You don't want to go for a vendor-specific certification.... like the Microsoft certification. It would be a better idea to get an A+ certification. Thats what I'm starting with in the I.T. industry, and the A+ focuses on both software and hardware, heavily stressing hardware. Its a good entry-level certification for the I.T. industry. The book I use is Mike Meyer's Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs..... PM me if you want to know more. The great part about I.T. is that there is no required course for certifications, it's alot of self study work, but my course is in a Career-based high school. :P