rock8785
02-02-2000, 03:51 PM
If you wanted to really learn about computers and there was a junior college around you. what kind of class would you take?
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Target
02-02-2000, 04:13 PM
Pretty much anything related to puters http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Seriously, these are some of the classes I would recommend and why:
History of computing - Its very cool to know where we as puter geeks have come from, and why. People often over-look the past as a means to gain knowledge about the present. Besides, while changes have come with leaps and bounds over the past two decades, the fundamentals have remained relatively unchanged. After all, 1's and 0's have remained the same for centuries http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Computer 101 - Any entry level class that will get you into the inner workings of todays PC's, Severs, and Mid-range computers will be a big plus. Its funny, but once you get by the intimidation of the terminology, and realize that there are few things you can actually "break" or that can't be un-done, working on computers becomes so un-assuming, that its fun and a lot easier than most people realize (especially true today).
Basic programming - This one I recommend because even if you don't want to be a programmer, it will at least give you insight into how the software works that you use every day. It also helps to make things like command strings, routines, and batch files make that much more sense. You might only end up writing a simple basic program that translates numbers into letters, then again, you might make something really cool that will astound and amaze your tech buddies.
The whole point is that there is probably something to be gained from ANY class related to computers. Read the course descriptions and pick those that sound most interesting to start. It will keep you from getting bored right away. Entry level classes also help you learn at your own pace, an in the same time span as those around you. I swear, I have learned a TON more from other people than I ever did in a book, class room, or certification class.
Beginning classes might sound like childs-play, but you will find like a lot of us did, that the learning curve is steep and fast as things start to fall into place for you. Better to start off from a place you are comfortable in, than to be over your head in the beginning.
Seriously, these are some of the classes I would recommend and why:
History of computing - Its very cool to know where we as puter geeks have come from, and why. People often over-look the past as a means to gain knowledge about the present. Besides, while changes have come with leaps and bounds over the past two decades, the fundamentals have remained relatively unchanged. After all, 1's and 0's have remained the same for centuries http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Computer 101 - Any entry level class that will get you into the inner workings of todays PC's, Severs, and Mid-range computers will be a big plus. Its funny, but once you get by the intimidation of the terminology, and realize that there are few things you can actually "break" or that can't be un-done, working on computers becomes so un-assuming, that its fun and a lot easier than most people realize (especially true today).
Basic programming - This one I recommend because even if you don't want to be a programmer, it will at least give you insight into how the software works that you use every day. It also helps to make things like command strings, routines, and batch files make that much more sense. You might only end up writing a simple basic program that translates numbers into letters, then again, you might make something really cool that will astound and amaze your tech buddies.
The whole point is that there is probably something to be gained from ANY class related to computers. Read the course descriptions and pick those that sound most interesting to start. It will keep you from getting bored right away. Entry level classes also help you learn at your own pace, an in the same time span as those around you. I swear, I have learned a TON more from other people than I ever did in a book, class room, or certification class.
Beginning classes might sound like childs-play, but you will find like a lot of us did, that the learning curve is steep and fast as things start to fall into place for you. Better to start off from a place you are comfortable in, than to be over your head in the beginning.
RobRich
02-02-2000, 04:29 PM
In addition to those, I recommend taking a class in Hardware TroubleShooting (sometimes Tech class, instead of CIS). The troubleshooting class can really provide you with in depth material on computer hardware, esp. some-what obscure topics for beginners such as IRQ's, memory addresses, i/o handling, PC interface standards, etc.... This class can get somewhat indepth, but it can provide great insite into computing technology.
jad1097
02-02-2000, 05:42 PM
Bob
Can you recommend any schools in the middle TN area? Anywere between Manchester and Nashville. I figured since you are only an hour or two away you may know of some or someone who does.
I am looking at going to Nashville Tech. I would really like to go to MTSU since it is across the street from me.
[This message has been edited by jad1097 (edited 02-02-2000).]
Can you recommend any schools in the middle TN area? Anywere between Manchester and Nashville. I figured since you are only an hour or two away you may know of some or someone who does.
I am looking at going to Nashville Tech. I would really like to go to MTSU since it is across the street from me.
[This message has been edited by jad1097 (edited 02-02-2000).]
RobRich
02-03-2000, 08:43 AM
Believe it or not, but I don't make to middle TN much (most of my time is in Atlanta), but I have heard that Nashville Tech is pretty good. i got quite a few friends up at TN Tech, which is near Nashville, plus they have an excellent computer department. They offer several degrees, from just Computer Repair to Scientific Application Development.
As for me, I esp. like Chattoanooga State Tech, their computer program rules. Also, UTC is really upcoming, they have dedicated a HUGE porttion of their resources to computer sciences.
As for me, I esp. like Chattoanooga State Tech, their computer program rules. Also, UTC is really upcoming, they have dedicated a HUGE porttion of their resources to computer sciences.
wyvrn
02-03-2000, 10:42 AM
You can take the Microsoft classes, which teach how to work with Windows 9x and NT, and how to make them work with other OS's and such. This is considered a good start if you want to give end user support or want to be a part of the server team, something like that. Find out more at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp . My computer engineering friends work at TI and work on manufacturing chipsets for modems, computers and such. Computer science can get you a job programming your own applications, like games! Too bad I didnt decide on that career choice. These last three require a bachelors at a major university, usually a four or give year program. These are the IT positions, if you just want to know how computers work in general, go to http://www.howstuffworks.com or http://www.whatis.com , and some others. Good sites on making your own computers are http://www.tomshardware.com and http://www.anandtech.com . Hope this helps. Cheers.
jad1097
02-03-2000, 11:48 AM
Thanks Bob,
I will look into Tn Tech if I can't get into MTSU. I really want to take Computer Science. I also have to consider four years VS two years. I also have to consider the money MTSU is not cheap.
ANd thanks for the links wyvrn.
I will look into Tn Tech if I can't get into MTSU. I really want to take Computer Science. I also have to consider four years VS two years. I also have to consider the money MTSU is not cheap.
ANd thanks for the links wyvrn.
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