I am looking for good training sources for automation training. Mostly I'm interested in the PLC to PC end of the system, both hardware and software. I would like resonably priced online courses or book recommendations.

I was looking at Siemens training programs and at approx. $1k per class it can get expensive very quickly.

I'm also interested in opinions on different automation systems. A-B, SqD, Siemens, etc. Who offers the best overall value for ease of use, reasonable price, etc.?

thanks,
GJ