Advice on a good computer class?

[GoinAllTheWay]

I'll apologize in advance if this is in the wrong forum but didn't really think it should be in the computer help thread.

What I'm looking for is a GOOD class for an introduction into computer networking. I work for a family business and have been made the unofficial network administrator/tech guy. Pretty much everything I know about compters is self taught. I know a bit more than your average user but certainly not advanced either. Most problems I can eventualy figure out but what I'm looking for is a solid introduction into something like Server03. What I want to be able to do is be given like 20 computers and a server and be able to set up a small network using active directory. I need a better understanding of group policies and permissions.

I took Server03 at SAIT last year but man, everyone else in the class seemed to know waaaaaaay more than I did and had no problems keeping up with the pace of the accelerated learning class. The prerequisites didn't make much sense either. It was supposed to be an introduction to Server03 but it said NT/real world experience would be an asset but how could you get either if your taking this kind of course or working in a real IT dept?

Any thoughts? Any other good IT type schools in Calgary other that SAIT? Like I said, I already know a bit about networks but everyone else in that class seemed to be taking it only because they needed it for another class where as I was kind of starting new.

[Kerplunk]

I don't know any place/course off the top of my head, but from what you said you probably want to look for a network administration course (if there are such things), which should deal with network setup and settings. Computer networking courses, from my experience, tend to lean more towards how networks work (little details you might not need to know right now), as opposed to how to set them up properly.

I'll see if I can dig anything up for ya. There might be a certification type course you can get into somewhere...distance education might even be an option.

[llama64]

SAIT is your best bet for what you are looking for.

Some recommendations:

CMPN 269
COMP 202
CPNT 204

These are all beginner level courses that end up going into a lot of detail by the end. CMPN 269 is probably the best course for you, but I'd suggest you check out the other two as well.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by llama64

Some recommendations:
CPNT 204

While CPNT 204 is OK, they spend 50% of the course time on Linux. I found that once we were getting into the "meat and potatoes" of Windows networking we suddenly switched to Linux. And because I took 204 before taking 202 I was totally lost when we got to the Linux stuff.