IT/computer programming Certifications that I can earn online

[LinuxMicrosoftMCSA]

Hi,
My question is if there are any computer programming or front-end web development certifications that I can earn online for free or cheap. I already completed FreeCodeCamp and a few other coding bootcamps online.

I also signed up for my bachelor's degree equivalent on Open Source Society University (something new that just came out this year) (a MOOC-based degree in computer science).

I'm interested in both front-end web development (computer software) and computer hardware/networking & systems administration about equally split.

I also recently signed up for Brocade/Broadcom University certifications online and recently earned the SAN Troubleshooting certification and a few others.

Obviously the certifications that actually matter are certifications from a vendor-neutral or vendor-specific company like CompTIA, Microsoft, and LPI. I ideally don't want Udemy or SkillShare certificates. Again: I'm looking for computer certifications that actually matter for re-entering the computer field.

I want to hopefully specialize in Microsoft Windows Systems Administration and Linux.

I'm currently working with a few local staffing agencies in my area to help me re-enter the information technology industry. The staffing agency's job is to help me find a job (their job). I don't know why I keep picking up these bad, dead-end jobs. I recently got laid off (not let go) from a local restaurant on Day 1 for a line cook position. The restaurant was overstaffed when they hired me, and as a result I was laid off (not fired or let go).

 

[QuantumQuest]

My recommendation is to be clear to yourself about what exactly you want to get certified in and why. You mention various different things that pertain to different fields of study. So, the first thing I would do is taking a detailed look at what each one of the certifications you mention is about / offers. Then according to what you are really interested to learn / get certified in, you can choose it and go from there. Whatever route you pick to get certified in will have a lot of detailed stuff so you must be really determined to follow it, in order to acquire the relevant knowledge / skills you need.

For programming / web development courses I would recommend to take a look at Coursera and edX. I took a number of courses at Coursera in the past and my impressions regarding the whole thing were very positive. Needless to say that you must also use google often enough to search for anything new offered.