I tried doing this at the dot-com I just left.  Unfortunately, it became
too much of a pain to have to reboot into Windows every time I needed to
use something for which I hadn't found a Linux equivalent (like making
adjustment to MSSQL).
Since this was an independent project, I couldn't have gotten them to
spring for VMWare, and Plex86 and WINE weren't at the point where I
could boot or use programs from Win98 under Linux.  Hopefully at this
next job, I'll see either or both of these tools become usable in a
production environment.
On the bright side, I was able to start earning "professional" (paid)
Linux experience by setting up a Linux box as an internal DHCP and file
server.  It was due to become a fax server using Hylafax, but things
fell apart too soon to get that implemented.  (Such is life in the
dot-com backlash.)

foodog@pop.phnx.uswest.net wrote:
> Ron, I'm getting Linux experience by letting it gradually
> infiltrate my workplace.  I started with having my Win95
> station dual-boot and using Linux for as much everyday stuff
> as possible: mail reading and web browsing to start.  It
> sounds like you've passed that stage.
> My advice, FWIW, is use Linux wherever you can and read a
> lot.  I browse through Linuxtoday.com daily looking for
> tidbits and I've got a stash of saved messages from this
> list with solutions to problems like "my system disk is
> mounted read-only!" or "how can I check where my disk space
> all went?".
> I don't know about any of the certifications but it seems
> like they're rare enough to be of some value for now - not
> like the glut of MS and Novell certified people.
> Steve
> Ronald Ellis wrote:
> > Same old story,
> > I am an 'in the trenches' NT admin who's been dying to get into Linux
> > administration.  My experience in Linux is reduced to what I can (and
> > have) set up in my local home network.  I am really looking to get into
> > UNIX (any flavor), Linux adminstration.  Problem is, at my current
> > skill set in UNIX (basic user, backup, mundane administration skills,
> > some scripting) I'm having trouble getting serious consideration for a
> > move into a more robust OS.  Of course at my salary level, it's almost
> > too late to move over.
> > Anyone have any idea how to get into that?  Are there any certifications
> > that would be valuable?  Sun?  RedHat?
> > Suggestions?
> >   -Ron
> > Ronaldellis@email.com
-- 
Digital Wokan, Tribal Mage of the Electronics Age
Guerilla Linux Warrior