Get Exclusive Discounts and Free Computer Training
Signup to get our latest updates ...
I know that in the past I raved about how much I love my laptop and how I will never want or need anything else … but right now I really wish I had a desktop PC :(
Today I learned about upgrading PC components: motherboards, memory, processors, power supplies, display devices, adapter cards, cooling systems, storage devices, and more.
And while seeing it done is very helpful, I don’t think I will learn this stuff and get good at it if I don’t actually get a chance to do it myself. Don’t you agree?
So with two laptops and no desktop PC what am I to do? I think my only option is to buy an old desktop computer to work on. This is the only way I’m going to really learn this stuff. As some of you have suggested in the past the best way to learn is by physically doing these things myself. And I agree, watching someone do something is NOT the same as doing it yourself.
From my undergraduate psychology past I can attest that this is definitely true and has been proven with multiple scientific studies. Doing vs. seeing can make a difference not only in remembering things but predicting possible outcomes as well. Isn’t that amazing? (If you’re interesting in learning more about this check out Seeing Versus Doing a study that was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.)
Besides my lack of a desktop predicament, my preparation for the Technician exam has begun. I haven’t decided which one I will take, but the training covers all of them, since there is a lot of overlap, so I think I will decide on this part later. See my post on Comparing Test Requirements for more information on the Technician exams.
Right now I’m on objective 1.1 - Install, configure, optimize and upgrade personal computer components. The video goes into: the details of figuring out the appropriate components that can be installed and upgraded, the actual tasks of upgrading and installing different components, the considerations of buying vs. upgrading PC components, and more.
Get Train Signal’s complete CompTIA A+ Training!
You get:
Train Signals’ CompTIA A+ training videos are 100% money back guaranteed so you have nothing to lose! Get started today!
Rudy Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Kasia, you have hit the nail on the head. My ability to apply what I have learned, in the Microsoft arena, is easily achieved with access to PCs.
But when it comes to networking well that is a different story. There was a time when I was eager to go out and pick up a router so I could apply what I had learned using Trainsignal’s networking courses. Unfortunately selecting the right router and within budget turned out be a point of much confusion.
If and when you get to the networking courses I am hopeful you will make it a point to share the selection of your router. In my case wanted to set up router with connection orientated towards ADSL and at the same time possibly a router with CABLE Internet access so if my access changes from phone lines to cable access I can reconfigure my router. I want to use one or the other it would be cost effective.
Kasia Grabowska Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Hi Rudy!
I’m glad you feel the same way; it’s reassuring to know that I’m not the only one!
Also, thanks for your advice on routers! I’ll have to keep this in mind for the future. Thankfully, for A+ I don’t need to go this far.
Kasia