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Thread ID: 77836	2007-03-24 08:43:00	Any advise for a Noob Technician?	PedalSlammer (8511)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
535547	2007-03-24 21:31:00	No offense PedalSlammer, but I'm inclined to agree with Metla on this one. Take things slowly, and make sure that you really do know enough before you take on customers. Friends and family are a good place to start; they are likely to be a lot more forgiving if you stuff something up. Also be very aware of consequential losses - if you make a mistake with someone's data and you don't have a get-out clause, you could end up bankrupt. Why don't you try helping some people in the F1 forum - it will help us see what kind of level you are at and perhaps give you some tips on where to go next. Absolutely not at this stage unless you have learnt a huge amount in the last few months.Hmm, good point for stuffing peoples computer up. But I havn't even blown a power supply before, except one time where I get a super cheap and old graphics card onto this Pentium computer and the power supply just blow up, that guy say its working but too bad it was a garage sale so I can't get refunds. Loss of datas? Hmm, this is a very complicated process. I did lose a lot of datas a lot of time by formating the entire HDD and reinstall Windos. But don't forget there's also one time, when my HDD bad sector formed causing Windows crashed, but in the end I managed to recover every single bit of data that I needed. But my tutor said, if the Windows if stuff up just reinstall it and just don't care about backups and all those stuff. So can I do tune ups? As an alternative? i.e. Cleaning the Temporary Files on computers. Spyware scanning & removal Anti-Virus Scanning and removal Registry fixing and removing unused registries HDD defrag system scan disk or check disk :( I can't mess around with my home computers anymore they're all fixed. In the old days they're really crappy and needs reinstalling Windows all the time, errors, slow boot ups, windows freezing, CPU fan creating too much nosie, etc. Now, I'm using a Intel P4 1.6GHz with some bad sectors on HDD which is pretty slow but using the software for tune ups the computer can still survive. Is my experience good enough to deal with customers? I mean few years ago until now, I use see all sorts of problems with my PCs in home but they're all fixed. Hmm, but I can't really have a chance to play around anymore. In my course, there're some crappy computers to play around with but they didn't have must problems either. That's why I need to play around with these PCs more. Oh well, I guess I'll have to take you guys advise. But my skill in overclocking is zero. Because I don't have enough equipment to overclock such as better coolers, BIOS, supported overclocking, etc. But this doesn't involve with CompTIA so this is an optional subject to learn? I forgot one thing, I'm doing a full time course, and I think most schools have their own technitian to fix stuff. The area I live in all schools have their own techinitian working all the time. So it means, I can't be free unless weekends for aroud half a day. But one person from the same course got employed as a technician but I don't know how deep is his knowledge but he got employed anyway, for once a week for around $20 per hr. This is his first year too.	PedalSlammer (8511)
535548	2007-03-24 21:53:00	But my tutor said, if the Windows if stuff up just reinstall it and just don't care about backups and all those stuff. Don't even think about charging people if you take that advice.	wotz (335)
535549	2007-03-24 21:59:00	Don't even think about charging people if you take that advice. Yeah, that's the problem, I don't really agree with that. But what about other people in my class who follow this tutor advise?	PedalSlammer (8511)
535550	2007-03-24 22:12:00	quailifactions gives you a base to build experience ( which is worth its weight in gold on a cv). To get experience try approaching hospitals, schools etc where you can work (supervised) along side a experienced tech, often this type of work is unpaid. logical/lateral thinking helps too.	beama (111)
535551	2007-03-24 22:26:00	uh . . . Not to be harsh on then capabilities of the thread starter, But based on past input I would suggest you get as much training as you can . . . . . Definitely agree with Met on this one . I've been working on computers since 1993 and whilst I have gained a wealth of experience you cannot replace the encompassing nature a formal qualification gives you as a technician . Most if not all qualifications will be based on current industry standards and practises, so really you are learning what is relevant in the IT world . These IT certifications are expensive but this is because they offer specific targeted training on IT . I'm in my final year at Open Polytechnic doing a Diploma in Information Systems and Technology for Business . There are 6 subjects but when you compare the course content to MCSE or CCNA the diploma doesn't cover nearly as much work as MCSE or CCNA do . It is for this reason I've started my MCSE and CCNA through SeekLearning . . . I was offered both courses for $4950 . A very good deal especially when you consider MCSE usually goes for $8500 - $10000 a pop on its own . It IS good to repair PC's and all that sort of thing but only do so once you know what you're doing . . . you need a background before tinkering with other people's PC's especially if you're going to be charging $$$ for the service . Two pieces of advice I would offer you . . . 1) Get certified (MCSE, CCNA or CompTIA A+) it will go a long way to getting your foot in the door . 2) Read heaps of PC magazines, this helps you keep up to date with what's happening out there and you'll also find the sections on "Reader's PC Problems" useful as they will help build your own knowledge base . Cheers	chiefnz (545)
535552	2007-03-25 01:27:00	PedalSlammer you could try some online A+ Certification practice tests there are plenty around	radium (8645)
535553	2007-03-25 02:26:00	PedalSlammer,Just don't take on any job that you are not 100% certain you can handle. You just need one stuff up and your reputation is ruined. QWhy not tru and get part time work with an experienced person. I know everyone has to start somewhere, but for god's sake don't bite off more than you can chew.	JJJJJ (528)
535554	2007-03-25 04:35:00	Definitely agree with Met on this one. I've been working on computers since 1993 and whilst I have gained a wealth of experience you cannot replace the encompassing nature a formal qualification gives you as a technician. I dunno. I work as a tech, I have no formal qualification (in IT). Many of the best Techs I know have no formal qualification. A qualification is nice, and will certainly open doors, but it means that you are good at answering the questions on a test to get that qualification. A succesful tech (IMHO) is one that can think on their feet, can think laterally (outside the box) and can logically work their way through a problem.	trig42 (11325)
535555	2007-03-25 06:57:00	There is a lot to learn. Try not to claim knowledge you don't have. I still occasionally help people but regard myself as a teacher NOT technician. When I don't know what I am doing I say so and suggest they get the organ grinder in, instead of the monkey. I don't charge these days which helps! But I do know quite a lot of people who are brilliant with computers. None seem to make masses of money. Another thing I notice is that they are all extremely competent in writing English. I may have been lucky here. I do suggest this could be an area of weakness for you and something you can start improving on right now. Your prose is not easy to read, not very logical, and full of spelling mistakes. On the practical side there are organisations that help in charity work and restoring old computers. In Christchurch there is "Molten Media Trust" Perhaps they would be able to use you. Keep your dreams and you will get there eventually. Tom	Thomas01 (317)
535556	2007-03-25 09:03:00	But I havn't even blown a power supply before Loss of datas? But my tutor said, if the Windows if stuff up just reinstall it and just don't care about backups and all those stuff. In the old days they're really crappy and needs reinstalling Windows all the time, Is my experience good enough to deal with customers? But my skill in overclocking is zero. Neither have I, why the hell would you?? Point your tutor at this thread here on the forum. Your tutor is an idiot, a cowboy and should be taken out the back and shot. I wouldn't let him near a PC rotting in a dump. No PC needs reinstalling "all the time". Fix it properly the first time round. No it is not, because you are in a bad course getting worse advice. Pay attention here, you'll learn a LOT more. Overclocking has nothing to do with repairing PCs. As for tuneups............I guess you could do that, offer the service stating you are learning and NOT an experienced tech. Wouldn't surprise me if half your street flocks to your door anyway......... Get a range of known malware tools, read the FAQ here if you haven't a clue. Make sure you configure them first, don't just run them as is%2	pctek (84)
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