It was only several decades ago when a real pioneering spirit was a requirement for those entering the new and growing field of computers.

Today, most computer programmers and IT professionals begin their careers in grade school — upon discovering that tinkering with computers was loads more fun than actually being assigned one in class.

Later, they become the go-to person who is called upon by friends and relatives to make basic repairs, recover data after a hard disk crash, remove computer viruses, or other troubleshooting assignments.

A formal education in computer training, whether self-taught, online, or in a classroom setting, soon follows.

Next, if they are qualified (or prove themselves enthusiastic beginners) an actual job in the computer industry leads to employer-paid training that launches their careers.

Looking to join the hundreds of thousands of people with good-paying jobs in the computer industry?

Around the Web, find free and fee-based, online and classroom training, plus insider tips and tutorials on everything you always wanted to know more about including IT certification, security, database management networking, and more.

More information about computer training around the Web:

The Computer Technology Documentation Project - Free online guides, how-to's and tutorials covering operating systems, databases, hardware, programming, networking, security, and Web technologies.

MainFunction - Microsoft-sponsored teacher/student education site offering lesson plans, feature stories, resources, activities, online .NET training and community forums.

TechOnline - Educational Resources for Electronic Engineers - Watch Webcasts or take fee-based online courses in VoIP, network security, Bluetooth, Java, Linux, power supplies and more along with related feature stories, technical papers and resources.

Computer Training Schools - A huge directory of U.S. and Canadian schools searchable by keyword, location, course or category, including courses for the beginner, desktop apps, Internet/Web, database management, networking, security, and certification.

Computer Training Guide - Directory of training schools, online degrees, IT certification and other computer training in the U.S. and Canada, plus feature articles on financial aid, online study tips, and more.

Top Training Schools - Thousands of listings of U.S. training courses in IT and certification searchable by zip code, certification type, category or topic.

WorldWideLearn - One-stop shopping for online courses offered by variety of vendors in computer & IT, computer & software engineering and related degree programs browseable by subject.

also in Technology --> Computer Directories | Computer Magazines

Computer Reference | IT Security | Computer Storage Devices