I am considering to follow the course "Essentials of System Administration" on linux.com.

Before I put down my money, I want to know if it is worth it.

Has anyone done this course? And what do/did you think of this course? Or have you done other courses offered by Linux.com? And what did you think of those?

Thank you

My daughter works for one of the big Linux Cos. and has a RHCE cert. If you can pass this test you can get a job period. Damn hard test and plan on six months to a year. Good Luck hope this helps!

I'd look at all educational options in your area. For instance, what are local colleges doing to serve the adult community?

As Kudsu suggests, no matter how you go about doing it it's an educational experience that will culminate with "taking a test and passing it." But, you might have spent months to get there ... and those months(!), not the piece of paper, are really what it's all about. The quality of the educational experience is what's paramount – and, it's what you're really paying for. If the course focuses too-much on "the test," or on "multiple choice," or does not involve a mentor (teacher) who is actively involved in judging your work and helping you to complete it, then I would be skeptical about putting money down on that course. I think that you need "that other person."

Myself, I like to go to physical classrooms – and, from time to time, I have been "that other person." I have served on the adjunct faculty at community colleges, because I like "to give and to receive."

You mention money as a concern, so if you're poor as I am, you may find this route better.

I also wish to be certified for Linux network Management and have made the cheapest plan I could make. Pay only for the test and certification.

I found that certs can be had from many testing centers not only in the west but worldwide. The total cost of my cert will be about $150. That pays for testing at a registered center, and the paperwork. Tests are sealed and sent to main offices in mostly Western countries for scoring at accredited schools.
My source also has a coursebook for sale. the same top of the list title suggested here and everywhere is sold for another $150 should the use of torrents torment one with guilt and anguish.

The modern net makes it all possible almost anywhere people are. Kinda boring alone, but hey, no commute! And I study in underwear with Dubstep jammin', spoke afire, at my pace. Doesn't even matter what country I'm in.

And peers are available when needed, so nothing lost. Thats what forums like this are for. Absolutely critical for me sometimes. Most of the time I can even find someone who's already asked my question so I ain't gotta look like the stupid one (that time).


Workin' for me. Besta luck.

"I hear ya, Barkester," but may I also advance the idea that, with that approach, "your $150 might be for nothing."

The premise that is (sometimes ...) advanced by "certification salesmen" is that, in order to be [hired | hire-able as ...] "a Linux network manager," you must [merely ...] "pass someone's test."

If not too many years have yet passed since you were in high school or in college, where "passing someone's test" was "what you lived-and-died for at the time," then it might seem very strange to you that, to a rather-tremendous number of people who have the capacity to give you a paycheck, "a piece of paper that indicates that you 'passed someone's test'" might mean ... absolutely nothing.

When you emerge into the actual world of "employment," there are no "absolute standards-of-reference," such as a high-school or college (associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctorate) diploma. At this writing, in this ("not yet a ...") profession, there is no body-of-law describing any uniform barrier-to-entry that you must pass in order to be allowed to "practice." Anyone who says otherwise – or who merely allows you to assume so without bothering to correct you – is deceiving you.

Oddly, I agree. I have most of the knowledge already. I'm actually interested in the paper trail for working visa applications. Possibly even immigration. Not work at all. I don't need a cert. for that. Wouldn't help much. I just fix ... stuff.

And keep in mind, embassies are bureaucracies. They don't rate for quality as a business would do. They check boxes. MIT or Kmart certs. both check such boxes equally well.

Reckon it depends on what it is you need it for and where. Fits my plan.

More than one way to carry a capybara.

I was really hoping on someone's opinion on this particular course, but your answers were informative. Thank you.