Diary of a Network Geek

But, that was what happened.

I took my CNE 5 to 6 Update test today, and failed. Just barely, but still, I failed. I was just too stressed out about not haveing the money to take the test again, which I really can scrape together. And, I was worried about a recurring plumbing issue that I’m having a hard time resolving. I’ll give it one more shot before I call a plumber.
In the mean time, I’ve updated my Self Test Software quiz engine and tests for Novell’s 5 to 6 update. And, I’ll start studying again. I need to really bust my butt on this, though, because I only have until the end of October to get this done. *sigh* It’s gonna’ be a long month.

Well, I’m working on it!

So, I finished the Exam Cram 2 Novell Netware 5.x to 6 Upgrade book and I’m getting ready to study my but off. That usually means banging away at the Self Test Software pre-test until I score way up in the 90% and above range. That almost always assures me of a passing grade the first time out. And, when money is tight, that really counts. In any case, this method has worked for me in the past, so I’m pretty sure it will work for me again.

So far, so good.

Well, I’m almost done with the ExamCram Linux+ book and it looks like it’ll be a relatively easy test. Of course, I also have the Self Test Software exam for Linux+ as a second study guide, so I should be able to bang this out in one shot. At least, that’s the plan.
I know this is a low-level, introductory certification, but I think it will help me branch out into other areas. That’s my career goal, these days, to make my virtual toolbox a little more well rounded and complete. Having some kind of Unix, or Unix-clone, cert is a step in the right direction. Updating my CNE, of course, is in the plans, too. As is getting a CCNA. I really think that a Jack-of-all-trades approach is the right one in the current economic climate, so that’s what I’m trying to accomplish.
Only time will tell, of course, but I sure hope that it’s the right direction to move.

Let the games begin!

Well, things have been going so well at work that I thought I’d start working on some certifications. I need to update my CNE to version 6, but there are some other certifications I want, too.
For instance, I’ve been lusting after my Linux+ for some time. In fact, I bought the
Linux+ Exam Cram book some time ago and just haven’t gotten around to reading it. But, I also ordered the
Novell Netware 5.x to 6 Upgrade Exam Cram book, the
Security+ Exam Cram 2 book, and the
CCNA Routing and Switching Exam Cram book. I’ve also bought the Self Test Software practice tests for these certifications.
I’ve actually been working on the CCNA on and off, but I decided that it’s time to really step up the whole professional qualification side of my resume. I’ve worked with most of these technologies for some time now, but to get past human resources, I need some kind of cert to prove it. IT is kind of weird that way. Not that I think I’m going to be looking for another job any time soon, mind, but the last time I thought that, I found myself out looking. Better to be prepared. (You’d think I’d have learned that back in the Boy Scouts!) Besides, as good as it looks over at Loomis, Fargo & Co., they still haven’t made me an offer yet, so anything can happen. If the worst happens, I’d like to be better prepared this time. And, of course, it’s fun to have an alphabet soup of certifications trailing after my name. Maybe it’s time to become a certified locksmith, too…..