Hi Ken, On Sat, Jun 16, 2012 at 2:29 PM, Kenn wrote: > Greetings fellow Linux fans! > > Hi, my name is Ken, I'm a recovering Windows user. ;] After experimenting > with several distros over the years I settled on Ubuntu for my typical day > to day stuff, file & print sharing etc. I use a few amateur radio apps like > fldigi and Gnome Predict sat tracking. When Shotwell or Gimp isn't enough I > use Photoshop 7 through Wine. I've done some experimenting with VirtualBox > as well. I want to be more in the know on command lines, scripting, small > networks and servers, administration and security, running the occasional > Windows apps, etc. Paths I'm considering are: > > > 1. Self teach. This approach usually works well for me. I do best at my > own pace and still find a good textbook(s) the key to getting started. > Experimenting and Google are my friends. I haven't found a Linux book I > really like so far, any recommends? > Great! This is the #1 requirement! Public Library: Burton Barr Downtown Library 5th Floor tech section. PLUG presentations and groups: See http://plug.phoenix.az.us Twitter: Command line fu groups, linux gazette, other linux sources and ragazines > > 2. Community college. My concern is how many times I've entered a program > only to find the more advanced classes weren't offered later. Cost and > distance are a factor as I live in Fountain Hills. > No need to go to school unless you want a certification or cannot learn with self paced learning and books. > > 3. Online classes. Does anyone offer these that are worthwhile? > I like the free offerings, the security sessions and of course Foss Weekly and Hak5. You have to find your own knowledge, half the learning is in the search? > > 4. Private schools. Probably very expensive and intense? > Again, unless you want to WORK in linux and need a certificate or a degree, this is only good for meeting geeks and prospective partners. > > > So what do you gurus recommend? If I go for some Linux certs, what > institution should I get those from? Are there many employment opps for a > Linux Cert holder in Phoenix Metro? > RHEL ---> Take one of the preparation facttracks (5 days about 3,000 - which teaches you to take the test). You might be able to get a grant for most schools. > > > Thanks for your input, > > > -Ken > > > Nice to meet you! -- (503) 754-4452 Android (623) 239-3392 Skype (623) 688-3392 Google Voice ** Safeway.com Automation Engineer