Im hitting 40 and would like to turn my interest in computers into a job.Up until 2002 I didn't even know how to use a computer.Im not a expert now but would like to know what steps in education i should take.I'm more interested in the repair part.Im not looking to go college and get a degree in computer science.Should i be looking at taking a few courses at local community college?Is A+ certification a requirement?Basically I have done manufacturing,warehouse,etc..type of jobs .But with job market being so bad.I need to find a skill.I know Im about 20 years late.and im not getting any younger.

You should get real hands on training if you want to do basic IT stuff go to a your Vocational school or Tech school do their course and while in school volunteer for a non-profit, then when you graduate you have some education an experience, looks good on a resume too.

from there you can branch off into a particular expertise of computer science, and build form there.

I've been working on computer's since high school. I'm now in college and I work for 2 organizations as THE IT departemnt.

good luck.

BTW this is not the right forum for this question

There isn't much money in computer repair. A lot of people want to do it and it is cutthroat. The exception is repairing/maintaining corporate systems, but you'll need lots of experience and certifications to get a job doing that.

If you want to repair PC class computers, the best way to start is to build a few, install the operating systems, and deal with the problems you have. You'll also have to learn how to recover systems, remove malware, and generally clean up a poorly running computer. When you have mastered these skills, you'll be qualified for the average Geek Squad job.

Well ..Build,repair,service.Not really interested in doing things like working on servers and networking .Not really interested in that part.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

jiml8 is dead on,

to get a job in this field they want someone that can do everything, computer repair alone isn't enough, you've got to know the software, and networking aspects

There are lots of small shops which do the kinds of repairs you refer to, plus usually selling parts, accessories and custom-built boxes. As stated, it is pretty cut-throat. However, if you worked on your own you might have a chance of carving out a niche. Here in germany I see some who bill themselves as 'senior-citizen' specialists. You might alos push the use of linux instead of windows as a way to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Also, data recovery might be a good thing to specialize in. Nearly everyone who brings a computer to be repaired is worried about losing their data. You can usually capitalize on this strong desire to charge a little extra to recover data before re-installing their system. Building custom boxes for gamers may be an option also.

I have to agree with the majority opinion. Repair alone is not enough if you want it to be a job, otherwise you will have a hobby. If you are in a big city you might be able to pull enough "repair" business to stay busy BUT it will require alot of advertising and heavy competition. If you are in a rural area you may be more successful but your abilities will have to be more versatile. I started a computer business 3 years ago in a rural area and my only real expertise or experience was in computer repair. I have done very little actual repair. You have to be willing to do everything: cleanup, rebuild, repair, new/custom builds, networks, data recovery (big money here if you can do it), etc.

If you are not the type to learn on your own (and of course with the help of internet forums and google), then taking classes is your next option. You can always associate with other more experienced people but that is not the best course when you are trying to build your own business.

Start small, work for friends and family, your local church or social organizations, to get your name out there. word of mouth is the best advertisement. Do the best job you can, always. Your reputation is valuable. Always be available. If you turn away a job today, you may beg for it later. Always keep your customers informed. Knowledge is power and the more knowledge your customers have the more empowered they feel and the happier they are. IF you do this, your customers will become clients and then you will be the IT guy for several local businesses.

Many small businesses and local government offices cannot afford to employ a full time IT guy. Make sure these people know your name.

Finally, know your role(s). At first you will be secretary, technican, bookkeeper, etc. Once you find yourself spending alot of time managing the finances of the business then find a good bookkeeper/account. Trade services if you cannot afford their rates, or work out a deal. a good bookkeeper will prevent the "running a business" from getting in the way of running "your" business.

I hope this helps, it is wisdom that I have acquired from trying to do the same thing.

Good Luck.

I have to agree with the majority opinion. Repair alone is not enough if you want it to be a job, otherwise you will have a hobby. If you are in a big city you might be able to pull enough "repair" business to stay busy BUT it will require alot of advertising and heavy competition. If you are in a rural area you may be more successful but your abilities will have to be more versatile. I started a computer business 3 years ago in a rural area and my only real expertise or experience was in computer repair. I have done very little actual repair. You have to be willing to do everything: cleanup, rebuild, repair, new/custom builds, networks, data recovery (big money here if you can do it), etc.

If you are not the type to learn on your own (and of course with the help of internet forums and google), then taking classes is your next option. You can always associate with other more experienced people but that is not the best course when you are trying to build your own business.

Start small, work for friends and family, your local church or social organizations, to get your name out there. word of mouth is the best advertisement. Do the best job you can, always. Your reputation is valuable. Always be available. If you turn away a job today, you may beg for it later. Always keep your customers informed. Knowledge is power and the more knowledge your customers have the more empowered they feel and the happier they are. IF you do this, your customers will become clients and then you will be the IT guy for several local businesses.

Many small businesses and local government offices cannot afford to employ a full time IT guy. Make sure these people know your name.

Finally, know your role(s). At first you will be secretary, technican, bookkeeper, etc. Once you find yourself spending alot of time managing the finances of the business then find a good bookkeeper/account. Trade services if you cannot afford their rates, or work out a deal. a good bookkeeper will prevent the "running a business" from getting in the way of running "your" business.

I hope this helps, it is wisdom that I have acquired from trying to do the same thing.

Good Luck.

I say learn by doing. If that is what you want go at it on your own. Open up a shop that has something different than everyone else. For most it is the pricing. I still find that shops here in Nashville don't offer the equipment that say newegg does and if they do, it is overpriced. Find a niche market that has not been catered too. Also Do some repair work for an organization in your spare time. This will help you build a client base through word of mouth.

The idea of a shop selling pc's built to be 100% compatible to linux is something I have thought about..I dont live in a very big city,Fayetteville,North Carolina.Home of Fort Bragg.And am surprised with rise of linux someone hasnt done that yet.You could sell them the pc's and also have a linux 101 class for your customers to get them comfortable with using Linux.If they are use to using windows..show them how to do the things they do in windows on linux.E-mail,instant messaging,setting up home network,installing software,etc...But i wonder..If I were to sell linux pc's setup already to play multimedia.Mp3,DVD,etc...Would that leave me open to legal action.??

I would say that is iffy. On one side you have, did you own the cd or purchase the mp3 legally? On the other hand I don't think it is illegal to play mp3's on linux. Course if you are that worried about it I believe someone has made a free legal mp3 codec for linux.