Maximum PC

Ok..I just started working at Barnes and Noble which gives me a 30% discount on anything in the store. I plan on spending a good chunk of change on some computer programming, A+ and some other computer-related books. I'm doing this because I love computers and I need to start thinking about a career that involves them. Can anyone recommend any good books and/or classes to take that would get me somewhat prepared for this?

My interests are as follows....

-Computer building
-Computer repairing/Troubleshooting
-Networking(I have no experience with this yet)


...I'd like to learn how to program....but I don't know where to start. I'm a complete n00b and I have no idea which programming language does what...so any help on that would be greatly appreciated. Like I said, I get paid every week and each time I plan on buying a different book, and I plan on starting this next Friday.

I'm a really fast learner and I'm pretty smart but because my Highschool didn't offer anything of this nature, I'm having to go this route. Any help is much appreciated.....thanks!

-Adam (a.k.a The Ler)

It sounds like you could use more focus first. It's cool to gain experience in a variety of IT niches, but it won't be terribly helpful towards a career. What aspect of IT interests you most? When you're trying to get hired for it, you're better off being a master of one niche than a novice of many. (in IT at least)

Well...probably networking...I like jobs that have a beginning, a middle , and an end....so Networking might appeal to me....Plus I'm good at putting stuff together. I have no experience with programming but I think I would like it...even though it sounds tedious. I also like to help people out with their computer problems...so maybe help desk or something like that....

You're right though...I do need focus.

...If I wanted to get a job setting up and maintaining computer networks what would I have to learn/ be a master of?

If I decided on getting a job in the help desk area of computers....what are the relevant classes/ certs/degrees?


Does anyone here have any experience in programming as a a career? and if so, what is it like? Is the job rewarding or satisfying...or does it drive you out of your mind?

I'll ask more questions as I think of them.


Oh, one thing I forgot to mention is that money really isn't important to me..I would rather have a fun and rewarding job with mediocre pay than a high-paying job that made me want to die.

Ever thought about security? It would require college (not sure what you're plans are) but it's a great mix of programming and network. Security is also one of the niches that you won't see a lot of outsourcing impacting. You can't say the same for programming. Networking is a great niche also though I think the ceiling is higher in the security realm.

You could play with cool things like honey pots, IDS boxes, firewall configurations, packet sniffing, wireless deployment etc. It's a real open field.

Do you know of any place that I can learn about what the different niches do on a day to day basis....like what would I be doing if I went with security?

I plan on going to college...in a few months I'm gonna pick up some classes so I can get the basics like english and math out of the way...I might pick up another language as well.

Also..thanks a whole lot for the info Dented....this career problem has been bugging me for a long time.