Linux vs Windows training for starter?

U

Urganny

Active Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2009
Messages
60
Reaction score
0
I am looking to kick start a career in IT and have been asking around for info.
I have thus been advised to complete a Linux Administrator course 1st (instead of a Microsoft certification) as there is more scope with bigger companies and more demand.
Would your guys agree with such a view?
 
I work in this field as an outsourced contracor and deal with many different companies daily and I think that statement is flawed.

Most companies have maybe a couple of Linux servers (There are exceptions), but most are either phasing them out or don't have any. The companies who are running Linux, normally have dedicated staff to look after them and those are normally the people who don't leave the company, so market penetration for the particular skill is very limited. Microsoft certification is where it is happening, there is still a huge shortage of qualified people all over the world.

I would suggest that you work towards your MCITP for Windows Server 2008 or something similar.

Disclaimer: Be aware that I work in the Microsoft space and therefore my view might be skewed.
 
It depends what you want to do. If you're happy to fill a gap and be part of the crowd, you can make an OK salary being a Microsoft engineer. But most of your time will be spent clicking "Next" and "OK" buttons and wondering why things have suddenly decided to die.

If you prefer to keep on top of technology, if you're interested in the latest and greatest, if you like delving into your machines and finding out what's really going on; if you have a desire to learn from people all over the world and make contributions yourself ... *and* you're happy to work in a more specialised area - do the Linux thing.


Disclaimer: I worked in the Linux environment, got certified and loved every minute of it, so my view might be skewed too.
 
Last edited:
Microsoft stuff breaks more, so there's more work there. Big companies likes big names.
"If it's free, it can't be good"
 
Yes, I agree with grayston here, but ultimately it is up to you. I would say that there would be more opportunities if you go with Linux, but that's just mho. I also think that you will learn more on the inner workings of the OS, if you get Linux-certified, than MS.

Disclaimer: Check my sig, for OS bias clarification! :D

B
 
Post this in the software section instead of linux and I think you'll probably get more replies, with less of a Linux bias.

Disclaimer: I use both as a consumer and dont have any training
 
Linux admins don't generally struggle with Windows concepts.
Windows admins don't generally know much about Linux.

Disclaimer: I haven't conducted any scientific surveys on this issue. :D
 
Government uses Novell what translates to SuSE Enterprise Linux. On the other side on desktop they still use Windows XP but they intend to switch to Linux. So there may be more work for Linux administrators in the near future.
 
I would rather ask how many unemployed XYZ (whatever it is Microsoft, Sun, Oracle or Linux) certified professionals are on the market. Last thing which you want to do is to waste money on useless certification.
 
Get a Degree. Then worry about *nix or windows certifications afterward.
 
I'm also of the opinion to first get a degree and then focus in a certain area. A degree will always put you in the front queue, unless you have years of experience or beineg referred when starting to work somewhere.

Well try the waters and see what you like, I love Linux and therefore went with Novell. Lots to do there and also a very mixed environment - never a dull moment.
 
Last edited:
Mouse said:
Get a Degree. Then worry about *nix or windows certifications afterward.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%

I'm 34 and doing my BSc with UNISA - stopped my MSCE when I got a job in the Linux world.

My degree will be worth more than any M$ or *nix certificate. Heck, I could not even spell GRUB when I got my job at a technical company that only develops on LINUX.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X