[raybro]

Hi folks... Thought this would be the appropriate forum to put this on. If any Admin thinks I would be better served by moving to a different forum, please feel free to do so.

Over the years since I retired, I've had a lot of time to improve my skills on computer hardware, OS's, applications, networks and security. This has resulted in the development of and still growing, small army of friends and relatives who depend on me to keep their computers running.

I just returned from a 3 day visit with my daughter during which time I cleaned up 2 laptops and one desktop computer. Two of the machines required formatting and clean install of the OS, programs and updates. They were running real good when I left. On the way to the train station to return home, my daughter said to me "why don't you do this professionally". I got to thinking about that over the next few days and came up with Yeah, why not.

I have absolutely zero formal training in computers. I've learned everything I know by hands-on trial and error with a tremendous amount of help from TSG forums.

Anyway, I started looking into what was available for online training which would provide me with some credentials with which I could establish a small business doing PC repair. What I found varied from a basic diploma in computer maintenance to an AA degree. The Cadillac appears to be the University of Phoenix AA degree in IT/Technology Support. Costs about $8000 for a 17 month course carrying 24 credits. I also found a "PC Maintenance and Repair" AA degree with Penn Foster University (Scottsdale AZ) for considerably less money (under $2000). I've requested information on a couple of other schools I found online, but do not have that info yet.

The reason for this post is to solicit suggestions, thoughts and perhaps some experience with the institutions I have mentioned.

BTW... I'm only interested in programs available online.

Any input is much appreciated... Raybro

[vicks]

GO FOR IT!!
My sister-in-law got a BS from University of Phoenix, and our son, (when he was living) taught a class in Business Law at one of the campuses in the Denver area.
Vicks