

The work experience would be very valuable though and the course probably shorter?