IT details

[Orangeb]

Dear All,
I have posted a couple of times on here, and found all your replies very helpful. I am trying to get into IT support, so maybe then I could work into networking, and hopefully security eventually.
I have been watching YouTube stuff about some of the intricate details of networking, right up from the very basics. The guy goes into tremendous details about things - like with switches - how they flood the network when trying to work out a MAC address, and they only broadcast under certain conditions etc etc. But when i watched some more from another guy called “Eli the computer guy” (he is an excellent teacher), he talked about switches, and briefly mentioned MAC addresses, .but not the tiny tiny details of how a switch will do XY and Z. So, I’m never sure how much details people need these days.

I am now starting to look at Routers, as they escape my knowledge.

 

[Orangeb]

... and your question is?

I’m confused how is best to approach networking, and how much depth you might need for an IT support role (just to start). Like do I need to know every intricate detail a switch might do - flooding with a MAC address of all Fs, when it might or might not do this, or does knowing what switches do and how to physically wire them up, and a more basic knowledge ok? I don’t mind learning every small detail, but don’t wanna waste time doing something people don’t really bother with.

 

[Orangeb]

How old are you?

How much experience do you have?

Do you have any relevant qualifications?

As others have said, work towards an industry recognised qualification. Look at job ads to see what's asked for.

You don't need to have extreme in depth knowledge. Technical subjects are way too broad and deep to know everything before you start. More important is to demonstrate enthusiasm, e.g. your own home project, and general intelligence and competence, e.g. your ability to take on information and to problem solve. Attitude is also important. Whether you know obscure technical details about routers won't get you a job, but your enthusiasm and attitude / demeanour will.

I hope that helps.

I’m almost 43. I was training to be a counsellor, and had been doing so for a long time - as I have not worked for some time, due to a bipolar condition. But I lost patience with the whole way counselling has become, and had always been pretty good with computers - even when kind of 8/9 ish. So, this is what I wanna do, and I;’m trying everything to get into it.