It’s easy to get wrapped up in special projects, customized training, and other pressing issues and then fall behind on the latest updates and software programs. Computer Training Network has your solution—a very simple Web site that allows you to order what you need at reasonable prices.

Site basics
Computer Training Network is very easy to navigate, with only seven tabs to choose from:

  • CDs and Videos
  • Sample CD-ROMs
  • Discounted Books
  • Software
  • Training Guarantee
  • Request Catalog
  • Place Order

The site offers a wide variety of professionally developed training videos and CD-ROMs. Just to name a few topics, the list includes:

  • Computer publishing
  • Microsoft Office applications
  • Corel Draw
  • Windows NT
  • Apple Works
  • Mac OS 8.5

All training CD and video volumes carry a money-back guarantee. Each volume is approximately two hours in length and costs $35.95 to $45.95 plus shipping and handling. The designers claim to search the Internet for the cheapest book prices available. In association with Beyond.com, Computer Training Network offers discounts on the most popular OS and software applications with prices from $46.45 to $974.00.
CDs, videos, and books
Computer Training Network does not offer the largest selection of products with its own label attached, but it has a great system for locating exactly what you do want. The site uses Barnes and Noble and Beyond.com for locating products it doesn’t offer in-house.

As a result, it seems to offer just about any OS or application package you could possibly need for PCs and Macs. And they haven’t limited themselves to Microsoft like a lot of sites do, which shows they’re more customer-service oriented. Some Web sites only offer what they see as the top products.

Elisa’s final thoughts
Computer Training Network is a nice site if you’re looking for IT-related CDs, videos, or books. Today’s businesses thrive on how well they deliver what the customer wants, and I think Computer Training Network comes closer than most product-providing Web sites. I recommend using Computer Training Network to compare prices the next time you need to update or learn a new OS or application.
We’d like to know how you keep your IT knowledge up-to-date. Do you take instructor-led classes or self-paced courses? Please post your comments below.