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Posted by bobby1234, Nov 9 2009, 04:19 AM
I am in the process of teaching myself C++ programming and so far it is not as bad as I thought it would be. I have three books, a game programming book (Game Programming All In One by Bruno Miguel Teixeira De Sousa which includes a software CD with a compiler), Wiley's Teach Yourself C++ 7th edition by Al Stevens (includes software CD with a compiler), and of course for the hard to understand stuff C++ for Dummies 5th edition (includes cd but not with a compiler on the disc). I want to get into a bit of the game programming aspect mainly to teach my 10 year old son and hopefully by the time he is a young adult will be well on his way through college and eventually to a bright future. I will be posting my notes as always so that any member here is more than welcome to use them if they are interested in learning C++. I try to spend about an hour a day reading and another hour experimenting with the code using the compiler that came with my book.
If you would like to download a free compiler you can do so at the following link.
http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html (This one came with my book, but you can download it from the link above)
found another good compiler.
http://www.codeblocks.org/home (I am currently using this compiler and it has the ability to import code from other compiler platforms. It has great functionality)
There are others out there, but this one is the best one I have found so far.
I have also made a post in the gaming section which provide you to links and other information about learning game programming with C++ and tutorials yourself. The following will take you directly to that post:
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=26187
Update as of 11/15/09 : I have started writing my first game. It is a RPG type game where you read a short story line and then input a number of what action you would like to take. Your character can fight, run, pick up weapons, potions, use magic, gain experience and hit points. I am really excited. I do not have the expensive software to add 3d graphics, but hopefully once I have completed the game I can maybe even sell it to a company wooohooooooooooo lol.
Posted by bobby1234, Aug 30 2009, 02:19 PM
I thought I would make an entry in my blog since it has been a while. I recently had a loss in the family (my mother) and it really hit me hard. I returned to work and have pretty much just been bogged down with work. I am looking forward to winter time because it has been so hot here in Tennessee. Well....I guess that is about it for now.
Posted by bobby1234, Dec 16 2008, 05:24 AM
These pictures are in zip format for compression purposes. Hope this helps give a better idea of the inner working and parts of these types of printers.
Posted by bobby1234, Nov 1 2008, 01:00 PM
I thought I would share some of my view points as a person in a position where I hire/fire employees and as a person who has went to many interviews. Things that I look for in an employee and some things that I have noticed when conducting an interview.
1. Always be punctual to your interview. It is actually a good idea to be there at least 15 minutes before your interview is scheduled.
2. Dress professional. I am not saying you have to go out and buy an expensive suit, but if you are applying for a job anywhere, you always want to present yourself as a professional. If you have a suit then wear it and make sure it has been dry cleaned the day before your interview. At the very least wear a nice dress shirt with a tie and slacks with the appropriate shoes. If you are female wear something that is dress and appropriate, not low cut or a mini skirt.
3. Personal hygiene. If you have facial hair, make sure everything is neat and clean looking. Try and get a hair cut at least two days before you interview. Wear some cologne or perfume that is light and that will not overwhelm the person doing the interview. For the ladies wear some light make up but do not over do it.
4. Bring documents that back up what you claim concerning educations, certifications, qualifications, letters of recommendation, etc. Sometimes you may be asked for them and it is always better to have them handy than not. If possible carry them in a somewhat looking bag or brief case and make sure everything is neat and organized.
5. Always be professional during your interview. Be confident but not cocky, try to relax, if questions are asked of you ALWAYS be honest and to the point (if you do not know the answer to something, tell the interviewer that you do not know that answer but you will make sure you find the answer. This lets the interviewer know that you are willing to take the time to learn the answer even if you may not get the job, which could lead to you actually getting the job later), Never bs your way through answers, speak clearly and with confidence, sit up straight and do not hunch, if you cross your legs do not kick your leg out or tap your feet on the ground (this demonstrates nervousness), when asked about your experience or past responsibilities make sure you cover all that you have done concisely.
6. Be organized. This goes back to your brief case or bag, so make sure everything is arranged neatly and in order so if asked for a specific document you know exactly where it is.
7. If asked about money or salary expected, do not go overboard with a figure. I always told my prospective employers when this came up that money was not my primary motivation for applying with that company. I told them a fair and competitive wage was acceptable, but I wanted to part of their organization to learn and grow as a professional (it helps if you do a little research about the company or business you are applying to before hand).
8. Make sure you keep eye contact when talking with the interviewer at all times. Looking around makes it seem like you are bored and do not want to be there.
9. If you cough or sneeze make absolutely sure you cover your mouth or have a hankie available and say excuse me. Remember to not shake his/her hand with the one you sneezed or coughed in.
10. Try to keep control of your nervous tics like tapping your feet, moving around excessively, tapping your fingers on your leg, chair, or desk.
11. Always shake hands before and after the interview and make sure you thank them for their time and the opportunity.
12. If you have not heard something back from them in 2 days, give them a call back as a follow up. This can demonstrate your interest in working for the company/business and again thank them even if you did not get the job.
13. Make sure you show some facial expressions from time to time like smiling if something is funny or a compliment is given. Don't just set there like a stone wall.
These are just a few of my personal tips that have helped me over the years and I hope they help you also.
Posted by bobby1234, Aug 31 2008, 09:21 AM
I thought I would share a few things that I have encountered since I was promoted to supervisor after getting my certifications. The owner of the shop I work in has placed me basically in a manager position (not really a supervisory role in my opinion lol). I am responsible now for hiring/firing employees, employee evaluations, employee training, pay roll, bank drops, accounts receivable/payable, inventory, collections, ordering, customer service, billing and the list goes on and on lol. The thing is that the shop really isn't that big of one, but we deal with a wide variety of consumer electronics like dvd/cd players, tv's, computers, amplifiers, stereos, etc. I am an electronics technician mainly plus the A+/Network + certs I have obtained. I now spend the majority of the day dealing with paper work and customers. I am not complaining because I am always up for challenges and I always look for ways to better myself. I find myself explaining and fixing customer service issues more and more. The owner trusts my judgment so he is in the shop less now than before, so I guess that is a good thing. I have always loved to work on things because that is really where my passion is, but now that has almost stopped because of the numerous other things I have to do on a daily basis. I can now implement some new ideas I have that I feel will increase productivity and leave the customer with an overall better experience.
Some of the cons that I have encountered now are longer hours at the shop, less hands on repairing devices, and tons more paper work. All in all though it is a good job and I like where I work and the people I work with (which makes things easier). I guess I would like to say to anyone who is always striving to better themselves, then you need to be prepared to go that extra mile and if possible take some classes or strive for a degree because from my experience you will more than likely be using what you learned on a daily basis in your job.
Posted by bobby1234, Aug 9 2008, 06:50 AM
http://windows.about.com/od/windowsvistatu...a_Tutorials.htm (basic windows vista tutorials)
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsvista/ (vista accessibility tutorials)
http://www.videotutorialzone.com/ (collection of a wide variety of learning videos including programming, operating systems, and software)
http://www.sutree.com/how-to/9887/video-tu...sta-on-your-Mac (videos about mac and other areas)
http://www.luv2help.com/hardware-video-tutorials/ (building and upgrading a pc video series)
http://www.pctipsbox.com/windows-xp-how-to...tutorial-video/ (more video tutorials you can download and choose from what categories IT related)
Posted by bobby1234, Jul 6 2008, 10:32 AM
I found a nice little troubleshooting and help forum for consumer electronics such as dvd players, computers, cars, tvs, vcrs, game systems, and much more at the following link http://www.fixya.com . So if you need help with consumer electronics troubleshooting them you can check there to find out what the problem might be. I enrolled also and am helping when I can with troubleshooting. I did not apply for the expert, because I like helping people for free and I am not to sure about their charging people for services practice. But, using the free forum can give you a good idea about what may be going on with your items. You can also check the rating of the person you are getting help from.
Posted by bobby1234, Jun 15 2008, 08:31 AM
The following are some good links to find out detailed information about the ceh certification.
http://www.eccouncil.org/CEH.htm (Tons of great information about the ceh program)
http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/54/24/ ( an account of ceh expert via self study)
http://www.mile2.com/certified_ethical_hac...raining_v3.html (gives an overview of material and who should attend the ceh program)
http://www.infosecinstitute.com/courses/et...g_training.html (offers information about classroom environment and courses)
http://www.securityuniversity.net/classes_CEH.php (another overview of a typical classroom environment course requirement schedule for testing)
http://www.netwind.com/html/ceh-training-certification.html (Information about a ceh course outline)
http://www.amazon.com/CEH-Official-Certifi...r/dp/0782144373 (gives a list of possible training material and study guides you can use for the ceh)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8766 ( an account of experience from a member who has taken the ceh exam)
http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/21/2 (an overview for ceh for dummies book)
Posted by bobby1234, Apr 29 2008, 04:40 PM
Well, just thought I would share some information about another project I am working on in wiki. Since I have a degree in Industrial Electronics I thought I would create a basic electronics tutorial in wiki for those who might be interested in learning about it. It will give you a better understanding of the hows and whys of electronics and you will gain a more in depth knowledge which I am hoping will help all techs and the average person in repairing computer systems and consumer electronics like tvs, vcrs, dvds, etc and etc instead of having to outsource or buy new hardware a person can fix a power supply for example is something like a transistor or capacitor has malfunctioned instead of buying a whole new one (this is my goal anyways, plus I like to share my knowledge and experience with everyone). I am very excited about this so I thought I would help expand the horizons of this already wonderful site, because ProProf and everyone here has helped and given me so much, I just want to return the favor every chance I get. Here is the link if you are interested in taking a look at what I have done so far. I welcome your feedback and input.
http://www.proprofs.com/mwiki/index.php?ti..._to_Electronics
Posted by bobby1234, Apr 3 2008, 03:17 AM
The next couple of weeks are going to be rather busy for me as I have volunteered to build 10 new computer systems for one of the new high schools they will be finishing in month (whew). lol that combined with work I guess I will be burning the midnight oil especially on the weekend, so I may not be on as much as I would like to be. 
Posted by bobby1234, Mar 22 2008, 04:58 AM
Many times I have read posts where members expressed great concerns about customer service on the exams. I personally did not have a problem with them on my exams and I did have quit a bit of them especially on my 602. Customer service questions are (in my opinion) common sense based. When working in the IT field as with any industry where you deal with large volumes of people you are going to run across a few that just will not be happy with the product or service they received no matter what. The expression "you can't please everyone" goes you will find this to be totally true. You have to remember when you are working for a company or business it should be all about the customer. Without customers there would be no business, so you want to keep the customer as happy as possible and do your very best to help them and if you can not help them you must refer them to someone that can for example another co-worker with more experience, supervisor, manager, etc. If someone comes into where you work and are really mad and is yelling at you, you have a couple of choices 1. you can yell back at them 2. you can try and calm them down enough to find out what the problem is 3. tell them to leave the business or else you will call the police 4. you can direct them to your supervisor. In a case such as this it would (in my opinion) be best to try and find out what the problem is so that you can help the customer, but you must ALWAYS remain calm and maintain a professional attitiude no matter how much they are yelling or cussing. If you can not help the person then you need to politely explain to them that you will get your supervisor for them so that they can be helped by someone with more experience. Dealing with people that are mad and upset by expressing kindness and a genuine concern for their problem will most of the time calm them. Everyone wants to be treated with respect and needs someone to listen to them when they are upset.
The customer service questions on the exam (from my expereince) are based on the best possible answer. You must choose out of the answers given what would be the best possible way to help the customer and not add fuel to the already volitile situtation. Do not read into the question and this applies to all the questions on the exams. If you want to learn more about customer service then do a google search and you will find everything that you could possibly need to help you on this matter. In the end all that any of us really want is a little respect and to be listened to when we have a problem weather it be a product or something else, so always show the up most respect to every customer that comes into your place of employment, listen to them and express a genuine concern about their problem, if you can not help them direct them to someone who can, always be professional, help them find products and explain the pros and cons about the product, always be honest with the customer and never ever lie to them, remember that customers want to be treated as if they are the only customer in the store, never ignore them, treat them as you would want to be treated. If you do these things you will find that you can be more effective when dealing with people in general.
Posted by bobby1234, Mar 16 2008, 06:45 AM
Well, just thought I would share my thoghts today. It is sunday and yet another nasty rainy day (which it has been all weekend). No birds singing, no rays of sunshine to brighten my day  the weather channel predicts more to come during the week uhggggg. a miserable day indeed.
Posted by bobby1234, Feb 15 2008, 03:05 PM
The following is a list of links to posts that contain downloadable notes on A+, network +, cpu and sockets, irq and dma, boot process, study guides for A+ and Networking +. I also have links for practice exams and the A+ and Network + section in quizschool. I though I would combine all these in one spot on my blog for easier access. I will be adding more as time goes on. If it has post after the comment that means the information is in a post, but the link will take you directly to that thread.
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story....IT-Technician-1 (A+ 602 practice exam)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizview.php?id=1943 (A+ essentials practice exam)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizview.php?id=1973 (practice exam on commonly used ports)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizview.php?id=3749 (Windows XP/2000 practice exam)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizview.php?id=1986 (network + practice exam)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizview.php?id=2287 (troubleshooting practice exam)
http://www.proprofs.com/certification/comp.../exam.php?xid=3 (network practice exam 3)
http://www.proprofs.com/certification/comp.../exam.php?xid=2 (network practice exam 2)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/search.php?search=A%2B (quizschool A+ section for many more practice exams)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/search...arch=Network%2B (quizschool network+ section for many more practice exams)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4301 (network cram sheets in pdf for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3010 (Ultimate network study guide in doc format for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2493 (practice questions in doc. format for download....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2617 (200+ A+ questions in doc format for download....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=823 (hardware and operating system questions and answers in document format for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5499 (acronym test in doc. format for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1353 (computer glossary of terms in pdf for download....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizview.php?id=1970n (practice exam 2003 standards)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2025 (memory chip diagram image with lables....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8993 (link to ten free A+ 80 question exams.....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=236 (post containing more free resource links notes, tests, etc)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11828 (A+ study notes by skrpune...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1192 (A+ study notes by
cherrycat....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9513 (A+ study notes by
ihallman in doc format for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3216 (A+ study notes by caroline multiple doc format for download....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13049 (A+ study notes by bobby1234 in zip format for download....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5867 (A+ hardware chart...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10435 (common os pathways doc format for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11022 (boot up sequence in pdf for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7857 (multi platform boot sequence in doc format for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10250 (603 cramsheet in pdf for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2215 (upgrade pathways for os...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3039 (Ultimate A+ study guide in doc formate for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?s...amp;#entry67306 (study guide for securtiy + in doc format for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1472 (irq and dma channels in doc format for download....post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8245 (cpu information guide in pdf for download...post)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4241 (cpu and socket information in doc format for download...post)
Windows vista tutorial by cbrzana
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10645 (for download in post)
(skrpune's blog information about the vista exam)
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/blog/skrpun...p?showentry=364
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/blog/skrpun...p?showentry=339 (more vista information by skrpune)
exam detailed info for A+ certs.
http://www.proprofs.com/certification/comp...-overview.shtml (post)
http://www.comptia.org (Official Comptia website)
What every new member should know about braindumps
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14238 (very important read if you are a new member and do not know the dangers of braindumps)
http://www.proprofs.com/mwiki/index.php?ti...eshooting_Guide (wiki troubleshooting guide)
Career compus link http://tcc.comptia.org/ (comptia career compus to help you deceide where you want your career to go and how to get there)
spy's thread explaining the A+ exams
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=906 (post by spy)
http://www.proprofs.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page (this is the wiki main page and if you look through the different sections you will find tons of information to help you)
Posted by bobby1234, Feb 9 2008, 04:25 PM
I have noticed over the period of a few months that a lot of people have discussed or had a question about how long they should prepare for various exams. Numerous members discussed taking only a short period of time ( a week or two ) to prepare for their exams. This might be practicle if you have worked in the IT industry for a long period of time and have lots of everyday hands on experience working on systems or troubleshooting them for customers via the phone. I personally think that is way to little time. I have also noticed people that are new to the IT world planning on preparing in the same short period of time. This is a bad idea, because if you try and rush to get your exams knocked out you are going to probably fail the first time. Everyone has to remeber that getting your certifications is not a race. As future IT Professionals you have a responsiblity to yourself, your future employer, and your future customers to know what you are doing so you will be proficient at your job. I am sure customers do not want to take their computer systems to someone that is A+ certified but does not know what he/she is doing. Slow down, take your time and LEARN the material and KNOW what you are doing. Think how foolish you will look if in front of your boss, co-workers, and customers if you have your cert but do not know what to do, how to do it, where this is, where that is, what this or that means, how to do basic stuff, or the basic troubleshooting principles and how to apply them. It is your future and remember there is no easy route to take (except for cheating) to learn what you need to learn. Simply have good study habbits, TAKE YOUR TIME, learn the material and how to apply it, set goals for yourself that are REALISTIC, work hard to achieve your goals. The old expression "slow and steady wins the race" applies to this process. This is just my opinion though, if you want to be a great Technician then take my advice, if you don't, study for 1 week and take 5 exams and get your certs then go get a job and work one day and get fired (it is up to you).
P.S. A good time frame to study for your exams is around 4 months (longer if you need more time).
Posted by bobby1234, Jan 21 2008, 05:11 PM
Well, gang I am at a fork in the road in my life and I need some advice as to how to proceed. I REALLY could use some help Please!
I am thinking about starting an internet business. I have done a far amount of research and have written my basic business plan. I am familiar with HTML but not enough to be totally functional with it. I have looked into web design tools vs paying someone to do it, also checked into some servers that offer web hosting, I know the laws in my state governing taxes as well as, federal taxes and other legallities. I have drawn a rough draft as to how I want the web page to look, feel, and be functional with optimized web browser loading for max speed. I have also rough drafted the catagories to start off with that are the most popular to maximize customer needs/wants. Customer service is my top priority with superior quality customer service. I have made plans for upgrades in the future as time and money permit. I have set aside a good chunk of money for startup costs and that will carry me for about 6 months without dipping into my savings and current salaries.
I have some idea of what type of business I would like to run, which is similar to what ebay does but with some major differences (but they are secret at this point, lol you know, a trade secret). I guess the real problems I am concerned with are these.
1. If you were about to start an internet business what would be some of your key points to work on before going online with your pages?
2. Am I missing some key points besides what I have researched on my own?
3. In the begining, what if I only have a few members join and they see no ones joining for awhile and quit, then what?
4. I need some more ideas about how to get the word out besides bill boards, forums, news groups, and paying for site index with all the major search engines, any suggestions?
5. What would be the proper way to Administrate the site to maximize customer needs and keep the site clean and free of spam, profanity, arguements, etc. I am not up to speed on all the aspects of site administration so any suggestions would be helpful to make it easier and economical for me and offer the members a great experience on the site and optimal cutomer satisfaction and service?
6. Since I will be starting out and will not really be able to afford to pay people to help me moderate the site. Any suggestions besides offering rewards to those whom I develop a trust with and appoint as moderators as to how myself and my wife will be able to do this to start off until the site reaches a financial level where I would be able to hire people to help with this issue?
7. If anyone here has started an online business before, I would greatly appreciate it if I could get some suggestions on how you started off, some issues you ran into and how you solved them, etc.
I guess I am nervous about this because I hate to fail, but I know you can never win or lose if you do not try. I am dedicated, and will be devoted to my customers needs and to the site. I really value your opinions and suggestions, so please feel free to elaborate on your thoughts and ideas. With an internet based business the overhead will be cut dramatically and a business has always been my life long dream.
Posted by bobby1234, Jan 3 2008, 11:39 PM
Well I have started a project in wiki called The Complete Professional Trouleshooting Guide. The guide will be designed to help beginners to professionals with troubleshooting and repairing computer systems. I hope this project catches on and everyone adds their experience and knowledge to it because I would love to see it be the absolute best guide on the internet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has thus far been time consuming to say the least lol, but I believe it is well worth the time and effort and I hope every member will see it that way also. James and the moderators have been very encouraging on this monumental task. I never really realized exactly how much time was spent creating these guides in wiki, so I have a new found respect for those who have added a lot of the information in wiki and to this website whewwwwwwwwwww lol.
If you are reading this and might be interested in adding something to this project you can get there from the following link. I would greatly appreciate if you could add something even if it is just a few lines of information. Thanks in advance to everyone who participates, your work will help so many others to come.
http://www.proprofs.com/mwiki/index.php?ti...eshooting_Guide
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