Online Training, CEH ? or ?

I can tell you that CEH is not your choice. I have it, and it's pretty much useless. Why not take an actual System Admin courses and then learn about the guts first, then worry about "hacking". In either case, OSCP is MUCH better than CEH. Why the government picked CEH as a 8570 baseline cert I will never know…

SANS have a good set of offerings along the general line you are looking at via their On Demand offerings - check them out, but as MrWh1t3 said, admin skills with help build a strong foundation for you moving forwards.

Speaking of online training, I'm also looking to get into Computer Forensics, starting with some good certifications to get my foot in the Computer Forensics Door. The certs I'm considering are
Security+ and CHFI. I've also looked into AccessData (lots of free/low-price content on their site, including training material). Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated

And my background, such as it is

*20+ years technical writing (mainframes, PC software, NAS servers, UNIX and Windows Operations procedures)
*Basic Linux and Solaris system administration (installed and configured both)
*Solaris Associate (SCSAS) Certification — for new Solaris users or those w/o required experience for SCSA certification
*Business analysis/agency support
*Security administration—resetting passwords and activating/deactivating user IDs
*Experience building/rebuilding PCs and reinstalling OS software
*Building and maintaining small/home office networks

Thanks in advance!

What about investigative experience?

Do you believe that computer forensic work is only knowing about pc software, building computers, etc.

There are LOTS and please don't take my word for it just look on any site, LOTS of broke computer forensic people who thought it would be cool to get into, but forgot that they needed to know how to conduct an investigation. How to get from point A to point B.

The market is incredibly supersaturated now and the requirements for even a basic job are getting higher and higher.

And you didn't mention your goal, to be a solo examiner, join an accounting firm, join a govt job, all those require different things and each has it's own issues.

Lastly, the certs you mention don't have much at all to do with CF work an more to do with PT or Security.

Speaking of online training, I'm also looking to get into Computer Forensics, starting with some good certifications to get my foot in the Computer Forensics Door. The certs I'm considering are
Security+ and CHFI. I've also looked into AccessData (lots of free/low-price content on their site, including training material). Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated

And my background, such as it is

*20+ years technical writing (mainframes, PC software, NAS servers, UNIX and Windows Operations procedures)
*Basic Linux and Solaris system administration (installed and configured both)
*Solaris Associate (SCSAS) Certification — for new Solaris users or those w/o required experience for SCSA certification
*Business analysis/agency support
*Security administration—resetting passwords and activating/deactivating user IDs
*Experience building/rebuilding PCs and reinstalling OS software
*Building and maintaining small/home office networks

Thanks in advance!

What about investigative experience?

Do you believe that computer forensic work is only knowing about pc software, building computers, etc.

There are LOTS and please don't take my word for it just look on any site, LOTS of broke computer forensic people who thought it would be cool to get into, but forgot that they needed to know how to conduct an investigation. How to get from point A to point B.

I wholly agree. That is a skill that many people are missing.

I am not sure if it is natural inquisitiveness that is missing or if it is training that needs to be added to the current curriculum.

Of course I don't believe that. Not in the least! I apologize if that's what I led anyone to believe. CF is more than just building PCs and taking them apart. I understand that.

I've been reading "Guide to Computer Forensics and Investigations" by Bill Nelson, Amelia Phillips, Christopher Steuart. The book covers everything from setting up a lab to collecting disk images (the book comes w/a light version of ProDiscover) to reporting your findings in court.

My main goal is to be a solo examiner, though if I can justify it at my current job (government agency), I'll push for that. Thanks for the input on the certs.

What about investigative experience?
Do you believe that computer forensic work is only knowing about pc software, building computers, etc.

There are LOTS and please don't take my word for it just look on any site, LOTS of broke computer forensic people who thought it would be cool to get into, but forgot that they needed to know how to conduct an investigation. How to get from point A to point B.

The market is incredibly supersaturated now and the requirements for even a basic job are getting higher and higher.

And you didn't mention your goal, to be a solo examiner, join an accounting firm, join a govt job, all those require different things and each has it's own issues.