How to Learn More About Computer Servers
- 1). Enroll in a community college program on computer information systems. Programs last one to two years and may have requirements such as a high school diploma or GED. Students in the Pima Community College computer information systems program learn about print server administration, web servers, server-side scripting, Microsoft Windows servers, troubleshooting, application servers, web servers, SQL server administration, start-up, client-server interaction and active server pages.
- 2). Purchase a beginner's text book on computer servers. Be sure to select the kind of server you want to study. For example, books such as "Windows Home Server for Dummies" by Woody Leonhard, "Client/Server Computing for Dummies" by Doug Lowe" and "Microsoft SQL Server for Dummies" by Mike Chapple are available from online retailers such as Book Closeouts, Amazon and Borders.
- 3). Add more books to your library as your self-paced knowledge increases, with more in-depth texts such as "Mastering Microsoft Windows Server" by Mark Minasi et al, "The Best Damn Windows Server Book Period" by Susan Snedaker and "SQL Server Query Performance Tuning Distilled" by Grant Fritchey and Sajal Dam.
- 4). Join an industry group such as the Computing Technology Industry Association, which offers certifications, continuing educations, membership rosters, conventions and local events teaching about servers and the computing industry. For example, students new to computer servers may enroll in CompTIA A+, which is basic information on networking, troubleshooting, installation and preventative maintenance. CompTIA offers a Server+ course for students who are further along in their studies, which provides instruction on managing multiple computers and disaster recovery.
- 5). Check your nearby university for a computer science department. Faculty may be able to suggest a student mentor who, in exchange for college credit or project credit, can meet with you to teach you about servers and programming. For example, the North Carolina State University College of Computer Science's website lists links to employment and financial aid; you may be able to work with a professor to post a short-term job ad or inquire about auditing a server-related class on campus.
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