Hi all,

I am Wassamba Muyengu, from Angola and i am new to this platform and to Linux as well. I work with information technology for 6 years now but, in recent job interviews that i attended, i found Linux questions and i want to learn it, that is why i am here.

My question is: With so many certifications out there like Linux +, LPIC1 and 2, RHCSA and RHCSE, i am confused. Where do i have to start from as a newbie?

Thanks in advance!

I'm also new here. And also would like to know where to start

Hi Wass and welcome to LQ.

What types of systems are you currently working with in information technology? Even if you're not working with Linux presently, the general scope of tasks are similar for administering servers, as well as helping users.

Seems as if many people will tell you that certifications are "O.K." in that they help prove you can accomplish something of a certain level of difficulty, but what really matters instead is the knowledge you have and what you have already worked on. For those who have little experience, the recommendations typically are that you take on IT roles as a volunteer so that you become familiar with the tasks of the work. Sounds as if you have a great head start on this with your current work, and I'd personally advise you to seek out Linux specific support roles to aid you with gaining more experience, before you choose to expend any money towards a certification.

Meanwhile, do you recall the questions people have asked you? Perhaps you can share some of those and people can comment towards whether or not a certification would be the best choice over self-learning with a Linux system.

CentOS is a very good option to learn about RHEL in a non-commercial licensed manner.

You can start here https://www.edx.org/school/linuxfoundationx. You will find nice introductory course to Linux there. After that, would suggest to continue with free education. Some things that you might find interesting: https://access.redhat.com/documentat...uide-en-US.pdf, https://www.linuxcertification.co.za...als-manual.pdf.

I would personally start with Comptia Security+ certification, and just gain free knowledge on one of the many free sites available. Set up a couple VM's and play around, get familiar. I have personally witnessed dozens of people get hired on with only a Sec+, because it shows you know topology, but most importantly it's required in a lot of IT environments. Companies will pay for your RHCSA/E and LPI certs, so let them. I have found that the Sec+ will get you in the door, and then your training will be company funded. Just my opinion of course...

Hi Wass and Pall Parker,

Firstly get to know Linux a little bit. Use a live USB or VM or install a simple distro like Mint or Ubuntu somewhere.

Take a look at Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide by Machtelt Garrels at http://www.tldp.org/guides.html. There is much more material at http://www.tldp.org/ for you to check out later.

Take some time to get used to the system. Don't rush.

When you know your whereabouts, then you check out https://www.linuxfoundation.org/, especially the "Training" section. If you had a good introduction to the system then you'll know what you're looking for.

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