Just other day, my computer started running a little slow. Kind of puzzled me. And I put up with it for a while.

But then it got a little irritating. While trying to surf web, I noticed that web pages were taking much too long to load. This is always an irritant. And, Internet Explorer was also taking its time coming up.

Now, I'm no novice on computer, but, sometimes we humans can get a 'lapse of memory'. Anyway, that's my excuse for forgetting one of basics of computing; and that is that computer uses up SYSTEM RESOURCES.

Every program on computer, including icons, uses some SYSTEM RESOURCES.

Whenever a program is started, it loads into your computer's memory. Memory is a resource. Some programs will release memory it was using, when you quit program, and some will not. So, part of a resource is not being made available to you. Get enough of these, and guess what? Slow Downs! Hang-ups (freezes).

by Richard Stooker

1. Buy good certification books.

Yes, I know how thick they are - tests do cover that much material, so what can you do? A teacher is not going to talk that much without wearing out their throat, so in final analysis you are going to spend a lot of time reading and studying those books anyway.

I was told by a training school recruiter that recommended process was to take a class for 3 full days, then study for a month, then take certification exam.

So, that’s at least ten days of study in front of a thick book for each day of class anyway.

So you’re going to buy and study thick books anyway. Do you really need to pay for a live teacher too? People can and do pass certifications simply by studying on their own.

2. Buy computer based CD-ROM training.

This is of course very similar to above method, except that computer based training is more interactive, more fun, probably more effective for most people and also more expensive, although still nowhere near $5000.

It’s easier to stay awake. The questions and interactivity force you to interact with material. Using it immediately and getting immediately feedback does help reinforce learning and understanding.

This is recommended for people who really dread thought of just sitting and reading thick books, but who can’t afford $5000 classes. If you have a question you just cannot find answer to, put it out on one of many newsgroups or listserves on Internet, and let experienced on job networking professionals help you out. Live teachers can do same, but sometimes not with same extensive background in what’s happening in real world.

People can and do pass certification exams jst by taking computer based training. One company, Forefront, even gives you a 90 day money back guarantee on all its certification courses. If you don’t pass after using their CBT course, you get your money back. Details available at (877) 872-4646.

3. Take training classes online through Internet.

Again, it will take long hours of study, but it’s an interesting format.

4. Put together your own network study laboratory by buying several used PCS hooking them up in your home office.

Look for used computers cheap online, in your local newspaper For Sale ads or just ask your friends. Lots of people have old 386/486s they’d gladly give you for free just so they’ll have more closet space.

Buy network parts in a local computer store or online.

This is a terrific way to get hands on experience. I saw it mentioned in a letter in a discussion forum by someone who actually did it. You’ll learn directly how to work with equipment.

It’s not same as networking 100 stations in a company, of course. But it’s still a good idea. You’ll still have to study those thick books, but you’ll be able to right away put your hands to work on that chapter, thus reinforcing your new knowledge and skills as you go.

5. If you’re currently employed in a networking job, get your current employer to pay for classes.

You may have to sign an agreement to continue working for them for two years or so. Many companies are starting to require such policies after they paid for certification classes for employees who then immediately got better jobs and quit, or who first demanded higher pay and, when refused, then got better jobs and quit.

In other words, most companies are willing to pay for your certification only if you are planning to put your new knowledge and skills to work for them for a reasonable time period.

It is certainly fair however to make it clear to your boss that you want to take on more responsibility as you are prepared for it and you expect to be paid a higher salary commensurate with your higher level of job duties, as they do expand to a higher level.

If your company refuses that, it wants to keep you trapped in your current dead end job. That should be a clue that you need to get out, whether they pay for your certification or not. Look for a company that wants to build itself by building its employees.

A lot of course will depend on your relationship with company. How long you’ve worked there already and whether you act in a way that makes them believe you see a long-term future with them - or not.

6. Pass first several required tests, use those credentials to get an entry level job and then get your new employer to pay for classes.

You’re not going to be hired as a network administrator after you pass one or two of MCSE required exams. However, you may be able to use those exams to get your foot in door with some menial entry-level job. Even if it’s repairing computers, that’s something.

Many new IT job seekers are hired to answer customer technical questions.