Directionsonline Technical certification preparation programs
For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page
Six-week, Instructor-paced courses
Extended Self-paced Certificate Programs
Format and GES Overview
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
CISCO™ CCNA® Certification Training
Microsoft Office Specialist
Security+ Certification
Network+/Server+ Certification
Basic A+ Certification: Hardware I
Time to roll up those sleeves and dive inside the personal computer! The Basic A+ Certification Online: Hardware I course teaches you about the hardware common to virtually every personal computer - including microprocessors, RAM, power supplies, motherboards, BIOS, CMOS, the expansion bus, floppy drives, and hard drives. You'll learn
how things work, how to configure everything, and how to troubleshoot in real world environments. This class gives you the knowledge upon which you'll base the rest of your A+ Certification studies and helps you take that first step to becoming an excellent PC hardware technician. So what are you waiting for?!? (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: A solid conceptual and practical knowledge of Windows 95 or 98 and preferably some experience with DOS and Windows 3.x. , Internet access , E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser. It's also recommended that you have a PC that you can take apart and put back together again. This can be anything from an ancient Intel 286 to a newer 486 or beyond. Because of the dangers of electro-static discharge (to the machine, not the student), we do not require you to tear apart your own primary computer. This is, however, a class that trains you to be a hardware technician - having a machine to play with greatly helps your learning.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$99
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Intermediate A+ Certification: Operating Systems
It's time to dive into the details of the command-line interface (DOS) and the graphical user interfaces (Windows 3.x and Windows 9x) tested by the A+ Certification exam. The Intermediate A+ Certification Online: Operating Systems I course teaches you DOS, DOS memory management, Windows 3.x tweaking and troubleshooting, and Windows 9x installation, optimization, and troubleshooting. In addition, we will discuss in detail partitioning and formatting drives, and installation and troubleshooting issues with Plug and Play. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Successful completion of the Basic A+ Certification Online: Hardware I course, Internet access , E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser. A PC running DOS 5 to DOS
6.22 and a couple of DOS applications would be helpful but not necessary for the class. Similarly, if you can find a copy, putting Windows 3.x on the machine would also help. These will give you a
chance to experiment with DOS and Windows 3.x without the interference of Windows 95. A Windows 9x PC that you can experiment on (this can be the same as the DOS/Win3.x PC). Although this course focuses on operating systems, you still will want to install, format, partition, beat up, etc. hard drives and install a plug and play device or two. Because of the dangers of electro-static discharge (to the machine, not the student), we do not require you to tear apart your
own primary computer (and definitely do not recommend that you format or partition your primary hard drive!).
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$99
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Advanced A+ Certification: Hardware/OS II
This course takes you through an extensive set of technologies, including SCSI, video, modems, printers, multimedia, portable PCs, and networking. You'll study the hardware and learn the software necessary to install, configure, and troubleshoot that hardware. This course completes your understanding of the hardware and operating systems tested on the A+ Certification exams. So grab a seat and strap yourself in - you're in for a wild ride! (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser. Successful completion of the Basic A+ Certification Online: Hardware I and Intermediate A+ Certification Online: Operating Systems I courses. A Windows 9x PC that you can experiment on. You will probably want to remove/install various devices, such as video, sound, and modems. Because of the dangers of electro-static discharge (to the machine, not the student),
however, we do not require you to tear apart your own primary computer. This is a class that trains you to be a technician - having a machine to play with greatly helps your learning. You can pick up an
old PC from second-hand stores, garage sales, or your Aunt Edna's attic.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$99
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Network + Certification Preparation
This course will teach you everything you need to know to take and pass the challenging Network+ certification exam and become an excellent network technician. You'll learn about topologies, the OSI Seven-Layer model, protocol suites, modern network operating systems, network hardware, cabling standards, remote connectivity, Internet connections,
network troubleshooting, and more. Network+ certification also counts as one of the elective exams for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Familiarity with personal computers, including hardware and software. Proficiency with Windows. A+ certification is strongly recommended, but not required. Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$99
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Security+ Certification Preparation
The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts that computer security and related computer-support specialties will be among the fastest-growing occupations through 2012. CompTIA's Security+ certificate is widely regarded as the entry-level certificate for this fast-growing field. Getting that certificate requires passing CompTIA's challenging SY0-101 exam.
In this six-week course, you'll learn everything you need to know to pass the exam and get your Security+ certificate. This is not a course on how to study for the exam. This course is fully self-contained and contains everything you need to know to ace the exam and leave the exam center with your Security+ credential in-hand.
Requirements: CompTIA recommends that you have A+ and Network+ certifications, and two years on-the-job networking experience, prior to preparing for this exam. We don't require that much. But you should have substantial knowledge of TCP/IP networking prior to signing up for this course. You'll also need Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape or Firefox or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$99
Additional Information:
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Introduction to Windows XP
Whether you're new to Windows or an experienced PC aficionado, there's a lot to learn in the all-new Windows XP. This course covers all the basic skills and concepts needed to use a computer. This course will teach you how to work with text, pictures, photos, sound, music, DVD, Interactive TV, and video; create shortcuts, customize the interface, take full advantage of the Internet, and even build your own local area network (LAN). You'll even learn how Windows XP supports the new Microsoft .NET strategy and XML - a new language that's poised to revolutionize the way we use our computers. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
Additional Information:
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Advanced PC Security
When is hacking legal? When you use it to secure your own network. This new method of hacking, called ethical hacking or white-hat hacking, uses common and readily available hacking tools and techniques to audit your network so you can locate and close security holes. Whether you're running a small home network or you're an enterprise network administrator, this course will teach you how to better protect your system against those who wish to gain unauthorized access. Sooner or later, you know that somebody is going to try and break into your network. Why not learn how hackers think so you can harden your defenses against them?
(2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Completion of Introduction to Windows XP or equivalent experience, Internet access, e-mail, Two or more computers running Windows XP, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
Additional Information: Advanced PC Security
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Introduction to PC Troubleshooting
Don't spend your hard-earned cash on expensive PC repairs! The vast majority of the problems people experience with their computers are completely avoidable, and most can be solved with nothing more than a few minutes of your time. Intro to PC troubleshooting takes you step by step through the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians, teaching troubleshooting techniques to decipher any problem, and giving you the skills you need to solve them. Once you've mastered the basics, the course launches into some of the more advanced and nasty problems that crop up in the PC, teaching you how to diagnose and fix those problems as well! Finally, Intro to PC Troubleshooting shows you how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC. So what are you waiting for? Let's troubleshoot - and fix - some PCs! (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
Additional Information: Introduction to PC Troubleshooting
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Introduction to PC Security
What you don't know about PC security really can hurt you! Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. This course, taught by a security expert, will quickly bring you up to speed on the fundamentals of PC and network security.
You'll understand and explore the many vulnerabilities of operating systems, software, and networks. Then, you'll get into the minds of hackers and crackers, developing an understanding of the exploits they use to access your computer without your knowledge. You'll find out why, where, and how viruses, worms, and blended threats are created. You'll be able to identify and work to prevent DoS, SYN flooding, and other network attacks. You'll learn a safe way to share files and data across the Internet through a virtual private network. And you'll be able to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.
(2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Completion of Introduction to Windows XP or equivalent experience, Internet access, e-mail, Two or more computers running Windows XP, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
Additional Information: Introduction to PC Security
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Intermediate Networking
Learn real-world applications for the concepts you learned in 'Introduction to Networking. You'll gain a full understanding of almost every aspect of networking technology, including hot topics such as virtual private networks, security, and Internet connectivity. Completion of this course and its prerequisite should serve as a springboard for a career in computer networking or training for CCNA Certification.
(2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser, and completion of David Iseminger's "Introduction to Networking" course (or equivalent experience).
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
Additional Information: Intermediate Networking
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Introduction to Networking
Introduction to Networking explains computer networking basics in terms that you can easily understand, using concepts common to everyday, non-computing experience. A brief introduction to networking history provides context, explaining how networks have become so important to businesses and individuals. The course emphasizes networking fundamentals, explaining the software and hardware that makes networking possible. The course stresses understanding how and why networks work, rather than focusing on memorization of terms or numbers.
Upon completion of the course, you will be capable of performing basic computer networking tasks, such as DSL connectivity or configuring connections to an Internet Service Provider. This course will give you the foundation you need to begin training for CCNA Certification or employment in a computer networking career. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser, and a computer equipped with Microsoft Windows 95 or newer.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
Additional Information: Introduction to Networking
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Wireless Networking
Wireless networking is one of the fastest growing segments of the computer industry. Every electronic device seems capable of wireless connections these days: computers, handhelds, cell phones , and even digital cameras are all capable of transmitting without a tether. To many people, those wireless connections are nothing short of technical wizardry. This course will remove the mystery and give you a thorough understanding of this fascinating and lucrative technology.
You'll learn how wireless works, how wireless devices connect to networks, and how to build and connect to your own wireless network. We'll also explore wireless standards, wireless security, satellite Internet and cellular phone technology, as well as the future of wireless.
Becoming knowledgeable about wireless networking is easier than ever. With a helpful instructor who is also a working industry expert, a practical and thoughtful approach to teaching, and an emphasis on giving you a practical, hands-on understanding how wireless works, this course will teach you everything you want to know about the world of wireless connectivity. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Completion of David Iseminger's Introduction to Networking online course (or equivalent experience), Internet access, e-mail, and the Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
Additional Information: Wireless Networking