Question

Where Do I Begin?

A+, Certification and specializations, Technical support, Computer Associates, Career development, Certifications

I want to get started in the IT field but not sure where to start any suggestions? Is there any free sites I can look at to study up an A+ cert.... Thanks for the help

***buddyfarr***
do you know what field you want to work towards? Programming, Database management, network administration, maybe consulting to mix each?
A+ is definately a good starting block. after that you can work on your MCP and CCNA. getting those certs will let the IT field know that you are serious about getting into IT.
But please don't use the dump sites that post the questions and answers to the exams, once you get the IT job your boss will know if you know your stuff or not.
IT is filled with long hard hours occasionally. You have to be flexible with your schedule and know that your job is 24/7. Like I read someone state on this site before, IT is like being a doctor but when the patient dies for a doctor he or she can go home. The company you are working for doesn't care if the system is dead. The only thing they care about is when it will be back up. A lot of us have put in the 24+ hour shifts when systems have died. It is not fun, but with careful planning you can avoid 99% of them.
A quick search comes up with a free online A+ study guide: http://www.proprofs.com/certification/comptia/a-plus/index.shtml

Cramsession also has some free study guides: https://www.cramsession.com/certifications/products/list-study-guides.asp?vendor_id=7&view_type=activeOB=CompTIA
***/buddyfarr***

Denny is right. You need to clearly define your target. IT is a big word. It encompasses lots of things. I could still see myself in your shoes. I am kind of already in the IT field but I am still waiting for that big shot. "When opportunity knocks, don't miss the chances to blow!" Although I am not doing yet the things that I really want to do, I am incessantly pursuing venues of learning. One opportunity is for you to attend Developer's Community Gathering. Such events give you a map of what you would want to pursue. The latest that I've attended is the Southern California Code Camp (www.socalcodecamp.com), in which I heard Denny Cherry speaking about the SQL Server Database technologies. His sessions motivated me more. What I am saying is you need to go out and seek motivations. And do not let frustrations stand in your way. Be persistent! I have encountered lots of obstacles, and I know there will be more, but I am not giving up. Right now I am preparing for my MCTS-SQL Server 2005 (70-431). On the side I am learning C# on my own: http://devpinoy.org/blogs/marl. I also suggest that you attend formal training in a Trade School.


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I know that you are looking for a free site, but a good site that gives you access to all the study guides that you will probably ever need is www.itexamworld.com Lifetime membership is $79.99, not a bad deal at all and the study guides a very good.
Maybe give that a whirl.

Hope that helps.
CG._