[JThiessen]

but without being a certified tech having all the knowledge do you think i would be able to fix computers? i am the type of person that likes to find out how to fix problems and right now since i know basically nothing id have to look it up on the internet- post problems on different forums and such.

I think you answered your own question there. I wouldnt want to spend my money with someone who doesnt know what they are doing, and is willing to rely on information they find in forums (where anyone that can type can sound like an expert). I think the best route is if your father hired a certified tech, and you also worked there, as an apprentice. Learning from an expert directly will give you much better experience than reading something from a book. One other thing. Books and such often just give "single solutions" - most of the time problems often involve multiple solutions. You cant learn that by reading.