New to the Unix/Linux field. I need to get my feet wet. Need some advise as to where to start. My heart was set on getting the SunSolaris Unix admin. cert. but some friend convince me to look at SAIR and LPI course. any help would be appreciated. as to the course choise or the cert. route to go.
regards

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MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA2.0

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To get your feet wet, I think Linux would be the choice. Solaris would be great if you owned a sparc to practice on or you worked with SUN equipment at work. But for most of us it is much more affordable to get Linux and put it on a PC to practice with.

The hands-on practice will be vital! Don't try to learn a system that you don't have access to on a regular basis.

For these reasons I have chosen to go with the SAIR/GNU cert track. There is a good book written by Maginnis and published by Wiley that I have started to go through and would recommend.

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thanks Guy!
do u have the isbn # handy and does this book comes with linux software?. Can I easily dual boot b/w NT and Linux or do u recommend getting a new harddrive?.

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MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA2.0

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The ISBN is 0-471-36978-0

No, the book doesn't come with a Linux distribution since this cert is distribution nutral. I also bought QUE's "Using Red Hat Linux" (which does come with Red Hat 6.2) as a second reference.

On my machine Red Hat dual-boots very nicely with '98 using Red Hat's LILO. Just make sure you load Windows first and Linux second. I don't know how well it would work with NT.

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traveller, thanks for opening up this topic. and castletoth, thanks for answering as you did. i think that may well make my decision for me with the same dilemma. as soon as i finish my MCSE (mid-november) i plan to hit my next cert... but should i do linux or cisco?

also, since Linux is based on Unix and Sun's OSes are essentially Unix, how close are the 2 going to actually be?

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brent.barton
www.LANheroes.com

• MCPx2
  
• Network+
  
• CNE 5
  

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They are the same on the basic level (traditional Unix commands). The installations will be much different. As far as utilities, Linux resembles BSD more than SVR4 so there will be some variation from Solaris. But it will give you a good Unix foundation that you can build on when you branch to other Unix's.

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castletoth,

How is the SAIR cert? Did u pass it?
Is it very useful for entering Linux world.
How long did u study for it.

I used RH6.2, too. I like it. No crash.

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I took the Install and Config and failed by two questions. I rewrote and passed the second time by a fair margin. The test was poorly worded and your were left wondering exactly what they were asking you. I have heard the System Administration is more clearly written. I will be taking that later this week. I have a job offer pending my fourth and final sair exam. Its pretty good for entry level

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Kasor,

I never did get to take it. My job changed such that I now need to become TIBCO certified ASAP. That means 6 exams in 3 months (ouch!). Needless to say, linux study and testing has been on hold until I earn my TCSE.

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Hi all,

This is my first post on this forum, soz if I ask a stupid question!

I have just finished my CCNA and am now thinking about a cert with Linux or Unix. I currently use Linux as a firewall, but do not really know how to use the OS, the firewalling bit I know, but to use it as a desktop OS or even a web server, I have not got a clue!

I am thinking of doing the RHCE course or similar to get me the knowledge and something to prove I know it but am unsure, can ne one advise?

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Cheers.

TKN (aka Dylan)
CCNA, MCSE, MCP+I

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