Thanks! That's exactly the kind of info I was wanting.

One of my goals is to start and finish college, but that's more of a personal goal than an occupational one. My two major interests are technology and international politics. The two are hardly related and I have to admit that I'd rather work tech and eat steak than do liberal arts and eat (if not work at) McD's.

If I had a second question, it would be about how one might get some general experience in this area, as that's often a requirement for such a job. I am currently working for... umm... *cough* hp compaq *cough cough* building systems. With little doubt I'm sure I could put myself into a possition running diagnostics or building custom systems. I think that might apply as good experience for someone interested in an entry level possition as a network engineer, but it's definatly not the same thing as networking experience.