In order to enroll in a program to become a computer technician, you should already have a working knowledge of how to operate a computer. You should know how to create different types of documents, browse the Internet and compose an email. A healthy curiosity about “how the PC works internally and what it takes to deal with its common problems” is also a plus, according to the program description for a computer technician course at Hunter College.

Most often, people who enroll in such courses are pursuing a career as an IT professional or are already in the PC repair business. These courses cover basic knowledge about the workings of the computer, software/operating system variants, networking, the Internet, assembly and disassembly of the PC, malfunctions, viruses, troubleshooting and customer support. Many of the areas covered are those that aspiring technicians will be tested on when taking CompTIA certification tests. CompTIA, the information technology industry association, offers a variety of certifications within the field, the most common and basic of which are the A and Networks certifications.

“CompTIA A measures the necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with a recommended 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It tests for technical understanding of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals,” reads a statement on the CompTIA website.

A certification is proof of competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. The two requirements for CompTIA A certification are the A Essentials and Practical Application exams. CompTIA Network certification proves knowledge of networking features and functions and is the leading vendor-neutral certification for networking professionals. All certification exams are 90 minutes long and consist of 100 questions.

There are a few different courses and programs offered in New York that you can take to prepare for these exams and become a computer technician or IT professional. City University of New York offers a number of computer technology courses in its continuing education programs at Hunter College, New York City College of Technology and Medgar Evers College. A high school diploma or a GED is required for entry in these courses.

The computer technician certificate program at Hunter College consists of two courses and introduces students to the basic concepts and mechanics of PC support, with a emphasis on concepts at the first level and on mechanics at the second level. Classes meet in the evenings and the full certificate program package costs $1,300—or, separately, each level costs $700.

New York City College of Technology offers classes geared specifically toward preparation for CompTIA exams. The A certification test prep course costs $790, with an additional $120 for textbook and personal tools. The Networking Technologies course also costs $790, with $70 for textbook expenses. The Computer Technology Institute at Medgar Evers College offers courses in the basic computer programs you should be familiar with before enrolling in the more advanced classes, though they not actual prerequisites. CUNY courses are offered every semester and tuition can be paid either at once or on a set payment plan.

PC Tech vocational and technical school in New York City offers a variety of computer classes, both part time and full time. Among them is a part-time CompTIA A class that meets over the course of four weeks, either two nights a week or on Saturdays, and costs $399 for 28 hours. A full-time CompTIA A class meets Monday through Friday mornings for three weeks and costs $750 for 54 hours.

Other centers offering courses and training in computer and information technology are NetCom Information Technology, Ace Computer Training and Technology Career Services. And if you cannot afford to pay for such courses, the Per Scholas Institute for Technology in the South Bronx offers free intensive technology training to people in lowincome communities. Per Scholas covers the cost of both tuition and books and even offers job placement services for students.

Influenza is not just a bad cold; it’s actually a seasonal lung infection caused by different viruses and symptoms include fever, dry cough and body aches. The best way for both adults and children to prepare for flu season is to get vaccinated, and to remember to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or the inside of an elbow—not hands—and to avoid any unnecessary contact between hands and face.

The New York City Health Department has set up a surveillance tracking on its www. nyc.com/flu website tallying the influenza-like illness admissions from 49 hospitals in NYC. The tracking, which began Oct. 3, is recorded in weekly intervals and is broken down to boroughs and age groups. All boroughs, except Staten Island, saw a spike in admissions in recent weeks.

It is interesting to note that most admissions recorded are of children, with children between infancy and 4 years having the highest number, and children 5 to 17 having the second highest, with 5 or less admissions a week.

The Health Department has emphasized the need to vaccinate school-aged children due to the fact that it not only protects them from influenza, but it also prevents them from spreading it in highly populated places such as schools, day-care centers and playgrounds. Everyone between the ages of 6 months and 18 years is recommended to receive a flu shot.

Others that the Health Department recommends to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza are pregnant women, health care workers, those with compromised immune system, anyone 50 years or older and those living with or caring for children under 6 months.

“A thousand New Yorkers lose their lives every year to flu and related cases of pneumonia,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg Oct. 6, when he and Health Commissioner Thomas Farley got their own flu shots and urged everyone to do so before the flu season really got underway.

For those who haven’t done so yet, there is no reason to despair.

“It is never too late to get your flu shot,” said Erin Brady, a Health Department spokesperson. In fact, the Health Department warned in early January 2010 that influenza season was far from over, and recommended that New Yorkers get their flu shots if they haven’t already. The peak of flu season is generally between late December and early March.

“Vaccination is quick and easy and can save lives. So don’t take the risk of severe illness, or even a week of misery. Get the vaccine today,” Farley said two months ago. “The best way to protect yourself and loved ones is to get immunized.”

“Unlike most vaccines, the flu shot must be given annually because influenza viruses change every year,” said Heath and Hospitals Corporation President Alan Aviles.

This year’s seasonal flu vaccine covers three virus strains—H3N2, 2009 H1N1 and influenza B. This is a welcome change from last year, when the 2009 H1N1 shot was separate from the seasonal flu vaccine.

Getting vaccinated has become quite easy in NYC, as anyone over 18 can just stop at their local pharmacy. There is also an option of nasal spray FluMist, rather than the flu shot, for those needle-averse between the ages 2 and 49.

The easiest way to locate the nearest pharmacy or clinic offering flu shots is to call 311 or log on to www. nyc.gov/flu and type in the zip code of the desired area. If the pharmacy does not accept health insurance, the flu shot costs anywhere between $25 to $50.