I have to agree with MR. Zbikowski on some things.  I know that Linux is a
better product than Windows (for most purposes) but Windows has the market.
And without a major change in the ways that companies operate, this is not
likely to change very soon.  True, many large companies operate Linux at
some level, but most don't want to admit it.  I am an RHCE, have been for a
year now, but no one is looking for them.  My CCNA is what got me a job.
Sure, I get to use Linux once in a while, but I just had to get used to
Windows, or rather my distaste for Windows, and jump on the chance to use
Linux where I have the chance.

Then again, I never have been a programmer.

____________________________________
Jason Sowers
Network Engineer
Open Systems International
3600 Holly Lane North Suite 40
Minneapolis, MN 55447-1286
Phone:  (763) 551-0559
Fax:      (763) 551-1750
Email: jsowers at osii.com <mailto:jsowers at osii.com>
http:  www.osii.com <http://www.osii.com>  & www.e-scada.com
<http://www.e-scada.com>


-----Original Message-----
From: tclug-list-admin at mn-linux.org
[mailto:tclug-list-admin at mn-linux.org]On Behalf Of Andy Zbikowski
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 10:46 AM
To: tclug-list at mn-linux.org
Subject: Re: [TCLUG] Entry Level *nix


Somehow, I got lucky. I was in the right place, at the right time, at the
right price. (or something like that...)

Secondly, I can deal with Windows. At this point I have completely sworn off
using anything but Windows 2000 on servers (with the exception of the
database server that is still running NT4, and hasn't had an issue since it
went on line. If it ain't broke...) If budjeting and client hardware allowed
it, I'd probally move the workstations from NT4 to windows 2000. (Just don't
bother with Windows 9x or Me). If I can find a thin client to fill our needs
we will probally move in that direction (if I can smash some long
outstanding bugs with our main windows application anyway...) But Windows is
everywhere. Get over it, learn it. I can actually sleep at night when I
recomment Windows 2000. Win2K isn't perfect, but it's a big step in the
right direction.

The third thing I have going is on the side consulting type jobs. I started
by fixing the (very) small windows network at my dad's company when ever it
broke down (thankfully that wasn't often.) The other notable job was setting
up a Linux firewall/nat/web/mail/file server box for the St. Lawrence Newman
Center. It was all voulenteer, but probally worth mentioning. (Not one
service call yet...slick!) In the next few weeks I'll be building a windows
2000 network from the ground up for an office of 10 or so.

If somebody in your family or maybe a friend of the family needs computer
stuff done you might find some experience there. Small businesses like that
generally need some basic stuff setup, and are always concerned by cost.

The last place I found myself was ISP technical support. Most ISPs use some
form of UNIX, and need somebody between the customers and the admins (or
developers) to setup accounts and take abuse from the users.  There are
probally other helpdesk positions you can find yourself in, I could tell you
about a few local places that need someone with a clue, but you probally
don't want the names as their offices are within shooting distance of my
apartment. Muhahahahaha! (Aim the rocket at the 9th floor, center for sales,
off to the right a bit for technical support...)

If I have any other thoughts I'll let you know.

--
Andy Zbikowski, Sys Admin   | (WEB) http://www.ltiflex.com
LTI Flexible Products, Inc. | (PH)  763-428-9119 (EX) 132
21801 Industrial Blvd       | (FX)  763-428-9126
Rogers, MN  55374           | (PCS) 612-306-6055