Training Class for Microsoft Desktop Support Technician in Livonia, Michigan

Monday July 9, 2007, which will extend through July 13th, I have attended my first training class for MSDST at New Horizions in Livonia, Michigan. My instructor Robin Wright is from central Florida. She is well versed in this field and I have thus far enjoyed her teaching methods. She also has a great deal of certifications across the board with Microsoft and has been teaching for over 20 years.

I feel this class will help me gain more knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot further Microsoft Windows XP problems faced while running Microsoft Windows XP Professional in an Active Directory network, or Windows XP Home edition in a workgroup environment. We are using course material 2261b & 2262b, supporting users running the Microsoft Windows XP operation system.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Supporting Users

• The Desktop Support Technician


• The Windows Desktop Operating Systems


• Tools for Troubleshooting Windows Desktop Operating Systems

Lesson 2: Resolving Installation Issues Preparing for Installation

• Preparing the Hard Disk for Installation


• How the Installation Process Works


• Troubleshooting an Attended Installation


• Troubleshooting an Upgrade


• Troubleshooting an Unattended Installation


• Troubleshooting the Boot Process

and much more.

I'll be movin' on!

By August 3rd, 2007 I will lose the blues and about to cruise my last day. I really enjoyed working at this facility, but I hope to find another great place to work that I can be housed onsite to work with many client's on location. Meeting their needs in person and doing troubleshooting and some phone work for very cool and exciting company.

As a job seekers myself, the hard truth is that I am going to have to make some concessions, or risk becoming chronically unemployable. Some people are less likely to take lower-paying jobs because they feel they are worth more, but as for me I am flexible salary pay range. Those firmly grounded in Michigan will have to lose their sense of entitlement. More and more companies are expecting people to do more for less, and smaller businesses cannot afford the legacy costs and large benefit packages previously offered by large employers. The good news is, there is an under publicized shortage of skilled workers. Michiganders have the legitimate option to seek re-education to improve upon their skill sets, allowing them to become more marketable in the local job market. For those unwilling to change their mindsets, relocation is one option to consider, since the high paying low skill/semi skilled jobs aren't coming back anytime soon. So hiring managers, I am a loyal to those that can see me as someone that would work hard, be punctual, give good customer satisfaction and much more. Please go to my resume on the web and give me a call. I do not want to be on the unemployment line, I am sure you wouldn't want that for me. Right?

Calling All I.T. Job Personnel for the Michigan Metro Area

To All Agents and hiring managers,
WANTED: PC Technician, field tech, deskside support tech position. Full time or work from home or combination of the two. Travel: flexible

Recommendations For Ken

Desktop Support Tech

Compucom

“Ken provided prompt and professional desktop support for the Phase I Unit Clinic. He was knowledgeable, well-spoken, and followed through to ensure that the customers had the tools to perform real-time data collection during clinical trials - a very high pressure, time- sensitive environment. I always appreciated Ken's calm demeanor and his communication regarding solutions!” June 20, 2007

Dawn Godzak Brown, Senior Advisor, Pfizer Global Research and Development worked with Ken at Compucom

“Ken is an excellent Desktop Support Technician. He is always the first to volunteer to help when others need help or if there is a project. He works great as a team member and also when working individually.” June 20, 2007

Terry Barnard, Deskside Support, Compucom
worked directly with Ken at Compucom

_________________________________________________________

Kenneth Davis
A+ Certified Tech
kendavisresume@hotmail.com

This Candidate has worked as a Desktop Support Technician with Compucom since June of 2003 at the Pfizer Campus in Ann Arbor which is soon to close. I have experience providing a high level of customer service in a fast paced environment with broad technical computing skills in desktop, laptop, and peripheral support, as well as an intermediate level of knowledge of networking technologies; experience with A/V equipment such as projectors, microphones, and other components in an integrated media conference room environment; well rounded background with Microsoft operating systems (Windows 2000 & Windows XP), business enhancement applications (Office XP & 2003, Outlook XP & 2003, Adobe products), and anti-virus/anti-malware tools (McAfee); ability to manage shifting priorities and deadlines, and the ability to prioritize by critically of situation; ability to deal directly with clients of all technical backgrounds and professional levels; good verbal and written skills, demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team of highly motivated and experienced individuals also independently; honesty; integrity and commitment to maintaining high professional standards. Notable Experiences:

Computer Professional - with over 8 years of experience in the IT industry. Proven success as a desktop and laptop support specialist, and support representative. Background includes user support, systems installation, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, and problem resolutions.

Hardware – Install, troubleshot, hard drive recovery, CD-ROM drives, power supplies, CPU’s, sound cards, RAM, monitors and hp Laserjet basic printers repairs, identify system components and assemble functional systems, develop and implement preventative maintenance plans, configure data storage devices, optimize memory, use meters and lab tools, knowledge of and practice lab safety precautions.

Computer Technician - certified for IBM, Lenovo, and HP systems. Performed highest level of warranty service on IBM desktops and laptops, enabling branch to achieve IBM Warranty Service Status.

* A+ Certification
* IBM Certified for Laptops & Desktops
* IBM Warranty processing for Laptops & Desktops
* Hewlett Packard – Certification in LaserJet Basic Hardware

Tech Spotlight: Wubi - Ubuntu on Windows

Overview: Wubi is an unofficial Ubuntu installer for Windows users that will bring you into the Linux world with a few clicks. Wubi allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu as any other application.Wubi is a Windows front-end for lupin. Wubi and lupin provide a user friendly installer which allows users to install/uninstall Ubuntu like any other Windows program, without modifying partitions, without replacing the bootloader, and without having to burn a CD. Ubuntu installation is almost identical to a standard dual-boot installation both in terms of behavior and performance.

http://www.cutlersoftware.com/ubuntusetup/wubi/en-US/index.html

Wubi is Safe

It does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader.

Wubi is Simple

Just run the installer, no need to burn a CD.

Wubi is Discrete

Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and If you do not like, you can simply uninstall it.

Wubi is Free

Wubi (like Ubuntu) is free as in beer and as in freedom. You will get this part later on, the important thing now is that it cost absolutely nothing, it is our gift to you...

So you think your job is secure, think again!

Most network administrative jobs can be done any where, security jobs are the first to go. It is cheaper to do security and admin. Jobs off site because you do not need an in house staff, off site or import is allot cheaper. Help desk and tier one and two can also be off site because of remote/ desktop/ remote assistance.
The only real secure job is desktop support but with out sourcing this is paying a lot less because they are able to pick from IT people that are lost in global IT field.
I say just learn as much as you can and look for companies that need a generalist because most jobs can be done by remote.

Certs are great but the guy over seas has a better chance then you and I do, because he is over seas and gets more incentives and better pay here. If you look at help wanted adds and on line adds a lot of company's give first choice to over seas first and people here second. But some pay overseas less in some cases allot less.
So make your self a better person to hire, learn how a copy works and show to the HR person.

Ahhhhhh! A spiritual paradise coming soon, a retreat from stressful job hunting.

On the weekend in June 22-24, an estimated 7,000 Jehovah's Witnesses will converge on downtown Toledo to attend three-day conventions to discuss the Bible and family values. That weekend I will remove myself from the stress and strain of job hunting, interviewing and being turn down. Here is where I will feel safe, loved and worry free for three days. Unlike most large-scale religious gatherings, no monetary offerings will be taken at any of the meetings.

Each three-day session will feature about 22 lectures, we will have programs that deal with how to use the Bible to cope with the efforts that seem put forth today to break down the family unit. Every part of the convention is open to the public. Even a non-Witness is able to be there and benefit from the convention. Each day of the convention will focus on Jesus.

Friday’s program theme is “Look Intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of Our Faith, Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2) The welcoming address is “Why Follow ‘the Christ’?” A three-part feature is the symposium “Appreciating Jesus as the Greater Moses, David, Solomon.” The morning session concludes with the keynote address, “Jesus’ Unique Role in Jehovah’s Purpose.”


On Friday afternoon the first talk is “‘We Have Found the Messiah’!” It is followed by “Finding Treasures ‘Carefully Concealed in Him,’” The hour-long, five-part symposium “Keep Christ’s Mental Attitude in You” includes the talks “He ‘Received Them Kindly,’”” He ‘Became Obedient as Far as Death,’” and “He ‘Loved Them to the End,’” The session concludes with the discourse “They ‘Keep Following the Lamb No Matter Where He Goes,’”



Saturday’s program theme is “My Sheep Listen to My Voice,. . . and They Follow Me.” (John 10:27) An hour-long symposium “Follow Jesus’ Pattern in the Ministry” will include practical suggestions for improving our ministry, After the talks “He ‘Loved Righteousness and Hated Lawlessness—Do You?” and “‘Oppose the Devil’ as Jesus Did,” the morning program will conclude with a discussion of baptism, after which those who qualify will be baptized.



Saturday afternoon’s program begins with the symposium “Do Not Follow,.,” Its six parts are “After the Crowd,” “Your Hearts and Your Eyes,” “Unrealities,” “False Teachers,” “False Stories,” and “Satan.” The next talks include “The Superiority of Being ‘Taught by Jehovah’” and “Help Them Return to the Flock.” The day ends with a convention highlight, the talk “Come Be My Follower.”



Sunday’s theme is “Continue Following Me.” (John 21:19) After the talk “Do Not ‘Beg Off’ From Following the Christ,” the six-part symposium “Precious Gems From the Sermon on the Mount” will focus on such sayings of Jesus as: “Happy Are Those Conscious of Their Spiritual Need,” “First Make Your Peace With Your Brother,” and “Practice Giving, and People Will Give to You.” The morning program concludes with the public talk, “Who Are the Real Followers of Christ?” The afternoon highlight is a full-costume drama based on the Bible account of Gehazi, the greedy attendant of God’s prophet Elisha. The convention ends with the talk “Keep Following Christ, Our Invincible Leader!

Would you accept an IT job as "Jack Of All trades" or run from it?

I seem to see a very disturbing trend among many of the positions being posted on job search engines as well as those being emailed to me by recruiters. Companies want a network admin, a DBA, a developer, a Cisco engineer, and a security specialist all combined in one. Yes, there may be folks out there that possess all of these skills, but for the salary being offered for this position, the naive hiring manager of the company will be searching for quite a long time to fill the position. What happened to the good old days where developers were developers, DBAs' were DBAs', and server engineers were server engineers? If the company needs all these skills, then perhaps they should create multiple positions to fill these roles instead of trying to squeeze every imaginable technology into one role and expect to find a candidate that matches the description or will work themselves to death for such a small salary. Do corporations and HR need a refresher course in the differences among various fields of IT?

What do you think?