Just passed both tests today. what should be the next step? Net? or security? or something different? also who's hiring for entry level A+ grads?

I use to say after the A+ go ahead and do Network + and then maybe Security+. But It really depends on what your planning on doing in the next 5 to 10 years. Network+ does have a lot of bleed over from A+, and is helpful for any tech to understand networking from a wide view. I would take a look at what is in your area, get a feel for the companies or opportunities in certain career fields. See what you like and don't like, talk to someone you know in IT if any. You might want to skim the want ads and see if Network+ is a must for job openings in your area. I know that when I was trying to break into the IT world, the A+ was almost a must for most job openings.

Most important thing you can do to getting a job is getting the hands on experience. Certs are great, but if you can't talk the talk and walk the walk. Most IT mangers can smell someone faking experience a mile away. Be honest, don't put to much fluff in your resume. Volunteer, there are tons of non-profits that are looking for a tech minded person with some free time to hook up wifi, or trouble shoot a problem PC that isn't being used. Get creative, that looks good to a hiring manger. That your willing to go to the fires, rather then run or hide from them.

And most of all do what you like, or enjoy.

I'd go another way: A+, Server+, Network+, Security+...

Somewhere in there; you will seriously need Programming and command language skills. As you learn servers, Linux/Unix might be corelated - so might as well get started building skills in programming and command language.

The funny thing about IT; the worse the job - the more they expect you to know. If you work for a smaller company, you are expected to wear many hats. When you work for larger corporations, they tend to segment workers - limit what you are allowed to do on a regular basis. Its euphemistically called compartmentalization ... all the restrictions can be stifling at the beginning, so learn as much as you can (on your own time) early in your career - then keep expanding your skills.

Serious Security skill almost always is performed at the command line level - GUI is great, but opens too many additional attack vectors to "the bad guys".

Compared to Command line, GUI is like the difference between writing a letter to a freind verses just signing your name to a greeting card. The letter requires intimate knowledge of the subject; while the other just requires you to agree with something someone else wrote.

Bottomline: each stream finds its own way to the River.