Reddit mentions: The best time management books
We found 148 Reddit comments discussing the best time management books. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 14 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Time Management for System Administrators: Stop Working Late and Start Working Smart
- O Reilly Media
Features:
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Height | 9 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | December 2005 |
Weight | 0.71870697412 Pounds |
Width | 0.6 Inches |
2. Time Management for System Administrators: Stop Working Late and Start Working Smart
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Release date | February 2009 |
3. The Power of Time Perception: Control the Speed of Time to Slow Down Aging, Live a Long Life, and Make Every Second Count (Time Life Series Book 1)
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Release date | March 2017 |
4. The Myth of Multitasking: How "Doing It All" Gets Nothing Done
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Height | 7.2988043 Inches |
Length | 5.299202 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.4629707502 Pounds |
Width | 0.598424 Inches |
5. Keto Diet: An Effective Beginners Guide With Easy Recipes To Lose Weight, Feel Better And Save Time (Plan, Meal Prep, Cookbook, Ketosis)
- BRIGHTEST KEYCHAIN FLASHLIGHT: The Nitecore TIP SS Stainless Steel Edition produces up to 360 lumens with four brightness levels and max beam distance of 81 yards. This special edition is constructed from stainless steel for a sleek, polished look.
- EASY TO OPERATE: Use the power button to turn TIP SS on/off and the mode button to cycle through settings. The TIP SS now also offers Daily Mode with a 30 second auto off timer for battery conservation and Constant On Mode for total control. To switch between modes, press and hold both buttons until the TIP SS flashes. One flash indicates Daily Mode; two flashes indicates Constant On Mode.
- RECHARGEABLE WITH LONG BATTERY RUNTIME: A built-in 500mAh Li-ion battery and USB charging port with red charge indication light make for easy and accessible charging, and provide power up to 90 minutes at 150 lumens and over 46 hours on lower mode.
- NEW REMOVABLE CLIP: Our favorite addition to the Nitecore TIP SS! This removable clip offers more ways to carry and position the TIP SS while doubling as a switch cover to prevent accidental activation.
- PACKAGE CONTENTS: Nitecore TIP SS -Stainless Steel Edition- (Available in three different color options), Multi-purpose TIP Clip/Switch protector, metal key ring/belt latch, and a LumenTac USB charging cable so you can easily charge your light with any USB port!
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Release date | November 2018 |
6. Self-Discipline in 10 Days: How to Go from Thinking to Doing
Used Book in Good Condition
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Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.8 Pounds |
7. Cute Panda Gift Composition Notebook. Wide Ruled Blank Lined Journal
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Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 8.5 Inches |
Weight | 0.58 Pounds |
Width | 0.24 Inches |
8. To-Do List Makeover: A Simple Guide to Getting the Important Things Done (Productive Habits Book 2)
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Release date | May 2014 |
9. Pomodoro Technique Illustrated: The Easy Way to Do More in Less Time (Pragmatic Life)
- Pragmatic Bookshelf
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Height | 9.25 Inches |
Length | 7.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.65 Pounds |
Width | 0.3 Inches |
10. The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
- Mikrotik hEX S (RB760iGS) is a five port Gigabit Ethernet router for locations where wireless connectivity is not required.
- It comes with a very powerful dual core 880 MHz CPU and 256 MB RAM, capable of all the advanced configurations that RouterOS supports.
- The device has a USB 2.0, PoE output for Ethernet port #5 and a 1.25Gbit/s SFP cage.
- 5x Gigabit Ethernet, SFP, Dual Core 880MHz CPU, 256MB RAM, USB, microSD, RouterOS L4, IPsec hardware encryption support and The Dude server package.
- IPsec hardware encryption (~470 Mbps) and The Dude server package is supported, microSD slot on it provides improved r/w speed for file storage and Dude.
Features:
Specs:
Release date | April 2010 |
11. Getting Organized in the Google Era: How to Get Stuff out of Your Head, Find It When You Need It, and Get It Done Right
- Produced since 1865
- Imported from Italy
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13. Total Workday Control Using Microsoft Outlook
- NEW ACADEMY
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Height | 9.22 Inches |
Length | 6.8 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | May 2017 |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 1.21 Inches |
14. Time Management: Introduction to Franklin Systems
- TIME MANAGEMENT
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Height | 9 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.9 Pounds |
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🎓 Reddit experts on time management books
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where time management books are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
I really dug into the idea after reading about it in Discover Your Genius. It took a little while to get into the habit, but now I go about it like its second nature.
One of the best ways to improve your memory is by not having to remember stuff to begin with. Even better, it frees up my mind to focus on learning concepts and bringing creativity to the equation.
Although it doesn't help to pick up these techniques: Joshua Foer: Feats of memory anyone can do. It is really quite astounding how well people in the past had their shit together.
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The indexing system was a natural fit for my workflow. It makes for a great addition to the Ubiquitous Capture aspect of GTD/ZTD, amplifiying it's utility, and doubles as the way to keep track of resources that both systems gloss over. I was already using OneNote with GTD in a similar manner to how The Secret Weapon does it with EverNote, so it just clicked for me.
If you are interested in how all this fits together works, its well worth spending the time to review their series of videos, and segueing into the easier to manage ZTD system.
The system also works well along side the method in "Time Management for System Administrators". There is an excellent collection of videos by the author on YouTube that goes into how it works.
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To me, the core idea has been coined "The slow hunch". I've made it my goal to setup how I do things to allow it to happen. Here's another related quote about Darwin:
>"People love to tell stories, so it’s no wonder that most describe the advent of an idea as an epiphany, a brainstorm, that “Eureka!” moment, a brilliant flash of insight that seems like a bolt from above. Even the famous scientist Charles Darwin attributes his theory of natural selection to one such moment, and even described the moment in his autobiography.
>Unfortunately, that wasn’t actually the case. Another scientist reviewed Darwin’s massive collection of notebooks that he kept through all of his studies, and found that Darwin had developed the idea of natural selection several months prior to his epiphany moment. He just had not combined all those ideas into his theory until then.
>That shows, according to Steven Johnson in his TED talk, how ideas come more from a network than a spark. He even refers to it more as “The Slow Hunch” than a brainstorm. Your ideas come from a lifetime of experiences, so let them take the time to stew in the back of your mind, and wait for a new configuration of neurons flowing in your brain to make the connection."
>http://www.sharedidiz.com/ideas-eureka-or-incubation/
Instead of buying tons of books, you might want to look at Safari Books. I have the 10-book bookshelf subscription, and it is seriously plenty. Pros, you have instant access to a massive library of tech books. Cons, you are stuck reading on your computer/tablet/phone (I did try reading a few chapters on my Kindle, but the didn't care for the experience).
Books I would suggest:
I'm not a huge fan of training videos, but generally watch recordings from conferences. Although, I do really enjoy the format of vimcasts though.
As for general advise, I did see someone recommend looking for an MSP. If you are looking to be a Linux SysAdmin, I wouldn't recommend this route as you are going to be supporting MS installations. Personally, I started doing help desk for a web company and moved up from there. Also, I worked hard to create my opportunities within each position. You'll have to put yourself out there and be patient, It took me 4 years to earn the official title of Systems Administrator (in a small-ish town). The key to this is finding a good Sr. SysAdmins who are willing to mentor you, and some environments/people aren't conducive to this.
EDIT:
BTW, I have a B.A. in Political Science, so don't be ashamed to rock that Philosophy degree. You will see a lot of posting that are looking for a B.S. in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Rocket Surgery, but seriously don't even worry about that. Most job postings are a list of nice to haves, and most places really only care that you have a degree.
I've been recruited by and interviewed with some very respectable tech companies. I just usually have to explain how I got into tech with a political science degree. In an interview, having the right attitude and knowing your stuff should say more than your major in college. But, you will also run into elitist douche bags who knock your degree/doubt your abilities because you don't have a B.S. in CS/CE. If you work with these people, your work should speak for itself. Don't try and get caught up into a pissing match with them. If it is an interview (as in someone you might work for), practice interviewing never hurts.
Congrats on the good technical review!
Generally soft skills are 'inter personal communication' and 'customer service'.
Answering your direct question though. . .
I think it boils down to time and prioritization. You have to take the appropriate amount of time to do things correctly, and you have to retrain yourself that you want to do things correctly (remember things), and you want to dedicate the appropriate time to meet those goals. I think empathy helps, but its not required.
Develop a discipline to cataloging things in things in whatever system you use at a corporate level. Ask for refresher training from a manager or team-lead.
For a low cost personal solution, just use a pen and paper and write down what you need to complete today. when new things come in, add to the bottom of the list. Mark through them as you complete them. I sometimes use two columns, one for work, and one for home stuff that I need to complete during the day - bills, things like that. When you keep at something like that for a little while, it helps you figure out what's important to track, what details are important to capture, and what is fluff.
For work with teams, I think digital systems are best - ticketing systems specifically, so everyone can see what others are doing, and with appropriate priorities. Details and action logs go there in case you are out, or someone needs to check status but you are busy. Hopefully you have one.
Don't let app vendors and websites trick you into thinking they have a better mousetrap and all you need to do is spend money. If you don't have the discipline, you won't use them. Some apps do make this process more friction-less, but you may spend more time playing with features than with defining your discipline and using the systems for their intended purposes.
This book may help, and may give you some different perspectives.
TL;DR: There are all kinds of tools that claim to 'do it for you' - ticketing systems, to do lists, iphone apps, but without discipline and re-prioritizing, you probably won't use them.
This book has been suggested a few times so I finally got around to reading it. I think it has some good information in it. I'm only about halfway through it, but I like it so far.
Time Management for System Administrators
Other books would be any of the social books like "How to influence people", "7 healthy habits..." Etc.
I haven't read this one yet, but It has been suggested to me if you plan to go more into management/leadership Start with Why
Other books that have I have ear marked due to being mentioned:
Also, do a search for "Books for IT Professionals" to find a lot of other suggestions.
The best thing is to maintain a positive attitude. It's a bump in the road, not a crash.
Good luck!
I few years ago my youngest brother got his first IT job, and he fell right into an admin role. He too is very sharp. I bought him the following books as a gift to get him started...
The Practice of System and Network Administration, SecondEdition - a few years old but has lots of fundamentals in there, still well worth reading. Hoping for a third edition someday.
Tom Limoncelli's Time Management for System Administrators
I see others have recommended this great book, and I wholehartedly agree: UNIX and Linux System Adminstration, 4th Edition. I was sad when Evi's ship was lost at sea last year. :-( You could tell she loved sailing old wooden ships... just look at the cover. A great loss; she did so much for our community.
Additionally, I will second or third anyone recommending works by Brendan Gregg. I got the Kindle version of Brendan's Systems Performance: Enterprise and the Cloud. I really like this book. It was written to be a good foundational book for the next several years. I am planning to get a hard copy version too. While you're at it, check out these links...
Brendan Gregg:
http://www.brendangregg.com/
http://www.brendangregg.com/linuxperf.html
https://github.com/brendangregg/perf-tools
http://lwn.net/Articles/608497/
http://www.brendangregg.com/USEmethod/use-linux.html
Tom Limoncelli:
http://everythingsysadmin.com/
Introduce him not only to books, but online resources and communities like /r/linuxadmin :-)
Cheers!
Lot's of questions... but here we go. (Warning... you didn't say I had to self censor. Some swearing below)
Hope that helps. I'll PM you my basic info shortly.
Senior Level Software Engineer Reading List
Read This First
Fundamentals
Development Theory
Philosophy of Programming
Mentality
Software Engineering Skill Sets
Design
History
Specialist Skills
DevOps Reading List
I don't have ADD, but I do exhibit some
super mild symptomssimilar symptoms sometimes (from what I understand, maybe just one symptom), so I have a few suggestions.Also: This book might help
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod:
https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform-ebook/dp/B00AKKS278?_encoding=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=ku_mi_rw_edp
Ten Minute Cognitive Workout by Peggy Snyder (I can't recommend this one enough):
https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Minute-Cognitive-Workout-Minutes-ebook/dp/B00KYUAWSG?_encoding=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=ku_mi_rw_edp
And finally, The Power of Time Perception by Jean Paul Zogby:
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Time-Perception-Control-Second-ebook/dp/B01MZEZL7S?_encoding=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=ku_mi_rw_edp
Bonus points for Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani:
https://www.amazon.com/Code-Extraordinary-Mind-Unconventional-Redefine-ebook/dp/B0182SMOBE?_encoding=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=ku_mi_rw_edp
It's got some pretty radical ideas bu I loved every second of it. It made me see the world in a new light.
They're all part of Amazon Kindle Unlimited which has a 30 day free trial, tons of books for almost anything you can think of. I've been on the service now for a couple of months and love it.
Time Management for System Administrators has some great ideas to get you going, that work for solo on up to large teams.
A lot of people have said it already, in short
edit: I missed you had sites as well. You can make a certain day or two travel days, the sites know to expect you only then, primary site knows not to expect you. Even better, if you only have 1 or 2 tickets for the site with 6 users, bring your projects with you (or self-investment ed) and enjoy the peace and quiet of a remote site. Nobody misses you at the main site because you're expected to be gone. Site support as a solo IT can really throw a wrench in all of this, so you'll really need to set/define expectations of service etc there.
First, read our Wiki. It is very thorough and answers a lot of these common questions such as
day to day? The Practice of System and Network Administration
And the topical reference books listed below.
Books to help in shaping a sysadmin? The above &:
The Phoenix Project
Time Management for System Administrators
Topical Books I see mentioned often and have been very helpful to me:
Powershell in a month of lunches
Learn Python the hard way
Unix and Linux System Administration Handbook
Windows Server 2016: Inside Out
Group Policy
AbsoluteBSD
FreeBSD mastery:ZFS
CCNA
RHCSA/RHCE
Pro Puppet
SSH Mastery
On my docket:
FreeBSD Mastery: Advanced ZFS
Michael W. Lucas and Thomas Limoncelli are very good sysadmin writers, you can't go wrong with a topic they have chosen to write about.
Most of the *nix stuff assumes a baseline knowledge of how to use a unix-based system. I learned as I went but did pick up an old copy of Unix Visual Quickstart Guide not too long ago at a used books sale, which seems like a good starting place for someone overwhelmed with sitting at a terminal and being productive.
I notice I don't have any Virtualization books, perhaps someone else can fill in good books. Most of my knowledge regarding virtualization and network storage has been a mix of official docs, video training, and poking at it. Seems innate but it isn't.
Grab a copy of Time Management for system Administrators and actually read it. It took me months to make the time to read it but it is worthwhile. To start with you get instant confirmation that you are not the only person in your situation and that there is hope to improve the situation.
If management will not let you have a second person talk to them about hosted email. That would remove a chunk of the "stuff" you have to manage. Do a three and five year ROI on it just to make sure, but you are likely to come out ahead after you factor in DR, licensing, and time. Use the old Exchange install and what it took to upgrade as examples.
Even with an open floor plan you need a ticketing system and you need to believe in the system. If people complain tell them the ticketing system is so that "I can better do my job helping you."
The personal PC crap has to end. You open yourself and the company up to liability working on personal hardware.
For your bosses, have a sit-down chat about their "lottery bus" plan. That is what if you a) get hit by a bus on the way home, or b) win the lottery on the way home. For the company it doesn't matter because you're not going to be in to work the next day.
A few thoughts. Hopefully at least one of them will be helpful.
I could go on, but most of the above is already in the two books I listed and I'd just be riffing on a theme. I'll leave you with this:
Maybe it will get easier; depends on the culture where you work, and what kind of support you could get from them. Have you approached your higher ups with your concerns, or are they just part of the problem?
Yes, sometimes you get those new projects where your confidence level is high, but being in IT, I learned long ago that nothing is ever as easy as it seems.
If you want some skills to help with productivity and organizing the constant stream of distractions, I recommend two books:
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Time Management for System Administrators by Thomas Limoncelli
Both are better reads than you would think.
What OS are you running your svn server on? The basic solution to people offsite accessing svn securely is https, which involves generating an ssl certificate and is fiddly. SVN has a pretty good handbook called the red bean book: http://svnbook.red-bean.com/. The chapter covering your options is: http://svnbook.red-bean.com/en/1.5/svn.serverconfig.html
If I were you, I'd follow bandman614's advice: list everything adn then prioritise. The thing to think about with priorisation is: who are you blocking? Could be that a few developers are getting paid and can't work until you've got the svn setup dealt with. Could be that they're fine for now, in which case don't worry about it before backups.
I imagine your vm to hardware migration is least important, but it depends on why you need to do it: is the hardware that the vms are running on going to vanish? Or is it just to better utilise available resources? Or is it because everyone's getting network timeouts because the VMs are underpowered and running your DNS server and DHCP server, and most of your company can't work properly until they're migrated?
List, prioritise, work through the priorities. http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833 is pretty damn good.
I started in the same boat as you, but I've been doing this for a few years now. Probably worse than someone who came up in a very structured environment.
Get a orchestration mgmt system setup, like salt, puppet, chef, etc.
Get monitoring set up if you haven't already. Central logging and automatic alerting, etc. If you have time, set up visualization for logs so you can see trends, using things like splunk or elk.
Make sure you have backups, and make sure you can actually restore from backups.
These are good, and written by someone with way more experience than me: 'The Practice of System and Network Administration, Second Edition', 'Time Management for System Administrators'
I honestly have no idea (it could have been an article also) but this is good:
https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Multitasking-Doing-Gets-Nothing/dp/0470372257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494875493&sr=8-1&keywords=multitasking
Also two of my favorite pop pysch books (not 'laziness' related but great information just about how the brain works):
https://www.amazon.com/General-Theory-Love-Thomas-Lewis/dp/0375709223/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494875459&sr=8-1&keywords=a+general+theory+of+love
https://www.amazon.com/Love-2-0-Finding-Happiness-Connection/dp/0142180475/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1494875385&sr=8-19&keywords=the+psychology+of+love
Start with this book: Time Management for System Administrators.
> Currently I write down all my tasks at the start of the day, then split them down to smaller tasks and fit them into 30 minute chunks.
This may be part of your problem. Stop micromanaging your tasks.
> I have done none of my tasks for the day as I have been chasing up other things.
What these other things you are chasing? Why are you chasing them? Start documenting these shiny objects and sit down with your boss and be honest with them, "Hey. I have been trying to get all this stuff done but I keep getting pulled on doing things like this, this, and this. How would you like me to handle these when they come back up again?"
In addition you can see where you time is going and realize you are getting a lot accomplished. Just not prioritizing the right work to get done.
For anyone looking for a guide and some recipes, a book just released with a guide and some recipes to the Keto Diet. You can get it for FREE for a limited time(Nov. 20 till Nov. 24) I hope this book helps you, if it did I would really help me for you to leave me an honest review
​
Here is a link to the book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KJXCTXF
Honestly, I could never find a technical solution for the non-ticket task items that really worked for me.
After reading this book I went the analog route and write down every task I do. Then, first thing the next morning I bring over tasks that are still on my list from the day before. This has been the best way to keep myself on track and not forget about my action items.
I got a nice planner with a set of planner paper that works well for me (close to what's discussed in the book). It's always open on my desk, and I always have it with me in meetings, so I never have an excuse to not log a task.
This book: Best $10 (kindle edition) you'll spend.
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342718941&sr=1-1&keywords=time+management+for+system+administrators
I've been doing the sysadmin thing for 6 years and he has taught me some very valuable skills. I wish I would have read this book years ago!
Surprised no one else has mentioned it, but the best resource that I've found on this subject is
Tom Limoncelli's - Time Management for System Administrators
Don't just read it, but actually implement his teachings and you'll be much better off.
Tell you what. You sound alot like me so the first thing I'll say is cleaning your apartment (if you even finish it) won't fix a thing. The standard, start something and finish it and you'll feel better just doesn't apply to us. The first thing you have to realize is that belief system you have about being better than other people is just a protection mechanism. It's protecting you from something that happened to you or something you felt a long time ago. perhaps it was when you were picked on that set that mode of thinking off, I don't know. That's for you to try and figure out. Buy this book and see how it goes. It helps you figure alot about yourself and why you can't get motivated or lose your motivation. I stated reading it several months ago (yes i'm a world class procrastinator) and I notice that I'm better at accomplishing things. Not quite there yet, but better.
I've just search the thread and couldn't find a pointers I think is worth mentioning:
This helps you not only to track your efforts and see what you have to do but also gives you a feeling of accomplishment on the end of each days.
Time Management for System Administrators is also a must read IMHO with many great pointers.
I only see 2 hats, sysadmin and desktop support.
Also, it seems like you aren't delegating nearly as much as you should (e.g. why are you fixing the web server and not 'the webadmin'?).
You should check this book out when you get time, it's a great read: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working-ebook/dp/B0026OR2WM
Depends on the issue and its priority. Managing and juggling your priorities is everything in this sort of job, involving considerations like "is this a fix or an addition?", "how many people is this affecting?", "how long is it going to take me to resolve this?", and "how confident am I that my estimate is accurate?". Then there's always the wildcard of your manager dropping a scanner install for a secretary that is drop-everything-urgent, pulling you away from fixing your domain controller (which will happen).
Related, this book is the standard for this sort of discussion: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833
This is great.
I haven't finished it yet but it seems to be great so far.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
Please tell us more about the benefits of making someone sing and dance as related to IT. Don't worry, I'll wait for you to google some more horseshit.
You want a team building exercise, or something to bring someone out of their shell? There are a ton of them that don't involve stupid shit like this. This gave me anxiety just reading it, and I would not participate. Is this really worth losing a brand new hire? If so your company must have more money than brains.
Recommended reading: A book with literally nothing about singing and dancing in IT.
THIS. So much. I bought this https://www.amazon.de/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833 and its really helpfull imho, but you should do it.
I have to keep it up. Thanks for reminding me :)
Not exactly admin documents, but this is a very good stuff imho. Maybe not for start, but as soon as you start doing all those little things and you'll have dozens of little things to do - it will help.
I would skip certs for now, only because you need to get up to speed quickly.
I would check r/sysadmin and see what they think.
if you want some advice for books and such, then I suggest the following
1)
Networking for Dummies: - You can probably get this one free from the library. I think my library has it
https://www.amazon.com/Networking-Dummies-Computer-Tech/dp/111925776X/ref=asc_df_111925776X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312114711253&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=472462205621134697&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019032&hvtargid=pla-327835119737&psc=1
This will give you an over view of networking.
2)
The Accidental SysAdmin Handbook: A Primer for Early Level IT Professionals 1st ed. Edition
https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-SysAdmin-Handbook-Primer-Professionals/dp/1484218167
​
Understand the concepts, processes and technologies that will aid in your professional development as a new system administrator. While every information technology culture is specific to its parent organization, there are commonalities that apply to all organizations.
The Accidental SysAdmin Handbook, Second Edition looks at those commonalities and provides a general introduction to critical aspects associated with system administration. It further acts to provide definitions and patterns for common computer terms and acronyms.
What You Will Learn
Who This Book Is For
It is assumed that the reader has little to no experience in a professional information technology environment.
​
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833
​
Please note - I'm not a system administrator
May I recommend time management for sysadmins. A lovely short, tongue in cheek read. Sometimes a bit dated, mentions palm pilots but the lessons still hold true.
https://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
It's kind of an elaboration and practical application in today's world. Great read... link below if you are interested
https://www.amazon.com/Pomodoro-Technique-Illustrated-Easy-Pragmatic/dp/1934356506
I also recommend this classic, they're the two books I love the most for fixing my productivity:
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0596007833&pd_rd_r=6AK06QXFWC51K76RR30N&pd_rd_w=0qG8h&pd_rd_wg=4HBBC&psc=1&refRID=6AK06QXFWC51K76RR30N
Get this.
Read it, learn it, love it. Follow it like whatever religion you are a part of.
It's an older book but this one is still got some great tips:
https://www.amazon.ca/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833
Even more formatting fun!
By the way, thank you for this list.
Buy this book: http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
Seriously, one of the best reads ever and exceedingly helpful.
I found myself getting yellow stickies and marking interesting passages/suggestions as I read through. It now resembles some sort of ornate flower. I like kd5vmo's suggestion: return to the book from time to time and review the sections relevant to the day's events.
Pick up his "Time Management for System Administrators" book as well; as TheSojourner said, you'll likely find it won't fully sink in until you're a couple years into your career:
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
The shop I worked in had massive machines that were basically "printers" run by computers, only instead of ink they would burn the subject with a laser. A quick searchfor machines like the ones I've worked with yielded they are easily $10,000+ used. However, I know a local engraver in my town that charges like $10 per pen engraving. This is the route I've taken when wanting to customize the pens I've made and sold. (Mark up the cost a little)
Edit:oh, look at that. I have no experience with this one in particular, but the software I used in the past was Corel, and it was really easy to use.
Edit2: I added a link to the big laser up there
Well I'll be the first one to give you generic information that you could have found with the search function.
You just do the needful.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/032194318X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3IXCECMPTZ0C5&coliid=IJFXHOHENJ2FH
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321492668/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3IXCECMPTZ0C5&coliid=I3J2AR8V86JZMD
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0596007833/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3IXCECMPTZ0C5&coliid=I2OPTI4J0S4UG2
Good screwdriver set.
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/64-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-299
A network tone tester in case you need to map out your network and document everything. Also functions as a basic cable tester.
https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Networks-MT-8200-60-KIT-IntelliTone-Toner/dp/B00N2S6RPY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1473701817&sr=8-5&keywords=fluke+networks+tester
A punch down tool.
https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Punch-Krone-Blade-TC-PDT/dp/B0000AZK4D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473702091&sr=8-1&keywords=punchdown
An ethernet crimper.
https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-RJ-45-RJ-12-RJ-11-TC-CT68/dp/B0000AZK4G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473702137&sr=8-1&keywords=ethernet+crimper
A quick cable stripper.
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Stripper-Cutter-Cables-107051/dp/B0069LRBU6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473702190&sr=8-3&keywords=ethernet+stripper
A usb hard drive dock.
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Duplicator-Function-EC-HDD2/dp/B00IKC14OG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473702021&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+hard+drive+dock
A notebook.
https://www.amazon.com/Rhodia-Meeting-Book-Made-France/dp/B001DCDSW6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473702220&sr=8-1&keywords=rhodia+meeting+book
Your necessities may vary, this applies to more of a one-man shop, and there's plenty of other things you'll want to get that I don't have listed here depending on your job.
I dunno how much you should get paid.
> And not to forget things
I hope you're not trying to keep it all in your head. Your head asplode. In the absence of external issue tracking, I'd likely roll all the issues (or at least the ones I've spotted) into my personal time management system so they don't get lost. If it's not written down somewhere, I will forget it. (I don't know where you are with WRT time management; for myself, I'm in the middle of trying personal Kanban against my current GTD setup, but if you're new to TM, Limoncelli's book is a good place to start.) But all that is just a temporary fix.
> because no issue tracking exists her and some people actually vocally despise and reject this idea.
The "why" here would be as interesting as the "who." If it's fellow IT teammates, I'd find out if it's opposition to performance metrics. I've long resisted using ticket metrics to judge personal performance because they're crap for that even when people aren't gaming the metrics, so you might need to get assurances that your management won't try to do that. If it's your users, perhaps they've had problems with tickets falling into a black hole never to be seen again, in which case you have some organizational issues to sort out and some trust to rebuild.
In any case, it sounds like you know the value of an issue tracking system. Hold onto that in case it takes a while to get everyone to come around on the idea.
It sounds like you have a problem organizing your projects. I'm going to recommend a book that I think will help you out. I saw it recommended in this subreddit a few weeks back, and it's really helped me.
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
I read a few productivity books recently and one of them recommends keeping 4 lists:
Basically the idea was you would just focus on things in the MIT, and bring things down from the other lists and necessary, the MIT would just be 3-5 things that you want to accomplish that day, that you formulate from your task list weekly.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KEELWJU/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o02_?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You could leave like suggested or you could talk to your supervisor. Or HR. Or someone up above you. You report to someone, right? They're responsible for you and your workload. The only way they'll hire someone else is if there's a demonstrated need to do so, they won't go looking to hire more people for funsies.
If there is too much to do for one person then document that and show that to your higher ups. If they ignore you or promise to deliver a change but never do then, sure, leave. Otherwise you may have created a new role.
Another option is to show them that you need time away from break fix to automate or address root issues to reduce your tickets. There are a couple of ways to approach this. I would start with reading Time Management for System Adminsitrators. That book has suggestions for people in your situation about how to get a break from constant interruptions.
It's not a family where you can hide your emotions forever, it's a business. Be professional and get some relief. Don't let a job affect your life outside of work like this.
Time management for system administrators: READ IT!
Best book of the sort I've ever read.
I agree with what others have said and I also have a book recommendation, "Time Management for System Administrators". There's lots of good ideas and suggestions in it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
Sounds like Time Management for System Administrators (amazon) might be for you. I've started reading it after good comments I saw here, it's decent so far.
Old but still good
Might not be a technical best practice, but is a best practice in terms of mind set on how you manage your time.
I clicked here to suggest that book, but not surprised someone already has. It's the first comprehensive book about how to do the job of system administration.
Tom's Time Management for sysadmins book is another one I recommend.
Limoncelli is the man! His book Time Management for System Administrators is amazing.
Someone recommended this book to me :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596007833/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0596007833&linkCode=as2&tag=steste-20
Its pretty decent and it helped me get a lot of things buttoned down.
Time Management for System Administrators. This and the other two already mentioned. Primarily a Windows admin - have no idea where I picked up my "Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2" ebook. Also have Windows Server 2012 Unleashed - in general, the Unleashed books are pretty good.
This book helped me a lot and changed my life I strongly recommend - Time Management for System Administrators https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0596007833/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_r4WWCbJPR5RPA
get off reddit and don't ask people wasting their time on a metal forum how to properly utilize their time. /s
On a more serious note, I really enjoyed this book, might not apply to you if you aren't in software engineering although I think much of it should apply to life in general: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833
Check out The Practice of System and Network Administration, and Time Management for Systems Administrators.
Oh, and nagios/icinga is free and totally rocks, as does spiceworks.
I only have recommendations on generalized books. The Practice of System and Network Administration has already been mentioned but I would also recommend TIme Management for System Administrators. Those 2 books are my "Every person that works in IT should read these" books.
You might start with Time Management for System Administrators.
Aside from that, start small. Create a OneNote notebook with tabs and pages for different systems and procedures. It doesn't have to be the best organized thing in the world, but at least start writing things down somewhere. You can work on organizing it later.
Time Management for System Administrators: Stop Working Late and Start Working Smart
The Practice of System and Network Administration, Second Edition
Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed
Windows Server 2016 Unleashed includes Content Update Program
The Practice of Cloud System Administration: DevOps and SRE Practices for Web Services, Volume 2
The Practice of System and Network Administration: Volume 1: DevOps and other Best Practices for Enterprise IT
Network Warrior: Everything You Need to Know That Wasn't on the CCNA Exam
This book changed the way I handle my days when I was a solo engineer doing everything under the sun. Now that I'm part of a larger network engineering team, I only use a handful of the tools recommended in the book as I don't find my time to be as scarce, and I get pretty good priority communication from management.
When I was a solo engineer:
Start of day: Block off the first 30min of your day to deal with any immediate, business-critical fires that I was either called on, texted about, or emailed about. If nothing is critical and needing attention, I would evaluate my task whiteboard (broken up into Primary/Secondary/Tertiary columns). Items are assigned to Primary priority either by myself or my manager. Secondary and Tertiary priorities are up to me. If someone waiting on a task that I deemed was Secondary or Tertiary priority is upset about that, they can speak with my manager and we'll determine what is most critical to the business.
End of day: Evaluate task whiteboard and determine what, if anything, needs to be added (and to what column) so it can be re-addressed tomorrow morning. As you cross off and wipe things from the board, make sure to document your accomplishments so it's easier on you/your boss during review time.
Start of Week: Maybe block off 30min with your manager/team lead/etc. to discuss current/upcoming projects. Document any completed tasks from your taskboard and wipe some off to make space (don't leave too much space or people might think you have nothing going on!)
End of Week: Update notes on what progress (if you managed to find any time) you've made on the projects you discussed in your stand-up meeting with your manager/lead/etc. at the beginning of the week. This is so you already have your notes ready next week and can do your Start of Day 30min fire addressing/taskboard eval on Monday without scrambling.
Start of Month: Man, I don't think I ever planned anything a month ahead.
I highly recommend Time management for System Administrators.
Read this:
http://everythingsysadmin.com/the-test.html
and this:
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
and then definitely put up a ticketing system.
This book will help:
Time management for system administrators
Practice is great, but as far as Limoncelli books go, I think Time Management For Sysadmins is probably more important...
I just finished this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
Awesome read for anyone who works in IT. The book has some scenarios that I thought were unique to me but apparently are seen by many admins.
If may recommend a book: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523629110&sr=8-1&keywords=time+management+for+system+administrators
I started reading Time Management for System Admins (https://www.amazon.ca/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519153111&sr=8-1&keywords=time+management+for+system+administrators)
and basically the author states that you have to be willing to accept some level of failure. Completely agree here!
A quick and good read about managing your time. I am also a lone admin and this has helped.
Time Management for System Administrators https://www.amazon.com/dp/0596007833/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_W2HBwb27CD89X
I know you asked about automation, but I can't recommend Time Management for Sysadmins enough (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596007833/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=)
I use Texter Portable to make sure I'm polite even when I don't feel like it (often) and to keep myself organized (documentation templates, etc)
Not white papers, but if you want to be any kind of Sys. Admin The Practice of System and Network Administration and Time Management for System Administrator are musts.
Well I think I may be dyslexic, or something.
But I found this book rather interesting (well listened to it)
>http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Organized-Google-Era-Stuff/dp/B003CN7ECO/ref=tmm_aud_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
Kinda bizarre, how the guy hired to help Google organize it's information, actually had severe memory problems.
Whatever I need to stay relevant or updated. At this time I'm taking VMware cert courses from Stanly college, just to stay ahead on my own time. If you're just starting out, take Network+ to understand that realm, but there are a lot of routes you can go in. I always carry around these books though:
The Practice of Network and System Administration
Time Management for System Administrators
[Time Management for System Administrators] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833)
powershell in a month of lunches
Time Management for Sysadmins. It's not FOR webdevs but there's plenty of things that all 'tech' people should know in this book.
https://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
[Time Management for System Administrators] (http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833)
You should read Time Management for System Administrators
Time Management for System Administrators
Ah nope, I was talking about: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833/
Sounds awfully similar to Time Management for System Administrators by Tom Limoncelli.
Time management.
Below is a link to "Time Management for System Administrators" by Limoncelli. Get your boy a copy of it. I have a copy on my shelf that I have highlighted. I sometimes need to read it myself when I start to slide and get a little sloppy.
I had a similar situation when I arrived at my current position. I gave the junior staffer this book. 4 years later he has shaped up and moved on to another gig where his has been working his way up a big corporate tech ladder.
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412943247&sr=8-1&keywords=time+management+for+system+administrators
Maybe this will help: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833/ref=nodl_
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833/ref=sr_1_1/144-8858292-8956659?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1543544242&sr=1-1
I prefer two, but others may do.
This. Time Management for System Administrators.
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
There's a book for that. Time Management for System Administrators - Thomas Limoncelli
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833
I just picked up this book: Time Management for System Administrators. It's helped me a lot deal with the high availability that I am needed.
Sometimes you need to be available, and sometimes you need to pro-actively push stuff to the back burner.
If you do, check out these books that were written to explain the concepts of these planners. Very 1990s but I still carry many of these techniques today.
amazon.com/Time-Management-Introduction-Franklin-Systems/dp/0939817071
Total Workday Control Using Microsoft Outlook https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0983364761/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3p.zDb4YFPAB8
Here you go.
A fantastic book for this sort of thing is Time Management for System Administrators. It's specifically for sysadmins but the advice is applicable to anyone that gets distracted a lot.
The best thing you can do is setup an interruption shield with a coworker. One of you handles interrupts for the first half of the day, and the other handles them for the second half.
This is what you need. https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833
Also, you could try to create the stickers where you can write the critical tasks, therefore, you will know on which tasks need your focus.
http://www.amazon.com/Management-System-Administrators-Thomas-Limoncelli/dp/0596007833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344518443&sr=8-1&keywords=time+management+for+system+administrators
Seriously, buy this book.
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-System-Administrators-Working/dp/0596007833
Give this a read. Chapter 9 is titled "Stress Management" but the whole book in general will help keep your stress down.
Time Management for System Administrators: Stop Working Late and Start Working Smart
This along with the Practice of System and Network Administration will do wonders for you.
That's one of the pain points of working in office and owning/being more responsible for more things. I still get hit with that working from home from time to time (but not as much as I did when working in corporate office). This book does address strategies for dealing with interruptions from other local people in that you respond with a proposed/scheduled time to meet in the future. I didn't really practice that too much and can't really say if that works well. I would imagine that strategy doesn't play out too well if you are constantly getting interrupted.
Here are my nominations:
I haven't read them all through but have started on the Time Management book. So far so good.
This is part of the concept introduced by the The Checklist Manifesto which brings about the concept of preventing things from going wrong by checking your work at each level. It’s a strong piece of reading, especially within industries such as healthcare when one error can be considered catastrophic.
Someone on a different post, posted this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0596007833/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_W2HBwb27CD89X
A good time management book for IT.
Secondly remind people that computers don't run on magic.....There is a science behind it as you know but people outside of IT want to think we do magic. Thirdly my manager usually say's the IT dept is the red headed step child of a company. He's been around it long enough to see all the crap that gets blamed on IT. For example I had a client who kept opening new IE windows on his computer until the ram was full and the PC got sluggish. Believe me that was a crap(like 50+) load of windows but it was difficult to teach the guy to close out of windows and not open so many.
That being said, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Don't be afraid to move on when you need to.