I'm learning UNIX on my Mac (BSD) and quite like it. I'm a newbie, but I think I'd like to eventually find some work with UNIX/LINUX. But I'm not sure where to begin -- there are so many versions and job options, it's kind of overwhelming.
A friend suggested learning Debian to start out with and getting an LPIC certification. Another suggested Red Hat, saying that Debian isn't used a lot in business, and Red Hat certifications increase your chances of getting work. He also mentioned learning CentOS, saying it's Red Hat in another form, and it's free. Yet another suggested a Red Hat Certified Technician certification to start and going from there.
I guess, for the experienced users out there, my questions are these for now:
1. Can anyone tell me what kind of IT jobs/positions there are and how they differ from each other, and how I might choose which one I'd want?
2. Which versions of UNIX/Linux are out there, which ones are good to know and which of the two are better to know? Does anyone use UNIX these days, or is Linux the way to go?
3. Which certifications are available, which one(s) should I start with and what do they do?
4. Where can I get training on these OS's? Are they online, at some school, or what?
Thanks for all your help