I'm almost done with college and I want to work on a side project that I could use to show case my skills. I'm looking for something that I can combine a bunch of different aspect into one. I know this will be a big project and won't be able to do all at once, but I want something that I can combine linux/bash, database (postgres/mysql), php, sysadmin skill sets, and maybe c++/networking.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely yours;

josdmyer

I would look at deploying a CMDB setup on your local home network. Deploying the software and properly documenting it will go a long way, I deployed an FOSS application on a small business network and created a full CMDB backend database with full configuration management documented for my IT capstone project when working on my degree.

I could be wrong, but I think a CMDB would be over kill for my home network. I have research a CMDB a little, but just to make sure I understand what it is could you clarify what it is for me.

Thanks

It may be overkill, was just throwing some ideas at you. This is what I did when I did my capstone project, it worked well for me and showed my ability to not only deploy and manage IT services but how to properly document the services with an understanding of change management and other enterprise IT level processes. There are many other things you could attempt to take on, you could setup a simple domain controller and integrate AD authentication into Apache/Linux and document security benefits/vulnerabilities, you could setup secure and remote VPN access, etc..

The most important thing I would consider is how you are going to document your project as this is (at least with my schooling) where the biggest portion of the grading comes in. Almost anybody can accomplish these tasks with a little bit of google and forum posts asking questions but if you can document it showing that you understand all the other aspects that will take you over the top.

1 members found this post helpful.

@ Kustom42

What do you think of this idea? Deploying a Linux server that will be runing a postgres database and a apache server that will be hosting a Wordpress site that will access the database. The database will be a movie database that will hold my info on my movie collection (which is a good size). The site will be running a php script that will let me search (jquery) the database, edit info, delete entry, and add entry to the database. Still working on further thoughts on it, but what do you think of this idea so far?

Thought:

Have the web/database part have a user access setup. The admin/root has all right (like usual), family can view, edit, and add, guest can only view.

Too simple?

Thanks for the help.

Sincerely yours;

josdmyer

That is a pretty intense project, you are smart to take a few different technologies into consideration. I would just say to try and keep a focus on documenting and trying to have the mindset of an IT professional, document the deployment configuration, backup and recovery, etc.

That's a fairly comprehensive project.
If you do want to use C++ too, create a program to do bulk updates, maybe even do DB backups & restores via C++ instead of mysqldump

chrism01's suggestion could be a project all in iteslf, it almost may be a better subject as it's something than an IT professional would do in their job. At the end of day you are going to be finding solutions to enterprise level IT problems, a good example of which is creating a robust and stable way to backup and maintain your databases. Might be worth a shot.

Thank you all for the suggestions.

I think I will be doing the first one and if I have time I will work on the c++ program. I want to work on my database administrator skills and learn the working of a database while making something that can be useful to me and other people. Plus I kinda need a database before I can do backups of the data. I didn't mention earlier, but part of the project I was thinking about was to have the database search like IMDB for the given information that I enter into it. So if I enter that I have the breakfast club for example with the year (something that will make sure I get the right one) then it will fill out the remainder of the fields for me.

So that is my plan. Any input would be greatly appreciate.

P.S. Sorry it took so long to respond just getting the hang out classes. Now I know how much time I can spend on this project during the semester.

If you really want to work on DBA skills, try installing and customising both MySQL & PostgreSQL.
Comparing them will help clarify core RDBMS attributes vs manufacturer's differences.