Into computers

[Jagos]

Alright...

I'm starting behind the curve. Basically I want to start to work with computer science or even computer security and I currently don't have a comp that's mine. I was interested in a degree in Engineering and eventually work as a comp consultant. As of now, I'm going to Texas to begin the long journey to just AD. Afterwards, It'll be my BS as well as a possible eventual doctorate.

Anyone have suggestions?

[Demetrius]

Love math with a passion. Make babies with it, a lot. Treasure those times, because after the love making comes HELL.

[Eltargrim]

Get a computer to use reliably, and get a computer (Doesn't have to be good) to play around on. Computer sciences don't always equal skills with computers; oftentimes that translates to programming, which wouldn't be a huge amount of use as a comp consultant. Networking/IT programs are what you really need.

Back to the computers: You'll always need one to be reliable. By getting one you can hack around with, you'll get a better feel of "what goes where", "what this does", and "how the hell do I fix this" than simply reading it out of a book.

Therefore, I recommend a beta of Linux. If only because it'll give you the patience to deal with anything.

[bluestarultor]

Never, under any circumstances, get one with Vista. Even if you have to pay extra, get XP. And tell them you are NOT buying it unless they give you backup disks, because they'll pull that.


Aside from that, I recommend at least 1GB of RAM, to plan ahead for the near future. 2GB if you plan to keep it past the next five years. Or at least make sure it's expandable to 2GB or higher.

[ProphetX]

HI you do realize your actually standing in front of the gates to hell contemplating going inside anyways.....


Best advice i can give you. Your interest at the moment seems pretty general and across the board. While this is good since it opens you to a world of different experiences, it does have a downside.

Figure out a specialization and dive the hell in. Get books.....lots of books, get software and just immerse yourself into this. Do NOT expect to learn anything outside of theory in a formal class room unless said classroom belongs to MS "Linux Distro" or Cisco. To really make it big and survive in this field you need a lot of dedication to breaking into even ground with those already long ahead of you...This requires serious commitment to self study. This is mostly because unlike 98% of other careers out there, This cannot be taught well enough in formal schooling situations for now.

As I said, you need to figure out a more specific area of interest or you will fall victim to the jack of all trades trap and this will inherently make your life more difficult as time progesses...

[Eltargrim]

Never, under any circumstances, get one with Vista. Even if you have to pay extra, get XP.

I would specifically contradict this. If you're going to be a computer consultant, you have to be ready to deal with both the bad and the good. Vista will soon become quite prevalent; you'll need to be able to deal with this.

Also, the anti-Vista raving is really getting ridiculous. Yes, it's not perfect. But it does have features some people need. Inform people of actual information, so that they can make balanced choices.

And tell them you are NOT buying it unless they give you backup disks, because they'll pull that.

I would suggest this, however. Only if you're buying from a pre-built place, though; I'd recommend building your own.

Aside from that, I recommend at least 1GB of RAM, to plan ahead for the near future. 2GB if you plan to keep it past the next five years. Or at least make sure it's expandable to 2GB or higher.

Most motherboards will allow for expansion. Right now 1 GB is adequate if you don't intend to do a lot of gaming/rendering. If you plan for any of the above, 2 GB is recommended (And only ~$100).

ProphetX makes the excellent point that this field will require a lot of self-study. Certifications are good; experience is much better. Don't neglect your certs, but in this field experience is what will land you actual jobs.

Now, for a clarification: Do you want help with getting a computer together? If so, just say the word (And a budget) and we can give you a hand.

[Jagos]

I do want to become a consultant the most. The most expediant route is an AD in Comp. Sci. to me. However, I'm a 24 year old that fell INTO the jack trap a LOOOONG time ago and didn't know what he wanted. I already have an idea of what I want. It's the finalizing that's the hard part. Mainly, it's me trying to get into the Networking department which I have NO experience in currently. Sure I hooked up a Linksys router to a Belkin modem (yay...) but I'd love to learn more on the engineering side as well. Yes, it's the harder route but I ain't gettin any younger.

The security thing is more or less because of the fact that with ID theft being so high and so easy, it basically secures a job in almost any field.

Gear? Believe me, if I could make a water cooled, Quad core Intel at 2.8+ GHz overclocked to perfection, I would.

Sadly, as the move to TX is gonna wipe me out, I may have to rethink that strategy. -_-; But any recent books to upload as well as new things to look for in the field will help all the same.

[Eltargrim]

In that case, focus on the actual education. I'm afraid I have no real recommendations to give you on learning materiel, but your profs will be able to help there.

Don't worry about too much hands-on experience yet. You'll likely be starting with small jobs, meaning you probably won't be dealing a whole lot with cutting-edge stuff. Get the computer when you can afford it; while it helps, it's not a necessity. Keep up to date on new developments in computer hardware, and in the industry, and you should be ok.

Good luck.

[Jagos]

That's just it...

How do I get into the consulting field?

[Demetrius]

Start a job at a cable/telecom company working in the field. This will give you exposure, get you in the door, and give you some small practical experience.