So, this is again a random question, and probably annoying 'cause I think I know the answer to it already, but I guess I'd figure what other people would have to weigh in on it (likely that it won't hurt to apply), but I wanted a sense of more realism.

I currently work in a job that I like, but mainly 'cause it's (supposed to be) centered around computers and is a work from home position. I love working from home. It's my favorite part. Trouble is, it causes me a lot of stress working with unreasonable retail customers since it's retail-based technical support. I also have to work the same schedule every single week and every single birthday and holiday unless I ask for time off (hard to do since it accumulates so slowly) or a holiday or birthday or special event falls on that day. I also work nontraditional hours, which aren't too bad, I guess. It's just depressing being 23 and already being the one that everyone doesn't bother inviting to things because they know I can't get time off.

Eeeeither way, while I have a decent amount of computer experience (not nearly what most other people on this forum have) that I have accumulated over the years, I feel like this job that I found might be a bit too out of reach for me, though I hope it might be just far enough out for me to learn a bit more, since I like looking for jobs that'll challenge me a bit more to learn a bit more.

Important bits: The job is for a network administrator working with a group of others in a school district office. Unlike other network admin jobs I've seen in the area (I used to want to be a network admin so I looked these up like crazy to see what I had to do to go that track), the qualifications don't seem to be that high, and I get a vibe that they're willing to work with people who have less experience in that area but are willing to learn (eg me).

I guess I could apply, which so far my family thinks I should (but what do they know?), but I get nervous that I'll hit my interview and look like a moron. I'll put the qualifications and such in spoiler tags:

So I mainly worry that because I lack the "strongly preferred" and "highly desired" bits that I might get laughed at if I turn in my resume, but I wonder what other people in this field might think from their experience.

Um, as for my experience? "Professional" experience includes working a few years with an office supply store as a teenager and helping with giving district and corporate management a lot of feedback in them launching a new technical support service. I worked in one of the pilot stores and when I transferred to a store that was just implementing the services, I trained management and stuff on it. Then I worked for a few years at Best Buy/Geek Squad doing the usual there. And I'm about to complete 2 years at my current job, which is doing phone technical support in a field I was previously uncomfortable in--software support and repair.

Non-professional is the basic kinda stuff; built several computers, I have several textbooks that I read to learn more and am always trying to learn more. I've been around computers since I was a toddler; I knew how to run my favorite games and such using DOS before I knew how to read. But that doesn't say much, haha.

I feel that might be laughable to any hiring manager, or to any co-workers. But yeah, what do you guys think?

I'm kinda torn because this would be nice, but I'm also working on launching computer skills classes for older people/people wanting to add stuff to their resumes, which I think overall would be a nicer work environment, though I worry that the pay won't be stable in case I have a time that students don't sign up. I love teaching, and I've had dozens of customers and friends through the years offer to pay/hire me to teach them how to use computers since they like my teaching style. So yeah.

TL;DR: Would I be laughed at if I applied for that network admin job? Be honest. I won't be hurt. Also, the job has been posted for nearly two months now, which makes me think that there isn't much competition or the standards are really high.

I don't know about the technical stuff but many businesses want people our age(I am 23 as well) if they are only a little underqualified so long as they have promise, so they can groom you into the position. Being so young means they could have you for a long time and they might make concessions on your ability at first, provided you improve and can meet the basic qualifications. I don't think it would hurt to apply and just be upfront with them about your abilities, if they take you on, they can't really say anything after that. Besides, beats what you are currently doing right?

"Being laughed at" is a terrible reason to not apply for a job. It sounds like you think you're at least in the ballpark for getting an interview. That means you should apply, if you want the job.

Don't try to second guess what the employer is looking for by trying to decode their selection criteria. If you at least have a decent working knowledge of the general area those selection criteria are gesturing towards, then contact the employer and talk to them to get some more specific details about the sort of person they are looking for. That way you can tailor your CV and cover letter to their needs/desires. Of course, there may be some areas where you are lacking in experience/training/skills, but don't worry about that. You can't change that in a hurry. Just make the best of what you have. It will also help that you are interested enough to contact them to learn about the job; employers also want people that are motivated, enthusiastic, and personable.

I second this.

I'd say apply, see how it goes. You either get a job or an experience of learning more about yourself and your abilities. Or maybe they'll have a lower level job you'll be more comfortable in? Like, I don't know, "Network Associate" or something. And from there, work up confidence and skills to get to the Administrator position.