Hello all, I am probably the newest newb in here and would really appreciate some (as much as possible) help on learning UNIX. If anyone is familiar with any non boot camp schools in the NY area, preferrably instructor-led, please refer me to a link or list them in a reply. Also, any information on books, recommended OS usage and anything to get started would be much obliged. Thanks in advance.

I've taken the instructor led Sun certification classes and they were great, but terribly expensive. I think it was about $3000 per class and there were 3 classes in the certification track.

I also used a set of computer based training CD-Roms when I was a help desk guy who wanted to do Unix. The Unix manager told me to get with his admins to come up with some training stuff and that is what they recommended. They were from a company called National Education Training Group. They had a 7 disk Unix set covering basic Unix topics, sysadmin topics, tcp/ip networking, and shell scripting. They were $150 each, or just over a grand for the set. Combined they cost 1/3 of what just one of the sun classes cost, and it gave me a good enough foundation that when I got promoted from help desk to junior Unix admin I was very well prepared.

If you want more info email me and I'll try to dig up the titles at home. They might still be availible from NETg.

There is a post in the FAQ section regarding some worthwhile books to read. See http://www.unix.com/im-new-unix-books-should-i-read/ .

Cheers,

Keith

Thanks for the info guys. Minnesota, I appreciate you taken your time to write a detailed reply to my concerns. Digging up those CD titles and any additional help would be great. I guess SUN is the way to go huh? UNIX security is really what would tickle my nipples. Thx

Here is a link to their current Unix catalog page;

http://www.netg.com/Catalog_cms/topi...p=6&c=10&s=246

The titles I got are no longer listed. From memory (meaning I have the subjects right but the exact wording may be slightly off) they were:

Intro to Unix
Unix - Intermediate Topics
Unix - Advanced Topics
Unix System Administration
Advanced Unix System Administration
TCP/IP Networking
Unix Shell Programming

They are general courses on Unix, not a specific flavor. I see in their current catalog that they have specific courses for Linux, Solaris, SCO, and HP/UX. I think what I got may be better if you're just starting out and want to get a good foundation instead of concentrating on one particular variety of Unix, but I guess that is a matter of opinion.

As far as Sun being the way to go, I agree to a point. I see as many job listings for Sun in my area as Linux, AIX and HPUX combined. However, knowing multiple Unix OSes is the best way to go, most medium to big companies will have more than one vendor in their datacenter.

A final note - if you're interested in Unix as a career path stick with it. You have to be smart and willing to always work hard and learn. But once you can get a job and some experience under your belt it can be a great career. Just always keep up on the technical side of things and don't let yourself fall behind. I have lots of friends who have been unemployed for a long time because their skillsets aren't as popular any more.

Actually, I must disagree with SUN as a choice, although it is still fairly popular.

In MY company, SUN is on the way out... Sun hardware has become so unreliable that our company is phasing out and not purchasing any new equipment...and we are no small company. We have systems and provide service to over 13 states in the USA.

If I were you I would find some university courses... that won't cost you $3000 to $5000 for a week of classes.

SUN in small settings may be viable... and even in some large settings, but seems that SUN is becoming less viable where I work.

Thanks for the info Magnus. Although I don't know UNIX, I know that it is complex. Therefore, I never understood how you could take it all in, in a 5 day boot camp. I agree that taking courses at a local college or university would be better. Any recommendations on what courses I should take to start? And if not SUN, where should I focus my attention? Any feedback would be super.