How to get started in the IT industry?
- Thread starter Mark Young
- Start date
Another good place to check out different Linux distros: www.distrowatch.com
My advice:
1) Get used to the command line. Yes all OSes have GUIs now-a-days but the real meat of the system can sometimes only be accessed the old fashioned way.
2) Get used to Windows system administration tools: Take a system that you don't mind messing up and do a file search for *.msc. Try running each one of them and tinker around. Do a search on google for the function of the tool.
3) Get used to the Windows Registry. Get used to terms like HKLM (HKey_Local_Machine) etc. You can access by running regedit. Do a search on google for more information about this. Play around with tweaking different programs and MS Window's settings.
4) Learn the basics of computer programming (variables, etc.). Scripting/batch files are a good way to practice this.
5) Finally: Get a mentor or two. Find somebody online/irl that is willing to help you through tough spots or to just chat about computing concepts.
Anymore questions? Contact me at:
AIM: damunzy
email: damunzy[at]hotmail[dot]com
My advice:
1) Get used to the command line. Yes all OSes have GUIs now-a-days but the real meat of the system can sometimes only be accessed the old fashioned way.
2) Get used to Windows system administration tools: Take a system that you don't mind messing up and do a file search for *.msc. Try running each one of them and tinker around. Do a search on google for the function of the tool.
3) Get used to the Windows Registry. Get used to terms like HKLM (HKey_Local_Machine) etc. You can access by running regedit. Do a search on google for more information about this. Play around with tweaking different programs and MS Window's settings.
4) Learn the basics of computer programming (variables, etc.). Scripting/batch files are a good way to practice this.
5) Finally: Get a mentor or two. Find somebody online/irl that is willing to help you through tough spots or to just chat about computing concepts.
Anymore questions? Contact me at:
AIM: damunzy
email: damunzy[at]hotmail[dot]com
Oh I forgot for Knoppix
Knoppix
Munzy's point about getting a Mentor - is pure quality and will probably be one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself long term.
Phantom Lords post covered and area I missed. In IT these days a big focus is on 'communication' skills and client relations.
Some of this will be covered in your course - alot of course is common sense in this area (to my mind anyway).
For future employment though - communication skills is a big plus and definately something that can mean the difference between gaining employment or progressing in what ever job you have.
Where is a Penguin/Tux emote???
For linux lovers everywhere - I bring you....
Tux Baron
Knoppix
Munzy's point about getting a Mentor - is pure quality and will probably be one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself long term.
Phantom Lords post covered and area I missed. In IT these days a big focus is on 'communication' skills and client relations.
Some of this will be covered in your course - alot of course is common sense in this area (to my mind anyway).
For future employment though - communication skills is a big plus and definately something that can mean the difference between gaining employment or progressing in what ever job you have.
Where is a Penguin/Tux emote???
For linux lovers everywhere - I bring you....
Tux Baron
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Mark Young
Formerly Sir Eric
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- Feb 14, 2003
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@Munzy
Thanks for the tips.
Playing around with my own system is something that I have only done very tentatively, and I have wanted to try things that are a bit more in-depth but I didn't want to risk hurting this system, so it looks like I might have to convince the missus I need another one to practice on.
So I'll need a mentor then?? I bet you in 6 months you'll have regretted you posted your email address.
@Ohkrana
Whats with the picture?
Thanks for the tips.
Playing around with my own system is something that I have only done very tentatively, and I have wanted to try things that are a bit more in-depth but I didn't want to risk hurting this system, so it looks like I might have to convince the missus I need another one to practice on.
So I'll need a mentor then?? I bet you in 6 months you'll have regretted you posted your email address.
@Ohkrana
Whats with the picture?
Prismhead
Chieftain
I am a desktop support and MS Office trainer....and other duties as assigned...I have been doing this for 4 1/2 years.
I have a H.S. Diploma and I went to a business college for accounting.
In my previous job (for 10 years) I went to lots of conferences and training (like New Horizons for MS Office products). .....and I just did a lot of stuff on my own and read PC Mag and PC Gamer a lot...and messed around with my home computer a lot.
I got my current job because of my EXPERIENCE. I learned it pretty much all on my own.
If you want to do desktop support and training...you have to have patience and have the ability to communicate and explain things to people in simple terms. You have to not mind helping people over and over again with the same "simple" problem.
Keep your skills fresh and up to date. Build your own computers. Play lots of games. Surf the web a lot. Know every option and setting in every program. Go to microsoft's technet newsgroups and just read all of the questions people have. Find some good website forums (like this one) and read what people talk about.
I have a H.S. Diploma and I went to a business college for accounting.
In my previous job (for 10 years) I went to lots of conferences and training (like New Horizons for MS Office products). .....and I just did a lot of stuff on my own and read PC Mag and PC Gamer a lot...and messed around with my home computer a lot.
I got my current job because of my EXPERIENCE. I learned it pretty much all on my own.
If you want to do desktop support and training...you have to have patience and have the ability to communicate and explain things to people in simple terms. You have to not mind helping people over and over again with the same "simple" problem.
Keep your skills fresh and up to date. Build your own computers. Play lots of games. Surf the web a lot. Know every option and setting in every program. Go to microsoft's technet newsgroups and just read all of the questions people have. Find some good website forums (like this one) and read what people talk about.
The best computer related job I've found so far here is Firaxis and AQ Inc. (really, check the C3C credits if you don't believe me. 
). My friends, and even my friends friends say there's no programming jobs in Maryland (save for government jobs which need 15+ years experience...). The only things close that I've found are maintaining networks and databases. There's not even many web development companies here, either. It's kind of hard keeping your skills up to date, too, especially when things change, and you were taught C++ in Borland C++ (and unix)... no GUI programming, no MS VC++, no DirectX programming either...
). My friends, and even my friends friends say there's no programming jobs in Maryland (save for government jobs which need 15+ years experience...). The only things close that I've found are maintaining networks and databases. There's not even many web development companies here, either. It's kind of hard keeping your skills up to date, too, especially when things change, and you were taught C++ in Borland C++ (and unix)... no GUI programming, no MS VC++, no DirectX programming either...@Chieftess: Two words - night classes! Take some night classes to keep up to speed or learn it while doing your current job or at home on your own free time.
@Sir Eric: I am still waiting for the first email.
@Sir Eric: I am still waiting for the first email.
bobgote
Trousers
In Aus, there is work out there.Originally posted by Chieftess
The best computer related job I've found so far here is Firaxis and AQ Inc. (really, check the C3C credits if you don't believe me.
There is some programming work, but a network admin position is much more likely i think.
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