Without question, computers were more trouble than they were worth for a good many years. Room-sized computers couldn't even keep up with a cheap pocket calculator for the first 15 years of their existence! And the prices...is it any wonder that most of us thought the computer was just some fancy toy? If you really think about it, Pong lured more of us into the world of computers than anything practical. Ahh, but everything has changed, hasn't it? And done so before our very eyes.

From the cashier ringing up our lunch to the meter reader making the rounds in the neighborhood every month for the gas company, computers have invaded everywhere! Computer training was once perceived as a way to open up some pretty impressive doors. Now? Some degree of computer training is needed just to get in any door these days, and it's only going to get worse.

Hey look, I'm a welder - why would I ever need computer training?

I've got just one word for you - China. You know, that crazy place where wages are a mere fraction of what they are in the United States or Western Europe. One out of every six manufacturing jobs has been lost in the United States since 2000. Global competition has changed computer training from "nice resume builder" to "essential reading". But while China has millions and millions of people who can afford to work for a fraction of what workers bring home in the West, the country is still very behind with respect to technology and basic computer training. It is more than possible that some in-depth computer training may be what makes you vital to a company, and a person who can only weld - well, easier to replace.

I don't sleep enough as it is - where am I going to find time for computer training?

Well, you can always find time for computer training after you get laid-off and don't have to worry about that irritating job thing for awhile - after all, it does eat up 40 hours a week (or more). However, if you want to stay ahead of the game and not play catch-up, online computer training schools may be your best option.

Are you nuts? Those online places are a joke, right? I mean, what employer is going to give me a job because of some certificate from a school that doesn't exist - except on my computer?

Are there some shady online computer training schools? Well, of course there are - but the same is true of those "real" schools with cool things like buildings and stuff. They operate without accreditation, making their certificates and degrees useless. However, just as with online computer training schools, there are a lot of great places to get the additional training and skills you need to succeed in this brave new world of ours. As with traditional computer training schools, you will have to do your homework in order to get the best training for your buck. Plus-and this is key-you are only going to benefit by actually trying to learn. Many employers test computer skills prior to employment anyway, so cheating the system or attending online computer training schools with poor requirements will only hurt you in the long run.

Like it or not, the computer is not going anywhere. For better or worse, we must live in this new electronic universe, and computer training is vital to your success. In order to stay a step ahead of the competition while leading a hectic lifestyle, consider online computer training schools as an option for getting the skills you need in this global market. Ignore this fact, and you may be saying "Would You Like Fries With That?"