School Pix Movie with Sound Track

Developments at Workforce Development!!

Things are heating up at Workforce Alliance this Florida winter. Professionals who are already in the IT field can get FREE CERTIFICATIONS through Workforce provided they make under $30 per hour and will get a raise upon completion of his or her desired course. That's a deal you can't refuse! Beginners to the field can also take advantage of our Microsoft Office levels and our A+, Security+ and/or Network+ classes so they can get a taste of the exciting and rewarding field of Information Technology!! Give us a call today for more information. Workforce has two great locations to serve you (West Palm and Boynton Beach). 561-340-1060.

Software Assurance

As a Microsoft Gold Partner and Microsoft Partner for Learning Solutions, CompTEC can accept Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers which allow companies with Software Assurance Benefits to redeem training vouchers for free training. CompTEC is the only authorized partner in the West Palm Beach area. For information Software Assurance benefits go to http://www.comptec.com/programs-softwareAssurance.aspx. It is important to know that these benefits do expire if not used, many times at the cost of thousands of dollars in training benefits.

Happy Birthday JANET!

Janet is the wonderful person who greets you when you come into the school, but don't get the idea that she is just a receptionist! Her "throne" is pictured in a previous post that has a couple of pictures of the school. She (thinks that she) runs everything! Seriously, she is involved in almost all operational activities with a focus on making sure everybody is happy and she does a great job at it! This year she turns 29 (again) :) and she keeps looking younger every year! (how does she do that?). 

All of the staff, students and friends of CompTEC want to wish her a big

Happy Birthday, Janet! You are the best!

CompTEC's 2009 MCSE BOOT CAMP schedule begins January 29th

CompTEC announces The MCSE Boot Camp schedule for 2009 begins January 29th, with the three day CompTIA A+ bootcamp, followed by the three day Network+ boot camp. MCSE is now called MCITP. The MCITP boot Camp begins Feb 2, 2009 with MCITP 2008 Enterprise Administrator for Exam 70-642 (2 days) followed by Exam 70-640 (2 days) and Exam 70-643 (2 days). Candidates can achieve the new MCITP certification in just six days! Candidates who are already MCSE Certified can choose the upgrade path which starts on February 8th (3 exams 70-620, 70-647 and 70-649) Other boot camps include Exchange 2007 Exam 70-236, CEH 312-50, CCNA 640-802.
CompTEC also offers boot camp (fast track) certification courses for CCNP, ECSA/LPT, CHFI, CCVP. If you need a different certification call the school and ask if it is available. 
All testing is done on site in our Certified testing center. Tuition packages include hotel accommodations, local transportation, some meals and snacks. All books and materials necessary for completion are provided. Only qualified candidates with real world on the job experience will be accepted in Boot Camp (fast track) certification training courses. 
Achieving the latest Information Technology Certifications will enhance your job performance - and your resume. Employers prefer candidates with experience and certifications. Don't miss this chance to improve your skills and your employability!

MCITP to Replace MCSE Boot Camp Program

MCITP to Replace MCSE Boot Camp Program 

CompTEC MCSE Boot Camps will soon be renamed MCITP Boot Camps. The first MCITP Boot Camp will begin FEBRUARY 8, 2009 for Enterprise Administrators. Registration is currently under way and enrollment interest has been strong. With only 12 seats available, this is likely to be a sell out.

Call the school now to reserve your seat  888 491 9992

GI Bill eligible Veterans! Your benefits pay 60% of the tuition. CompTEC will give you a Grant for the remaining 40%. Don’t pass up this valuable training! Your out of pocket expenses are almost nothing! (If you know veterans in IT fields be sure to send them a link to this post!)

Microsoft has once again raised the bar to achieve “Certified Professional” status for Microsoft Network Engineers. Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional – MCITP: Enterprise Administrator, is the new standard. Candidates who want to achieve this certification are challenged with five new exams:

 Boot Camp 70-620

Boot Camp: MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration

 Boot Camp 70-640

Boot Camp MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration

 

Boot Camp 70-642

Boot Camp MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

 

Boot Camp 70-643

Boot Camp MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration

 Boot Camp 70-647

PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

            This exam focuses on 4 core areas

Planning network and application services

Designing core identity and access management components

Designing support identity and access management components

Designing for business continuity and data availability

Curriculum and lab activities reflect the latest improvements and abilities built into the Windows Server 2008 platform.

 

Server 2008 has already been widely adopted in the business marketplace and MCITP certified Enterprise Administrators will be essential to maximizing the potential of the investment business has made.

SIGN UP TODAY! Email janet@comptec.com or call 888.491.9992

Successful Completion of Final MCSE Boot Camp

Congratulation Tim on your 6-digit job offer after completing the MCSE 2003 Boot Camp. Thanks for the testimonial we posted on our website http://www.comptec.com/testimonials.aspx. After an intense 12 days of studying and passing 7 exams Tim was able to secure a top paying job with a Fortune 500 company in the Tampa area. I am also pleased to announce that I have signed a contract with CompTEC for the upcoming MCITP 2008 Server class that will start in January 2009. Both CompTEC and I are excited about offering this new technological product from Microsoft that will give any IT professional the edge when it comes to employment.

PICTURES! of the school

The largest class rooms can accommodate meetings for 50+ people, depending on configuration. Movable walls allow for some rooms to be divided.
This is the front desk at the school, also known as the Throne of Princess Janet

MCSE Boot Camp off to a Great Start

The MCSE Boot Camp started smoothly yesterday, as usual. Careful planning and preparation ensure there are no last minute glitches and candidates can immediately begin to focus on the highly concentrated, high impact information delivery that will result in them achieving their Microsoft Certification goals. The 11 day boot camp is just the beginning of nearly 60 days of fast track and regular track specialty training that will include MCSE Boot Camp, MCITP, MCSE Upgrade, Certified Ethical Hacker, Security Analyst/Licensed Penetration Tester, Cisco's CCNA, MS Exchange, CCNP and CCIE (routing and switching). Last minute enrollment is still available for some of these courses. Call the school at 1-888-491-9992 or 561-840-8080 to check for availability. To see the scheduled dates Click here to open the schedule in a new web page . We hope to bring you some indepth reports on the candidates progress as the boot camps continue. Enrollment in the next boot camp series, scheduled for February 2009 has already begun. The February Boot Camp will be the first MCSE Boot Camp on Server 2008. Check the main website for more info! CompTEC.com

Last Server 2003 MCSE Boot Camp starts Monday

All systems are go for the server 2003 MCSE Boot Camp Starting Monday, October 13, Candidates who are flying in will begin arriving as early as Saturday. The shuttle will pick them up and get them settled in their hotel rooms. Food, snacks and drinks are all laid in and ready to keep the energy levels up for the following 11 days. Most candidates are enrolled in additional programs beyond the 11 day MCSE Boot Camp. (see my previous post for link to the grueling two month schedule!)
This will be the last Server 2003 MCSE Boot Camp. The next boot camp will be on Server 2008.
Enrollment in E Council classes is on the rise! Seems the need for qualified network guardians and analyst is increasing rapidly. If you need CEH, ECSA/LPT or CHFI call the school now.
Cisco's CCNA and MS Exchange are the most popular add-ons to the MCSE Boot Camp track.
Boot Camps are hard work, both for the candidates and the school, but they are fun too. It is always interesting to watch how quickly a group of like minded strangers can gel and become a cohesive unit. Hope to see you there!

Oct/Nov Boot Camp and Advanced Courses Schedule

Click here to open the schedule in a new web page

The full schedule includes the last Server 2003 MCSE Boot Camp. The next boot Camp will be Server 2008. Following the 11 day MCSE boot Camp will be Upgrade, MCITP, and 2008 Upgrade, then EC Council CEH, (Certified Ethical Hacker), and ECSA/LPT (Security Analyst/Penetration Tester) and CHFI (Forensic Investigator). Then CCNA, MS Exchange, CCNP, and CCIE Routing and switching ( 350-001 )

A lot of options! If you need one class or several, you can get them finished this year if you call now! toll free 888-491-9992 local 561-840-8080

Check out our Links lists

In the right hand column of this page you will find a links list of sites we think offer good services. Check them out, and let them know where you found their link! Know of a link we should add? Leave a comment with the site address and we will check it out. If it passes our strict standards we will add it.

Got Career Questions??

You can imagine that in the nearly 12 years that we have been offering computer career training we have learned a lot about careers, and career development. If you are enrolled in the next MCSE Boot Camp you can ask us questions when you are here, or, like everyone else, you are invited to post your questions in a comment here, or email them to info@comptec.com and we will get you the best answer we can. We can call on our experience and observations of our graduates experiences and give you some unique insight into marketing yourself, career path planning, salary expectations and a wide variety of other concerns.

Microsoft Certifications

What Microsoft Certifcations do you have? Have they been important to improving your career?
CompTEC has assisted hundreds of indivduals achieve their certification goals.

CompTEC MCSE Boot Camp School to celebrate Veterans Day

Here is an Advance release of the Press Release for CompTEC's Veterans Day event! MCSE Boot Camp School Honors Returning Veterans

CompTEC Computer Career Center, an MCSE Boot Camp School, welcomes returning Veterans with low cost career transition assistance. Soldiers who worked in an IT related MOS and those with an interest in developing a career in Information Technology can take advantage of a CompTEC grant that pays all tuition costs not covered by their MGIB benefits.
(The Montgomery GI Bill act for veterans, provides educational benefits for veterans. MGIB chapter 30 31 35 1607 for Army, Navy Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, reserves, military, active duty and enlisted.)
On November 11th CompTEC will host an HONOR Our VETERANS open house. With Flags flying and fun foods CompTEC will have Staff, Instructors and graduates on hand to answer questions and show off the State of the Art Training Facility, located just a few blocks from the Palm Beach International Airport, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Veterans with an interest in obtaining valuable Microsoft and Cisco Career certifications in network engineering, programming or database will want to stop by and learn how CompTEC can help them get started on great civilian careers, and/or gain valuable skills to further their military careers.
Veterans in Vocational Rehabilitation programs will be pleased that the facility was designed to accommodate handicapped individuals and the school is prepared to make any additional accommodations to make their learning experience a great one.
Steve Hatch, a veteran himself, attends Veterans Administration Conferences every year to learn how he can better help veterans in need of career training. “It is very gratifying to help soldiers transition their careers and I am pleased to be able to recognize and honor them once again with our own Veterans Day event this year,” Mr. Hatch says.
Jim Vanderwoude, a Viet Nam Combat Veteran has been involved with CompTEC for several years, first as a student, then as an Instructor whose Certifications include MCSE, MCITP, CCNA, CEH, CISSP, has this to say about CompTEC’s commitment to veterans, “This is not just a November 11th once a year show. CompTEC is committed to helping Veterans with their careers 365 days a year.”
The MCSE Boot Camp program is a favorite of Veterans from around the world, who are able to fly in and stay 11 days to participate in an intensive high concentration high impact learning. Tuition, accommodations, snacks, some meals, all materials and necessary supplies are covered by the MGIB and the CompTEC MGIB Veterans Grant.
CompTEC computer school is proud to serve US Veterans and is pleased to take this opportunity to recognize their service and sacrifice for our country. Veterans can attend MCSE Boot Camps and training programs for Microsoft Certifications, Cisco Certifications and E Council certifications like CEH Certified Ethical Hacker, to improve their computer careers.
Please RSVP for the November 11th event to help us in planning and preparations, by calling CompTEC at 561-840-8080 or 888-491-9992. Email RSVPs to Janet@comptec.com with RSVP Veterans Day in the subject line.
ATTENTION: All veteran oriented websites are invited to participate in our link exchange program. You can learn more about CompTEC by visiting their website at http://www.comptec.com .

I.T. Jobs

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and an EC-Council Instructor one of the most frequent questions I get is will I be able to get a job in the I.T. field. My answer is YES there are still plenty of jobs out there, but getting the job is up to you. When I entered the I.T. arena all you needed was a love or passion for computers and the willingness to learn and to work. Today that has changed, companies no longer are interested in passion and willingness. The Human Resources Departments want to know 1. What certifications you have and 2. Where you have worked and 3. How long have you worked in the I.T. field. We in the I.T. industry live in a new area where Certifications rule and specializiation creates employability. Yes, the certification process can be expensive, but so is paying for a Bachelors or Masters degree with not much difference on potential income. Certifications will make you more marketable in an industry where the average employment stay is about three years. It seems to me that today longevity is being replaced with "Show me the money".

ANCEDOTES ABOUT INSTRUCTORS

MCSE boot camp instructors are special people. I have met many of them, most of them extremely competent, some of them absolutely brilliant and a few real geniuses. But I have always been a bit surprised how rare it is to find that really rare mix of personality and brilliance.
Good MCSE instructors all develop an almost cult like following. The loyalty students show to an instructor they admire and respect rivals madonna worshipers.
I really liked the instructor who was teaching a night class and walked through the outer door of the school yelling TURN TO PAGE 232. TONIGHTS LESSON IS ON.... before he was even in the classroom, he was teaching. He was a guru too. He once had an experienced network engineer in his class who believed his Exchange server was secure. In ten minutes he was showing the guy his users names and passwords in plain english having drilled into the server with header info from an email. Like I said, the guy was a guru, and his students loved him, but he didn't have the personality to connect with his students on a human level.
I really liked a young instructor I knew who simply didn't realize how smart he was. His ability to process new information and reach the correct conclusions (the only logical conclusions) was phenomenal. He also had a cult like following, but he too, could not connect with his students on a human level.
There is an instructor I'll call Plain ol Joe (his name really is Joe) Joe is a "regular guy", very casual and relaxed. He could connect with anybody. And he is smart as an instructor. Very smart. He students will follow him for years to take the next class they want from him. Joe is in that rare group of instructors who have both brilliance and personality in the classroom.
My all time favorite instructor is Robert. More reserved than Joe and more professional in demeanor, Robert nevertheless has the knack for never letting a student feel dumb or insecure in his level of understanding of the subject matter at hand. (something many gurus lack). If a student asks a question that has already been answered, Roberts response makes the student feel as if the question is appropriate and timely. On occassion, an instructor will have a student who is very smart - perhaps as smart as the instructor himself. I have seen this lead to verbal duels and the game of one upmanship as massive egos collide. That has never happened to Robert, could never happen to Robert. His ego simple doesn't run that way and no one could fail to recognize that. Robert was born to teach. He often teaches advanced classes to very competent engineers and he is always, always, appreciated.
Instructors are each unique, special people. I have met some who should have been driving tractor trailers, instead of sports cars, so they would have room to carry their massive egos around. I have met some whose brilliance moved them a little too far from the real world. As a group, I find them to be good people who do a difficult job very well.
Ok, i do have one "bad instructor" story. He was a UNIX guru. He ran a server farm with 2400 servers for BIG AEROSPACE. Dude must have been smart. But could not even dress himself appropriately. Came to school one day with one pantleg tucked into his sock, the back of his shirt not tucked in, the collar upturned, and his hair uncombed. No wonder his nick name was Mad Jack. lol

Getting ready for MCSE Boot Camp

30 days until the next MCSE Boot camp begins on Oct 13th. A lot of effort goes into preparing for a Boot Camp, much of it many months in advance of the actual event. In the last thirty days, it is “final touches”. Janet emails each candidate to learn if he or she has any allergies, asks the candidate for their preferred brand of soft drink, type of snacks preferred and any other information that will help the candidates experience go smoothly.
Although the school has a designated break area with vending machines, coffee machines, microwave, mini-grill even a popcorn machine, as well as a refrigerator, sink and water cooler, the boot camp will have a separate refrigerator in the training room, and tables of high energy snacks ranging from health foods to candy.
Hotel accommodations are double checked. Janet also ensures that all paperwork is complete and up to date. Steve and Jim review infrastructure needs. The number of students enrolled will determine which room is used and how many machines have to be imaged. Spare machines are set aside in case of a rare equipment failure. Overhead projectors are checked for lamp hours and lamps are replaced as needed. A spare projector is also tested and at the ready. The rooms surround sound system is adjusted based on the number of occupants the room is expected to accommodate. NOTHING is left to the last minute. Nothing is untested. It is all part of CompTEC’s MCSE Boot Camp Total Care Program. The MCSE Boot Camp is 11 days, but it doesn’t stop there. Some candidates are signed up for the CCNA boot camp that follows on the 12th day. New candidates will also join the CCNA boot camp and may go on to the CCNP boot camp that follows. Other Boot Camps occurring at the same time may include, MCSE upgrade 2008, MS Exchange or Certified Ethical Hacking.

Next MCSE Boot Camp Oct 13th

MCSE Boot Camp starts Oct 13th and ends Oct 23rd.

Economy and weather

The economy is suffering a bit, and I found this quote over on http://calmerthanyouare.wordpress.com/2008/07/11/the-paper-mcse-a-success-story/

" When prosperity comes, do not use all of it. "

Good Advice, I think

Hurricanes popping up here and there. Some will come and some will fizzle. It is nature. It reminds me of a couple of years ago a hurricane popped up with very little advance notice, and was not predicted to hit our area too hard, while the school was halfway through a mcse boot camp. The students had a vote and the decision to continue the boot camp was unanimous. Of course the hurricane hit a lot closer to us than expected and we lost power for several days. The hotel, though, had a generator, and the instructors and students just forted up in a hotel room and keep going.
Boot camps are hard work. It takes exceptional preparation, undetered determination, and extraordinary dedication on the part of the students. The school provides an instructor whose depth of knowledge and sincerity in sharing his knowledge often makes the difference between success and failure for the hardworking candidates. The school also provides a total care concept that removes all possible distractions - except for acts of nature. The students and instructors at the "hurricane boot camp" are to be commended for their valiant extra efforts.

A word about the article on the page where I found the prosperity quote. It is an interesting "success story", but one must wonder at what cost to the employers. Perhaps none. There will always be employers. who know so little about IT they can be tricked into hiring someone who is not qualified, but it says little for a mans ethics to misrepresent himself thusly.

Flash card training aids

just found this from computer pooh on wordpress

http://www.proprofs.com/flashcards/cards.php?title=CCNA-WAN-1

They have a bunch already made, and you can make your own. Pretty cool.

MCSE BOOT CAMP USA --- FIRST POST

Hello,
we want to talk about MCSE Boot Camps and Microsoft Certification training as well as other training information Technologists :) feel is important to career advancement and skill enhancement. We look forward to hearing about your experiences, and to sharing some of ours.