(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best software certification guides

Trying again without links:

So, I decided that I don't feel like spending more time on this, and I got most of them, so let's roll with it.
___

Riddle 1

Wine

[Item - Spaetzle Maker] amazon.com/dp/B00004UE89/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2RQMTOPDX95LA&coliid=I3T5XA41NPA20B

So this is kind of a stretch, but hear me out. Over the weekend, I let the "German" in me out, and I cooked a wonderful meal consisting of schnitzel (pork shoulder blade, fried to perfection) and a side of spaetzle (German dumplings). That evening, I also bought a bottle of Roscato (a sweet red wine from Italy) to have with dinner, and it was DELICIOUS. While making the meal and drinking the wine, I mentioned to my wife how great it would be to have a spaetzle maker. She agreed, so it's on the WL.

___
Riddle 2

A doormat (though based on theme it should really be a broom, but that doesn't make sense in your riddle)

[Item - Subaru Floor Mats] amazon.com/dp/B004HGXWXU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1462GJGC40KP1&coliid=IAIIHKXJYAGUI

So on Thursday I bought myself a new-to-me 2011 Subaru Legacy. It's pretty cool minus the issues with the key, but besides the $100 I had to spend to "fix" it, it's grand. I noticed when checking out the car that it had gray Jetta floor mats. Note that my car has black leather interior, and is a Subaru, not a VW Jetta. I found these, they have good reviews, so I put them on my WL as something to get for my new car so I can get rid of those awful floor mats.
___
Riddle 3

A hat

[Item - Sunglasses] amazon.com/dp/B005P195KU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=P31L4QN6S6PK&coliid=I2DOHRI12MKZ6T&psc=1

There are two things every good baseball/softball/wiffleball player needs. A good hat, and a good pair of sunglasses. I always wear a hat (thanks a lot, male pattern baldness), so I've got plenty of those (need to get a new one, but Amazon doesn't have the one I want). What I don't have is a good pair of sunglasses for playing ball outside. My aviators are scratched, and, well, wearing aviators to play sports doesn't exactly work well. These are sitting on my WL for that day where I finally go "DAMMIT I NEED SUNGLASSES TO GO WITH MY HAT."
___
Riddle 4

A book

[Item - A+ Cert Study Book] amazon.com/dp/1118324056/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=E9RD1GO4V1KF&coliid=I3I1EOQ0P5X4TS

So this one is REALLY lame compared to my other stories. For this, it's an ACTUAL BOOK (how lame). I work in IT, and one of the most BASIC qualifications for most jobs is CompTIA A+ certification. I know that with a brief refresher I could pass the test pretty easily, but I don't want to take any risks, and would rather study up and blow it out of the water. I need this book in order to help me do that.
___
Riddle 5

This one I'm not sure about, but I can't take any more time to figure it out (thanks a lot, work). A trunk? that seems to make the most sense based on the theme here....

[Item - LEGO VW Camper Van] amazon.com/dp/B0050R0XEG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2KY51TV5KVQCC&coliid=I1FBGVJXQ9BEYK)

This one is a real stretch. When I went through this the first time, I thought that you were looking for "A car" (boot//trunk//place to store stuff or even hide in), but then when I looked at the theme of everything, I decided that was wrong. I changed my mind and went with a trunk. To combine those two things, here's the LEGO version of a car, which has a trunk, and also has a little suitcase on the top of it, as it is meant for camping and camping activities - a great place to hide away from everything!
___
Bonus

A cape!

[Item - LEGO Movie Batman figure] amazon.com/dp/B002U2UFB0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2KY51TV5KVQCC&coliid=I2J6HQ9IEA6T9E)

What better way to exemplify the answer of "A cape" to a riddle than with a legit superhero. I actually bought this little batman for a friend of mine, and after putting it together, thought I should have one myself. He has two faces, a cape, the bat helmet, and a batarang. This character is simply awesome in the movie, and looks pretty damn awesome to boot! (Get it? Boot? From the last riddle? ^(I get it ... it's not funny...))
___

No WL Additions were made for this, I improvised and managed to connect everything to something already on my WL. Thanks for the contest!!!

I'll try and offer some advice, since I'm in the same boat as you. I love planes and aviation, but I'm not at a point yet where I can afford the cost of flying (working on it. :) ).

Simming on a computer will never be the same as the real thing - the feel is missing. Even the most expensive yoke and pedal combination can't duplicate the feeling of g-forces and feedback you get from the control surfaces through your controls. That said, here are some tips if you want to get into flight simming:

Flight Simulator Software:
There are two main contenders here, Microsoft's Flight Simulator X, and X-Plane. They are both good, and both have their positives and negatives. FSX has a TON of addons that you can get, from scenery, to additional airplanes, to weather, etc. X-Plane has some too, but not nearly as much. If you think you might want to expand your flight simming later on to more realistic airplanes and scenery, I would get FSX. If you just want to plug something in and fly, either one will do fine. If you want to do more military type sims, I would look into the DCS series, they are making pretty good stuff right now.

Controllers:
Flight Stick vs Yoke - This would be the first thing I would look at peripherial-wise. Which you get depends on how realistic you want to be, and what types of planes you think you'll fly. If you are going to be doing military aircraft, or stuff like Airbus planes, get a stick. If you're going to be sticking pretty much anything else, get a yoke. I personally got a stick first, and got a yoke later.
Pedals - this would be #2 on my list of hardware to get. You really don't get the same experience of flying on a computer without them.
Other - The next thing I would get is this awesome device called TrackIR (http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir). It's optional, but highly recommended. It tracks your head movements and allows you to look around in the sim without using a hat switch or other movement device. It totally changed flight simming for me - flying VFR in the sim is actually pleasant with this device. I can't overstate how this device has changed flight simming for me.

Any other hardware (like radio stacks, indicator gauges, stuff like that) is purely optional, and in my opinion, should only really be used if you're doing something like building a home cockpit.

As far as getting better - practice, practice, practice. That's really the only thing for it. Put the settings on realistic flight and go for it. If you're looking for a good book to supplement the tutorials, I recommend this one: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Pilots-Training/dp/0764588222/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302182828&sr=8-1 The guy that wrote it is a real pilot, and structures the book in such a way that you progress as much like a real pilot in training can in a sim. It's much better at laying this out than the tutorials are.

If you want any more advice, just PM me, I'm happy to help.

While being a self taught sys admin is great, learning the internals of how things work can really extend your knowledge beyond what you may have considered possible. This starts to get more into the CS portion of things, but who cares. It's still great stuff to know, and if you know this you will really be set apart. Im not sure if it will help you directly as a sys admin, but may quench your thirst. Im both a programmer and unix admin, so I tend to like both. I own or have owned most of these and enjoy them greatly. You may also consider renting them or just downloading them. I can say that knowing how thing operate internally is great, it fills in a lot of holes.

OS Internals

While you obviously are successful at the running and maintaining of unix like systems. How much do you know about their internal functions? While reading source code is the best method, some great books will save you many hours of time and will be a bit more enjoyable. These books are Amazing
The Design and Implementation of the FreeBSD Operating System

Linux Kernel Development
Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment

Networking

Learning the actual function of networking at the code level is really interesting. Theres a whole other world below implementation. You likely know a lot of this.
Computer Networks

TCP/IP Illustrated, Vol. 1: The Protocols

Unix Network Programming, Volume 1: The Sockets Networking API

Compilers/Low Level computer Function

Knowing how a computer actually works, from electricity, to EE principles , through assembly to compilers may also interest you.
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective

Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools

Okay then. I'm glad that you have a can-do attitude and sound hungry. First let's get something settled. You're nearly as high up in the certifications chain as you can be with Microsoft and you're noticing it's not getting you the places you need to go. This is a supply and demand problem. Employers can get people like you on the cheap from contracting agencies, and often they needn't even be in the united states. You need to increase your value. Here's what you do, you're going to dive in head first. There are two distributions of Linux that are widely known to have some level of enterprise support, which means enterprises (the companies that will pay you lots of money) will be attracted to them. These distrubutions are Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Ubuntu Server Edition. I recommend that you start with Red Hat, but not necessarily because it's a better distro but because they have a well-designed certification program.

• Subscribe to /r/linuxadmin
  
  
• You're currently using Windows. This is going to be extremely uncomfortable for you at first but you will need to start using Linux on the desktop, and this shouldn't be your side project, this should be your daily laptop you rely upon for everything. There are two distributions that match RHEL exactly in every way but remove the redhat enterprise stuff so you don't have to pay for a license. These distros are Scientific Linux and CentOS. They're both fine to use for the desktop, i'd recommend going Scientific just a matter of personal preference.
  
  
• I typed the previous because of some encounters I've had with Windows admins who have been forced to learn the bare minumum of linux and hated it. They installed it on some ancient piece of crap computer or just on a virtual machine on Windows. They didn't have to rely upon it and therefore learned basically nothing. Linux isn't a toy for you to play with on the side, it's your primary computer now. I cannot stress enough how important this is if you are going to be successful. Sometimes things aren't going to work and you're going to have to figure it out.
  
  
• Go to IRC on Freenode when you have questions and can't find the answers from googling, there are general ##linux channels but there are also ones more specific to your distro like #centos or what you are trying to accomplish like #bash or #nginx
  
  
• From your linux laptop set up VM's there for your research. you can use virtualbox for a straight VM or it would be much more career relevant to learn how to use docker. You can also get a small number of free AWS machines in their free teir program.
  
  
• Your goal is to obtain an RHCE. Red Hat Certified Engineer. As a prerequisite, you will need an RHCSA, a Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator.
  
  
• It seems that now even every linux bash command has a video for it on youtube. There's a ton of resources on youtube now for linux training. Utilize them.
  
  Books
  
  
  • Red Hat RHCSA/RHCE 7 Cert Guide: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (EX200 and EX300)
    
    
  • How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know
    
    
  • Classic Bash Scripting
    
    Start drilling yourself. There's another less impressive certification called the LPIC which has three tests, there's sample tests all over the web for free, i recommend taking them often and when you don't get a question correct go into your VM and use what you were asked
    
    
• With linux you have the ability to, for free, set up any number of web servers, databases, authentication services, filesystems and security features. The only way you are going to learn is by doing, check out this post which is basically an outline of setting up every major system for an enterprise environment running 100% on linux. You could build up an entire company's infrasructure by learning how to do this, with no software licensing costs whatsoever.
  
  Pick a language, I recommend first getting really good at BASH then Python.
  
  Don't stay at jobs. We get raises by moving to new companies. Your median stay should be about 18 months if it seems like you've topped out. Don't be afraid to GTFO of Florida. I stayed close to home for too long and wasted a lot of time limiting myself in the Midwest. If you are able to relocate and have an RHCE i guarantee your salary will double in 3 years. DOUBLE. And it will keep increasing. And you'll be working on way more interesting stuff.

The best way to learn is to use it as your primary system, and you'll learn as you have to solve problems. If you're looking to learn its recommended you use something that isn't going to abstract everything like Ubuntu or Linux Mint does, and use something such as Debian etc. (or if you're adventurous and really want to accelerate your learning, Gentoo or others) where you're a bit more involved with less hand holding.

Since you're also wanting to peruse it for purposes of future career options, depending upon your location (NA or Europe) you'll see quite a bit of value from Red Hat certs if you're located in North America. For this there's a lot of reading you can do, but generally the recommendations come down to Jang or Sander books. The current RHEL OS is release 7, and the certification follows that so you'll have to make sure you're using up to date information for reasons of release specific changes (systemd as an example).

Additionally you'll want to make use of Administration guides and the official documentation. This will help you learn to use and administrate systems, but if you're looking to understand things on a lower level there are wonderful books such as How Linux Works to really understand what's going on underneath and help tie things together a bit.

At some point after you're familiar with Linux and you've been using it for a while comfortably you'll want to start learning BASH. Having a good handle on the command line with help with picking up BASH as you use the same commands strung together along with logic structures, error checking, and whatnot to accomplish the tasks you're trying to do. At least some BASH is recommended due to the power of it, and how all distros have a version of the bash shell so provided your script is built portable enough you'll be able to script tasks across systems.

This wiki links to a lot of valuable material, you'll want to go through it in conjunction with a guide such as this. As usual solving problems is a great way to learn, so if you give yourself a project to script and figure it out along the way is great.

Best of luck, this'll keep you busy for a while

Many people may disagree with me, but as a Linux user on the younger side of the spectrum, I have to say there was one thing that really worked for me to finally switch for good- books.

There's tons of wikis and forums and of course Reddit to ask questions, but it is hard to get good answers. You may end up paying for books (unless you look on the internet for books) but it doesn't beat having a hard copy in front of you. It boils down to a time vs money trade off. The only wiki I would follow is one directly from the developers that act as documentation, not a community wiki. Also worth nothing certain wikis are more tied to linux and the kernel than others, meaning some are comparable/interchangable with the distro you may be using. Still, a novice would not easily put this together.

Forums are also useless unless you have the configuration mentioned in the post or that forum curates tutorials from a specific build they showcase and you as a user decided to build your system to their specifications. There's way too many variables trying to follow online guides, some of which may be out of date.

This i've realized is very true with things like Iommu grouping and PCI Passthrough for kernel based virtual machines. At that point you start modifying in your root directory, things like your kernel booting parameters and what drivers or hardware you're gonna bind or unbind from your system. While that does boil down to having the right hardware, you have to know what you're digging into your kernel for if you dont follow a guide with the same exact parts that are being passthrough or the cpus or chipsets are different.

Books are especially handy when you have a borked system, like you're in a bash prompt or an initramfs prompt or grub and need to get into a bootable part of the system. Linux takes practice. Sometimes its easier to page through a book than to search through forums.

Another thing about being an intermediate or expert Linux user is that you don't care much about distros or what other users or communities do. It wont matter as under the hood it's all the same, spare the desktop and the package managers. Once you're out of that mentality you just care about getting whatever you want done. I'm not one of those guys that's super gung-ho FOSS and open source. I just use what gets the job done. Also from a security perspective, yes Linux is in theory MORE secure but anything can be hardened or left vulnerable. It's more configuration tied than many uses and forums or threads lead it on to be.

My workload involves talking to servers and quite a bit of programming and scripting, in a variety of capacities. That's what led me to linux over the competitors, but I'm not so prudent to never ever want to use the competitor again or have a computer with it. With understanding Linux more, I use it more as a tool than to be part of the philosophy or community, though that enthusiasm pushes for new developments in the kernel.

I'm assuming you're a novice but comfortable enough in linux to get through certain things:

In any computer related thing, always TEST a deployment or feature first- From your linux system, use KVM or Virtualbox/vmware to spin up a few linux VMs, could even be a copy of your current image. This way any tweaks or things you want to test or try out is in an environment you can start over in.

The quickest way to "intermediate-expert" Linux IMO is learning system administration.

My go to book for this is "The Unix and Linux System Administration Handbook 5th edition"

https://www.amazon.com/UNIX-Linux-System-Administration-Handbook/dp/0134277554/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Unix+and+Linux+System+Administration+Handbook+5th+edition&qid=1564448656&s=books&sr=1-1

This edition is updated recently to cover newer kernel features such as could environments and virtualization. This book also helps when learning BSD based stuff such as MacOS or FreeBSD.

Another good read for a "quick and dirty" understanding of Linux is "Linux Basics for Hackers" It does focus on a very niche distro and talks about tools that are not on all Linux systems BUT it does a good concise overview of intermediate things related to Linux (despite being called a beginners book).

https://www.amazon.com/Linux-Basics-Hackers-Networking-Scripting/dp/1593278551/ref=sr_1_3?crid=396AV036T1Y0Q&keywords=linux+basics+for+hackers&qid=1564448845&s=books&sprefix=linux+bas%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-3

There's also "How Linux works" but I cannot vouch for this book from personal use, I see it posted across various threads often. Never read this particular one myself.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Linux-Works-2nd-Superuser/dp/1593275676/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/137-6604082-4373447?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1593275676&pd_rd_r=feffef24-d3c3-400d-a807-24d8fa39cd1e&pd_rd_w=8GX0o&pd_rd_wg=3AMRB&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=WBQKPADCVSABMCMSRRA1&psc=1&refRID=WBQKPADCVSABMCMSRRA1

​

If you want a more programming oriented approach, if you're confortable with the C language, then you can always look at these books:

The Linux Programming Interface

https://www.amazon.com/Linux-Programming-Interface-System-Handbook/dp/1593272200/ref=zg_bs_3866_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5YN3316W22YQ4TSMM967

Unix Network Programming VOL 1.

https://www.amazon.com/Unix-Network-Programming-Sockets-Networking/dp/0131411551/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Unix+Network+Programming+VOL+1.&qid=1564448362&s=books&sr=1-1

Advanced Programming in the Unix Environment

https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Programming-UNIX-Environment-3rd/dp/0321637739/ref=zg_bs_3866_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5YN3316W22YQ4TSMM967

These books would take you to understanding the kernel level processes and make your own and modify your own system.

As many have mentioned, you can go into these things with "Linux from scratch" but it's also feasible to do Linux from scratch by copy/pasting commands. Unless you tinker and fail at certain things (hence do it on a vm before doing it to the main system) you won't learn properly. I think the sysadmin approach is "safer" of the two options but to each their own.

TAOCP is too hard: its like one of those fantasy wishlist items: the kind of thing every computer scientist wishes they had read but never really has the time to. Some nicer books that are gold standards in their respective fields are:

CLRS (Algorithms)

SICP (Just see the top two amazon reviews)

Kernighan and Ritchie (if you want to be a pretty accomplished C programmer and have little to no real C experience before)

Since you mentioned security, Ross Anderson's Security Engineering is a fantastic read, and very easy to parse: you could read it through in less than a week and have a deeply changed view of the structural issues in security: there is little crypto in the book (for that, Schneier is the gold standard) but more discussion about protocols, where protocols fail, real-world protocols like the military classification scheme, etc. It is absolutely fantastic. If you read this and Schneier you'd have a very thorough understanding of the entire security stack.

Kleinberg and Tardos is a much easier read than CLRS when it comes to algorithms, doesn't cover as much, and is very graceful in its explanations. Personally, I love it.

The tangled web is great. I haven't finished it yet but what I've read so far is pretty insightful stuff. Security Engineering: http://www.amazon.com/Security-Engineering-Building-Dependable-Distributed/dp/0470068523/ref=dp_ob_title_bk : probably one of the better titles for security as a whole. I like to think phrack might also be a great resource but it's pretty dated material. Really you'll be learning so much just picking apart existing shit, crashing stuff, making love to your debugger, and just enjoying the shit out of yourself.. books will come secondary but they're still important. :-) Goodluck have fun!

Depending on your level of knowledge:

Networking

Brocade IP Primer I haven't read it myself, but some guys around these parts that I have a lot of respect for recommend it highly for beginners.

CCENT Offical Cert Guide Good next step after above and gets you the CCENT cert which is half the ccna if you pass the test.

CCNA Official Cert Guide Next step after CCENT, gets you CCNA obviously if you pass the test.

If you need to know some basic wireless, I highly recommend the CWTS by CWNP. It is meant more as marketing/sales, but honestly its a really good entry into wifi. You can always follow it up with the CWNA after.

And an always favorite, the network warrior. This book really brings it all together for doing day-to-day networking for a ccna level. I haven't read all of it, but the majority I did read really clarified what I the CCNA brushed over.

As far as Microsoft and other tech's, I highly recommend getting your hands on CBT Nuggets (Yeah, its a bit expensive ~$1000 / year) and just start devouring as much as you can. Watch two or three shows a night? Sub one of them for a CBT nuggets vid. Just devour a few books and some vids and do your best to lab (either in vmware or with gear) and you'll be off to a really great start.

On a political level at work, I'd be fighting for some training (again cbtnuggets or the like) saying, hey tech is always moving forward and you need it to keep up and benefit the company. If you stay hungry you'll do just fine :)

Here is a "curriculum" of sorts I would suggest, as it's fairly close to how I learned:

1. Programming. Definitely learn "C" first as all of the Exploitation and Assembly courses below assume you know C: The bible is pretty much Dennis Richie and Kernighan's "The C Programming Language", and here is the .pdf (this book is from 1988, I don't think anyone would mind). I actually prefer Kochan's book "Programming in C" which is very beginner freindly and was written in 2004 rather than 1988 making the language a little more "up to date" and accessible. There are plenty of "C Programming" tutorials on YouTube that you can use in conjunction with either of the aforementioned books as well. After learning C than you can try out some other languages. I personally suggest Python as it is very beginner friendly and is well documented. Ruby isn't a bad choice either.
   
   
2. Architecture and Computer basics:
   Generally you'll probably want to look into IA-32 and the best starting point is the Intel Architecture manual itself, the .pdf can be found here (pdf link).
   Because of the depth of that .pdf I would suggest using it mainly as a reference guide while studying "Computer Systems: A Programmers Perspective" and "Secrets of Reverse Engineering".
   
   
3. Operating Systems: Choose which you want to dig into: Linux or Windows, and put the effort into one of them, you can come back to the other later. I would probably suggest Linux unless you are planning on specializing in Malware Analysis, in which case I would suggest Windows. Linux: No Starch's "How Linux Works" is a great beginner resource as is their "Linux Command Line" book. I would also check out "Understanding the Linux Kernel" (that's a .pdf link). For Windows you can follow the Windows Programming wiki here or you can buy the book "Windows System Programming". The Windows Internals books are generally highly regarded, I didn't learn from them I use them more as a reference so I an't really speak to how well they would teach a "beginner".
   
   
4. Assembly: You can't do much better than OpenSecurityTraining's "Introductory Intel x86: Architecture, Assembly, Applications, & Alliteration" class lectures from Xeno Kovah, found here. The book "Secrets of Reverse Engineering" has a very beginner friendly introduction to Assembly as does "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation".
   
   
5. Exploitation: OpenSecurityTraining also has a great video series for Introduction to Exploits. "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation" is a really, really good book that is completely self-contained and will walk you through the basics of assembly. The author does introduce you to C and some basic principles of Linux but I would definitely suggest learning the basics of C and Linux command line first as his teaching style is pretty "hard and fast".
   
   
6. Specialized fields such as Cryptology and Malware Analysis.
   
   
   Of course if you just want to do "pentesting/vuln assessment" in which you rely more on toolsets (for example, Nmap>Nessus>Metasploit) structured around a methodology/framework than you may want to look into one of the PACKT books on Kali or backtrack, get familiar with the tools you will use such as Nmap and Wireshark, and learn basic Networking (a simple CompTIA Networking+ book will be a good enough start). I personally did not go this route nor would I recommend it as it generally shys away from the foundations and seems to me to be settling for becoming comfortable with tools that abstract you from the real "meat" of exploitation and all the things that make NetSec great, fun and challenging in the first place. But everyone is different and it's really more of a personal choice. (By the way, I'm not suggesting this is "lame" or anything, it was just not for me.)
   
   *edited a name out
   
   
   
   
   
   

Let's go at this in an order that I feel is appropriate:

Frames Per Second (FPS) are how many frames of an image that is being loaded, rendered, and output to the screen at a given time, specifically seconds. A number, which for most computers and applications is around 1-100+, represent the amount of frames that were loaded in the current second. More things to render means that it will take more power from the graphics processor (GPU) to load the image in front of you. More particles, more 3D objects, and even more moving "entities" and "objects" can create difficulty on the GPU. Adversely, if the GPU is too powerful, and your graphics are too low, it will overcompensate and take longer to create frames, resulting in a choppier/"laggy" screen.

FPS is basically summarized as, "how smooth the video is run." 60fps is always optimal.

In short, Comparing CPUs/GPUs is simply comparing numbers. They both have a "clock speed" measured in Hertz (typically Gigahertz). A CPU is best represented through Clock Speed, Cores, Hyperthreading (Threads), and performance, the last is best measured through real performance tests viewable on most websites. cpuboss.com is one such way to determine the stats and comparison between two CPU chips, and rough estimates for benchmarks.

Graphics Cards (GPUs) are a little crazier. They're measured best by their clock speed, Floating Point Operations Per Second (GFLOPS), Rendering Processors, and RAM. Yes, GPUs have their own RAM. They eat it like spaghetti. Gpucheck has a fairly comprehensive comparison list based on average framerates (FPS) for each card. Obviously, more is better.

It's also good to note that there are Server cards, or Workstation cards, that are usually modified versions of existing consumer graphics cards for certain kinds of performance. In most instances they're much more expensive because of their optimization, but not much else.

Overclocking is the art of pushing the technology to their limit. I don't know too much about it personally due to some of my own concerns.

Linus Tech Tips also has many videos on Comparisons and Build guides, and overclock guides. I'd recommend him first and foremost due to the in-depth level he and his crew ensure for content. Just search on their page "Overclock" and there's a few full-fledged guides.

Everything else is best learned by actually looking it up and having real-world examples. The best place to find just about all of that information is the CompTIA A+ books. The one authored by Mike Meyers is a popular choice. You don't have to take the test accompanied with it, but the book is full of everything you might have questions about, and considered must-know for most techs. I have the Exam Cram variant, and it has everything in the aforementioned copy in a more textbook-like style.

Hope this helped!

In my opinion; every book in this bundle is a bag of shit.

Here's a list of reputable books, again in my opinion (All links are Non-Affiliate Links):

Web Hacking:

The Web Hackers Handbook (Link)

Infrastructure:

Network Security Assessment (Link)

Please Note: The examples in the book are dated (even though it's been updated to v3), but this book is the best for learning Infrastructure Testing Methodology.

General:

Hacking: The Art of Exploitation (Link)

Grey Hat Hacking (Link)

Linux:

Hacking Exposed: Linux (I don't have a link to a specific book as there are many editions / revisions for this book. Please read the reviews for the edition you want to purchase)

Metasploit:

I recommend the online course "Metaspliot Unleashed" (Link) as opposed to buying the book (Link).

Nmap:

The man pages. The book (Link) is a great reference and looks great on the bookshelf. The reality is, using Nmap is like baking a cake. There are too many variables involved in running the perfect portscan, every environment is different and as such will require tweaking to run efficiently.

Malware Analysis:

Practical Malware Analysis (Link)

The book is old, but the methodology is rock solid.

Programming / Scripting:

Python: Automate the Boring Stuff (Link)

Hope that helps.

Step 1. Go for the CCENT. It's like half a CCNA, focusing on the basics of networking. The Lammle book is pretty good.
Go to Pearson Vue to register for the test and find a testing center near you.

Step 2. After you have the CCENT, you might be looking at some entry level support jobs. Maybe add A+ and Net+ (pretty straight forward CompTIA certs) and you'd definitely be in the range for a desktop support position.

Step 3. Go for the CCNA. At this point you just have to take the ICND2 exam since you already have the CCENT. Get Packet Tracer, it's a network emulator designed by Cisco specifically for CCNA study.

Step 4. With a CCNA and maybe 6 months of experience in desktop support you might be able to start looking at network support positions. Look at some of the recruiting firms - TEKsystems, Apex Systems etc. Usually it's easier to get a position as a contractor since it's easier for the host company to get rid of you if it doesn't work out and they don't have to worry about benefits or your rights etc. It kinda sucks in some respects, but it's a great way to build a resume and get to know some people.

At this point, you can start to specialize. Maybe go for the CCNA Security if you're into that or go straight for the CCNP. It's a great industry, always stuff to learn, valuable skill set.

If you've looked into it online, you know it's not the easiest subject to just explain in a comment. If you're learning subnetting, you may as well take the ICND1 exam and get CCENT certified.

Chapter 12 of Book 1 in this set honestly did the best job of any resource I found.

In a nutshell, focus on the binary math - it's longer and more tedious, but helps get the point of it across. Once you have that down, learn how to convert back to dotted decimal very quickly. There are tricks that you'll learn, like subtracting the value of the subnetted octet of the mask from 256 to quickly figure out subnet size and range (for example, 256 - 192 = 64, subnet has 64 addresses - 2 = 62 valid addresses, network addresses at .0, .64, .128, and .192 in that octet). Expect to need or use multiple sources to ensure you have it down. Be sure that you can do Class A and B addresses as easily as you can Class C.

Use http://www.subnettingquestions.com/ to practice until you're able to do the questions in about 10 seconds. You can consider yourself able to subnet at that point. Good luck, feel free to PM me with any specific questions you have.

FSX is a brilliant sim despite what some users of other sims might say. I use all three main sims and FSX is still up there with the best because of the upgrade options and back catalogue of freeware.

It’s particularly good for learning because of the excellent learning center stuff included - both written descriptions and lessons. The lessons themselves can become a bit annoying later on because of the very fussy tolerance standards, and because of a few bugs.

If you really want to get deeper into flight sim learning get this book below - and fly the lessons that you can download for use with the book. This book takes you from the basics to advanced flying using charts and landing systems. These lessons will help you in any sim you fly with in the future, as it teaches about flying rather than FSX. The kind of stuff you might see other people doing and wonder how you learn that. The answers and step by step instructions are here below - and available used for a few dollars/pounds on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Pilots-Training/dp/0764588222/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1543150152&sr=8-10&keywords=fsx+flight+simulator+x

Also would recommend the Angle of Attack free video series to fly along with.

https://www.flyaoamedia.com/aviator-90/

If you want to see FSX upgraded download the free Orbx Pacific Northwest demo. The process is sign in / add the free products / and download the FTX central scenery manager to install. You will also see loads of other demos/freeware in there.

https://orbxdirect.com/demos

Add to that PNW demo the freeware airport KHQM - and take a flight from KHQM and head north to the mountains. You will see a massive difference. (As long as you have followed the scenery recommended settings from the guide in central)

https://orbxdirect.com/product/khqm

With this type of scenery FSX looks like a completely different sim.

Great News! I passed my exam yesterday! The materials I used to study was Mike Myers CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Book 1001 & 1002 textbook, Professor Messer Youtube Videos (1001 series videos), Mike Myers Total Seminars Training, and I am currently attend college for my IT associate degree. I took notes as I read Mike Myers books, Mike gives you exam tips which is very helpful. I also took notes while watching professor messer videos on YouTube. The day of the test I was nervous, my testing location was strict I had to take out any items in pocket and take item like my wrist watch off and leave it in the locker. Every topic you learn will help you but the exam is very heavy on troubleshooting. I had a total of 78 questions. Surprisingly not one printer question was asked expect connection issues. My advice to anyone is to read the text book watch the videos but be perpare that the questions the exam ask is all troubleshooting. Read the questions carefully and re-read if you must. Flag questions you are not sure about and come back to them later. I save the simulation questions for last. I wanted to get the rest of the questions out of the way first. Get hands on experience on the information the text book and videos teaches you. Remember K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) when thinking of chosing the correct answer.

That's my take on the exam. I plan to use the same study strategies for my 1002 exam. Good luck and keep a positive mind and you will do fine!

Study Materials Link:

(Mike Myers Textbook)

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Guide-220-1001-220-1002/dp/1260454037/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mike+myers+1001&qid=1565728603&s=gateway&sr=8-1

(Professor Messer Videos)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS9MJjNK6gA&list=PLG49S3nxzAnlGHY8ObL8DiyP3AIu9vd3K

In my opinion, the best place to start would be to pick up a CompTIA A+ book. I believe the most current versions are the 901&902 (included in a single book).

This is where I started before getting into the IT field. It may be a little overwhelming at first, but this book will do a great job covering a lot of the fundamentals and logic in computing.

Also if your boyfriend feels comfortable after reading this book, he can take the certification test. An A+ certificate looks great when looking for an internship or entry level IT job.

Best of luck!

The CCNA one is in very high demand. I took part in a lecture held by Todd Lammle at Birmingham City University a few months ago. He basically said the best jobs to get into right now are communications, virtualization and web aplication development. It's kind of obvious really considering the trend towards cloud computing, on demand services and most importantly converged networks.

If you want to do the CCNA I would recommend skipping CompTIA N+ all together. But be warned CCNA is not something you can jump into that easily. From my experience, which isn't that much but it is a little, best books for the CCNA are the ICND1, ICND2 and Todd Lammle's CCNA Study Guide. I strongly recommend taking a course for the CCNA as the practice is not easily achieved at home (lack of equipment unless you have money to spend on second hand cisco routers, switches, cables, etc.).

Other than that, best of luck!

As for the Microsoft ones... meh, a book and a few virtual machines should get you sorted.

I realize this is an old post, but I figured I would add my two cents in:

If you have no Linux Knowledge, I would recommend these two books:
http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Unix-Linux-John-Muster/dp/0072226951

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Linux-Manual-Student-Edition/dp/0072226943/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y

I would also recommend getting a book on windows server:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Microsoft-Windows-Server-2008/dp/0470532866

After going over those you should have a fundamental understanding of Unix/Linux

Then I would recommend this if you need to brush up on your basic networking knowlege:

http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Network-Deluxe-Recommended-Courseware/dp/111813754X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369292584&sr=1-1&keywords=network+%2B+delux+guide

Some security theory wouldn't hurt: I'd recommend these in no particular order:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Basics-Information-Security-Understanding/dp/1597496537/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_7_FHWA

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597496154/ref=s9_simh_se_p14_d0_i6?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-no-results-center-1&pf_rd_r=6289C56ED33B4C108B60&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1263465782&pf_rd_i=itia2300

And now we actually start getting into penetration testing:

http://www.amazon.com/Metasploit-The-Penetration-Testers-Guide/dp/159327288X/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_3_FHWA

http://www.amazon.com/The-Basics-Digital-Forensics-Getting/dp/1597496618/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_6_FHWA

http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Penetration-Testing-Highly-Secured-Environments/dp/1849517746/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_8_FHWA

http://www.amazon.com/Nmap-Network-Scanning-Official-Discovery/dp/0979958717/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_10_FHWA



Full disclosure: I have used all these books in my studies. I am not affiliated in any way with these authors, this also isn't something you can just "master" in 24 hours; you may however learn a few cool tricks early. My advice would be to keep at it, not only read these books, but setup Virtual environments to test these concepts in.

Those books I listed should give you a fundamental understanding of: Linux, Windows server, Networking, Information security theory, computer forensics, and basic penetration testing.

I would also recommend you take up a scripting language, Python is pretty simple to learn if you haven't already, and insanely powerful in the right hands.

Oh, one thing I forgot. NEVER EVER EVER run Kali linux as your primary distribution, setup a duel-boot and use something like Debian as your "casual" computer, and then souly use Kali or backtrack as your "Network security distro"

Ninja edited by myself

Alright. I grabbed this book (Link) and it seems to come with a network simulator on the training DVD. As for experience with networking I don't have too much professional experience but I have lots of experience working with ISPs and telecomms as tech support and sales so I know more than average about most networking equipment and troubleshooting as is, and a gentleman I spoke to up at the test center says that the experience from those positions is definitely an advantage. I was going to go for an A+ certification but then I learned that they make next to nothing and that networking sounds a whole lot more fun. I know I love to troubleshoot and fix my own network connectivity issues and have been able to tell my ISP where the problem was occurring on their network when calling in. Hopefully our city will be hiring soon and I can get a position there. There's a motion on the table right now to have the whole downtown area networked with wifi by 2015 so hopefully that's good.

This book is designed specifically for the test. It covers everything on the test, and some things that aren't specifically on it but may help for other questions.

It also comes with practice test software that is very useful.

The test goes well beyond writing queries.

Be prepared for (not meant to be comprehensive):

• UDFs,
  
• window functions,
  
• defining and modifying tables and views,
  
• best use of data types,
  
• pivots
  
• using XML data
  
• CTEs
  
• creating and modifying triggers, stored procs
  
  Good luck!

I recently got my RHCSA back in February and I used the video series by Sander Van Vugt. He also has a book

I haven't used the book, but almost exclusively used Sander's videos (which are available on some....seedy websites? I think they're also available through Pearson). Also, Linux Academy has a similar video series that you can try for 7 days free.

Another useful free video source is the RHCSA Tip of the Week series on Youtube.

In terms of recommendation for studying, you NEED to be running CentOS VMs. You can use actual RHEL servers and signup for a free license as a dev, but CentOS is identical for the purposes of the RHCSA. Everything on the RHCSA Objective Page has a chance of being on the exam. You need to basically be able to step through each of the objectives by memory. This also isn't a written test, but performance based. So they wouldn't ask you how to do something, they would tell you do perform the action in a VM.

Also, learn the man, apropos, grep and find commands intimately and your life will be infinitely easier on the exam. The better you are at bash, the more time you can shave off tasks.

Let me start by telling you that InfoSec jobs are in-demand now more than ever and that's not likely to change as more and more of the world are starting to use computers, computers continue advancing, etc. So, barring any sort of impending dark ages and assuming you're putting enough effort into your education and continuing education, you should be able to work your way up without too much trouble. Focus on getting your foot in the door and be professional.

 

Now then, I'm currently an Information Security Analyst in the US, so this information may be completely irrelevant to you out there in NZ. I initially only graduated with an Associate's (2-year) in Information Security & Computer Forensics. I managed to get my job before I had even graduated as I worked hard in school (a stressful amount, really) and knew how to conduct myself in a professional manner. They actually paid for my certifications, and a lot of companies out there will as well. Here's the tiered structure we followed - all InfoSec related certifications:

 

Within the first 6 months, we are sent to training to obtain our CompTIA Security+ certification. This is roughly a 1-hour, multiple choice test and you need at least an 80% to pass. I would recommend any of these three books to study from:

This is the book that my company had provided me to study from

This is the book my friend had given me. Both her and I studied from this and passed successfully

This is the book we are currently learning from in my Bachelor's program

Take your pick, they'll all achieve the same essentials, mostly. I am awful at studying and mainly just crammed the few topics I wasn't sure about in the night/morning before my test and passed with an 86%.

 

Next, we're sent to get our GSEC, which is the GIAC Security Essentials Certification. The Security+ focuses on several main topics and gets in-depth with the information, whereas GSEC covers a wide span of topics but doesn't get very in-depth. This test takes about 5 hours to complete also, compared to the 45 minutes that it took to take the Security+. It's important to note that the GSEC, while 5 hours long, is open-book. My company sent me to a training class that provided 6 different books to cover any topic on the GSEC, however you also need an index. The books themselves don't have a table-of-contents, so you need to make an index yourself that covers just about every topic on every page. In my case, a coworker sent me his that he had used, and it turns out it was out of date so not a single page was correct. Much to my own surprise, I passed with an 82% (the minimum passing score is 74%) so while the index/books are important - they're not completely necessary as long as you paid attention in your classes. It should also be noted that I did not actually study for this. Most of it was just common-sense stuff like "Which of the following does an Intrusion Prevention Device do?" and knowledge that I had obtained from school/work.

 

After GSEC is the GCIH, or, GIAC Certified Incident Handler. I haven't taken this yet, nor the next one, so I can't speak to their difficulty or process, but I've been told by other analysts it's roughly the same as GSEC, just different information and more hands-on like capture the flag runs.

 

Finally, after GCIH, we are sent to get our GCIA, or, GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst. Same with GCIH, I have not been sent to obtain this cert just yet, but I can only imagine it's somewhat similar to the last 2 as they follow GIAC's tiered structure.

 

So TLDR - as a current InfoSec Analyst - the recommended certs are Security+, GSEC, GCIH, and GCIA. There are many more certs out there, though, these are just the ones my company values currently.

 

Good luck!

I'd make sure I have a really solid understanding of systems and networks, e.g. how Linux works. This book seems like a great overview and I love No Starch Press. There's also this book which is used by Carnegie Mellon's introductory systems course, though that might be a bit too deep to dive into straight away, more like something that could be used if you want a deeper understanding of how systems work. You should have some familiarity with C just as foundational knowledge. The guy who wrote Learn Python The Hard Way also wrote an intro to C, Learn C the Hard Way. He's added a lot more material than the last time I checked (~Dec 2012) which looks like it covers a lot of topics so it would be great to work through it.

Some more technical books on this subject that are well regarded and can be used as reference books are Advanced Programming in the Unix Environment, Unix Network Programming, and The Linux Programming Interface

Also in addition to Python I'd also suggest learning some Ruby (Practical Object-Oriented Design in Ruby and Programming Ruby 1.9 & 2.0 are two resources I'd recommend), it's what Chef is/was implemented in and is fairly nice to work with.

Your most important starting step is to make sure that you have the foundational knowledge, at least at a conceptual level. I'm a big fan of books, so I would recommend a few to you.

Pick ONE of these. Exam is not necessary, but recommended:
Mike Meyers CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide
Todd Lammle's CCENT Study Guide - ICND1

Pick ONE of these. Pay attention to business terminology as well. Again, exam is not necessary, but recommended:
Mike Meyers CompTIA Security+ Certification - SY0-501
CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide
Darril Gibson SSCP All-in-One Exam Guide

100% read this. It's the Bible of Python scripting. Second edition is brand spanking new too:
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

This is a good all-around Penetration Testing book that teaches Linux too. You don't *have* to use Kali, Ubuntu is probably less intimidating to those new to Linux, but you will have to install your own software/packages. This is the only book on this list I haven't read, but I often see it recommended:
Penetration Testing: A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking

While you read these books, you should install some kind of Linux distro on a home computer and use it for practice. I would also recommend doing HackTheBox(first challenge is to hack the login page) and starting with the easy boxes. Do as much as you can on your own first, but if you get stuck, watch IppSec's YouTube walk-through for the box you are on. Might be a bit overwhelming until you get through most of the books on that list though.

You should also start looking towards either the eJPT/eCPPT, the OSCP, or GPEN at this point, as those are the best value certifications in this field and will hold a lot of weight at an interview. There's some stigma with certifications in IT/CS, but the ones I listed are all baseline knowledge and/or high value for those in this field. At the very least the knowledge will go far. But definitely avoid anything from EC-Council like the plague.

1. Get a cheap Saitek x52 used, it is more than enough for just starting out.
   
   
2. There is enough freeware of high quality that you could make an amazing and complex sim without paying a penny.
   
   
3. Tutorials are a good start, consider this:
   http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Pilots-Training/dp/0764588222
   
   If you finish that book, and it's lessons you will be super knowledgable.
   
   
4. Advice: stick with it, don't be afraid to ask questions; most simmers are very friendly and enjoy growing the hobby by stewarding a noobie.
   
   Also if you are able, take a discovery flight at your local airport, and see how things translate to the real world.
   
   Good Luck.

I am a wizard...er, I was. Literally had no life while studying/working.

The A+ was using this book though the current version when i was studying for it. Studied one chapter and took notes each day. On the weekend before the exam, reviewed the notes. Took the exam and passed. Read the second half of it and booked for the second exam, studied in the same manner.

Network+ I was already versed in the work through my job. Used this book and I didn't take notes on it at first. Read through it a second time (cover to cover both times, but over the course of a month). Felt fairly confident, but went through and really memorized port numbers (not as necessary as you would think), practiced IPv4 addressing, how to convert hex to decimal, and memorized the OSI model both ways. Took the exam and passed it.

Security+ IMO is easier than Net+. You already have some overlapping information. It's more terminology and what does what than port numbers like Net+ was. You will get questions like, X is not working on this network and you notice the following ports being blocked. Which one needs to be enabled to get X to work (or be blocked). My job offered something called CBT Nuggets which I watched on lunch breaks for the Security+ exam, and I read this book on my Kindle (which worked surprisingly well).

Flame suit on - I know Professor Messer gets a lot of praise, and I'm sure his videos are good. I dabbled in them however found inconsistencies or completely the opposite sometimes in his videos from what I found in books (not always). I didn't want to confuse myself, so I stopped using his videos. For all I know though, he's stating the correct thing, and the books are wrong. I just didn't want to get caught up on which one is correct. This was sometime ago, and nothing comes to mind now.

Personal recommendation, don't shoot for certifications with only Messer's videos and quick notes/questions. You might be able to pass the exam like that but more than likely you're going to be under prepared. Especially important for Network+ and Security+, as if something goes wrong it can cost a lot of money to the company. The in depth books are boring and will take a while, but it will teach you a lot more than studying the questions will.


Personally, when i study I use the 2-2-2 method. 2 Books, 2 Supplemental sources (Videos, tutorials, labs), and 2 Practice tests. Two books to make sure that if one author didn't cover a subject in detail well enough, or if I don't understand them, the other one mostly likely will cover it well enough. The other 2 would be other sources to learn from. I would watch videos on Wardriving, networking centers, data centers, etc. to get an idea of how everything looks in a real world deployment. Network+ won't teach you what to really expect to see in a MDF/IDF. CBTNuggets gets recommended a lot, but I usually use pluralsight. And 2 Practice exams, which I have to constantly get over 80% on them.


Todd Lammle's Network+ book is amazing, highly recommended


Mike Meyer's Book is also a good read.


As far as Security+ goes...


Favorite Security+ Material I've read. Super in depth and organizes topics very well.


Better than nothing for Sec+. After reading this book I did not review it again until right before the exam. Barely touches on a lot of subjects and missed quite a bit compared to the other book.

Ok you've decided to do it. here is my $.02

Checkout The Cisco Network academy and see if they have any locations near by. Generally they are done as adult school classes, or at community colleges. Its great training ( Cisco curriculum), led by certified instructors, for generally pennies on the dollar.

If that turns out to be not an option the self study books are the next best thing. Take your time, do all the DIKTA Q's (Do i know this already) and end of chapter review questions. Be honest with yourself if you get 1 out of 2 answers on a "choose the best two answers" type of question mark it wrong. As you read, and a concept isn't clear, keep going back until you get it. If you cant get it, us ask here, thats why we have this.

Protip: start taking multi vitamins , it helps with memory, retention, and focus. Keep taking them at least till you pass the test.

If you need anything else or you have any more questions please ask /r/ccna were here to help!

For good all-round coverage towards A+ and basic networking knowledge, work through this book, and then read through this book (whether you take the test(s) or not). You might be able to find older editions in a library. Those are also good, but be aware that you will then need to read a bunch of PC mags for several weeks or months to bring yourself up to date. Or maybe you can also bring yourself up to date with Wikipedia. The commercial aspect of magazines however gives you a good idea of what's currently on the market -- something which Wikipedia doesn't necessarily do. So I'd recommend either older editions of the books from a library, and then following that up with a hefty pile of PC mags + Wikipedia, or the most recent editions of those books and maybe just two or three PC mags and just checking the odd thing online. That should get you a decent foundation. As to whether you'll then subsequently want to progress to more advanced (vendor) certifications such as the ones mentioned by the parent poster (and which ones of those) -- that'll be something you'll be best equipped to decide once you get there.

best advice i can give is to start reading anything and everything you can get your hands on related to programming, operating systems, networking, security, etc......



a few books i'm reading/have read/on my list to read and all are excellent starting points:

BackTrack 4: Assuring Security by Penetration Testing (this book was just released and still relevant when using BackTrack5)

Metasploit: The Penetration Tester's Guide

Ninja Hacking: Unconventional Penetration Testing Tactics and Techniques

Nmap Network Scanning: The Official Nmap Project Guide to Network Discovery and Security Scanning

Gray Hat Hacking The Ethical Hackers Handbook, 3rd Edition



plenty of links to keep you busy for awhile:
Open Penetration Testing Bookmarks Collection

Probably the new versions of the exam-prep books will be published in January or February.

I took the beta version of the new exam during October, and I'm pretty confident that I passed it.

Some of my preparation steps were:

(0) I had one of my PCs that already had Ubuntu 18.04 on it, on which I could practice some commands (I later put CentOS 7 on that PC instead). You can also get pre-built VMs from osboxes.org which you can run in VirtualBox. Or you could download an ISO, burn that to a DVD-R, create an empty VM, and practice the installation process.

(1) I learned many commands and their command-line options from "Linux Pocket Guide - Essential Commands, 3rd edition" by Daniel Barrett published by O'Reilly. I had heard that the current CompTIA Linux+ exams want you to know many command-line options and what they do.

(2) I learned topics for the current version of the exam from "LPIC-1 Study Guide, 4th ed." by Christine Bresnahan and Richard Blum, published by Sybex. See also my post where I evaluated books to prepare for the current version of the exam.

(3) I downloaded the PDF with the beta exam objectives

(4) For some topic areas that are on the new exam and not on the current exam, I read the chapters in this book by Sander Van Vugt about the Red Hat certification exams to get a basic understanding of those topics and learn the main commands for those topics. I liked that book; it has short chapters and is written in an easy style.

(5) For some things listed on the beta exam objectives, I also looked at the 'man' pages and read the Wikipedia articles about those things.

(6) I had previously passed the Network+ exam, and I think my understanding of networking helped with some of the questions on the beta exam.

(7) I registered for a free account at LinuxAcademy.com, and one of the courses available at the free level was named "Git Quick Start" (or something like that), which helped me prepare for the Git-related questions on the beta exam.

Congratulations!! I started out using the Lammle book as well but also used the official Cisco books to make sure I had coverage for the blueprint items the Lammle book didn't cover (I studied before the current version was released). Make sure to keep the ICND2 blueprint in mind while you study, you'll do great!! :)

Oracle has a certification center that explains most of it, but it seems that the wikipedia article is quite good. The certification center can be found by selecting a country here.

In a nutshell you get a book such as this one and study it hard. This one is for Java 6. I'm uncertain if they have one for Java 7 (check the publisher's site).

You can take mock tests for free such as Java ranch's great free tests or use a professional one. I haven't paid for mock tests, but I have heard that Whiz lab's tests are good and close to the real thing.

Most of the reading material is aimed at the Java 6 test since the Java 7 one is very new, but that won't be a big problem. You can easily just learn the new things from 7 in addition to your book (it isn't that much of a difference in the context of this test). I took the Java 6 test using a Java 5 book and some additional reading.
It is also still possible to take the Java 6 test afaik. It might even be cheaper.

Buy a voucher for a test and when you are ready (make sure you are) you can take the test in one of their many test centers.

Edit: I'm uncertain, but you should check if you need to take the Associate test first. It's a very easy test, but sadly it costs money.

Personally, I really enjoyed:

Unix Network Programming : The Sockets Networking API


It is dated and all code samples are in raw C. However, I really enjoyed it because it was a great mix between the theory of TCP/IP and the concrete usage of it. Our data communications teacher recommended it highly, so I got it from Abebooks.ca for $5~. Probably the best $5 I ever spent. The issue though is it is dated, so although reading it will help your knowledge and C, copy-pasting code snippets will likely not work out of the box. That being said, going along with it that way was probably for the best, because it meant I had to understand and recreate what he was showing, proving I actually learned it, instead of effectively rewriting his code word for word in autopilot mode.

He is also the author of TCP/IP illustrated, which /u/bobo333 recommends. I haven't read it, but considering it's the same topic by the same author, I'm assuming it would be just as good as well.

I took some time to search a bit so I could give you a proper answer. I took the 901 and the 902 so I was sort of unaware of what's working for people for the new 1001 and 1002.

The ones I found that seemed solid are right here:

This is the cheap option. It's been recommended highly by quite a few people and seems to work for others.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1260454037/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AyWCDbFBQH7J7

The more expensive option is the updated version of the book I used. Don't be pushed away by the bad reviews, as the ones on here are irrelevant to the actual material covered in the book. (Take a peek at them for yourself if you'd like.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0357108299/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kNWCDbX20B2NH

I also highly recommend looking at free resources like certblaster.com
They have free exam notes which are incredibly useful and will help with studying and explaining things you dont understand.

Also check out Professor Messer's YouTube channel and watch the 1001 and 1002 exam training course. It's free and without a doubt some of the best videos out there for this cert.

I highly recommend using Sander Van Vugt's RHCSA/RHCE 7 book. I passed both exams from start of reading page 1 to passing 2mo on each. His book is comprehensive and covers the whole gambit of both exams. But, it doesn't hurt to seek more sources of information.

https://www.amazon.com/RHCSA-RHCE-Cert-Guide-Certification/dp/0789754053/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sander+van+vugt+rhcsa&tag=hotogobr-20&qid=1561254657&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Set yourself up on VirtualBox ( https://www.virtualbox.org/ ). Create a bridged network to make networking easy. Make sure you sign up for a RH developer account and get the free 1 yr subscription (can renew each year) for a copy of RHEL. While CentOS is binary-compatible, I've run into some oddities with configurations and such while studying for the exams. Practice practice practice. Break things (it's only a lab VM!).

You're probably going to want to setup multiple VMs (at least 2) to toy around with things like SSH, pubkeys, SCP, Samba, NFS, and other network services. If you plan to go on to RHCE, you'll definitely want to setup a FreeIPA VM for LDAP and Kerberos-related stuff. Even the RHCSA touches on connecting a client to an LDAP authentication service.

I'm sort of in the same boat as you, except with an aero and physics background rather than EE. My approach has been pretty similar to yours--I found the textbooks used by my alma mater, compared to texts recommended by MIT OCW and some other universities, looked at a few lists of recommended texts, and looked through similar questions on Reddit. I found most areas have multiple good texts, and also spent some time deciding which ones looked more applicable to me. That said, I'm admittedly someone who rather enjoys and learns well from textbooks compared to lectures, and that's not the case for everyone.

Here's what I gathered. If any more knowledgeable CS guys have suggestions/corrections, please let me know.

• Intro-ish: Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs by Abelson & Sussman
  
• Math: Mathematics for Computer Science by Lehman et al.
  
• Computer Architecture: Computer Systems A Programmer's Perspective by Bryant & O'Hallaron
  
• Algorithms: Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen et al.
  
• Programming Languages: Programming Language Pragmatics by Scott
  
• Computational Theory: Introduction to the Theory of Computation by Sipser
  
• Operating Systems: Modern Operating Systems by Tanenbaum & Bos
  
• Networks: Computer Networks by Tanenbaum
  
• Compilers: Compilers by Aho et al.
  
• Security: Security Engineering by Anderson
  
• Type Theory: Types and Programming Languages by Pierce
  
• AI: Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach by Russell & Norvig
  
  Full disclosure: I haven't actually read more than the preface of any of those books. Software engineering topics are more directly applicable to me than CS topics right now, so here are some that I've actually started reading:
  
  
• The Pragmatic Programmer by Hunt & Thomas
  
• Clean Code by Martin
  
• Code Complete by McConnell
  
• Design Patterns by Gamma et al.

Yeah, job-title wise, things were similar. My background is a bit more technical, I did get a degree related to databases, and by the time I was interviewing other places I had passed both the 70-461 and 70-462 MS certificate tests. Certificates are definitely useful, mostly because you will be more confident in answering interview questions.

If you do want to do a cert, I would highly recommend the 70-461 test. The book is really good for that one, and it will set you apart from lots of others in your experience range. You could start by asking your boss if he would pay for the book (https://www.amazon.com/Training-70-461-Querying-Microsoft-Server/dp/0735666059). It will take some time to study it to be ready for the test. I think you should be able to get a new job without having passed the test. From my experience, not too many employers know about/are impressed by me having the 70-461 completed. But they are impressed by the amount of knowledge I have about databases, most of which came from that book.

Start studying, but really, networking is going to be very very valuable. You made it to the final round of interviews, imagine if a buddy was telling them that they HAVE to hire you? You would probably be a shoe-in. How does your network look on LinkedIn right now?

I worked in hospitality for almost 7 years, I've always been "good" with computers as far as trouble shooting goes (making sure connections are seated, power cycling, diagnosing small networking or connection problems) but I had lost my job and my husband suggested I get into the technology field. I did have a general interest in technology and gadgets, stuff like that, so I looked into CompTIA. I had NO formal experience with working with computers but I dedicated myself to "mastering" a chapter a day, and if I didn't I'd continue with it the next day. My studying looked a bit like this:

Materials Used:

CompTIA A+ Exam Cram

Throughout the chapter there are practice quizzes, I would read until I came to the quiz and take it, if I passed (answered 80% of the quiz questions right) I'd keep reading, if not I'd re-read the previous info and taking note of the things that I missed.

The book also comes with a practice exam (and an exam coupon!) and let's say my chapter had two quizzes and a total of 20 questions, you can set the parameters of the practice exam to ask a certain number of questions, so I'd put 20 and take the exam without referencing the book. If I passed I'd move onto the next chapter. I'd keep adding the number of exam questions as I took the quizzes in the study book.

Professor Messer exam videos

These are extremely through and up to date, I would hug this man if I could. Along with reading a chapter a day I'd watch at least 10 of his videos a day. For the most part this method followed along at the same pace as the info I was reading in the books.

Get an older computer from somewhere, this was a great resource that I used to take apart and actually examine the actual parts of the computer being reference in my studies. I would take apart all the components, label them, and put them back together. (Then strip the labels off and do this again.)

Also trying to help out where you can, if feasible, at your current job or talking to other professionals that you work with. You can do this.

With the way I studied I was confident enough after three and a half months to take the exam. Took and passed both on the same day and got an entry level job three months after that. Don't be afraid to start from the bottom, I've been in my position for almost a year and (clearly) I learn something new everyday.

-On mobile so there may be errors

Depends what you want to do.

A CCNA is a networking certification which will involve building a solid understanding of all fundamentals (and even some trickier areas) of networking only. Computer science is the study of how computers are used in the world around you, and networking is really just one small piece of that.

If you'd like to start a career in systems administration and networking, go get yourself the CCNA and then a Microsoft cert that interests you. Buy the CCNA books here: http://www.amazon.com/CCENT-ICND1-640-822-Official-Edition/dp/1587204258/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XTT3GRD3TCRMTQQTV3N

DO THE LABS AND TESTS!

You can also sign up for CCNA classes at any on-line class from any community college. This shouldn't take you more than a few months. If you're going super slow, maybe 6 months.

After you've got that down, look into the Microsoft side of things here:
https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/certification-overview.aspx
The new MCSE will get you far and I highly recommend digging into ANYTHING you can that's cloud and virtualization related, because 10 years from now everything helpdesk level is going to be handled my machines.

If you want to do actual computer science, there are great careers to be had but you should consider what you want to do with a computer science degree before you jump down that path. Check out the curriculums at local colleges to see what interests you. Here's the spring semester at U-Mass Amherst for example:
https://www.cs.umass.edu/ugrad-education/spring-15-course-schedule

Good luck!

• Malware Analyst's CookBook is pretty good, lots of examples of techniques with example code.
  
• The Rootkit Arsenal is also supposedly really good.
  
• The Shellcoders Handbook (2nd edition) will help you get up to speed with mainstream exploitation techniques.
  
• Linux Kernel Development is a short read and describes the architecture of the Linux Kernel. Also explains many basic Operating System concepts.
  
• UNIX Network Programming, Volume 1: The Sockets Networking API (3rd Edition) introduced IP/IPv6/IPSec/TCP/UDP/SCTP as well as the POSIX Socket API.
  
• Cannot stress this enough, pickup your choice of a C/C++/Java/C#/Python/Ruby/etc book. Having a solid understanding of a programming language will make life much easier.

Todd Lammle is the go to author for Cisco study guides. Whatever books you purchase, make sure it is for the 100-105 exam, which is the current version. You'll find some stuff for 100-100 exam, but that's the old test and it may be missing some information. Here's a good book to read I found on Amazon.

It wouldn't hurt to read the Net+ stuff too, since it will reinforce some of the stuff you'll read on CCENT and may contain some different information, but if you're studying for CCENT, focus on CCENT books.

Lynda.com has some good Cisco certification training videos on it, and you may be able to get free access. Check with your local public library. I am able to log into the lynda.com site using my library card number and access everything for free.

When I took the CCENT, about 2.5 years ago, I used the videos on Career Academy. I ended up using it because I got a Groupon for a cheap year's subscription. Those videos, mixed with using Packet Tracer for labs, got me through the exam with a high 90's score. YMMV, since I already had around 15 years of experience when I took the test, so I knew a lot of the information already.

The Design of the UNIX Operating System

• It's an old book but is really a must read for anyone getting into unix systems administration.
  
  Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment
  
  Unix Network Programming, Volume 1: The Sockets Networking API
  
  Sams Teach Yourself C for Linux Programming in 21 Days
  
  
• That last one isn't as much of a must read as it is just a great book for learning basic C.
  
  edit: These aren't books but are GREAT online guides for sed and awk given by IBM
  Common threads: Awk by example
  Common threads: Sed by example
  
  edit 2: Left this set of books out because I figured it had to have been posted already, i was wrong
  TCP/IP Illustrated
  
• Couldn't find a link to the complete set which are all good, but volume 1 is by for the most important.

Kind of depends on your background with Linux! I have around 7 years Linux experience so I was already ahead when I went into the course. uCertify didnt really help me much (It was based off of LPIC-1 course, not LX0 series, but the material is fairly similar). I used this book to study mostly, and Labsim was very helpful as well. Good luck!

Nice, I just finished ccna 1-4 too. Doing ccnp in 2012. Yes, the cbt videos are worth obtaining. I have odom's book too which I find helpful, it includes a practice exam and a lot of practice test questions. I have watched all the cbt videos over the course of the last 6 months but I'm going to take the ccent first because I think I can pass that now, I'll have to review a bit more to pass the ccna. good luck to you!


EDIT: it's ok, I troll a lot. Let me put it this way, I'm 80% reddit and 20% 4chan, so for fun i'll be a prick on reddit because everyone's so sensitive. It's hilarious.

Definitely GA. But before you purchase a payware plane, I'd consider buying a... book.

You can either go with Rod Machado lessons or try Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training. I personally went with the book and this is probably the best money ever spent. It really allowed me to get into actual simming (instead of just not crashing) and I like the pace on which it progresses.

You'll get a nice chunk of theory, then have a chance to practice all of it (there are downloadable fsx files available from publisher's site) and if that's not enough - there's a list of similar fsx lessons at the end of each chapter.

You'll start with the simplest Piper J-3 Cub and then move to Cessna 172 (and later to more complex planes). As soon as you're familiar witch stock 172, feel free to purchase A2A version. It is as good as they advertise. I get shivers down my back each time I start the engine.

I have CompTIA Network +, Security +, and Apple OSx Certified Support Professional.

Best way to get them is just to study by purchasing the books.

[Network +] (https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Network-Study-Guide-Authorized/dp/1119021243/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473465885&sr=1-2&keywords=network+%2B)

Security +

ACSP

You can schedule the CompTIA certifications here

You can schedule the Apple certifications [here] (http://training.apple.com/)

You only really need Security + to get a DoD job, however, the most certs you have, the better you look in the eyes of potential employers. Most people I've worked with have never touched a Mac, but support clientele that work on Macs, so having a Mac cert is a big plus, but not at all required.

If you get a Sec+, and have a decent understanding of computers and troubleshooting, you'll find a nice entry level job normally working Helpdesk.

The link that was posted is for the academic store. It's not a discount store and is only available for students. You have to go through a small process to prove you're a student and then you can purchase items there. Also, you are limited to only 3 items in a 6 month period and only 4 items total in general. I wouldn't rely on using that link for your materials.

Most people use the comptia A+ all in one guide by Mike Meyers (if they use a book at all), the Mike Meyers udemy video courses, as well as the free professor messer video courses. I'm using those items to currently study for my A+ and find them very useful.

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Guide-220-1001-220-1002/dp/1260454037

https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?q=Mike+myers
Make sure to use the 1001 and 1002 videos as the 901 and 902 exams expired in July.

https://www.professormesser.com/

Hope that helps :)

Don't concentrate on how your frames drop when everything is set to ultra. Figure out what matters most to you when adjusting the settings in FSX. Refrain from directly modifying your CFG files. Do not mess with your registry settings because one guy, 10 years ago, felt that changing an obscure key would magically fix stutters. Be mindful of all the addons you install. The more fancy airplanes and complex sceneries you install the slower your sim gets.

Apart from that, the virtual cockpit is where I do all my flying. Right click outside and click locked spot for smoother outside replays. The A2A Cessna 172 is awesome but not essential to learning how to operate the 172. Be prepared to create logins for Avsim, vatsim / Ivao and other websites that allow you to download airplanes and other addons. I recommend you upgrade from the joystick to a proper yoke. I run the CH eclipse yoke, throttle quadrant and rudder pedals. There are multiple apps you can get to complement your flight sim experience. My favorite is FlyByWifi fo iOS. I can manage radios, moving map, autopilot from my iPad. It gets old real quick trying to change frequencies using the mouse. Vatsim and Ivao are online ATC programs and you should look into them since they add to the realism of flight sim.

Take a look at this book if you have the time:

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Pilots-Training/dp/0764588222

As /u/Lisenet said, practice with a home lab environment is incredibly important. I personally found linuxacademy.com to be great for learning purposes. For my RHCSA, I used a combination of linuxacademy, small homelab, and 1 book (https://www.amazon.com/RHCSA-RHCE-Cert-Guide-Certification/dp/0789754053).

​

I am now using those same resources to prepare for my RHCE exam.

​

Once you get a basic handle on everything, repetition of the exercises is the biggest help. Best of luck!

Official Cert Guide. Frankly it's a very difficult book to read. Routers need RAM because they're essentially computers. Their entire OS is loaded into RAM which takes around 32MB of that on its own. They do retain information in a number of ways. A good example is the configuration which while it can be saved into NVRAM that is just a way to save it over a reboot. It is saved into RAM and any changes to it, by default are only saved into RAM. The routers have to retain a surprising amount of information and can run a huge number of services beyond just basic routing packets between broadcast domains. I suggest the Lammle book for studying ICND1 (it's what i'm using)

well, to get started in networking I would recommend Cisco.com There is a lot of info in the tech part of the site.... Just kidding, that is where you'll eventually end up reading though... (and hopefully enjoying it)

The first thing to do is make a choice. In networking there are several different paths you could take. Voice, Routing & Switching, Security, Design or service provider stuff... among others.

It all begins with one to three exams. If you want to bypass your network+ and go straight for your Cisco certs it will be 1 or 2 exams, then pick up the CCNA books from Cisco Press. They are extremely beneficial, and the Official Exam Certification Guides for ICND1 and 2 also come with CDs that have a practice exam environment that is very similar to the actual test. Grab the Box set, it comes with both, and is cheaper.

Also, I would recommend scouring Ebay for some decent switches and routers. I highly recomment grabbing a Cisco2511 (and not the RJ45 one, the one that takes the Octal Cable.) As much as I hear people talking about GNS3 and Packet Tracer, I understand it works (I use GNS3 myself, but also have a sweeeeeet home lab setup) I still think hands on with the equipment is more important than only the config.


Also, I really don't have any experience with Juniper, but from what I've seen there isn't much difference, just syntax and terminology. I'm sure there are some Juniper guys on here that might be able to give you some info.

The thing that helped me the most was this book:

http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Linux-Powered-Professional-Institute/dp/1119021219

I read it several times. It has excellent practice questions that come with it. A great deal for $39.00

I also used Linux Academy. They have tons of videos you can watch and explain everything in great detail. They give you six real servers to use and play around with. It only costs $20 a month.

www.linuxacademy.com

Hey! I started studying for the CCNA about a month ago. I'm currently using CBTNuggets, Udemy, and a few books. For the Udemy course, I really have enjoyed the Neil Anderson ICND1 bootcamp. For books, I've been trying to read the CCENT study guide by Todd Lammle and the official certification guide by Odom. If you use that Neil Anderson bootcamp, he will also have several lectures that involve using GNS3 and Packet Tracer (these will help simulate a physical Cisco lab environment). Both applications have versions for Mac OS X, but GNS3 is a bit resource heavy, so I'm not sure how well it will run on your Macbook. Good luck getting that better life for the furbabies!

It's reasonably realistic. When starting to fly, I was amazed at how easy it was. Of course, they are very different things, but a sim is very useful for learning equipment layout and instruments, as well as helping to understand navigation methods.

It's a great supplement to training, but you can't really learn to fly from a simulator. Spend 300 hours in a simulator though, and the first time you climb into a real plane, you'll be way ahead of the game.

You are getting some good advice from others but I'll give a slightly different take. One of the MS SQL exams is on querying SQL. Now take the exam or not - your call - but the book is a great way to introduce yourself to some advanced concepts like windowing functions.

Now other exam books (looking at you administering sql) are steaming piles of crap but the linked one is readable and you actually use what you've learned. The other issue is the old 'you don't know what you don't know.' The book will give you ideas and terms you can use to get better google results.

Hello!

I've been doing a lot of searching for this answer as well and what seems to be the most common answer is the official book.

Training Kit (Exam 70-461) Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (MCSA) (Microsoft Press Training Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735666059/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FFPuzb4B1KYF5

It's dry but apparently it works

I personally have been using the book and a course on udemy. The course is specifically for the SQL SERVER certification.

Also another common answer seems to be to use multiple resources. Hope this helps some. Good luck

I welcome your newly found understanding of the saying "security is hard". Here is your complimentary copy of Security Engineering, take good care of it.

Sure thing, the Comptia certs do cost some money, I know some high schools/community colleges have reimbursement programs for them so that may be looking into in your local area. As far as study material I used these: A+, Security+, Linux+. PDF's of these books can be found online from various sources as well.

For exam practice I used a VCE exam player application and whichever vce file had the best rating per exam from examcollection. Hope that helps!

I'm actually starting this path myself.

I think I'm going to be starting with these books:

https://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-Complete-Study-Guide/dp/111885991X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466108469&sr=8-1&keywords=mcsa+server+2012

Or the individual books if I can find them.

I would recommend if you can afford the $99 for CBT Nuggets to check those out too

The other nice thing is I think that the certs are good as long as the software is used - Server 2012 is valid for support until 2023 so it's a nice long duration cert to have

Thanks!

I squeaked by on the 412 with a score of 720. I studied for 3 months, at least a couple hours a day though I am sure I skipped a day here and there. Are you labbing? Hands on is critical. Were you weak in the same areas on both tests?

These are the books I used: Training Guide by Orin Thomas and the Exam Ref also by Orin Thomas.

I also followed the Pluralsight video series and basically built out his lab. I spent a lot of time reading technet. For practice exams I used Kaplan and Boson; Boson was expensive and kicked my ass but in a good way and their answer explanations are awesome.

Another method I found helpful is to copy out the exam objectives and then use those as an outline for detailed notes. I used OneNote so I could pull them up whenever I wanted, sitting in a drive thru, getting an oil change etc. For final prep make another copy of the objectives and plug in everything I can think of relating to the topic from memory and then compare to my notes.

For the earlier exams I did the CBTNuggets series with the virtual labs but the 412 series didn't have labs so I skipped it, and I think that hurt me. I still did labs on my own but being able to hop on from anywhere and run through stuff was really helpful. I also skipped the Complete Study guide by William Panek which I had used for 410/411. I think I just had exam fatigue and was tired of studying.

Hope that helps!

The TCP/IP Guide - It's a little dated these days and barely touches IPv6, but it's a good, quick look at a lot of the glue services that you will eventually need to understand and troubleshoot: DNS, SNMP, NTP, etc.

TCP/IP Illustrated, VOL 1 - Here's where we get into the nitty gritty. This shows you what is happening in those packets that cross the wire. Invaluable if you go onto doing Performance Engineering functions later on, but still good.

NMAP Network Scanning - NMAP is a godsend if you don't have remote login rights but you need to see what's happening on the far end of the connection.

Wireshark Network Analysis - Most useful tool in your toolbox, IF you can use it, for proving the negative to your customers. At some point you're going to be faced with an angry mob in Dockers and Polos who want to know "WHY MY THING NOT WORK?". This is the book that will let you point to their box and go "Well, as soon as the far side sends a SYN/ACK your box sends a FIN and kills the connection."

Learning the bash shell - You're a network engineer, you're going to be using Linux boxes as jump boxes for the rest of your life. Shell scripting will let you write up handy little tools to make your life easier. Boss wants to blackhole China at the edge? Write a quick script to pull all of the CN netblocks from the free FTP server APNIC owns, chop it up in sed and AWK, throw a little regex in for seasoning and you're done. And when he comes back in 30 days for an updated list? Boom, it's done even faster.

The vendor specific books are nice, but I can't tell you how many network engineers I've run across who couldn't tell me how DNS worked or how a three way handshake worked or couldn't write a simple script in Bash to bang out 300 port configs in 30 seconds. There are a shit ton of paper CCIEs out there, but those books up there will make you stand out.

Here is the CCNA path as printed on Cisco's website. My recommendation would be to take the 100-101 (ICND1) to earn the CCENT, then after passing that test take the 200-101 (ICND2) for the CCNA. I own the OCG books intended for the seperate tests, I am not sure if the OCG for 200-120 has it split for single tests. In the Sybex CCNA Routing and Switching book by Lammle, it does split into sections for the CCENT and CCNA.


There is a composite test that will get you the CCNA in one test, it is more expensive ($250 USD I think), versus the ICND1 and ICND2 being $150 USD each. I recommend the seperate tests, you can think of splitting up the CCNA test into two exams as using a checkpoint in a video game. No sense in starting over if you make a mistake or don't fully understand a topic. I think most here will agree, and most taking the 200-120 will be doing it for a re-certification or have years of experience in the technology.


Also keep in mind the questions on the exam are likely different than what you are used to. There are multiple-answer multiple choice, matching, simlets, etc. If you make the mistake and click Next before answering all the sections on a Simlet it will move to the next question. To get used to the question format, I would highly recommend investing in the Boson practice tests for your exam. They will help link all of the topics in your head and prepare you for success in your endeavor. At the Boson site there should be some sample tests if you question their quality. Good luck.

ISO/OSI is a comprehensive architecture for networking. TCP/IP are the protocols that are actually used in the internet. One can view TCP/IP as a (partial) implementation of OSI/ISO, but, IMHO, while valuable conceptually I feel you're better off studying TCP/IP. In addition ISO/OSI doesn't specify an API like sockets which you need to write programs.

If you're looking for an intro that will get you doing hands-on stuff quickly, I definitely recommend "Practical Packet Analysis: Using Wireshark...". Only if you want something that's far from textbook-y and will give you some insight into doing casual sysadmin type stuff. Also, "Nmap Network Scanning" will get you doing some hands-on fun activities as well. Just pay attention to local laws before doing anything that might raise red flags.

• Nmap network scanning
  
• Wireshark
  
  everyone recommends TCP/IP illustrated, and I've still got that on my shelf and to-do list. Can't lose there.

If you really want in-depth knowledge, I would go with TCP/IP Illustrated. It has recently been updated and pretty much covers the gamut of all things networking.

If that looks a little too daunting, you can go with a CCENT book (Lammle and Odom tend to be the best writers, IMO). It does cover Cisco products, but the concepts in it are primarily vendor neutral. Hope that helps.

I subscribed to CBTnugget couple weeks prior to my test to recap with the videos, and it gives you access to Transcender test which in and of itself is worth it. It's a great practice test. I like how it explains why the wrong answers are wrong. It comes with digital flash cards too.

I got around 50 questions. Besides powershell, make sure you know Hypver-V really well and study up on IPv6 too.

I used Don Poulton's 70-410 book mainly and William Panek's MCSA Complete Study Guide as supplement.

Good luck!

Panek's Sybex is pretty good yeah. I helped write some of it. Was fun. Link to the book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-Complete-Study-Guide/dp/111885991X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

If you use Mike Meyers book

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Guide-220-1001-220-1002/dp/1260454037/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=comptia+a%2B&qid=1572642240&sprefix=Compti&sr=8-3

And watch

Professor Messer's free video series its basically a guaranteed win IMO. That's true for A+ Security + Network +.

https://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-1001/220-1000-training-course/

I'm undefeated with that strategy.

Both are required for the A+ cert. They split it because it covers too much information for one test. My personal feelings are that the 1002 subject area is much easier than the 1001.

Professor Messer provides free videos on his youtube that break down every chapter.

Mikey Myers (not the Canadian comedian/actor) has a great all in one book.

ExamCampass has free tests for the 901 902 and 1001 1002. The 901 and 902 are out dated but still provided decent testing for a free resource.

Not an expert but I have read a lot of posts saying that 2016 is still young. Take the 2012 first. I am currently reading from this book and I find it great :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/111885991X/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

You might want to pair it with : Learning Powershell in a month of lunches. It's a bestseller on Amazon and highly recommended.

Edit : what did you use for CCNA ? I have started it in the past but I find the prices exorbitant for seminars !

Ross Andersons Security Engineering. Could be a bit outdated in some places, but overall a tremendous read.

Luckily, its available free in here. There's also a kindle and hardcover versions available here.

If you are going to pursue the single CCNA test, you should definitely get Tod Lammle's CCNA Study guide. He writes some of the best books for self study.

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Certified-Network-Associate-640-802/dp/0470901071/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

If you are going to pursue the 2 test route for CCNA, here are the books to get.

ICND 1

http://www.amazon.com/CCENT-Certified-Networking-Technician-640-822/dp/0470247029/ref=pd_sim_b4

ICND 2

http://www.amazon.com/ICND2-Official-Certification-640-816-640-802/dp/158720181X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c

If you can, sign up for the Cisco Net Academy, it's a great course.

Please take a look at these resources. They have been outstanding so far!
http://www.rhatcertification.com/

He has a complete video course (~$150 with discount)

Sander also has a partially completed book (pdf) for RHCSA/RHCE costing only $16 and will provide updates.

His book IS going to be published and can be pre-ordered (~$40) on amazon.com =
http://www.amazon.com/RHCE-RHCSA-Cert-Guide-Certification/dp/0789754053/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420367281&sr=1-1

The video tutorial is great! I signed up for the lab environment and contact hours. I'll be starting that in a day or two after registration is completed.

That's odd because it would appear the same book in the US is highly rated and is sold by Amazon at a reasonable price. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119021219/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_a5YIwb8AZR6WN

I'm currently about 30% of the way thru it and let me tell you it is very tightly packed with information and doesn't explain concepts in a way that's appropriate for a noob but that's fine because if did it would be 5x longer. Over all, more than half of the book talks about commands and their switches and is therefore a very dry read and involves a lot of rote memorization. I recommend making yourself a lot of flashcards. I've already made myself 380 or so, and at the current rate I'll easily have over 1,000 by the time I am done.

At my current rate of progress I expect to spend about 4-6 weeks working my way thru the book and studying my flash cards before I take the exams.

By the way, I passed both of the exams on my first try. I'm not saying this to boast but to point out that I derived some benefit from all of the study materials I used (including the stuff from uCertify) and that using all of them helped me pass. Dollar-for-dollar, the best source to prepare for the exams (AFTER you've done all of the reading from whatever sources you end up using) is a book by David Prowse that contains 640 practice test questions with detailed answers. Link: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-220-901-220-902-Practice-Questions/dp/0789756307/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468412764&sr=1-2&keywords=david+prowse+901

I just took the exam this morning and had two sims. I say don't worry about it too much, as it was pretty basic actually. Make sure you do them last as they require a considerable amount of time.

My main book was Sybex Security+ Study Guide by Dulaney and Easttom. I read it cover to cover. The content was comprehensive, but in my opinion, it lacks the exam preparation. It has chapter tests, and downloadable files that consist of flashcard and two sample exams, but no sims.

Going back to my sims: In the first one, I had to configure ACLs; and the other one, I had to setup multifactor authentication. If you memorize the ports, at least the commonly used ones (eg. FTP, TFTP, SSH, SCP, LDAP, etc.) and know how to read IP addresses, you'll be fine.

I haven't read Gibson's book, but I read its preparation format is close to actual exam. I wish I had that material; my guess is I would have scored higher than what I got this morning.

Good luck!

I am currently studying for the Sec+ myself. Through my job I have access to a few books. The resources I am using so far and have liked.

• CompTIA Security+ SY0-401 Authorized Cart Guide, Deluxe Edition
  
• CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: SY0-401
  
• Pearson IT Cert Video Course
  
  My goal is to take the test by the end of Oct. I am also creating/using Flash Cards (from an app) and plan to upload them when I finish so others can use them to help study as well.
  
  When I first sat down to study for the Sec+ I used the following:
  
  
• CBTNuggets
  
• Prof. Messer Cert Videos
  
• CompTIA Security+ Review Guide: SY0-301
  
  So those would be good to look at for the SY0-401 as well.

You mention a diverse set of topics, and you're probably not going to find any one book that covers all of them.

For algorithms for cryptography, signatures, protocols, etc. the definitive go to (last I checked) was still Schneier's Applied Cryptography.

For a history of cryptography, I'm fond of Kahn's The Codebreakers, but be forewarned that it is a large book.

For Network Security and Information Assurance concepts, I like Anderson's Security Engineering, but the state of the art changes so rapidly that it's difficult to recommend a book.

The training books and transcender tests are your best indicators and study methods. This blog gave a lot of good information, the general consensus is that all three tests are pretty hard.

http://www.cathrinewilhelmsen.net/2015/01/28/preparing-for-and-taking-exam-70-461-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012/

http://www.cathrinewilhelmsen.net/2015/05/26/preparing-for-and-taking-exam-70-462-administering-microsoft-sql-server-2012-databases/

http://www.cathrinewilhelmsen.net/2015/04/30/preparing-for-and-taking-exam-70-463-implementing-a-data-warehouse-with-microsoft-sql-server-2012/

I've been doing DB work for 6 years, but there's a lot of things I have never done or tried. For example, I don't or have ever used pivot / unpivot and only recently used a combination of STUFF and XML for work.

I also tried the w3 test you linked, the cert tests are exponentially more difficult than that. Still fair and achievable, but you need to know your stuff.

461 I recommend reading through and doing the practices a few times from books:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735658145/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3ADN03F2ABAVW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735666059/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are also updating the exams soon to be 2016. There's also a deal you can get for 225 that gives you a practice test, the test try, and 4 re-takes. Exam price is 165. So another 80 gets you at least 4 re-tries and practice test.

I used the practice questions only version, found at my local Barnes & Noble. Here it is on Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-220-901-220-902-Practice-Questions/dp/0789756307

The format of the book is four practice exams for each test, of increasing difficulty. Start at Test A and take it until you get at least 90%, then move on to B. Similarly for C and D.

It comes with an activation code to set up an account on the Pearson web site. The book says you can download a Windows program for taking practice tests, and this is true. However, Pearson now also has a web-based version of the test engine, which I recommend over the fairly creaky Winows program. (I'm running a Mac, so YMMV.)

The web-based engine is found here:

http://pearsontestprep.com

There's a bonus exam for each test on the web site/Windows program, too, which were more difficult but shorter than the A, B, C, and D tests.

The book/web test engine worked out really well for me. It's not a study guide, but I didn't have the time to read something with more pages, and there is a reasonably full explanation of all of the questions, including what the wrong answers are and why they're wrong. I found this sufficient for my study guide, although it's a bit hard to find the text again afterwards.

I ended up using the Review feature of the web test engine to list all the questions and answers, then copied this to a text file. This worked really well.

Best of luck to you!

My main source was the CompTIA Linux+ Study Guide: Exam LX0-103 and Exam LX0-104

CompTIA Linux+

However just make sure you know all of your commands/command line tools as well as the popular switches used with them. (Memorize them)


As well I went thru the Cybrary Course though it really doesn't have much content, it's just a quick overview of things.

I studied the Exam Objectives of the LPIC-1 101 and 102 on LPI since LPI and CompTIA came together on this cert I figured it would help. In which it did.

Studying is MOSTLY FREE. Cannot provide cheating test sites here. Go to the CompTIA website to get the actual test exam outline - print that out please, and supplement with these videos from Professor Messer $FREE and you will need to jot down notes as you go. This is not enough to pass the test(s). You'll also need to get an official study guide book $20 as reading material to go into the details. Coupled with taking notes during the videos and fleshing out the outline from CompTIA you should hit all the possible ways to study. CompTIA offers this $free trial through one of their partners. I also like Mike Meyer's writing style $31 as an alternative.

Check out CompTIA's website. In college, I only took a prep class for the A+ and then taking the test itself was a independent affair (although the college was also an official testing facility, but it just required scheduling of your own, not facilitated by the college). The class was fine but I also spent a good few weeks on my own with this book, which was just as good as taking the prep class. I'd probably just spend $30 on the book and study on your own.

Find out whats on the exam here, just fill out the form. Then, buy a book. I used this one. Also, start watching the A+ videos on this site.

When you're ready, buy a test voucher (Google for best deal) and schedule a test at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Take test. Pass test.

Profit!

>took an intro class in college which was not very good (blaming the teacher more than anything)

you too? lol

As far as books go, I've always gone with the official CompTIA books

http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Seventh-220-701-220-702/dp/0071701338/
This one focuses on both hardware and Windows. I think it's necessary to have both. The books come with study guides as well with software to test you with actual A+ test questions.

I'd like to hear what other books people have had success with.

$38.52 USD NEW on Amazon for the OCG. $30.30 USD NEW for Lammle's book on Amazon. Buying the Lammle books seperately will cost $22.59 USD and $25.52 USD respectively. Can you really save that much buying them used instead?



But as others have said unless the previous owner didn't activate the test software (which is highly unlikely), you will not have access to that. You also run the risk of there being marks on pages obscuring topics, or missing pages all together.

Personally, I'd just buy them new.



EDIT: Looks like the 7th edition book refers to the 640-802 exam. That is 3 exam versions ago. You will need a current book if you wish to pass the current exam.

I picked up this guy and just finished reading through it. Fantastic, easy to read book.

I'm at the point where I need to find some good ways to practice for the tests themselves. Gotta cram that material into my head before the tests.

If you do all the practice examples and download the adventure works db, this book will help you achieve your goal. DO NOT, however, rely on it to pass the 70-461 exam because you will not pass. This book boosted my skill set from advanced beginner to high intermediate, but left me woefully unprepared for the Microsoft certified exam. Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Training-70-461-Querying-Microsoft-Server/dp/0735666059?ie=UTF8&keywords=sql%20server%20exam%2070%20461&qid=1462299171&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

I know this will probably get downvoted however the Comptia Linux+ certification will give you a lot of information when it comes to Linux that will apply to a lot of different distros for someone new. Load up a VM and run all the commands it suggests and if you are feeling pretty confident try for the cert!

My job is requiring more hands on with Linux/Open source so im starting with the Linux+ and then seeing if I can get my company to pay for something like the RHCSA. I have been working with Linux for a while now, however I have been picking up some things I didnt know going through the Linux+ book.

https://www.redhat.com/en/services/certification/rhcsa

I am using this book right now

http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Linux-Powered-Professional-Institute/dp/1119021219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452174296&sr=8-1&keywords=linux%2B


Also check out the reddit linux sub

https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/

This course looks like its an edition behind- which isn't a bit deal I think. Latest edition for A+ is 220-901 and 220-902 and course is 220-801 and 220-802.

You can probably buy a study guide instead of looking into a course. Here is the one I am reading (I can't comment on if this is the best, as its the only one I am using so far): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119137853/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Generally though if you just need knowledge just reading the study guide without taking the test seems good. Certs aren't highly valued. Up to you and what you want of course.

How long did it take you to study? and what materials did you use?

I currently have the exam cram security+ book, and just recently ordered the symbex book alongside it. I learned from people that took the CCNA that multiple sources are a good thing but don't go overboard, a cert only lasts for a few years and you'll need to take it again with more up to date literature. Congratulations.

Micheal Meyers is the best This book alone will enable you to pass the tests. It's the best in my opinion. Good luck, it isn't too hard.

ME/EE background. The problem solving is the most important part. My strongest advice to you, which would be very echoed by this subreddit if you look at previous posts of people trying to get into networking, is to study for the CCENT. It's the fundamentals of networking (beyond the fundamentals really, it's gets into the nitty gritty on a few things)

book

HOWEVER, Be aware that the CCNA test is changing in September. This CCENT book will be out of date by that time. If you have no interest in getting certified, this book is still fantastic for the fundamentals of networking.

Sweet, thanks for the tips!

My job provides me access to Cisco equipment, and I have the Cisco Press CCNA prep books. How true are the practice tests in the books to the actual exam?

I can at least vouch for two books I used to help pass mine.

This one I found to be very thorough, but also can be a bit of a slog to read if you're starting from scratch. While not as in depth this one helped me with some parts I was fuzzy on, as it put it into much simpler terms. Also for practice tests I can definitely recommend total seminars.

Depends how familiar you are with Linux in general, the content isn't too bad if you have familiarity with any flavor of Linux and can use vi/vim. If you're able to use some work time to study or you dedicate a lot of your free time to studying it can definitely be done in 2 months.

​

Did you check out the objectives to see what you think you might have down and what you need to study? I haven't used Red Hat's training but Sander Van Vugt's book (granted this is for RHEL 7, most exams are for 8 at this point and his book on 8 isn't out yet) has some good pre-chapter Do I Know This Already quizzes and post-chapter review and labs, plus practice exams.

Just got these 2 for xmas.. I'm still in the process of figuring out where I want to go within the industry, but both provide a good foundation for Administration and Networking. Plan is to get at least CCNA to help with the networking fundamentals.

Practice of System & Network Admin

CCENT

Security Engineering by Ross J. Anderson. It is very useful and gives you a 360-degree view from different industries from a security standpoint, this approach encourages you to think out of the box since some ideas from other industries can be useful in another.

I used this book: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Linux-Powered-Professional-Institute/dp/1119021219

Worked good enough with questions after each chapter. Pretty ok to do the 60 questions multiple choice exam back in december 2016.

I ran into a similar conundrum. If you read the 70-461 or T-SQL Fundamentals, they have practice problems that are related. The 70-761 does not contain practice testing material.

Apart from that, it's recommended to do the more official practice tests if you decide you need one. They are supposed to be more difficult than the real test, but I do not have any experience taking the practice tests. I am thinking of trying the 762 practice test though.

I did use one other resource that was a practice test and I'll list it below, but here's a copy from my site that lists my favorite resources from when I studied for my 761.

My favorite resources:

https://www.cathrinewilhelmsen.net/2015/01/28/preparing-for-and-taking-exam-70-461-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012/

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/4644/sql-server-exam-70761-study-material-for-querying-data-with-transactsql/

https://www.amazon.com/T-SQL-Fundamentals-3rd-Itzik-Ben-Gan/dp/150930200X

https://www.amazon.com/Training-70-461-Querying-Microsoft-Server/dp/0735666059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513628070&sr=8-1&keywords=70%3D461

https://www.amazon.com/Exam-70-761-Querying-Data-Transact-SQL/dp/1509304339/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1513628083&sr=1-1&keywords=70-761

http://www.accelerated-ideas.com/70761-practice-test-questions.aspx#.WeeTWVtSypo

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/4015/introducing-json-for-sql-server-2016/

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/4073/sql-server-2016-advanced-json-techniques--part-1/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/json/json-data-sql-server

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/3680/introduction-to-sql-server-2016-temporal-tables/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/t-sql/queries/select-group-by-transact-sql

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1958/sql-server-cross-apply-and-outer-apply/

My suggestion would be to go pick up a used copy of the A+ Certification books from someplace like Amazon or Half Priced Books. You can find them for like $20-30. Find one made in the last 2-3 years and give it a read.
Something like this

Woohoo! new book out! :)
shipping in a couple weeks I think (dunno for sure!)
http://www.amazon.com/CCENT-ICND1-Study-Guide-100-105/dp/1119288789/ref=sr_1_60?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1463743182&sr=1-60&keywords=ccent

http://beej.us/guide/bgnet/

The books by W. Richard Stevens (he has the reputation of being one of the best technical writers ever, and for good reason), e.g.:
http://www.amazon.com/Unix-Network-Programming-Sockets-Networking/dp/0131411551/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1313380032&sr=8-3

Most people will recommend starting with the CompTia A+ Certification. I'd also recommend it, I really believe it helped me get my first IT job.

After A+ you'll probably get a lot of different opinions and really depends on what niche of IT you want to go into. Having said that I'd recommend going for the CompTia Trifecta and going for Network+ and Security+ before moving on to vendor specific certs.

This material helped me the most in studying for A+:

CompTia A+ Certification All-in-One

This Udemy course

This is what I used. Meyers and this one are also very popular.

Since you already have that school one, I'd wouldn't worry too much about it though. Though I do recomend a practice book, like this one. And remember that aside from multiple answer questions, there are also a few "labs."

I was once in a similar boat. I bought many java books and hardly learned anything because those books were crap. This is the best book I've seen, easy to understand and comprehensive:
http://www.amazon.com/SCJP-Certified-Programmer-Java-310-065/dp/0071591060/ref=sr_1_6?s=textbooks-trade-in&ie=UTF8&qid=1404940645&sr=1-6&keywords=java+certification

It's an old version but seems like the new version for Java 7 is not out yet. Anyway, another route maybe is for you to take java certification exam?

First you should be aware that Cisco is introducing new exams at the CCNA level. The 640-822 and 640-816 are being replaced by the 100-101 and 200-101. So make sure you buy study materials for the correct tests.

Suggested study guides: 1 and 2

If you can afford it, pay for CBT nuggets. It's $100 per month for access to their videos. Yes, that's a lot of money, but you get what you pay for.

You will need something to practice configuring IOS routers with. Option 1 is to find a copy of packet tracer. You'll have to figure that one out for yourself.

Another option is a program called GNS3. This program allows you to emulate Cisco routers, but you will need to provide your own copy of the IOS. Also it doesn't support emulation of switches.

Your final option would be to use real gear. For a few hundred dollars you can build a home lab that will allow you to practice everything you need for the exams. There are many pros and cons to building a home lab. At the CCNA level packet tracer is usually a better idea.

Red Hat RHCSA/RHCE 7 Cert Guide: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (EX200 and EX300) (Certification Guide) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0789754053/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iKXFAbWY8CJKH

Sander Van Vugt has a great book that covers rhcsa and RHCE. I used them both to get my RHCE. Not really for beginners. You'll have to do a lot of researching to figure things out not covered in the book. Also plural sight is great video site with some Linux trainings. Linux academy is a great resource too but I think it's a bit pricey after the trial ends.

Thanks for the reply! Mostly I am just looking for the NEWEST book, and i'm not sure which on that is? Do I wait till January 13/17 and grab this or do I just get the older Lammle book? Just wasnt sure if this book was before the test updates?

Thanks again!

Well, I said it before, I will say it again, this book is amazing

Then, I highly recommend, you learn JPA/Hibernate and DDD. The value in that alone is what many companies are after.

Then you have to choose what is that specifically you want to master:

If you want to go with EE, then read this

If you want to go mobile, read this

Obviously, if you still have time, Martin Fowler and Uncle Bob are your guides.

I'm in the midst of studying for A+ ("homework" from work) and it blows. I personally don't believe that you need to pay $2000+ for a 5-day course that just refreshes you on the basics and potentially, is an easier way to pass it (like taking a "school" for your driver's license, where they're more lenient than the DMV) versus self-study.

I'm using the official book, which ran me around $30 give/take on Amazon and another "guide" that was a Kindle book, which was like $10. The guide's more watered down that I thought, but better than the dense book.

Some people say that Professor Messer is decent, but I haven't really been able to do the "videos" because I'm a weirdo and I find shit in their voices and mannerisms that bug me, which throws my focus off.

Good luck!

First take this as a learning experience. I failed it with that same score last month and past it this month. I would skip the dummies book because it is not really full of good information and get the this book Todd CCENT

Give yourself another month and have at it.

Happy birthday good sir.

A+ Resources Computing...


Mike Meyers: All In One


Exam Cram


A+ Complete Study Guide


...Popular Books Terminated




Videos Compressing...

Professor Messer's A+ Videos Free


Anthony Harries A+ Series Free


Mike Meyer's A+ Video Series Paid


...Decompressing




A+ Practice Exams Initialized.....


Professer Messer's Pop Quizes Free


Crucial Exams Free


ExamCompass Free


[Exam Cram Practice Questions Paid](https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-220-901-220-902-Practice-Questions/dp/0789756307/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484881100&sr=8- 2&keywords=a%2B+901+and+902&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011)



....End Transmission



Simmy-Turner activated(sims)....


GTS Labs Paid


Mike Meyers Lab Book Paid


Testout A+ Paid


Prof. Hammonds Free


....End Transmission



Community Driven Content(all free)......

Zac Wilsons A+ Study App


Gemini88mill Advice


Deathrus's Study Habits


DrawMonster's Study Methods

...The Community thanks you!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

Poti sa faci zece scoli recunoscute de industria IT... egale cu zero daca nu ai proiectele tale de aratat. Iti trebuie o licenta in IT daca vrei sa beneficiezi de neimpozitarea salariului. Multi din cei care lucreaza la ora actuala nu au apucat sa ia licenta/termine facultatea pentru ca lucreaza +10 ore pe zi.

Codeacademy e un loc de unde poti incepe usurel cu python eventual cu html si javascript. W3schools SQL si ASP. Plus cele de mai sus. Sunt aplicatii la tona pe android.

Cel mai recent cineva care lucreaza ca trainer in Iasi mi-a recomandat http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0071591060/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/192-9362406-7889364 sau non mobile http://www.amazon.com/dp/0071591060/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/192-9362406-7889364 ca sa invat java (nu e tocmai pt beginners)

Daca e musai musai o scoala inscrie-te la o facultate de profil din apropiere si intre timp lucreaza in minunata industrie. Daca ai deja o facultate fa un master de specializare ptc dureaza 2 ani in loc de 3.

Thank you for the detailed advice. I believe I've found the book that you mentioned on Amazon, though it was published in 2008. Should this suffice or would something more recent be better?

I would get these two books to start.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119288789/ref=pe_385040_30332200_TE_item_image

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119290988/ref=pe_385040_30332200_TE_item_image

These are Lammle's books and are good for the new V3 of the exams and are highly recommended by all that have passed their CCNA exams.

Make sure you also focus on subnetting and VLANs.

The only thing I did was go through this book, write a bunch of notes to memorize commands/options I didn't know and practice on a VM. It's a pretty easy test though.

I bought a single book, read it cover to cover and performing all the exercises and experimenting in code every chance I got. Then I read it again taking notes the second time. Finally I turned those notes into an outline and flashcards and studied them for probably 3 months solid before taking the test.

The 33 pages of notes I took can be found here

And the book I used is this one

Caution: this was 2011 that i took this test and it was for Java SE 6 which is way old now... but these notes are still pretty relevant.

Are you speaking about a class dedicated to the exam, or a university class covering object-oriented programming using Java?

If it is the former, you will most likely be using a Java certification prep book. This is the book I used for Java 6 certification. I simply studied the book and left my IDE open to play with the concepts and did not take any formal classes and passed easily.

If you are talking about a University course on Java, then no, it would not be enough and you would need to get the prep book.

Regarding what it covers, you are mainly looking at the Java core, which in your example would not include swing graphics.

As someone else said, the second link is for both exams, so I would just go with that. Personally I like physical books, and Cisco Press has a few published that are handy

http://amzn.com/1587143852
http://amzn.com/1587143739

However, I would HIGHLY recommend going for the single 200-120 exam

If you're talking about the CompTIA A+ certification, it wasn't too difficult. The one things that you need to know about that you may not is printers, and some command line information. I would recommend picking up a study book, like this one and looking through it. Not everything in there will be asked on the test, but it is all good information to know, even if it is a little outdated.

Odom: https://www.amazon.com/CCENT-ICND1-100-105-Official-Guide/dp/1587205807

Lammle: CCENT ICND1 Study Guide: Exam 100-105 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119288789/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L1Y6Bb9KJMGB1

Hope it helps!

>did you take a class or study on your own?

Studied on my own.

>Can you recommend any good sites or books that are somewhat instructional lead?

I used this.

First, RDBMS software has a lot of hugely portable skills and concepts, so regardless of if you choose MySQL or Oracle or M$SQL, you'll be learning approximately 90% of the same skills.

So in regards to actually learning SQL, you would just follow the certification path for one of those 3 and you should be good to go.

http://www.amazon.com/Training-Kit-Exam-70-461-Microsoft/dp/0735666059 would be a good place to start for M$SQL, and there are similar books for getting started on the certifcation paths for other RDBMS products.

The certification paths should diverge into actual database administration and data mining/modelling/business intelligence. The data mining/modelling/business intelligence skills are a tiny bit more portable than the database administration stuff.

http://www.4guysfromrolla.com/webtech/sqlguru/

http://www.sybaseteam.com/rdbms-interview-questions-and-answers-t-43.html

Those are good representations of the sort of problems that SQL admins deal with and the questions you'll get asked during an interview.

The reason techies frown when somebody mentions w3schools is because it provides only the basic syntax without any soft of context. It would be like learning the Spanish language but only focusing on 40-50 vocabulary words without regard for advanced composition.

As far as your queries go they all use T-SQL. There are a lot of differences in layout on disk.

The Developer edition of SQL server 2012 is super cheap ($30) and can be installed on Windows 7 or Windows 8. (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/Microsoft-SQL-Server-2012-Developer-Edition-license/2669399.aspx)

You will want to start off with Querying. It's important to know how you're getting information into and out of your database: http://www.amazon.com/Training-70-461-Querying-Microsoft-Server/dp/0735666059/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1426879298&sr=8-6&keywords=sql+server+2012

After that you'll want to get into the actual server management. Maybe even dip into high availability. http://www.amazon.com/Training-70-462-Administering-Microsoft-Databases/dp/0735666075/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1426879298&sr=8-8&keywords=sql+server+2012

If you're going to actually shoot for your MCSA and want to do big data stuff in the future start looking at datawarehousing. This is more of a future thing.

From the querying book know these chapters inside and out: 1-4, 8-10. That will give you enough information to go into the server administration text. In the administration text know chapters 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Really focus on 11. Backups/restores are critical. I don't want to diminish the value of the other chapters, but a majority of your function as a DBA will be in the chapters I mentioned. I encourage you to learn as much as possible, but if you're going to commit a limited amount of time, or need to ramp up very quickly, the mentioned chapters are the most critical.

A lot of people:
-Buy the Wendell Odom book CCENT/CCNA(http://www.amazon.com/CCENT-ICND1-640-822-Official-Edition/dp/1587204258)
-Use CBNuggets on youtube for help and explanations
-Use the program called packet tracer to work on labs

or
-Go through a two-week bootcamp that's crazy cramming


Best choice is the first option

Sounds like the A+ certification is going to be a good starting point for you. Besides working in the industry; the resources that helped me pass the exam are: Professor Messer IT Training Videos, CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Exams 220-901 and 220-902 3rd Edition, access to practice tests, and as much hands on experience as you can get.

I am just starting my test prep and this post will be a huge help to me with your list of study materials. On the Lammle Book did you get just the

CCENT ICND1 Study Guide: Exam 100-105 or

CCNA Routing and Switching Complete Study Guide: Exam 100-105, Exam 200-105, Exam 200-125

Professor Mike Meyers is pretty good. He does what I like to call KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid. Follow his videos on Udemy with his textbooks. He's my main source but I'm also using this Exam Cram book and this one with practice questions. There are Kindle versions for both if you want, and they're cheaper than the physical copies.

This one covers all 3 tests pretty well.

Pick up this book for the new test (this one for the old test), or similar book that has a software CD with a practice test. Do the practice test. At the end of the test, it will tell you which chapters you need to study the most.

Repeat until you are able to pass the practice test easily. (And not just by knowing the correct answers from repeat questions.) The practice test in this book is slightly harder than Cisco's exam in my opinion. If you can ace it, you should be good on the exam.

The updated version is already released. Look up the 100-101 and 200-101 exams if you want to take them in 2 parts or the 200-120 exam if you want to take it all at once.

The two-part books that cover everything:

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-CCENT-ICND1-100-101-Official/dp/1587143852/

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Routing-Switching-200-101-Official/dp/1587143739/

You probably don't need to build up a lab if you're going to stop at CCNA. Cisco's Packet Tracer is included with the books and you can use GNS3 to virtualize routers to practice on. That said, if you'd like the hands-on experience, feel free to grab hardware from ebay. Decent stuff to go with:

• Layer 2 switch: 2950
  
• Layer 3 switch: 3550/3650 emi
  
• Router: everyone has an opinion on this one.
  
  Of course, check /r/ccna

You might want to invest in this book. It's about $20 on Amazon, and does a really good job of teaching you how to fly using MSFS.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0470068523

Awesome Book.

> I have my A+ cert
>
>they recommended a segmented network. and I had to google what that even was.
>
>I am the "IT Guy" The previous "IT Guy" got me this job

You need to start reading cbks right now in all your free time. Even if you don't take the cert exams for the cbks below, it is knowledge you need to know asap.

​

I suggest these (in order):

​

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Network-Certification-Seventh-N10-007/dp/1260122387/ref=sr_1_3

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Server-Certification-Guide-SK0-004/dp/125983803X/ref=sr_1_1

https://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-Complete-Study-Guide/dp/111885991X/ref=sr_1_4

https://www.amazon.com/Windows-PowerShell-Cookbook-Scripting-Microsofts/dp/1449320686/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/143-0552349-3403540

https://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-Complete-Study-Guide/dp/1119359147/ref=sr_1_3

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Guide-Fifth-SY0-501/dp/1260019322/ref=sr_1_4

I have the book Microsoft Flight Simulator X for Pilots and it's helped me out with quite a few things as far as navigation and IFR.

You can find a lot of good tutorials on YouTube as well.

I'm also studying for the ICND1... Some may suggest this or this . Some may suggest this .. Download Cisco Packettracer and GNS3. If you have the cash, there is CBTNuggets and Boson.. Also look into Neil Anderson's ICND1 Bootcamp on Udemy, or Bombal's Packet Tracer prep lab. .. I started Neil's bootcamp yesterday and I love it... But hey I'm a noob, others may have better suggestions, but that's what I'm doing to prepare for it

Reading an A+ Cert book would be a good place to start.

More info on A+, what it is, what it covers, ect. ect.


Also, did an amazon search for computer engineering and found a whole bunch of books that also explain what you're looking for.

great news! I have mine booked for Jan but am also terrible at exams. I've completed the CBT Nugz videos and am looking to purchase a study guide.

Do i go for:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CCENT-ICND1-Study-Guide-100-105/dp/1119288789

or

http://www.ciscopress.com/store/ccent-ccna-icnd1-100-105-official-cert-guide-premium-9780134440972

I completed a CCNA course back in 2010 but never took the exam and am also getting back on the wagon!

congrats again!

The first half of Wendell Odom's CCENT/CCNA ICND1 640-822 guide book will give you all the information you'll ever need. It's pitched towards aspiring network engineers rather than AV guys, but I think it's all the better for that.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1587204258/ref=pd_aw_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8FSC1SJ4M2R6NNEXZFPS&dpPl=1&dpID=51l9hFm8Y1L

This is something you should be getting. You can buy a used copy for $22. It's much better than all of these free sources that leave information out or give no explanation as to why things are they way they are.

yes it would! as long as youeither have support for raid on your motherboard (quite likely), or a raid card for the use of even more hard drives for raid. Also get this book if you are serious about learning computers get this book. http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Seventh-220-701-220-702/dp/0071701338/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313463384&sr=1-1