[ILUG] Getting into Network Admin

[David Howe]

On Fri, May 15, 2009 12:03 am, DDowney wrote:
> Hi
>
> Im considering a career move into computing having spent the last eight
> or so years in science. Specifically I am interested in networking and
> security, and unix, having played around with Ubuntu for the past year
> or so on my home PC. Im wondering firstly where do I start? What
> route(s) are advisable? Is it more beneficial to do a part time college
> course such as what Blanchardstown and Tallaght IT run, or how do they
> compare to taking a course from the many independent training providers
> around? What would be the pros and cons of either, and from an employers
> point of view, which would be more recognised or respected in industry?
> What does the employer want from his Network Admin?
>
> Id also like to hear from network admins as to what their job typically
> entails, and what they do on a day to day basis. Im very interested in
> technology and networking and in being involved in it, but Id like to
> know a little more about what you actually find yourself doing once
> youre in the job. I dont want to approach this naively and then find its
> not what I had thought.
>
> Im going at this very tentatively because its quite daunting leaving all
> that youve worked for before to take up something new, and I want to be
> sure that it is the right choice. I appreciate very much any comments
> anyone has, and thanks.
>

In terms of certifications for Linux based Network and System Admins,
there are basically two recognized certifications.

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certifications (Level 1, Level 2, Level
3) which is vendor neutral.

Both are recognized within the industry. It is difficult to equate the two
as each takes a different approach to the topic of certification. But to
obtain either you will need to put in a lot of work.

In the LPI's favour it is relatively cheap to take either through self
study (two exams per certification level) or through specialist courses.

The LPI does allow specialization in Level 3. For example, security is a
specialist topic in it's own right at  Level 3. Will be attempting Level 3
myself this summer.

In terms of Cisco certifications there are:

CCNA
CCIE

CCIE is more highly regarded but is much more difficult to attain than the
CCNA certification.



-- 
David Howe
Managing Director
Howe Systems Limited-"protecting your data"
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