Dan Shea
The Computer Tie Guy
Certification Courses
Operating Systems
Office Applications
Database Programs
Security
Webpage Development
Graphic Programs
Desktop Publishing
Other Programs

IT Certification Courses

It seems that there is not as much demained for the 5 day Microsoft Certification courses with the official Microsoft curriculum. These 5 day courses are designed for someone who has little or no experience with the topic. I teach part time at the Pennsylvania College of Technology were we take a 5 day course and teach it in 2 days. Most people can not afford 5 days off work, 2 days is more reasonable. The official Microsoft courses don't teach you the day to day practical reality of administration your operating systems and network. The real test is when the server and network goes down. Can you fix it quickly?

 Some suggestions for becoming Microsoft Certified

  • The goal of the MCSE is to LEARN the product, not just to pass a test.  The real test comes when the phone rings and the network is down! There are alot of book MCSE's out there.
  • I would highly recommend to set up a network at home if your serious about this. There is lots of good use PC's out there to experiment with.
  • Expose yourself to the software, the operating system and Networking as much as possible.
  • Live it, learn it, eat it, breath it, be it!
  • Forget all about how you would answering the problem, just follow the Microsoft Official models
  • On the exam the question has lots of ambiguity and you have dig deep into the fundamentals of what is right and more IMPORTANTLY "what is wrong" with the answers 
  • Too many people can easily pass the tests by memorizing brain dumps! Be honest with yourself. When the server crashes you really need to KNOW what to do! It is not worth getting personally sued and fired!
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    Operating Systems

    I started 15 years ago teaching Macintosh computers. I used upto Macintosh 6.x Latter I was introduced to Windows 3.11. Then I saw an opportunity and learned NT 3.5. I got my MCSE for each version. I also use Red Hat Linux server to host my website. I received my MCT but did not use it so I let it laps. I also regularly teach XP and Server 2003. I have lots of practical experience teaching and trouble shooting on all the Operating Systems listed below. Back to Top

    Office Applications

    I have years of experience teaching these programs. Most people don't understand the finers point of these programs. These are all very powerfull programs. Key board short cuts is one of the things I like to stress because it help you work more efficiently. You know how to use the software to do your job, but I might be abel to help you do it better and faster. Back to Top

    Database Programs

    I have written many database applications for over 12 years. Both Filemaker and Access are great database programs. They are very easy to use and work with. Much better then most other database programs out there. I have used many other database programs.

    My business philosophy is that I will create an effective, easy to use database according to your specifications. I will also help you design the database so that your business can grow and it will give you the results you need to run your business. I will also give you an unlocked database. I do not retain a password that forces you to call me. I am not mean; I give you the keys (passwords). Many of my clients like to be able to do the small changes themselves. The prices of my unlocked version is the same as what others charge for a locked down version. This is why my business is so successful.

    Some of the systems I have created: Back to Top

    Security

    I have been teaching all aspects of security for the past 4 years. Since 9-11 we all became more aware of the need to increase our understanding for all facettes of security. Don't just look at attacks from the internet. There are just as many but more dangerous attacks from the inside. Unfortunately corparate network and physical security is not at the level we should be. If you have a home computer you must have a Firewall and Virus Scanner. There are many free ones you can download from the internet. It is amazing how many people don't have one or the other or both! I have helped hundreds of people with there home computer and they wonder why the computer gets all screwed up, and loss data.
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    Webpage Development

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    Graphic Programs

    I have lots of experience with imaging software. Both vector, pixel and color seperation programs. I taught a number of newspapers across Canada how to manipulate their photos. You can have alot of fun manipulating images. In todays digital age photographs have changed. We now have the tools to fix a great photo the someone blinked in. You can also play the National Enquirer and put people in places and with people they were never with. I have not taught these in the past couple of years. Back to Top

    Desktop Publishing

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    Other Programs

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    Updated September 11, 2007
    Copyright© 2007 by Dan Shea
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