Getting Certified Using Micro 2000's Training Course

August 18, 2005
Reviewer: Jedd
Category: Miscellaneous

Read the review from the Upgrade Advisor web site by clicking here.

For several years now there has primarily been one recognized Tech Certification for computer support professionals. CompTIA is the leading association representing the international technology community. Its goal is to provide a unified voice, global advocacy and leadership, and to advance industry growth through standards, professional competence, education and business solutions. A major piece of their focus is the CompTIA A+® Certification.

CompTIA A+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of computer service technicians with the equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on experience. Major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers accept CompTIA A+ as the standard in foundation-level, vendor-neutral certification for service technicians. The exams cover a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but are not bound to any vendor-specific products. The skills and knowledge measured by the CompTIA A+ exams were derived from an industry-wide and worldwide job task analysis. To date, more than 500,000 individuals have obtained CompTIA A+ certification.

Company: Micro 2000, www.micro2000.com

Getting Started

Earning CompTIA A+ certification proves that a candidate has a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. There is a whole industry that supports training and preparation for the A+ certification exams. Micro 2000 provides tools and training materials that any technical person uses on a day to day basis. Whether you are preparing to take CompTIA A+ certification exams, want to brush up your computer knowledge and support skills, or simply have an excellent resource for learning about computers and troubleshooting your own issues, Micro 2000's CompTIA A+ CERTIFICATION COURSE is a fantastic resource.

Usability

Micro 2000's breaks up the material in volumes based on a skill level. If you have a high school education you should have no problem going through the material presented in any volume. Having at least a basic ability to turn on and use a computer is also enough to get you going. If all you know is that when you hit the power button on your PC and it works but aren't quite sure how that mouse in there makes it all happen by running on his little wheel, then Volume 1 : Computer Basics will help you get started. If you have never opened up a computer case then Volume 2 : PC Hardware will help you find your way around the case and all the hardware that makes your PC work. Once you have mastered these, Volume 3 : Operating Systems can help you tackle the most common needs and issues users face.Even though I've worked with computer hardware and software for many years, I read through each volume this training course came with. I have to admit there were a few things here and there I didn't know. The expanse of knowledge and things to learn when it comes to computers and operating systems can be endless. If you are working on getting enough determination to do your own computer upgrades, these training materials are a great way to learn what you need to know about computers as well as to have around as a reference book when you want to upgrade your video card or add another harddrive. Like any learning opportunity, reading these materials is beneficial if you are around computers even if you aren't planning on getting certified to support them.

Features and Specifications

UPDATED CONTENT Course content has been updated to include all objectives for CompTIA's new 2003 test.

EASY TO READ TRAINING GUIDES 4 volumes containing the information needed by every PC technician.

INTERACTIVE CONTENT An interactive learning CD with instructional video clips, practice exams and simulations of real-world installation and maintenance tasks.

CAQC CERTIFIED Certified by CompTIA, the CAQC certification means that this course has been extensively reviewed and approved by CompTIA for meeting all of the required elements in an A+ training program.

ALL TECHNICAL TERMS DEFINED A 1000-term glossary and complete index make the course a handy reference tool long after graduation.

PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSTICS INCLUDED A copy of Micro-Scope, the award-winning PC diagnostic software, complete with manual, loopback plugs and carrying case.

EXCELLENT SUPPORT Free technical support via email and 1 year free access to web-based updates on course material.

PASS OR GET A FULL REFUND We guarantee that if you take either A+ exam twice using our training content and fail, we will give you a full refund.

Course Materials Cover Brief History of computers

• What is hardware?
• What is software?
• Safety when working around computers
• Motherboards
• Memory and CPUs
• Disk drives, CD-ROMs
• Monitors and video adapters
• Networks and the Internet
• Windows 95 & 98
• Windows NT & 2000
• Windows XP
• Troubleshooting hardware and more!

Minimum System Requirements

Pentium, 233MHz
Operating System: Windows 95/98/2000/XP/NT 4.0 w/ SP 3
64MB of Memory
100MB Free Hard Disk Space
256-color display or higher, 800X600 Resolution Minimum
CD-ROM Drive 4x Speed or Greater
Sound Card

Product Includes 4 Training Books:

• Volume 1: Computer Basics
• Volume 2: PC Hardware
• Volume 3: Operating Systems
• Volume 4: Study Guide
• Interactive Learning CD
• Micro-Scope with Loop-back Plugs, Case, and Manual
• Getting Started Guide

Adding It All Up

The materials in the Micro 2000 CompTIA A+ CERTIFICATION COURSE are a little behind current hardware and operating systems. However, the material and study guides are up to date for what is needed to know to pass the exams. More importantly, if you are a beginner, these are excellent learning tools and references to have around. Even though I've never taken the A+ exams and become officially certified to support computer systems, I'm going to take up Micro 2000 on their guarantee that I should be able to pass both exams now that I've read through their training materials. Anyone want to challenge themselves and test with me? Just remember...once your family and friend know you are certified, they will be calling you even more for support. But hey...now you can charge them for it... :-)