Linux certification

[Jason Spatafore]

Linux+ objectives are changing this year, so I don't think you could
"cram" for the exam quite yet since the newer books will probably be
heading out to the shelves soon. However, I always place stock in the
exam cram and exam prep books as those seem to help tremendously. (I
used exam cram + exam prep for my exam back in 2003.) 

Other good books that are not exam related would be anything from
O'reilly. 

For the "ask and answer" part...I would suggest online communities and
this discussion list. Go to a few install fests. Talk with the
people...most importantly, don't be afraid to sound "stupid"...we all
went through the "Oh crap, I forgot everything is a file" thought. :)

If you feel really ambitious...pick up a book about C programming. Not C
++...C programming. The Linux kernel, and many of the other commands are
programmed in C. This gives you an understanding of the Syntax. Then
there is some knowledge of Perl, Python, etc. You don't need the
advanced knowledge of a programmer, but you do need to get a good hold
on the syntatical differences. This can all be done online for free if
you find the penny pile starting to get a little reduced.

The beauty of Linux...is that experience and community overrules
certification and profit. 



On Sun, 2009-11-01 at 14:08 -0700, Sean Parsons wrote:
> Jason - Thank you for your response.
> 
> 	I have spent the last 4-5 months doing the self paced learning, checking out every book I can get but it still falls short of complete as it's one way learning and I can learn faster 2-way, asking questions-getting answers. I have the LPI books on library loan to see if I could pass the test, but seriously I know enough to break a server/workstation better than a newbie.. :)
> 
> 	I want to learn more and need to find a place to get that 2-way communication so I can get passed this learning curve. I want to replace 75% of my windows servers in the next 12 months, but want to be more confident in my abilities first.
> 
> 	Can you recommend a source for linux+, I have centered on Ubuntu for now as Mandriva and Debian offered me too many challenges, but may be fine after I get up to speed better. So I don't think the distro is a factor.... yet.
> 
> 	I would love to be the guy to figure out how to play my MS games in Linux, as it is now my only reason to keep Windows around in a virtual desktop..... Eventually I'd like to use the disks for target practice.. :}
> 
> 	Thanks again for your time.
> 
> 
> Sean Parsons
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us [mailto:plug-discuss-bounces at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us] On Behalf Of Jason Spatafore
> Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 1:59 PM
> To: Main PLUG discussion list
> Subject: Re: Linux certification
> 
> Honestly, get Linux+ and play with Linux day in and day out. If you can
> learn one command, and 3 of that command's most useful options, every
> week, you will start to move forward fast. It's kind of like collecting
> weapons in a video game...the more you have, the more versatile you can
> be. (After 3 years, you'll know 150+ commands...and those 150 commands
> is a HUGE arsenal of weaponry that can make you extremely versatile.) 
> 
> Do not think you can "certify yourself into the industry". Linux is
> beyond an organized structure of system administration....it's a thought
> process. You approach the problem with "what do I need to do?" then "is
> there a command that already does it?" 
> 
> Linux has a community that creates, explores, challenges, and expands.
> If you are going to be a part in that community, you must definitely
> explore...a LOT. 
> 
> That's my advice to anybody who may want to get into Linux. Understand
> that gaming will be your largest challenge...but you could become one of
> the people who will change that drawback. 
> 
> All I have is Linux+...there's also LPI. I, myself, refuse to get a
> distribution specific certification. I want to learn Linux...not one
> company's translation on how it should be. Of course, you could be
> different. If so, Red Hat and Novell (SuSE) have certification tracks as
> well, and they're not for the lighthearted. They're pretty tough, but
> very focused on *their* distributions. 
> 
> Remember, a Linux technician is beyond a guy who replaces a piece of
> hardware or a system administrator who manages systems. A person who is
> known in the Linux community is a combination of hardware technician,
> programmer, and engineer...with a very good understanding of how all the
> pieces mix and match. 
> 
> On Sun, 2009-11-01 at 08:55 -0700, Sean Parsons wrote:
> > Hello all –
> > 
> > I’m new to the group, but have been working in IT fields for longer
> > than I want to admit, but I see the error of my ways and I want to
> > repent and be saved….. I’m considering getting Linux certification. 
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > I am interested in speaking with anyone who has gotten certified, or
> > can give me any details about local cert classes or testing.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Thanks
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Doorman352
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > 
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