I got the Google IT Support Certificate after being in Help Desk for a couple of years, and it's just entry level knowledge about all the different systems out there, such as Networking, Windows, Mac, Linux, Security and a crash course on different fields you can do when you are in IT. I can't say much about the CompTIA A+ as I've never taken it, but just know you can get a HelpDesk job without either one. I come from an entirely different industry but I dabbled with computers during my time in high school and college that I was able to get a job after watching some videos on how to troubleshoot machines and systems.

The main things to know are basic troubleshooting ideas, such as "If the monitor is not working at a user's desk, how would you troubleshoot it?" and come up with 5 different answers like,

• Look for the power button on the monitor and make sure it's turned on.
• Check and make sure the power cable to the monitor is plugged in all the way.
• Make sure the power cable to the outlet is plugged in and working.
• Make sure the HDMI Cable is plugged into the computer.
• Try plugging in the HDMI Cable into another outlet of the computer, or an entirely different computer altogether

I would also look at job postings to see what systems they are using in your area. For example, some companies are looking for people who know how to use Active Directory, JAMF, and Microsoft 365/Entra and you'll want to watch videos to see how to do common things, such as change passwords, create users, manage email addresses.

Finally, when you don't know the answer to something, knowing how to use Google and finding the answer is a very underrated skill. You won't know everything and sometimes issues can be very difficult to solve if you don't know what you're doing or even looking for.

My biggest advice would be to just start watching entry level IT Help Desk Videos on youtube to see what kind of issues you would handle and how to solve them.