Looking at a computer tech job, good books to brush up?

scottmandue · 02-11-2017, 06:59 AM

I have been a tech here at the museum for 19 years, I do a lot of A/V and lighting plus working on computers (have an old Dell on my desk with a crashed hard drive, that will be my project for the day).

I was a field service/configuration tech twenty years ago but obviously computers have changed drastically since then.

I'm looking at retiring in a year and despite what my wife thinks I am not so lazy that I can sit and watch TV all day, I will go insane in a week.

There is a job opening at the community college for a computer tech and I applied.

There will be thousands of applicants, but just in case I win the lotto and get called in for an interview I would like to prepare a bit.

I know we have some IT and teachers here, can someone give me ideas on what I should be studying? Classes online?

Thanks in advance

asphaltgambler · 02-11-2017, 07:49 AM

If it were me - I'd do some Intel as to what Network / OS they are currently using, how many laptops and mobile systems ( if any) other software. Also, what level is this position? The job description should give you some areas of what's needed.

id10t · 02-11-2017, 08:42 AM

Do the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications

There are some free practice tests online, I was hitting 90% on them and passed mine with about the same percentage.

scottmandue · 02-11-2017, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

If it were me - I'd do some Intel as to what Network / OS they are currently using, how many laptops and mobile systems ( if any) other software. Also, what level is this position? The job description should give you some areas of what's needed.

I was thinking the same, but don't want to seem like a creepy hacker trying to get into their network

maybe a friendly talk with their HR would get me the info if I am upfront with my interest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by id10t

Do the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications

There are some free practice tests online, I was hitting 90% on them and passed mine with about the same percentage.

Thank you! I will google those.

Just realized I dated myself by asking for "books"

back in the day went they added some new software package at work we would run to this mythical place called the library where you could grab an "idiots guide to X" and read through it in a weekend... then I would go out and play with my pet brontosaurus.

id10t · 02-11-2017, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I was thinking the same, but don't want to seem like a creepy hacker trying to get into their network

maybe a friendly talk with their HR would get me the info if I am upfront with my interest.

Thank you! I will google those.

Just realized I dated myself by asking for "books"

back in the day went they added some new software package at work we would run to this mythical place called the library where you could grab an "idiots guide to X" and read through it in a weekend... then I would go out and play with my pet brontosaurus.

Well, I could refer you if I had needed 'em when I took the tests... my last "basics" course was 20 years ago. What will help is when you talk to your interviewer and say "yeah, brushing up for my A+ and Net+, I plan on passing them in the next month or so" won't hurt... Remember, depending on what type of CC it is you could be up against their students who may have already been doing the job as an internship, etc.

scottmandue · 02-11-2017, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by id10t

Remember, depending on what type of CC it is you could be up against their students who may have already been doing the job as an internship, etc.

Very true and a chance I will be looked over because of my age, on the other hand I will likely stick around whereas a student will move on as soon as a better offer comes along.

asphaltgambler · 02:21 PM

MO is the A+ / N+ is extremely dated courseware. The only things more dated than yesterday's newspaper or last year's race car are these 2 certs.

I think there is more relevant information on current platforms out on Google ...........if you know what they are using.

VincentVega · 02-12-2017, 08:26 PM

Funny, I think network + and then security + are 100% worthwhile. I learned quite a bit going through the windows stuff, never touched AD for example. They are common certs many are looking for and will passing each shows a good baseline of knowledge.