Yep I was a CB too! I was an EA. EO's Cool!

Thanks for Giving me the tip on using 3 NIC's. So how do you configure each separate NIC. Is eth0 going to your cable modem, eth1 to your server, and eth3 to your switch?

By the way when I tried to install with the two drives connected my install failed. I had to disconnect the slave hard drive to successfully complete the install. So now how do I mount the slave? Forgive me if I'm leaving out important details, just ask me if I am.

I have another off the subject question MasterC. From one veteran to another, I am being offered VocRehab training to get certified in anything I want. I am struggling between two OS's Microsoft and Linux, MCSE or RHCE. The only reason I am struggling between the two if because of job marketability. I am working at an IS Helpdesk at a hospital because I could not find a job as a Network Adminisrator. I went to school for 3 years and have an AS in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in "Network Administration". I am CompTIA Network+ Certified.

My heart lies with Linux, I love command-line and open source. I have to give my Voc Rehab counselor a good argument as to why I am choosing RHCE over MCSE. I live in Mass (at the very heart of the Open Document Format excitement) CIO Quinn? Know about it? Anyway can you give me any good supporting arguments that I can relay to my Voc Rehab counselor other than the obvious reasons as to why I believe I would have more of an edge with RHCE over MCSE?

Maybe I should start a new thread? I will post this as a new thread as well to get any other input.

CB!

That should be reason enough for your counselor, CB.

But how about this: You'll have a leg up when Microsoft finally bites the bullet and releases MS-Linux!

This is from experience, but probably not what you want to hear...

Personnel or management types may use the MCSE as a screening criteria for junior to mid-level MS admin posts, so it does enable you to compete for those kinds of positions. And there are lots of them, so you will be able to find work with it, no matter how much people (rightly) snark about the actual value of the qualification.

If you've only done helpdesk level work then the MCSE will probably introduce to technologies that you won't worked with, particularly senior-engineer level stuff like directory services. You can pick electives like Exchange and SQL Server to differentiate and stretch yourself.

To be clear - the MCSE is entirely based on multiple-choice computerized tests, and it can be passed without enough understanding to actually do the job. With the growth of IT, there are a lot of "paper MCSEs" in the market who have the qualification but no ability. As a result it has a poor reputation amoungst front-line IT professionals: just Googling for "paper MCSE" will probably pull up examples of the kinds of comments it gets.

But you can get value from it WRT marketability, and use it as a means of broadening your knowledge.

The RHCE is better as a qualification in itself, but there are far fewer UNIX posts available, especially at junior levels, they often require additional programming knowledge, and the employers usually want experience not certifications.

In short: the RHCE will help you achieve the core of knowledge needed to be a UNIX admin, but unless the market is different in Mass. it won't get you interviews .

Well hob, as you and I know everyone has an opinion on certs. However, I also believe that getting a certification while waiting around to get your foot in the door doesn't hurt. It's like a catch 22 trying to get experience and then no one will hire you because you don't have experience but how do you get experience unless someone hires you?

I only have helpdesk level work but was trained to be a Network Administrator. I have spent many long hours in the lab while in school eagerly delving into netwoking technology. I would say that I was one in the classroom that really did all my homework and busted my ^^$ doing my OWN work while others were getting their answers from each other or someone who took the course the previous semester. I already use Active Directory, at the helpdesk - but I do understand what you are referring to with Microsoft Technologies.

This is exactly why I'd rather convince my counselor to let me go with RHCE. The RHCE exam is actually lab base and you have to know what you are doing. None of this multiple choice nonsense that really doesn't measure your skill level and your aptitude.

I'm hoping that as a disabled war veteran I have some preference when applying for a state job. If I choose to get certified in MCSE because I have more of a chance at getting a job vs. getting hired in something I love to do (Linux Administration), then I think I would regret it later. Maybe you've helped me strengthen my argument.

Thank You

I actually have an MCSE, and found some value in the way that it provided start points for my own studies. Arguably any cert will help in the same way, if you have the interest (which you clearly do). The catch 22 that you mention is a real problem: employers prefer experience, but only support companies actually hire significant numbers of inexperienced people and train them.

Most networks are Windows, or mixed environments with the UNIX systems providing particular specialized functions. My concern is that starting with an RHCE cuts you off from the majority of sysadmin posts without fully equipping you for the specialized UNIX roles. As an administrator I maintain the Linux boxes because I was already in place supporting Windows and picked up the additional responsibilities as they arose. This is fairly typical.

On the other hand, I sympathise with the desire to avoid working on MS systems. What I'm really suggesting is that you consider the MCSE as just a stepping stone, or a means of breaking the catch 22 and getting yourself through the door. You can then be a position to deploy and work with Linux systems and move your career down that route.

In any event, good luck!

This makes a lot of sense, I really do see alot of job posts with MCSE requirement. Although, I have seen junior level Unix jobs posted but as you mentioned they want at least 2-3 years experience and how do you get experience if you can't get hired to get experience?

Well said! I think you've helped clarify the "clouds in my coffee". I have to admit this has been bothering me for days! I've been searching insanely on the internet for hours trying to find information such as "IT certification most in demand" or "Best IT certification" ... to no avail. You have helped push me in the right direction, the final decision was mine but your input helped out a lot.

Thank You!

Nothing beats RHCE.