Friday, March 28, 2008

The Pros and Cons of Online Computer Training

Online training or distance training as it is sometimes called is certainly the wave of the future. More and more training and certification programs are being made available that can be completed at home with only access to the internet and training software. One of the areas that is growing rapidly is online computer training. It is now possible to take an online training class that will refresh your existing skills or provide you with new ones. Like all online courses, online career training comes with its own set of pros and cons.

The biggest downside to online training is the absence of the hands on help of an instructor. This is largely a matter of a person?s own learning style. Many people are more comfortable in a classroom setting, and need that personal attention and contact that can only be received from the actual physical presence of an instructor. Another con of online training is the perception of prospective employers and the public as a whole to distance learning. This area is improving all the time as the internet becomes more and more interwoven into our daily life, but you will find many in the Human Resources area who still view online training to be inferior to classroom training.

If you are the type that thrives with independent study situations, distant training will actually be better for you in many ways. The main pro of any online training is that you are generally able to set your own pace. Freed from the restriction of attending class at the specified classroom times, you can schedule class sessions when you are best able to take them. It many cases, this will mean you do not have to give up your present employment or miss any work time to complete your study. Generally, costs are much lower for online training as well. The online institution does not have to maintain dorms, dining halls, or classroom buildings and their costs are lower. Much of this savings is going to be passed on to you.

If you are interested in IT training, it follows naturally that the internet is a logical place to receive this training. After all, if you are going to be an Internet Tech, it makes sense that you are going to be comfortable on the internet and working with computers. Most online trainers offer certification programs and placement services now. A quick glance at the help wanted ads in your local paper should be able to convince you of the importance of basic computer skills in today?s workplace. Even janitors seem to need some computer background, if only to place orders for new supplies. An online computer training class is a most excellent first step for someone entering the job market today.

Natalie Aranda writes about computer training. Online training or distance training as it is sometimes called is certainly the wave of the future. More and more training and certification programs are being made available that can be completed at home with only access to the internet and training software. One of the areas that is growing rapidly is online computer training class. Another con of online training is the perception of prospective employers and the public as a whole to distance learning. If you are interested in online IT training, it follows naturally that the internet is a logical place to receive this training. After all, if you are going to be an Internet Tech, it makes sense that you are going to be comfortable on the internet and working with computers

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Monday, March 17, 2008

A Brief History of Computer Based Training

Computer Based Training or CBT is now widely adopted in education, corporate training for learning any subject from math, history to sales skill, customer support and project management. The driving force behind the maturity of CBT industry, however, has been aviation industry.

In the 1980's, Computer based training and simulation were introduced to pilot training programs to reduce the training cost and avoid the safety issue in on-site training. The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC), an international association of technology-based training professionals, oversees and develops guidelines for aviation industry in the design, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of CBT.

In the early 90's, CBT had made its way into educational institutes and corporate market. These instructional manuals were text based and often taught the user how to complete particular lessons. Unfortunately, computers were still progressing at that time, which made it difficult to add into classrooms. At the time, teachers still did not agree with using strictly based CBT programs. While this was a great way to learn topics without having to be rushed, the technology fell short. It wasn't until the later years that full multimedia, which included audio and video, was integrated into these lessons. From there, computer based training only got more popular.

As technology progressed, computer based training courses were also getting better. By the late 90's, CBT was full of video, streaming audio, and a wide array of topics. This type of computer based training was picked up by universities worldwide. This is when online courses began to take full form. Universities provided online classes to those who just couldn't attend real courses. Filled with video lectures and practice exams, students were able to work at their own pace. Although this sounded like a tough idea, students loved the invention. It not only allowed the already employed to get more education, but it helped those with learning disabilities work on their own time.

CBT has gone far beyond the minds of college students. Amazingly, it has also reached aviation training. Computer based training now allows potential pilots to use simulated airfare and courses designed to help them understand the concepts involved. Due to the fact that many people prefer learning in a quiet environment, so that they can review frequently, CBT has become widely popular among aviation schools. These computer programs also teach aviation supplies information, and other necessities. As a result, pilots can fly easily with their david clark headsets, knowing that they know everything about aircraft supplies.

Although CBT is still controversial, most universities and aviation schools have accepted the new form of learning. With students having specific learning disabilities, and tough schedules, this type of e-learning helps everyone get a great education. It is possible to do achieve more when convenience and flexibility is present. You no longer have to worry about getting to campus on time, or juggling three jobs with an array of different courses. Even aviation pilots can dream of educational freedom, if it means spending extra hours at home studying the latest aviation supplies. For the majority of learners, computer based training has allowed society to open their minds to schooling. Students no longer have to worry about getting behind. CBT makes it possible, no matter what level you are at.

Natalie Aranda writes on computers and information technology

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Monday, March 10, 2008

Computer Consulting Training: Should you get this or clients first?

A big question when starting out is comparable to the chicken and the egg dilemma. Do you get computer consulting training first and then look for clients? Or do you look for clients and then get the relevant training. In this article, you'll learn why it's best to do them both at the same time.

How About Both?

When guiding owners of new computer consulting firms, my general preference is to do both client recruitment and skills development at the same time. You shouldn't take six months off to do computer consulting training because six months later, how are you going to pay the bills? You need paying clients to survive and thrive in the computer consulting business.

On the other hand, if you let six months to a year go by and you're not keeping your technical skills sharp, at some point you're not going to be able to take on the high-end projects anymore. You're not going to bid with confidence on certain kinds of small business accounts.

The Ideal Scenario

Here's the way most small business IT consulting firms and most computer resellers generally balance this perpetual challenge of computer consulting training versus obtaining clients. Some spend a couple of days a month or a couple of weeks a year going to formal classroom training.

In addition, most consulting firms have "lab systems" (for testing and computer consulting training) in their offices so these firms can work with basic, entry-level server hardware. These lab systems can be used to do informal, self-guided computer consulting training on a continual basis.

Consider a Program

You can belong to many different programs that allow you to get you copies of software for your own internal use and training. If your firm is a Microsoft Certified Partner (<http://members.microsoft.com/partner/>), your company gets a certain amount of software for your internal use. Lots of vendor partners do the exact same thing as part of their annual program membership fee.

This evaluation software is a great way to keep your technical skills sharp. Because you're running the programs internally, you and your staff are getting very proficient on the software before you go out and set it up in the field.

MI-MMVI, Small Business Computer Consulting .com. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}

Joshua Feinberg helps small business computer consulting firms get more steady high-paying clients. Sign-up now for Joshua's free one-hour audio training on Small Business Computer Consulting secrets at http://www.SmallBusinessComputerConsulting.com

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Monday, March 3, 2008

Computer Repair Online Schools Allow Convenient Study

If you are a working adult seeking a convenient way to study for a new career, Online Computer Repair Schools can train you as a full-fledged computer technician in a matter of months. You can learn the all skills needed to work with businesses and with independent PC owners to make sure their computers are working effectively. You will learn to install software and hardware, set up networks, troubleshoot problems, and ensure that information systems are running and operating as efficiently as possible.

Not only will you learn effective skills, you will learn all about computers in the comfort of your own home. As a busy adult, the best advantage to getting your degree from an online computer repair course is simple convenience. You will not be pressed to meet scheduled classes, find parking on a campus, or to give up your job to attend classes. You will study when and where you choose.

Online computer education can be found in accredited colleges and universities everywhere, and they provide opportunities for you to earn diplomas, certificates, and associate and bachelor degrees, as well as master and doctorate degrees and graduate certificates in Computer Sciences. Online schools offer the same training programs as traditional schools, but at a convenient pace that works well for people with job and family obligations.

Online computer repair schools sometimes offer courses that prepare you for building a career as a computer technician, with classes in customer care and service. Stop dreaming, and find the right course today that will propel you toward that new and exciting computer repair technician career that you desire. You?ll find that careers in computer repair offer a good salary, a comfortable work environment, and various interesting tasks and challenges on a daily basis.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Computer Repair Schools and other programs of study, please search our site for more information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Computer Education and Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, Online Schools, and Natural Healing Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Computer Security Schools

Computer security schools help to develop computer security skills with the help of theoretical, as well as practical preparation. It helps students become aware of security aspects involving single computers or a network of computers connected to a central main server. Students who want to make a career in computer security can participate in standard security courses offered by schools or online computer security courses offered by different institutes.

Elementary knowledge of computers is essential to join in on any computer security course. Computer security lessons are imparted at a DOS (disk operating system) level. Students are given a DOS primer that can be studied before starting the course.

Students who enroll for computer security courses need to have a Pentium 300 MHz PC, with operating systems configured with Windows 95 or newer versions of an operating system to receive online study material and to complete practical tests. It is also important to have a spare hard drive that holds eight hundred megabytes to two gigabyte, a supply of HD 3?-inch diskettes, a printer and a modem with an Internet connection. Minimum software requirements include computer security utilities (provided with enrolment), a data sniffer (provided with enrolment), quick view plus, Norton utilities and Norton Ghost.

Enrolled students are provided with study modules on a variety of computer security topics. Some of the topics include operating systems, formal methods for information security, cyberspace laws, software engineering, network security, database systems, algorithms & applications (cryptology), information security audit controls and distributed computing security.

Advanced computer security tools are costly and used by most organizations to protect critical data, such as credit card numbers, login passwords, transaction passwords and others. If they are not protected, distortion may occur and lead to financial losses running into thousands of dollars. It also reflects upon the reputation of the organization with respect to providing security to customers.

Computer schools provide all necessary skills for becoming a trained computer security expert. However, it is always advisable to remember that certification alone is not enough to be accepted as a computer security expert. A combination of knowledge and experience is also necessary to get recognition as a computer security expert.

Computer Schools provides detailed information on Computer Schools, Computer Graphic Schools, Computer Training Schools, Computer Science Schools and more. Computer Schools is affiliated with Microsoft Certifications.

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Computer Careers And Training Schools: Building A Network Of Contacts

Getting that first computer job and getting your IT career started can be tough - and you've got to go the extra mile to get it started! Learn how from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.

Almost all computer schools and colleges have some sort of job placement assistance (and you should ask about this before signing up!).   The people who work in these departments work very hard to get your computer career started and get you into your first job in the computer field, but you shouldn't leave it all up to them.  You need to know how to build two kinds of networks to get ahead in IT - the physical kind that carries packets, and the personal kind that can get you hired and get you ahead.

When it comes to getting that first computer job, you have to show initiative.  Don't just send a pile of resumes out and expect the phone to ring off the hook.  If you're attending a computer training school, you have two great resources to draw on in your job search.  First, schedule an interview with someone in the job placement assistance department.  Ask them what you can do to help them get your computer career started.  Showing initiative will also help you stand out from the crowd, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Your second resource is a group of resources, actually - your instructors.  Odds are that your teachers know people in IT that can help get you started. Even if the people they know can't hire you today, they're still contacts.  And getting your computer career started is a contact sport - the more people you contact, the better you do!

I know how hard it can be to get a computer career started, and I also know how lucrative such a career can be.  Get out there and meet people, get involved with your school's job placement departmentArticle Submission, and get started!


Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of over 200 free certification exam tutorials, including CCNA certification training articles. His exclusive CCNA study guide is also available!Visit his blog and sign up for Cisco Certification Central, a daily newsletter packed with CCNA, Network+, Security+, A+, and CCNP certification exam practice questions! A free 7-part course, ?How To Pass The CCNA?, is also available, and you can attend an in-person or online Cisco CCNA training boot camp with The Bryant Advantage!

 

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Computer Science Schools Offer College Degrees

Computer Science Colleges provide bachelor, master, and doctorate degree programs designed to provide students with backgrounds and experience necessary for profession in the various fields of computing. Programs of study in computer science include core curriculums of required courses that cover a wide range of subjects.

Courses of study in Computer Science Schools will prepare graduates for maximized productivity and efficiency, and for graduate level certificates in specialized areas of computer science. Students can expect courses in systems design and analysis; computer theory; operating systems and applications; systems management and control; computer security; and for troubleshooting. Additionally, computer science curriculums provide training in software applications, programming languages, and computer science business applications.

Bachelor degree programs in Computer Science Schools can prepare students for entry into occupations in computer science technology, and for the option of furthering studies at the graduate level. Advanced bachelor degree students may be required to complete projects in software engineering to gain additional experience and education in computer science engineering fields.

Master degree candidates in computer science programs will develop advanced knowledge in the design, analysis, and implementation of processes in algorithms. computer science programs emphasize study of software, operating systems, and programming languages. Specializations are available in computer architecture, operating systems, and computer applications. Students specializing in area computer systems can expect to study foundations of application software.

Doctorate degrees are offered in some Computer Science Schools, colleges, and universities in many disciplines. The computer science doctorate degree is for those who wish to pursue research in computer science, and is generally required for teaching computer science at upper-level educational institutions. The doctorate is also required for working in industrial research laboratory professions. There are extensive requirements for degrees at the doctorate level.

If you are interested in learning more about Computer Science Schools, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Computer Education and Computer Science Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational and Trade Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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