What career involves the hardware aspect of computers?

kaphixzorz: What career involves the hardware aspect of computers?
I’m looking into what college courses I’m going to need to get a career in PC building, repair, etc. I realize that this can be freelance or opening/getting a job in a local PC repair shop, but what would help me be qualified for this? I do not want to go into programming of any kind, network security is my second choice. What courses do you recommend?

Answers and Views:

Answer by s0mewhereny
Most colleges will put you through a blend of software and hardware. If the goal is a PC tech go to a tech school you’ll get better hands on (practical) experience. I would recommend you go to college for IT while you are working as a PC tech. Most tech schools will offer hep with Microsoft or generic PC certifications which will show employers that you know what you are doing on a basic level anyway.

Answer by certificationhelp
The certification you will need to become a Techie is called the A+ certification. There are two exams to pass, the A+ essentials and the A+ IT technician. Having this cert give you the formal paper to work freelance or in pc repair shop or even in a help desk role.

Hope this helps 🙂

Answer by Richard L
The A+ exam is limited in the type of job you will get and although it is perfect for the PC repair technician you will find that PC repair jobs will not really give you much income or future. The A+ will have almost no value in a corporate setting. These jobs are a good way to get some initial experience to put on your resume but not a place to make a lifetime career.

In the environment I am in (150,000+ PCs) if it takes more than a few minutes to repair a computer they just issue you a new one. The price of a new PC is getting so low it does not really pay to spend a lot of time repairing them.