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Home > Archive > Linux/Unix > February 2003 > Microsoft or Linux?
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Microsoft or Linux?
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| bass2k1 2003-01-22, 10:38 pm |
| Well, I am pretty certain that I am not the first person to post a message similar to this one, but I just want you all's opinion regarding this:
I am at that place where I have to decide whether I want to complete my MCSE2000, or go the Linux route?
I want to get into IT Security (eventually), so I want to do soemthing that will most benefit that. I was looking at doing the SAIR exams, but not sure.
Any suggestions?
Regards
sebastiaan.rothman@bhpbilliton.com
P.S. I cross-posted this in the MCSE 2000 General forum too | |
| ccieToBe 2003-01-22, 11:29 pm |
| If you want to get into security, learning Linux, or some Unix variants is one of the best things that you could do. | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-22, 11:34 pm |
| Well, I have some basic knowledge of Linux systems, and I can network them and such, but this is all that I have taught myself, but I want to get some official training and qualifications. With that said, what would be a good start as far as Linux certs go. There is no way I will be attempting the RHCE/T any time soon, but I need something to get my feet wet, but that isn't too trivial that I would be wasting my time and money on it.
Any suggestions more than welcome!
Regards
sebastiaan.rothman@bhpbilliton.com | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-23, 5:51 am |
| You need to know both nowadays. Linux has a reputation of being far more secure, with good reason, but most of the time, nowadays, you will need to integrate MS technology with UNIX, so not knowing either is not much of an option for real sysadmins. Start with the Linux+ if you want to get your feet wet, it is the most basic test, then maybe later you can try for the LPI or RHCE if interested. The MCSE2K exams seem less practical to me than the Linux exams do, and not always relevant to solving real-world problems, but you still have to know the technology well in todays's heterogenous network environments. | |
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| if you already started on the MCSE track, then finish it. If not, you have choice to make, and some linux exposure sure is a good thing at this stage. I might go towards an RHCE if I were you. | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-24, 8:04 am |
| Well, I only done one exam for MCP, Windows 2000 Server, so it's not like I will really be losing THAT much if I decided not to complete it. | |
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| true... although what you learnt directly applies to the 210, 216 and 217 tests, so it would be too bad not to finish it in my mind... | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-24, 8:27 am |
| I thought about that, and unfortunately money is actually a factor (a pretty big one at that), and I don't want to pay another $750 on exams, not to mention text books and study material, if it isn't going to be AS beneficial to me as, say, Linux or Unix, looking at it from a Security point of view. I know it will probably still be a while before I can do Information Security as a full time job, but I recon the sooner I start preparing the sooner I will stand in such a position. | |
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| I see where you are coming from, but at the same time, Sec jobs are usually hinging on having a fair amount of Network Admin experience. There is no such thing as an entry level security job, if you see what I mean. An MCSE would help get that Net Admin experience... | |
| wildscribe 2003-01-26, 3:59 pm |
| If you want to go into security, I would go for a networking cert, like CCNA. It seems like most security issues have to do with the Internet. You need a good understanding of TCP/IP, and know how to set up VPNs, firewalls, etc. I think a good network cert will better prepare you for security than say an MCP or LPI cert, but it's important to know operating systems too.
I don't know what the job market is like in South Africa, but if you were in the States, I would say get your MCP before a Linux cert because there seems to be more job openings for those with Windows skills right now.
Good Luck,
- - - WiLd | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-27, 2:06 am |
| Ah what the hell, I'll just get my MCSE and get it over with. I already completed studying for it.
Thanks for all. | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by bass2k1
Ah what the hell, I'll just get my MCSE and get it over with. I already completed studying for it.
Thanks for all.
All the prior input has been right on in my opinion. You'll learn more about security setting up Linux than MS. Setting up a MS & Linux mixed network is the only way to go. You will need extensive knowledge in both. I use the CISSP study guide in parallel with any Linux or MS studying I do. It makes for a good framework on your security knowledge. GIAC has some good materials for study. Free downloads. What you are after is an upper level certification that employers are going to want to see the framework laid for, to have any merrit.
I would at least do MCSA as a minimum. CCNA is a good next step. Then I would start on RHCE. Linux+ test is about $200 & doesn't carry any weight in this area. Red Hat has a lower level cert than the RHCE called RHCT. Linuxcertified.com is a good place to get some study materials that won't break the bank. IBM has a free downloadable LPI course that is pretty good. | |
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| great input  | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-27, 7:25 am |
| I have actually worked through the course material for the CISSP and the CCNA/CCNAP qualifications. the main reason I want to go Linux as opposed to Windows would be because both Linux and Security in South Africa are relitavely new ground, and Linux is really gaining ground in both the corporate and home scene.
I don't know if this is a good or a bad idea to do it for that reason. I mean, it can actually go both ways. | |
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| it's never a bad idea to expose yourself to an emerging technology -- no jokes, please 
The field you are interested in is vital and does carry growth, but at the same time, those employed full time in it have at least 10 years of experience. To break into that side of the industry you will have to break into other areas first and garner that experience. | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-27, 8:26 am |
| Well, MCSE it is then, I suppose. Thanks one and all for your input and suggestions. Really appreciate it, and it helped a lot.
Regards
sebastiaan.rothman@bhpbilliton.com | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by bass2k1
I have actually worked through the course material for the CISSP and the CCNA/CCNAP qualifications. the main reason I want to go Linux as opposed to Windows would be because both Linux and Security in South Africa are relitavely new ground, and Linux is really gaining ground in both the corporate and home scene.
I don't know if this is a good or a bad idea to do it for that reason. I mean, it can actually go both ways.
I'm doing the exact same thing as you for about the same reasons. I'll go for the MCSA over the MCSE & then RHCE. In this area they carry about the same weight [MCSA / MCSE]- unless you have MCSE NT4.0 to go with the 2000 MCSE. That carries some major weight.
2000 MCSE's are a dime a dozen in this area & RHCE's are few & far between. We have a very large IT base in this area that is laid off due to the economy. There is less than 300,000 population in this valley, & we have lost 8,600 IT jobs in the last 2 1/2 years that have not been refilled.
Around here a newly minted RHCE starts at almost the top of the food chain. Currently -
So with the local job market glut of MCSE's, and Linux taking over so much of the Unix base, I see certifying on Linux a very viable course of action myself. Your area may differ.
Also :
I like NT 4.0 & 2000 isn't too bad [ servers & workstations]. I can't stand XP at all. I have Dot Net 2003 server RC2 & I'm not real thrilled with it either. Too many wizards. Too much crap installed by default. Problems with settings reverting back to default settings. Very bloated & unnecessarily difficult/confusing to navigate. Too few native tools that actually work, or have any real value. The third party stuff is so much better.
The above was about the biggest factor for me taking a change of course. I don't care for the dirrection MS is headed. And I'm tired of their tactics.
If security is your passion, you will need to have the networking OS's & routers covered in spades first. And then have ample exposure that is documentable to an employer before you get very far.
IMHO
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| ccieToBe 2003-01-27, 11:25 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by freak
it's never a bad idea to expose yourself
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| freak 2003-01-27, 12:39 pm |
| I *did* ask to refrain from the jokes | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by freak
I *did* ask to refrain from the jokes
OK - but I don't get it?
it's never a bad idea to expose yourself to an emerging technology
So you load Linux & then flash the computer or what?
Isn't that a little twisted? | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-28, 12:51 am |
| Well, I booked my 2000 Pro exam for the first week of Feb.
Wish me luck! | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by tohrt
OK - but I don't get it?
it's never a bad idea to expose yourself to an emerging technology
So you load Linux & then flash the computer or what?
Isn't that a little twisted?
a *little* tiwsted? For Linux folks, I come fromthe dark side -- Microsoft -- so what do you expect  | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-28, 7:56 am |
| Nearly everything in UNIXland is a corny joke. Get used to it. | |
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| yeah... starting with Unix | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-28, 8:03 am |
| Eunuchs, did you say? | |
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| LOL | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by freak
a *little* tiwsted? For Linux folks, I come fromthe dark side -- Microsoft -- so what do you expect
LOL
LOL
LOL
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| quote:
Originally posted by bass2k1
Well, I booked my 2000 Pro exam for the first week of Feb.
Wish me luck!
I listened when someone told me to study 2000 Pro & Server in tandem. I took the 70-210 Pro test first & was really surprised at how many questions were server related more than workstation's interaction with a server.
If you've already done 70-215, My only advice would be to pay attention to the differences in the two. As in permissions for users - files - shares - settings - defaults - etc........
About 1/2 of my 70-210 was on the 70-215 test. That was the luck of the draw for me at least.
Good luck !
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| bass2k1 2003-01-29, 6:34 am |
| Great advice, thank you. A lot of people told me that they found the 210 somewhat harder compared to the 215. I am gonna sit this exam relying on the Sybex book, and about 18 months of hands-on support for 2000 Professional.
Guess I'll have to see what happens ;-) | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by bass2k1
Great advice, thank you. A lot of people told me that they found the 210 somewhat harder compared to the 215. I am gonna sit this exam relying on the Sybex book, and about 18 months of hands-on support for 2000 Professional.
Guess I'll have to see what happens ;-)
I'd have to agree. But in saying harder, I'm not saying it was more technically difficult. It just covered a much broader range of what you needed to know. Go download the free demos from Trancender - Boson - Smart Certify - cert21 - etc..... With the practice questions & the study guides from 2 sources [like the one from this sight for one] You'll have it covered.
I've found it best for me to use more than one source for study. Sybex is one of the best. But I have yet to see any one of them have it ALL covered. Even the MS MOC's have gaps.
My main gripe was the questions that were in the "Never in real life" catagory and the wording left something to be desired sometimes. MS also comes up with some real jewels for question scenarios. Know the concepts of the study guide topics.
Pay attention to topics like Fax & Printing. If I remember right, I had 5 questions like this. Quite a few of my test questions were geared towards a support standpoint throughout the test.
I found 70-215 more technically challenging, but 70-210 covered a much broader range of knowledge base.
I was totally blown away I missed so many on the 210 test. I got an 82%. Not bad, but I thought I had it covered in spades. I've been working with 2000 since beta-1 & have supported it since it came out. I took my 210 test a little over a year ago.
Good Luck
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| Funny, while I didn't think that either test was hard, I thought that the 215 was harder than the 210. On scale of 0 to 5 with 5 the hardest, I would put the 210 as a 1, the 215 as a 2, the 216 as a 4, the 217 and 219 as a 3... | |
| bass2k1 2003-01-30, 7:44 am |
| Now that you mention it, I have heard that 216 is a real pain, but hey, that is anotehr days worries ;-) | |
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| yup, it is a pain allright | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by freak
Funny, while I didn't think that either test was hard, I thought that the 215 was harder than the 210. On scale of 0 to 5 with 5 the hardest, I would put the 210 as a 1, the 215 as a 2, the 216 as a 4, the 217 and 219 as a 3...
Probably due to your prior experience. Not all of us have the experience & a knowledge base as broad as yours to draw from.
Where as someone just starting out might find them of a little higher dificulty. Prior experience makes the new stuff allot easier.
Example - I've read many posts of new techs stating how hard they found the A+ tests, and that some of them actually failed one of them. When I took them a few years ago it took me 32 minutes to sign in, pay for the tests, take the survey & both tests & sign out & get my printouts. My scores were 885 & 920. I found them extremely easy.
As I already stated - technically 215 I found harder. But 210 covered a broader range of knowledge needed to pass. For myself personally, on your rating scale I would give them both a higher rating by one point.
If your working with the software in an administrator capacity on a daily basis, you are already at an extreme advantage over just studying it on a home network. Working as an assistant admin for 1 day I learn more than working with it at home for an entire week at a few hours a day.
So - Experiance means everything
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| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-02-06, 7:12 am |
| Great job! | |
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| awesome job! Now go take the 215, it's just about the same test | |
| bass2k1 2003-02-06, 7:56 am |
| Actually, I already took the 215 exam a few months ago, so I already have 210, and 215, so I think next is 218 and then 214 for MCSA.
Any other suggestions?
Regards
sebastiaan.rothman@bhpbilliton.com | |
| Linuxboy 2003-02-14, 5:38 am |
| Im still a newbi to linux, but i have been playing around with it for a few years. The Linux+ book, Sybex book, was good, but it didnt had any focus point. So i picked-up the RHCE book. .. Know thats way more better.
I got me system to work and i setup me first router. the firewall part is a bit difficult, but i now that i'll learn with time
-- Go with linux, its the way of the future. --- |
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