The Benefits of a Computerized Training Manual

Training manuals are a vital part of workplace documentation, not only for newcomers to the office but for anyone looking to refresh themselves as to policy, protocols and procedures. The problem with training manuals, however, is that they are often bulky and cumbersome, not always easy to lay your hands on, and often haven't been updated in recent history.

In the age of the modern workplace, there is an alternative to bulky, paper-bound training manuals. With many offices implementing shared drives with companywide access, a computerized version of your training manual may be just what you need for your office.

Of course, putting together a computerized training manual takes time and resources, so you'll want to lay out just what the benefits would be for your company.

So just what are some of the benefits of a computerized training manual?

- Easy access. For companies using shared drives, putting your training manual into electronic format and storing it on a shared drive makes for easier accessibility to information. You won't have to worry about someone taking the last (or in some cases, only) copy and having to search high and low to find it. With a computerized training manual, everyone can have access to training materials at any time they need it.

- Searchability. Electronic documents, for the most part, have the benefit of being searchable. For someone who happens to be looking for a single piece of information, a searchable document can be invaluable.

- Updatability. Paper training manuals are often inefficient to update. Updates generally involve updating the document, printing, photocopying, hole-punching, and other notorious time-eaters. Because of this, updates are often overlooked, pushed off for a better time. Computerized training materials can be updated with a few clicks. Information can be added, deleted, or amended very simply, which is ideal for a rapidly changing workplace.

- Cost savings. Avoiding the cost of printing and copying training materials can be a money-saver. Sure, electronic storage space comes at a price, but weighed with the price of paper, ink, and other resources, including payroll, it'll still be cost efficient.

- Everything in one place. In many offices, different people compile different training materials. Often, when it's time for an update, training materials can be scattered over a number of places on your computer and other computers in the office. Keeping a computerized training manual assures you of finding all the pieces in one place.

Computerized training manuals may well be the new standard for companies. Why not bring your workplace up to speed?

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Facsimile.Com/ which is a site for Fax Machines.

Computer Training Centers

Computer training centers are places where you get basic and advanced knowledge about computer programs and specific computer software. Many of the centers are high-quality, equipped with knowledgeable and experienced instructors, routing both beginners and experienced hands to familiarize themselves with opportunities in the IT world. Training centers are found in almost all areas. They offer computer education and training in the form of certificate courses and degree programs.

Computer training centers offer many divisions of learning, including software, hardware, web development and networking. Some of the short term courses provided include software products such as spreadsheets, word processing, computer aided design, and programming languages such as java, visual basic, web scripting, C, C++ and .NET. In addition, one can learn the basic computer safety techniques, troubleshooting and the maintenance of computers.

A beginner in the computer field can first locate a good computer training center. The location, size of the classes, training facilities, accreditation of the center and its courses, and the fee are factors to be thought of. Special discounts may be available for certain programs. Sometimes, computer training centers offer course packages with free training on Internet and basic programs on special occasions. Some centers have special packages for employees to learn the latest software packages. They extend professional training on office software and hardware in leading companies.

A few centers give assessment services for those who need to benefit from new computer technologies. In this regard, the centers work close to federal and private departments, schools and various private or public parties. In addition to initial assessment, computer training centers offer follow up services beneficial for clients. Clients can familiarize themselves with the new operating environment and the best use of the new software.

Computer training centers are a profitable business. The government extends considerable support, including grants, to set up a center.

Computer Training provides detailed information on Computer Training, Computer Internet Training, Computer Graphic Training, Computer Forensics Training and more. Computer Training is affiliated with Computer Science Education.

Online Computer Training

Computer training can now be done at home, in the office, or anywhere you would like and at any time you wish. Whether you?re an absolute beginner wanting to get basic skills or an advanced developer wishing to become certified, you can take a complete package of training courses that?ll train you to the highest levels. Learn at your own pace with no parking hassles, no missed assignments, and no additional software to load. All you need is a single Internet-accessed computer, a web browser, a training-fee budget that ranges from $50 to $400, and, of course, an eagerness to learn.

There are thousands of computer training courses that can be taken online. Just pay once and you?ll get unlimited access to the courses for twelve months. Some online training schools allow flexibility if you don?t want to be locked into a whole-year plan. They offer short-term subscription-based pricing increments, like a three- to six-month plan with an optional extension fee of $15 a month. These online schools also offer a full refund within seven days if you?re not completely satisfied with the training experience.

Popular courses are SQL XP Professional Windows 2003 Server CIW, Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word 2003, MS Office 2000, Windows ME, NT and XP Professional, CLAIT, and thousands more. They are provided in an interactive program with skills assessment and task-based simulations; true/false, matching, and fill-in-the-blank questions; hands-on exercises; and sample files. Other training features are pre-tests and post-tests. You can save time by taking a skills assessment exam before taking the course so you?ll find out what parts of the course you need to take. You can also know how well you?ve mastered the training by taking a post-test.

Just follow the easy procedure in enrolling: select your training course, settle your payment, and you?ll receive an email containing your User ID and password. You can login and start training right away. In addition to a free technical and tutor support offered at a scheduled time every weekday, there?s also a private online-learner chat room facility and instant mentoring from courseware experts accessible anytime. You can also get one-to-one training with a private tutor, or an instructor-led online training program. You can then take advantage of the free access to course updates for new courses added yearly. After completing the training course, you?ll be given a Certificate of Completion.

Additional and more enhanced knowledge on computer applications can improve your career and salary, whether you?re a beginner or a seasoned professional. Enjoy the convenience of learning and being trained in your preferred place and time.

Online Training provides detailed information on Online Training, Online Computer Training, Online MCSE Training Courses, Online Fitness Training and more. Online Training is affiliated with Free Online Courses

Getting Ahead with Computer Software Training

It?s quite evident that computers have changed virtually every aspect of modern living. Anything worth doing these days involves computers. Everyone uses them these days. Computer jargon like cyberspace, email, software, and hardware are now ordinary pieces of our everyday language. To take advantage of this technological revolution it?s sensible to learn more about computer related issues and undergo computer software training.

Having computer software training can really give you an edge in a world largely influenced by computers. Those fresh out of high school are now considering a future that involves computers. Universities throughout the countries around the country have also responded by offering computer related courses. Companies nowadays prefer computer savvy applicants With companies on the look out for computer literate graduates having some computer skills certainly gives you some much needed advantage.

Try checking out some job opportunities at Monster.Com and CareerBuilder.com. You will immediately notice the abundance of career opportunities for those who have computer software training. Most businesses these days are using computers and they require workers who have the proper skills to help them. And career trends clearly show that the demand for computer literate individuals will steadily increase making those who are familiar with computer in a good position to capitalize.

Are you considering having computer software training? If you are you can enroll at the local university. You can also acquire information about classes on the internet. If you are involved with other things you can try a community college. They can offer flexible schedules for computer software training and are also more economical than other options. You can also get all the computer soft fare training you need form the comfort and privacy of your home. With a PC and internet access you can e on our way to a very promising future.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Computer Software Training. Visit our site for more helpful information about Computer Software Training and other similar topics

Computer Training is an investment, not a cost

Computer Training is often viewed as a cost and therefore something that should be kept to a minimum or even avoided. In times of recession and economic slowdown it is often one of the first overheads that gets cut from the budget. However it should be viewed as an investment in both the short and longer terms as there are a number of key benefits of formally training yourself and your staff, some are more measurable than others. Here are four important advantages of training:

1 - Increase in productivity: This is the most measurable and therefore to many the most important. For example formal software training can teach you and your staff how to use the product more efficiently, allowing you more time to spend on other activities. You can also learn about the advanced features of a product that you have not previously had the opportunity to use.

2 - Increase in confidence: No-one likes to feel that they are standing still. Learning something new is a good way to give you a boost in confidence, usually one that is also carried outside of the workplace.

3 - The out of the office factor: A change is as good as a rest or so they say. Especially if you're office based a break in the routine can only serve to refresh your mind and give you renewed energy.

4 - Networking: Training companies hold public-scheduled courses for up to 12 people at a time giving you up to 11 people to network with.

About the Author: David Carrier has nearly ten years experience working in the IT Education and Training field. He founded Inventio Consulting in 2003 to serve clients throughout the UK by acting as a vendor neutral training reseller, finding courses and services that best suit their individual needs

Quick Guide to Computer Training

Computers and the Internet have come a long way since their inception. Living in the computer age means adapting to new technologies as they evolve. The ease and speed of communication that computer technology provides allows us to be more productive in every facet of our lives. That technology requires skilled computer professionals to design, maintain, and implement it.

What is it? Computer training is divided into specialties including: * Computer hardware * Computer software * Computer networking * Web Development

Computer hardware refers to the actual physical components that comprise computers (processors, modems, keyboards, motherboards etc). Computer hardware engineers design, develop and maintain computer hardware. They may oversee the installation and manufacture of hardware. Due to the constant flux of the industry, continued education is required to keep up with trends and technology.

Computer software refers to the content that makes a computer work. Software is divided into three categories: Platform (such as operating systems i.e. Windows, Linux, and Macintosh OSX), Applications (Microsoft Office, games), and User-Written (templates, plug-ins, extensions). Computer software engineers, like their hardware counterparts, are required to continually learn new skills in conjunction with developing technology.

Computer networking refers to communication between a group or groups of computers. This includes LAN-local area network, MAN-metropolitan area network and WAN-wide area network. Computer network engineers work with software and hardware integration across a system of computers and servers. They deal with computer-to-computer interface and connect users to each other via private as well as public networks.

Web development refers to the building and implementation of websites (design, programming, server configuration) - Web page design is a subset that deals with user interface design, graphics, html and CSS (cascading style sheets). Web page designers are behooved to have good art skills as they will most likely be dealing with graphics, layout and Flash applications.

Why do it? Other than the obvious passion for computers and technology, salary and job growth potential are excellent reasons to consider computer careers. Diversity of computer skills adds to marketability in the workforce. Many employers do not have time to train workers on basic skills and expect employees to be more than familiar with computers.

Who should do it? If you have an aptitude or interest in math, science or art, and have strong problem solving and analytical skills you are a perfect candidate for a computer related career. Computer careers can be solitary work, but often require good communication skills. Systems administrators must know how to relay information to clients and coworkers in order to maintain order and efficiency in the system.

Education is available in many varieties; from certifications, certificate programs, associate's degree programs, bachelor's and even master's degree programs. Many professionals receive degrees in computer science and related fields, but still others are required to have specific certifications (for example MCSE-Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or MCSA-Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator). Many industries do not require these specific certifications, only knowledge and experience of computer systems. When making a decision about education, research the jobs that interest you and find out just what the employers are looking for in a candidate. Why spend four years working on a bachelor's degree when a shorter certificate program may be all you need?

Where can I find out more? For more information on careers, training, and working conditions see the Occupational Outlook handbook at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics site.

Kate Leas is a freelance writer from Kansas City, Missouri. Her current fields include education and the Internet.

Keep Computer Training Simple Please!!

Have you ever had the experience of going to a computer training
center and realized how much computer stuff you don't know? I
know when I started in the computer industry in the early 90's I
had trouble just remembering my password after 15 minutes of one-on-
one instruction, much less how the computer actually worked. Let's
face it, no one wakes up one day and says, I am a genius with this
computer stuff. We all had to start some where and for most people,
computers can be very confusing and intimidating. And that is where
the computer trainer comes in.

Oh yeah, the computer trainer. The person that knows everything
about computers and will make learning your new computer skills easy
and quick. Yeah, right, fat chance of that happening. Have you ever
visited a large computer training center and wondered why computers
are so confusing for the client or student? The answer is usually
because of the computer trainer. Most trainers seemed to have
forgotten what it was like when they first tackled the "wonder
box". But over time, they developed magical knowledge that no one
else seemed to have.

So why would someone with so much so-called smarts not want to share
their knowledge with their students? The answer is very simple. It
makes them look smarter. All they have to do is through out a couple
of big fancy-smancy computer words to the class and you are a
genius. That is fine and dandy if a computer trainer wants to
impress Bill Gates, but to the new computer user that just pulled
the computer out of the box or was told by the boss they better
learn that computer stuff, the trainer does the student no good.

So what does a computer trainer need to do? The main thing is to
remember how they felt when they first started using the computer
and how they wanted to pull their hair out when they thought they
would never learn the stuff. How they were afraid to even touch the
computer. Computer trainers fail to realize not all the students
want to become computer geeks and nerds. The everyday user want to
know how to do the simple stuff like how to do a letter, track their
finances with a spreadsheet, develop a slide presentation for their
company or club, or make a simple website. A trainer needs to make
the complicated world of a computer simple, easy and fun for the
client or student. Let's face it, not everyone is or wants to
become a systems administrator or has enough certifications to cover
a wall a Subway. The majority of computer users are beginners that
want to learn how to be more productive at home or in the work
place.

So what does it take for a computer trainer to help students learn
the computer? Try keeping the computer sessions and information
simple and fun. Every trainer has a big responsibility to teach
others what they know so the student can be more productive.
Trainers need to realize you have got to keep the training simple
because if the student can't learn, you do them no good. So keep
it simpleplease!!

in Cabot, Arkansas. QuickLearn Computer Training Services offers all
types of Microsoft Office training for individual users and small
businesses.
For more information visit the QuickLearn
Computer Training Services website at
http://quicklearncomputertraining.com

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.

Computer Schools Cater to Individual Interests

There are many Computer Schools that cater to learners who wish to expand their knowledge of computers and computer software development and applications. Computer technicians and computer engineers have gained a great deal of knowledge and earned their associate, bachelor, and graduate degrees on campuses, through online venues, and on the job.

You can find good Computer Schools in any state, in any city, and in many regional locations where vocational and technical schools are located. A more convenient Computer School for many people will be found online. Good accredited online Computer Schools can provide the same education and allow for earning the same degrees as will be found in conventional campus settings. Programs of study for earning Associate of Arts (AS), Associate of Science (AS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and doctorate degrees (PhD), and graduate certificates for specializations in Computer Sciences can all be found in many online computer schools.

If you are looking to increase your knowledge of that have been accredited by state and national agencies. These regional, state, and national agency credentials will be attached to the computer School in question. Some of these are: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSC), Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities, (NASC), Higher Learning Commission of North Central Region (NCA), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges(WASC), and by national agencies, such as Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). All are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Be sure your time and money are spent well. Do some in-depth research when looking for Computer Schools that will provide the computer education that meets your needs and interests before enrolling.

If you are interested in learning more about Computer Schools, Online Computer 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. Visit our website to find studies in Computer Sciences, as well as Computer Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Computer Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

Online Computer Networking Schools

Online Computer Networking Schools cater to the requirement of those people who are either enrolled in a full-time course, or are already employed and are looking at improving their qualification using spare time, or do not have access to an institute of their choice form their present location. Such people find themselves unable to take up a full time computer course in a college or a school and therefore opt for these online computer schools.

There are several advantages in taking up an online computer networking course as it offers the student the freedom of studying at one's own convenient time. The student can be assured of high quality and interactive coursework. The faculty available online are highly experienced and experts in their field. The students are allowed to access the institute's virtual library for reference work. The online course degrees have relevance and are recognized the world over. All these things put together create an irresistible package for students.

There are several online computer schools available in the US. The leading online computer schools include the DeVry University, University of Phoenix online, ITT Tech online, the Capella University, The Art Institute online, the Kennedy-Western University, Ellis College online and the AIU Online, to name a few. The DeVry Online universities have a provision for students to borrow laptops from the university if needed, at no additional cost. They provide a degree in Electronics and Computer Technology. The AIU online is also a web based virtual campus of American Intercontinental University, which is an international university. The AIU online university offers Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degrees in computer courses. The AIU online provides Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology (Computer Systems), Information Technology (Programming), and Information Technology (Network Administration). They offer Master's degree in Information Systems.

The widespread availability of the internet and all that it offers has made it possible for students to get their specialized degrees sitting at home.

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.

Computer Repair Online Schools Provide Solutions

Online computer repair schools provide convenient, low-cost solutions to developing skills that prepare you for a successful career as a computer technician. Studying for a career as a computer technician online allows you to choose the times and places most convenient to you to earn a diploma, certificate, or degree. You will be able to get all the training for building skills of an expert computer technician in the convenience of your own home and your own pace.

Online computer repair schools combine the best of traditional education with flexibility and affordability. Programs in accredited computer repair schools provide well-rounded knowledge of computers, including operating systems, computer networks, computer software applications, computer hardware, and maintenance of computers and peripherals. Computer repair schools provide you with the technical skills you need to support end-users and programmers in business and home environments, where computer performance is vital.

Online computer repair schools will start your computer sciences education with introductory courses in PC software and hardware, PC memory, disk drives, motherboards, IDE, EIDE, and SCSI technology, input/output devices, hard drive installation, hard drive support, PC power supplies, troubleshooting, multimedia, supporting Windows, buying and building PCs, networking, applying the Internet, various printers, notebooks, maintaining PC's. Online computer repair schools can also guide you in taking steps toward building your career s a computer technician.

Online computer repair schools not only teach effective skills, but allow you to gain these skills in the comfort of your own home. One of the great advantages to getting your degree online is the convenience of home-based study. 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 to earn diplomas, certificates, and associate and bachelor degrees, as well as master and doctorate degrees and graduate certificates. Online computer repair schools offer the same training programs as traditional schools, but provide the added flexibility for people with busy lifestyles to gain the education they desire.

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.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc., in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Distance Learning Directory and find Online Schools and other Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational and Trade Schools at SchoolsGalore.com.

Computer Games Can Help You in School. No, Really!

Almost everyone says that computer games are bad for you. But some games you can have fun playing can also help you in school, and in life, if you let them.

There are all sorts of games, so let's stick to one type: online, text-based role playing games. If you haven't ever seen or tried one, they are actually pretty simple. These games are constructed verbally, as text intended to be read, rather than visually. You and a number of other people log onto the game and then simply type in descriptions of your actions...what you say, what you do. Most of the games have a virtual "presence," which means that your actions happen in rooms that have a physical description you can read and react to. The game software allows you to interact not only with the game server itself, but with any number of other players in any number of ways. They usually don't require any fancy skills, and are often completely free to users.

It's handy to talk about online text-based role playing games because their attributes lend themselves to helping players with their lives. Role playing is used by teachers and corporate trainers because it is a good way to learn. Text-based games allow your imagination to play freely. And playing online with a group of real people creates an infinite number of play possibilities.

So, apart from obvious things like keyboarding skills, how can you improve your school skills by playing a game? Let's see...

It's a dirty little secret that when schools ask businesses what they think students need, the business people say "Good group skills." No wonder: whether you call them committees or task forces or units or teams, the work of the world is done by groups.

Schools answer this by building group work into your classes. For instance, group projects and presentations are built into courses in business or communication. Sometimes there are entire classes called "Leadership" or "Group Dynamics." All of these are graded on how well the group works, and the better your group skills, the better the group does and the better you do.

What are good group skills you can learn from playing games?

* The ability to both lead and follow.
* The ability to contribute to planning, to analyze a problem and create a solution collaboratively.
* The ability to persuade others and to accept complex reasoning.
* The ability to take no for an answer!

Think that can't be so? Watch this: Imagine you are Captain Berin, a fierce warrior and a Guardian of the City. A gang of cutthroats, kidnappers and murderers is plaguing the City. The Guardians meet to figure out how to finish off that gang of thugs once and for all!

At the meeting you offer to infiltrate the gang, but the answer is no - you are too well known a warrior. Instead, the Guardians arrive together at a plan: The older, less able Guardians will interview the victims, examining their stories for clues. The more agile members will take the clues and track the gang to their lair. And once they are cornered, the fiercest Guardians, led by Captain Berin, will attack!

The plan works perfectly, and one day, just before dawn, you lead your men in on the attack! The bandits resist, two are killed, three are captured and their hostages are released. You parade the captured gang members through the City to the cheers of the crowds, bringing them to the Hall of Justice to meet their inevitable fates.

This is not entirely a fictitious example. It's based on a situation that happened in an online, text-based role playing game called Firan (www.legendary.org/firan) not too long ago. Firan is one of the largest of the online role playing games. Each week around 200 people from all over the world log in to play. This plot, which stretched over about three weeks, involved over thirty different players, as Guardians, victims, criminals and finally lawyers and judges.

And those things Captain Berin did? The leading, the following, the debating, the planning? You did them! You were playing his role, but you chose his actions and you wrote his words.

You can learn good group skills from playing games if you find a game that rewards you for playing with people. When you are looking for a game, ask about how people advance in the game: If one of the ways is to be nominated or voted on by other players, that's what you want.

Apart from Firan, which is a bit unusual because it is based in a completely original world with a historical feel to it, there are plenty of other worlds out there for you to play in, based on Harry Potter, Star Trek, the Lord of the Rings, Dragonball...any place that has fans has games built around it. Discworld, Pern, even Pokemon, all sorts of worlds await you. Go to a site where they are listed, such as Mud Connector (www.mudconnector.com), pick one out and give it a try! There no telling what you might learn. Prof. Dave D'Alessio studies commercial uses of new communication media and the phenomenon of media bias, and has been using games and simulations as teaching aids sine the 1980's.

How To Succeed At A Computer Training School

One of the best decisions you can ever make is to attend a computer training school. As I've written in several other articles, you have to ask the right questions before writing a check or taking out a student loan, but when you find the right school you are indeed on your way to a successful career.

There's a big difference between attending a tech school and excelling at the classes, though. Whether you just "float through" the school or really work hard is totally up to you. From my personal experience at such a school, I'd like to offer you one simple tip that will quadruple your chances of success at the school and in the job market.

Get there early and stay late.

When I attended a tech school years ago, I admit I was surprised that most of my classmates had what I call the "junior high school" mentality - they would get there late and leave as soon as class is over. Guess what? You're no longer in junior high. You're attending this school to create a career for yourself. Get to class early, get some extra study and work in while you're waiting for class to start, and then stay after class!

The most important part of your computer school studies is getting hands-on experience with the technologies that you're learning. If you're taking a Cisco class, you need to work with a router or switch as often as you can. If you're learning a software program, you need to work with that program in the school's labs as much as possible. Reading books alone will not teach you everything you need to know. The best time to get extra work in is after class. You may not be able to work in the computer labs at night if the school offers night classes, but odds are there are very few people in there during the afternoon. You need to be one of those people.

Doing only what is required of you is not the path to excellence. You need to go beyond the requirements of the school and invest the extra time and effort into your career. I speak from experience - there is no field in the world that rewards individual effort more than the IT field. Develop the habit of going "above and beyond" today, and this will pay huge dividends for you in the future.

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage (http://www.thebryantadvantage.com), home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials! For my FREE "How To Pass The CCNA" or "CCNP" ebook, visit the website and download your copies. Pass your CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!