I've done a few computer courses in the past mainly NVQ's GNVQ's, I started the ECDL but didnt finish it because another more challenging course I wanted to do was starting at a previous college I went to... ECDL is a doddle if you already know the basics, and seeing that this is a requirement now by most government departments you apply to work for, it does seem to be a good thing to have under your belt.
I found out a hell of a lot more about hardware and software/OS Sytems by studying the A+ - not the best of courses I know, but it is a world wide recognised qualification and a qualification that I felt I could pass, plus a lot of IT businesses pride themselves on there staff having it. I've seen a good few computer repair stores advertising the fact that their staff are A+ qualified technicians.
A+ Comptia Exam 220-301 A+ Core Hardware
A+ Comptia Exam 220-302 A+ Operating System Technologies
The only minus about this qualification and other more recognised, sort after qualifications like it, are that the exams are multiple choice meaning anyone with a good enough memory can walk away with a good qualification and know hardly nothing about what they've just passed! I know people who were on the same course as me that dont know sod all, but they have a certificate and card that says they are a A+ certified professional! At the end of the day it's down to the employer to make sure that this person is competent enough to do the job by maybe setting a couple of quick practical tests at the start of the interview.
Apart from that, I really enjoyed the 6 month course (3 months hardware and 3 months OS/software)
I do like the little CompTIA A+ Certified Professional card you get for your wallet its like being CORGI registered if u know what I mean? lol
Oh... and from what I have been told, I can go back and finish the ECDL course I started nearly 3yrs ago at anywhere that teaches it, as long as its been less than 3 yrs, so I better get my skates on!