Newbie to Cisco need help for school

[Genis B]

Hi everyone, i am new to the networking section, as i find out that i am very interest in computing area last year and have got lots of knowledge gain from various tech web (e.g overclockers.com), and now i decide to do some study on networking, and lucky enough our school have introduce one of a course call Cisco, and will apply us a international recognition citificate after successful pass the exam.
now this is all next year, but i really interesting in knowin what it is, as i know how to network up for our LAN party, just wondering if it's the same method.
so can anyone give me a brief explaination of what it is, how it is done, what equpment is needed and do we need a powerful system rig?
i really like to be a head of the class :D as it feels good. and any help would be appricate;)

[WillysNut]

Genis B...I believe you're refering to Cisco Academy (http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/edu/academy/)? The site link has a good overview of what the program covers. I work for a consulting company that works w/ school districts all over NY.

Cisco funds part of the cost of the setup. The one room I saw in detail contained a Full Length 7' Rack, switches and a router, Wiring internal to the room routing back to the rack w/ patch panels, fiber, etc.

The courses begin usually w/ basic networking and then move up into higher level switching/routing specific's. I'm not sure how detailed the courses get but the setup looked really nice.

[su root]

I'm in college for networking, and they are putting us through the Cisco Network Academy Program (http://student.netacad.net/). So far it's a breeze...

[rugby]

While I'm not at a Cisco Academy I am studying for my CCNP cert. I am 1/4th there, having passed the switching exam. If you need any info on home labs let me know.

[Genis B]

thanks for the help pplz:)
i am really appricate.