UKIAH – A new PC Technician Certificate is now available from Mendocino College.

Any member of the community can obtain this 24-unit certificate, which prepares individuals for positions installing and maintaining hardware and software components in computer systems and networks.

  

"This opportunity allows individuals to work in an office or small business environment to oversee the business's computer network infrastructure," Computer Science Professor Warren Unck said.

 

After taking classes for the certificate program, former Mendocino College student Nick Wharff went from working at a fast food restaurant to working for the county. 

 

"I always did some computer stuff on my own, but someone told me about the classes and I started taking them. I was then able to take that experience and get a job working for the Mendocino County Information Services Department," Wharff said.

 

Jonny Clark is one of 15 students currently in the process of earning a certificate. He started taking computer classes at Mendocino and then looked into the certificate program.

 

"The certificate program allows you to work with computer hardware, compared to just computer programming. This certificate will help me get a job in networking and then hopefully working up to a network administrator position," Clark said.

 

Clark thinks very highly of Professor Unck and his desire to help students find jobs.

 

"He helps you get pointed in the right direction as far as jobs go. There is always a need for people in the computer field and that is where the money is," Clark said.

 

Promoting IT careers is important, according to some of the recent statistics concerning the industry. According to Unck, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 48-percent increase in jobs for computer software engineers and a 55 percent growth in jobs for network system and data communications analysts from 2004 to 2014.

 

The following are core courses for the certificate at Mendocino College and define the purpose of the certificate:

 

CSC74 - IT ESSENTIALS

This course is an introduction to information technology and data communications. Students will develop the necessary skills to enter this field by building a computer, installing the operating system, adding peripherals, connecting the computer to a local area network, and to the Internet. This is a hands-on, lab-oriented course that stresses laboratory safety and working effectively in a group environment.

 

CSC 75 IT ESSENTIALS/A+ CERTIFICATION II

IT Essentials II is a lab-based course designed to be an overview of Network Operating Systems. This course introduces and covers how to use the Linux Operating System and introduces you to the K Desktop Environment (KDE) and GNU Network Object Model (GNOME). An overview of the Windows 2000 Network Operating System is provided as well. The course covers concepts in TCP/IP processes and network administration. The student will learn the configuration of network services, including basic network security and troubleshooting.

 

CSC76 - HOME COMPUTER SECURITY

Protect your home computer system against both external and internal risks. Learn what the terms and jargon associated with networks and Internet access mean. Find out what products and features you can choose and/or install to maximize your protection from losing data and functionality.

 

CSC105 - UNIX OPERATING SYSTEM I

This is an introduction to the UNIX operating system. Many computers on the Internet and at universities are UNIX based machines. Section 0263 is a SHORT-TERM, LATE-START hybrid class, 8/30/07 - 10/18/07. Instruction is delivered online, plus there are weekly ON-GROUND meetings.

 

For additional information regarding the certificate of achievement, contact Professor Warren Unck at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

{mos_sb_discuss:2}