tech savvy

I've never been afraid of computers. I haven't always been the most computer savvy person but I've never had problems working with them. After only two weeks of my night course I realize just how little I actually knew. There were large gaps in what I knew; mostly simple things that are fairly obvious once you pay attention. Remembering the names of all the hardware is going to be difficult for me. I've always had trouble with strict memorizing. We haven't even start on the OS stuff. Still, I'm exicted about the stuff I'm learning (wasn't excited to buy a $120 textbook that'll be out of date in a year but what can you do?). What I didn't realize is that for these courses and certificate to mean anything I'll have to take a national exam once I'm done. Just another expense.

The instructor keeps telling us that there aren't as many jobs out there for repair technicians, which is true, but having these skills are a great addition to your qualifications. Everything in the computer is now replaceable and not worth fixing. The internet, of course, makes finding out how to fix/replace things easy if you know where to look. It's all end-user problems these days. Good people skills (god I hope this doesn't lead to working at a call centre) are what's most important. All this It could, however, lead to a great side business, especially if you can find a niche market. Fixing neighbour's computers, small businesses, etc. Night and weekend jobs for free (and maybe beer or something).

Anyway, who knows what'll happen but at least I'll fix my own computers (and maybe set up my own server!).