Linux/Unix R Us

Certification Changes and Updates

2007-06-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

A look at the changes to a number of vendors certification entries is posted on UnixReview and can be found at: http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10133/ur0706c/ur0706c.htm. Those vendors dicussed include: Cisco, CISSP, CompTIA, LPI, Microsoft, Novell, and Red Hat.

Linux Users and Groups

2007-06-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing that all Linux administrators deal with on a regular basis, it is users and groups. If there is one topic that you should know inside and out, it is users and groups. That said, 50 questions intended to test your knowledge of user and group fundamentals at an intermediate level (with answers are at the end of the article) are now posted on UnixReview and can be found at: http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10133/ur0706f/ur0706f.htm

A look at Moodle

2007-06-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

A look at Open Source at is best is now posted on CertCities and can be found at http://certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=216. If you've taken classes at a university recently, the odds are good that there was an online component to it. The odds are also good that said course was administered through proprietary software known as a Course (or Learning) Management System (CMS/LMS) such as WebCT, Blackboard or Scholar360. Such software is expensive for universities, and not as flexible as many would like. Enter Moodle.

A review of SlickEdit 2007

2007-05-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

A review of the newly released SlickEdit 2007 is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10130/ur0705j/ur0705j.htm. This year, the company has opted to change their numbering scheme. The successor to version 11, instead of being named Visual SlickEdit version 12, is named SlickEdit 2007. Don't let the name change fool you – it's still the same great product that it always was, only now there are even fewer reasons to not use it.

PC Technician Street Smarts

2007-05-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

A review of the newly published PC Technician Street Smarts book is posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10130/ur0705c/ur0705c.htm.
PC Technician Street Smarts is a well-written book that every entry-level technician should have – and have handy – whether or not they are considering A+ certification

MySQL Test

2007-05-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

A self-study test of MySQL topics consisting of 50 questions can be found on UnixReview at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10130/ur0705a/ur0705a.htm. The answers are at the end of the exam.

Uptime Software Review

2007-05-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

A review of the newly released Uptime version 4.0 is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10130/ur0705f/ur0705f.htm. This is the best software package for Unix and Linux monitoring currently on the market.

Test Your PHP Knowledge

2007-05-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

A new self-study test of 50 questions about PHP - most at the intermediate level - is posted on UnixReview at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10130/ur0705d/ur0705d.htm. The answers appear at the end of the quiz.

Regular Expressions and Shell Basics

2007-04-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

A 50-question self-test on regular expressions and shell basics is now posted on UnixReview at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10125/ur0704d/ur0704d.htm. The answers to the questions appear at the end of the article.

A look at Linux and ulimit

2007-03-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

An overview/tutorial on using ulimit with Linux is now posted on CertCities at http://certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=214. The ulimit utility allows you to limit almost everything in Linux except disk storage (for which purpose quota is used).

Test Your Knowledge on Ethernet

2007-03-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

A sample quiz of 50 questions on Ethernet-specific and networking-generic questions is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10124/ur0703f/ur0703f.htm. The answers appear at the end of the quiz.

Network+ Review

2007-03-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

The absolute best product that money can buy for Network+ self study is The Ultimate CompTIA Network+ Resource Kit. As powerful a statement as that is, it has been a long time since I have been so impressed by a product and a review of it can be found at: http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9561/ur0703b/ur0703b.htm

Digital Shortcut Review Posted

2007-03-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

A review of the new Cisco Firewall entry in the Digital Shortcuts series is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10124/ur0703c/ur0703c.htm

Test Your Knowledge of HTML

2007-02-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

A 50-question test on basic HTML is posted on UnixReview now and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9515/ur0702a/ur0702a.htm. The answers are at the end of the quiz.

A Look at CLE - Ceritified Linux Engineer 10

2007-02-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

An examination of Novell's CLE (Certified Linux Engineer) 10 certification on SuSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 10 is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com:80/documents/s=10121/ur0702b/.

A look at Red Hat Fedora Core 6 Unleashed

2007-01-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

Sam's Publishing has released the new Red Hat Fedora Core 6 Unleashed book by Hudson and Hudson. A review of it is now posted on UnixReview at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10116/ur0701f/ur0701f.htm. Overall, this is another great version of a book that gets better with age. The price of the DVD alone easily justifies the price of the book, and I highly recommend it for anyone considering implementing Fedora Core.

What does Linux need to do in 2007

2007-01-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

The usual yearly recap of what has happened, and look at what should happen next year, in order for Linux to go more mainstream is posted on CertCities at http://certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=212. Much of this was written (and submitted) before recent developments (like Microsoft's Ballmer claiming that there is a liability on the balance sheet of every company using Linux...). Given the nature of the article, it is a very safe assumption that it will be quickly blasted.

Cisco Network Admission Control

2007-01-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

A review of the latest security book from Cisco Press, Cisco Network Admission Control Volume II: NAC Framework Deployment and Troubleshooting, is posted on UnixReview at: http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10116/ur0701h/ur0701h.htm. Even though this is really the second volume in the series, it is the only one worth buying and has so much more information in it than the first.

Test Your Knowledge of Apache

2007-01-09T05:33:00.000-08:00

Do you think you know the ins-and-outs of Apache? Fifty questions on generic Apache (and some Tomcat) have been posted on UnixReview at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10116/ur0701b/ur0701b.htm. The answers appear at the end of the quiz.

CLP 10 Examined

2007-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of the best Linux certifications on the market, in terms of implementation and actual measurement, is that of CLP (Novell Certified Linux Professional). This certification has recently been updated to version 10 and information on it can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10116/ur0701a/ur0701a.htm.

Indiana Case Study reprinted

2007-01-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

The case study of Indiana's rollout of the Novell Linux Desktop (since renamed) has been parsed from its orginal source and printed in Databus from CEPTA (California K-12 educational something or other). It can be found at: http://www.cetpa-k12.org/newsletter/?cmd=vi&typ=art&id=167

MySQL Quiz

2006-12-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

A "Test Your Knowledge" quiz of fifty things every MySQL administrator should know is posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10110/ur0612e/ur0612e.htm. The answers appear at the end of the quiz.

A New Meaning to CIO

2006-12-20T05:48:00.000-08:00

According to Thomas Friedman in The World is Flat, the "I" in CIO could easily come to mean Integration. For thoughts on this, see the latest post in Integration Station on Redmond Magazine at http://redmondmag.com:80/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=1579.

Art of Software Security Testing

2006-12-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

The newest entry from Symantec's press, The Art of Software Security Testing, has been published and is reviewed at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10110/ur0612l/ur0612l.htm. It is a decent book if you need something to convince you that a move from reactive to proactive security is a worthwhile shift.

Review: The Art of Software Security Assessment

2006-12-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

A review of the newest Art of Software Security Assessment is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10110/ur0612f/ur0612f.htm. Weighing in at more than 1100 pages, this book differs from most in that the entire tome is focused on software (in)security. By focusing only on that aspect and being allowed to devote so many pages to it, the authors are able to reach a depth that is rare in today's world of computer book publishing.

A Look at the Microsoft/Novell Deal

2006-12-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

An article written a few weeks ago - when Microsoft and Novell first announced their deal regarding the promotion of SuSE - is now posted on CertCities and can be found at http://www.certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=211. Some developments have occured since then, but nothing that detracts from the original intent.

Updated View of LPI Level 2 Certification

2006-12-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

An updated look at the LPI Level 2 certification is posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10110/ur0612d/ur0612d.htm. This article updates the tables that were aging and gives current links to locations where exam study information can be found.

Self-Defending Networks

2006-12-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

One of the newest security books from Cisco Press is Self-Defending Networks: The Next Generation of Network Security by Duane De Capite and a review of it can be found at: http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10104/ur0611k/ur0611k.htm.

Security in Computing review

2006-12-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

A review of the 4th edition of Security in Computing by Charels P. Pfleeger and Shari Lawrence Pfleeger can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10104/ur0611m/ur0611m.htm. There are two broad categories of security books: 1) those that focus on one small topic/solution and the implementation of it, and 2) those that provide an overview of all aspects of computer security. The fourth edition of Security in Computing falls into the latter category, and I must honestly say there isn't a more complete and up-to-date title filling this niche that I am aware of.

Integration Station new post

2006-11-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

A new article on Redmond Magazine's site has been posted at http://www.redmondmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=1542. "If It Can Go Wrong, It Will: A Migration Case Study" is available online only and provides a problem-by-problem breakdown of why one company's three-year Unix to Windows migration went so horribly, horribly wrong.

Security Threat Mitigation and Response

2006-11-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Cisco Press has published a new security book - Security Threat Mitigation and Response - and a review of it can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10104/ur0611h/ur0611h.htm. Cisco Security MARS (Monitoring, Analysis, and Response System) is a product intended to work with your network and identify (as well as prevent) problems early on. It is also intended to boost data privacy to the point where compliance becomes a certainty. Given the customization that is possible and the importance of getting it right, a book on the topic that is detailed and easy to read is almost a necessity.

Test Knowledge: Basic Linux

2006-11-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

A test-your-knowledge of 50 questions on vendor-neutral Linux (perfect for studying for the LPI or Linux+ exams) is now posted and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10104/ur0611f/ur0611f.htm. The answers to the multiple choice questions appear at the end of the article.

Updated Look at LPIC-1

2006-11-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

An updated look at the Linux Professional Institutes Level 1 certification (LPIC-1), complete with updated sites for finding information you need to know to pass both the 101 and 102 exams is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10104/ur0611b/ur0611b.htm.

Test Your Knowledge on CCNP

2006-10-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

A test yourself exam of 50 questions on Cisco's CCNP topics is posted and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10102/ur0610e/ur0610e.html. There are currently two tracks to the Cisco Certified Network Professional certification, and you must pass three or four exams based upon which track you take

SELinux Book Review

2006-09-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

A review of the newly published SELinux By Example is posted and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10097/ur0609f/ur0609f.html. SELinux (Security Enhanced Linux) has been talked about for quite a while and been written about for almost as long. What is surprising is that there has never really been a book written that functions as a hands-on guide for its implementation in the real world. This despite the fact that it is supported in Red Hat, Debian, Gentoo, and others. SELinux by Example fills that void and does so admirably.

Test Your Knowledge of RFID

2006-09-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

A practice test of 50 questions on RFID (radio frequency identification device) topics is posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10097/ur0609d/ur0609d.htm. One of the newest technologies rapidly being implemented in supply chains and IT systems throughout the world and CompTIA has released an exam on the topic (there is discussion of other vendors following soon with their own offerings).

Tips for Easing Integration

2006-09-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

The latest installment of the Integration Station column is now accessible at http://redmondmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=1466. It discusses some simple steps to make integration easier - as a mindset and an implementation strategy.

CCNA Official Exam Certification Library

2006-09-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

A review of the new CCNA Official Exam Certification Library from Cisco Press is posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10097/ur0609b/ur0609b.html. For this box product, CP put together two books that previously sold separately and added three video snippets from another product - the CCNA Video Mentor. It makes for a powerful study combination and is priced quite reasonably.

A look at RFID+

2006-09-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

An overview and examination of the new RFID exam and certification (RFID+) from CompTIA is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10094/ur0609a/. This is one of the first certifications on this new technology that is quickly being adopted and implemented.

Services for Unix - Part Two

2006-09-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

The second part of the look at Services for Unix is now posted at http://www.redmondmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=1442. This one focuses on password synchronization and the ever elusive single sign-on dream that every adminstrator has.

Linux and Unix Books to Add to the Shelf

2006-09-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

A compilation of the best books so far this year in the Linux/Unix realm is now posted at http://www.certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=208 along with a short review of each.

Sample Exam of A+ Elective Topics

2006-08-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Another set of 50 sample questions - these geared toward study for the A+ elective exams - are now posted and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10094/ur0608e/. These questions are intended to help with evaluation for the new electives that CompTIA has created to replace the old A+ certification requirements.

Fedora 5 Unleashed

2006-08-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

A review of the recently published Fedora 5 Unleashed book is now posted and can be found on UnixReview at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10094/ur0608c/. This is not only a great book on Fedora, but it would serve as a good all around tutorial/reference on most other versions of Linux as well.

A Look at A+ Electives

2006-08-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

The second of the two articles examining the changes to the A+ certification is now live and posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10092/ur0608a/ur0608a.htm. This article focuses more on the elective exams and looks at two of the domains that can be found on each of the three possible electives.

Services for Unix (SFU) Part One

2006-08-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

An overview of Microsoft's Services for UNIX (SFU) - the one tool that belongs in every Linux / Windows integrator's toolkit is now posted at http://redmondmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=1426.

Test Your Knowledge of A+

2006-07-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

A sample quiz of 50 questions from the new version of the A+ Essentials exam is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10092/ur0607d/ur0607d.htm with answers at the bottom. This is the biggest revision to the certification that CompTIA has done, and reducing the core hardware element to 21% (for a certification that everyone equates with "that hardware certification") is significant.

Within a month, another 50 questions will post on elective ("technician") exam topics.

What Linux REALLY Needs

2006-07-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

An article on why Linux has not taken the world by storm after promising to do so for 15 years, and what it really needs in order to catch some momentum can be found at http://certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=206. The top seven Linux adoption excuses are given and then what I believe the real reason to be for its slow growth. The comments readers are adding to the column are invaluable and worth the read as well.

An Examination of New A+ Exams

2006-07-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

A comparison of the old A+ certification and the new one (coming out this year) can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10092/ur0607b/. This will be followed up by a fifty question test on this topic to be posted later in the month. So popular is the A+ certification from CompTIA that there are currently more than 600,000 individuals certified worldwide. This entry-level, vendor-neutral certification is almost a necessity for anyone wanting to enter the field and work with hardware.

Ubuntu Practice Test

2006-07-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Fifty practice questions for the new Ubuntu certification are now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10092/ur0607g/. To earn this certification, you must first become LPI certified at Level I (LPIC I), and then pass an additional exam.

Advanced Host Intrusion Prevention with CSA

2006-07-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

A review of the new Cisco book, Advanced Host Intrusion Prevention with CSA, by Chad Sullivan, Jeff Asher, and Paul Mauvais is posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10092/ur0607c/. A very small book that builds upon an earlier title, this is as concise and succinct a reference to Cisco Security Agent (CSA) as you’ll find. Currently, CSA is supported on the Microsoft platforms as well as Solaris and Red Hat. CSA is the product Cisco offers for an “endpoint protection” IPS (Intrusion Prevention System); it is not difficult to implement this software but can be arduous to master it. This book takes the approach of walking you through the implementation and all the way up to, and through, troubleshooting.

Integration Column Number Two

2006-06-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

The second Integration Station column on issues of integrating Windows and Linux/Unix is now live and posted on Redmond at http://redmondmag.com/columns/article.asp?editorialsid=1364. This one establishes what integration is and lays the foundation for all the articles/columns on the topic to come in the future. The next (July) entry will focus on Services for Unix (SFU).

Ubuntu certification article posted

2006-06-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

An overview of the new Ubuntu Professional certification is now posted and available at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10089/ur0606b/ur0606b.html. Scheduled to become available worldwide through Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centers later this quarter, it debuted at LinuxWorld in Johannesburg, South Africa in May. The certification has been created through an alliance between Canonical, Ubuntu, and the Linux Professional Institute (LPI).

Ubuntu is currently one of the fastest growing distributions in the Linux world. Based on an African word meaning “humanity to others”, Ubuntu is completely free — as are the tools needed to modify it and make it fit your specific application. It runs on the x86 platform, as well as AMD64 and PowerPC.

Indiana Schools and Novell Linux Desktop

2006-06-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

An article on the integration of Novell Linux Desktop 9 (which is now being renamed to fit in the SUSE family) into secondary schools in Indiana as part of the ACCESS agenda appears in the current issue of Novell Connection Magazine (second quarter 2006, Volume 17, Number 2). The article is on page 52 of the print edition. The online edition has not been updated to the current set of articles, but when this happens the article should be available under the Tech Talk sections at http://www.novell.com/connectionmagazine/.

VPN Review

2006-06-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

A review of the new Cisco Press book, "Comparing, Designing, and Deploying VPNs" by Mark Lewis is posted on UnixReview and can be found at:
http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10083/ur0605o/ur0605o.html. My first thought when looking at this book was that if it contained no valuable information, I could still use it to prop open the door when the weather warmed. At well more than 1,000 pages, it gives the impression of being a brick. I am happy to report, however, that we’ve had many nice days since this book arrived, and there is no possibility that it will ever be used for anything other than reference – it is that good.

SlickEdit 11 Review Posted

2006-06-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

A review of the latest version (11) of SlickEdit has posted on UnixReview and can be accessed at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10083/ur0605n/ur0605n.html. Visual SlickEdit is a code editor for developers – arguably the most advanced code editor available. This is not a program for those who dabble with programming when they get home from work but rather a tool for those who make their living in the field. To quote the company, “Our goal is to remove the tedious tasks involved with programming, allowing you to focus on the reason you got into programming: the thrill of writing great code.”

50 More Practice Certification Questions for Security+

2006-05-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

Fifty more practice questions (the last batch) for the Security+ certification exam are now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10083/ur0605j/. Combined with the other set of 50, this should give you a good idea of whether or not you are ready to start considering prepping for/taking this exam.

Angering Novell and the SUSE Team

2006-05-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

A new article critical of Novell's handling of NLD (Novell Linux Desktop), AppArmor, and related technologies posted at http://www.certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=205. In the short time that it has been up, it has drawn lenghty responses including one from Clive Bearman, the marketing manager responsible for Linux and AppArmor at Novell that is well worth reading.

A look at OpenSUSE.org

2006-05-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

An article on Novell 's open source portal - openSUSE.org - appears in the current issue of Novell Connection Magazine (1st Quarter 2006) and can be found at http://www.novell.com/connectionmagazine/2006/q1/tech_talk_5.html. Not only will you find documentation and other links on this site, but it is also where betas and development releases are posted. You can also report bugs through the Bugzilla database, participate as a developer and so on. According to Novell, the goals of this project are three-fold:
1. Make SUSE Linux the easiest Linux distribution for anyone to obtain and the most widely used open source platform.
2. Provide an environment for open source collaboration that makes SUSE Linux the world's best Linux distribution for new and experienced Linux users.
3. Dramatically simplify and open the development and packaging process to make SUSE Linux the platform of choice for Linux hackers and application developers.

Linux/Windows Printing

2006-05-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

A new column for Redmond Magazine - online only - is ready to debut. Focusing on the issues of integration between Windows and Linux, the first column examines printing from both directions and can be found at http://redmondmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=1326. Future articles will follow a similar format - each taking on aspect of integration and exploring it in as much detail as the space will allow.

A final look at Security+

2006-05-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

The second part of the UnixReview series looking at the newly updated Security+ exam is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10083/ur0605b/. This article picks up where it left off last month and finishes the coverage of the domains on this CompTIA exam. As was mentioned previously, a sample test of 50 questions is posted to go with these articles, and another sample test of another 50 will appear later this month.

Security+ Sample Questions

2006-05-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

A new batch of 50 questions on computer security, similar to those found on the Security+ exam from CompTIA, are now posted and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10075/ur0604f/. The actual exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that need to be answered within 90 minutes.

It should also be pointed out that CompTIA offers a page of study tips for the exam, and it is well worth skimming.

Security+ Study Guide, 3E

2006-04-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

The third edition of the Security+ Study Guide has just been released. It was necessary to do this edition since CompTIA did a substantial "running upgrade" of the exam. The running upgrade included changing the exam to include new questions without first doing a beta. The logic goes that since they were not changing the domains/objectives and just tweaking the topics, there was no need to change the exam number, do a beta, etc.

This edition has been written to the exam changes and includes a great many sample questions (end of each chapter, two bonus exams on the CD, etc.) as well as significantly updated information on wireless technologies and some other areas where the previous books were weak. The book can be found in stores or on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470036680/.

Updated Security+ From CompTIA

2006-04-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

CompTIA did a running update of the Security+ exam very quietly this year. They removed older questions and seeded in newer ones that test on current technologies and keep the exam relevant. A review of the first half of this exam is now posted and available at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10075/ur0604b/.

The latest word on Network+

2006-04-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

There are a few certification exams that I think fondly of, or find a real purpose for, and Network+ is one of those. I became a fan of this single-exam credential when it first debuted in the late '90s and was embraced by a number of vendors as a substitute for the basic networking test within their proprietary tracks. This vendor-neutral multiple-choice exam was the first one released by CompTIA that had the potential to serve as a key element in certifications from Novell, Microsoft and others (and has). To keep it current, it was revised in 2002 and again in 2005. As of this writing, it is estimated that there are currently 140,000 individuals holding this certification....
http://certcities.com/editorial/Exams/story.asp?editorialsid=107

Test Wireless Security Knowledge

2006-03-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

A new sample test of 50 questions (and answers) on Wireless Security is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10060/ur0603g/. These questions are intended to help study for CWSP and other certifications that require knowledge of these topics.

Review of Linux Server Hacks, II

2006-03-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

A review of the new book from O'Reilly - Linux Server Hacks, Volume II - is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10060/ur0603e/. This book of 100 hacks adds to the first volume (different author) and offers some insightful time savers.

CWSP Examined

2006-03-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

A look at the updated CWSP (Wireless Security) exam is posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10060/ur0603b/ur0603b.html. This article follows up to the CWNA certification coverage and is the next step down that path. It will be followed up by a sample test of 50 wireless security-related questions within a couple of weeks.

A look at Ubuntu

2006-03-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

An examination of Ubuntu - a unique approach to Linux from a completely free view - is now posted on CertCities and can be found at http://www.certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=204.

Using the test Command

2006-03-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

An article written (and forgotten) over two years ago has now posted on Oracle Technology Network. "Improve Your Scripting with the test Command" is posted at http://www.oracle.com/technology/pub/articles/dulaney_test.html and I learned of it when email starting arriving with script attachments for me to check. While I truly wish I could, time does not allow me to review individual scripts or code snippets.

Wireless Sample Test

2006-02-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

A new, 50-question, sample test of wireless technology is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10013/ur0602k/ur0602k.htm. These questions can be used to study for CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator), or similar, certification.

Intrusion Prevention Fundamentals review

2006-02-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

A review of the new Cisco book on Intrusion Prevention Fundamentals is posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10013/ur0602f/ur0602f.html.

Penetration Testing and Network Defense

2006-02-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

A review of the new book from Cisco press on Penetration testing (a buzzword du jour in security) and network defense can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10013/ur0602e/ur0602e.html. While the book is very good, it could certainly benefit from adding a CD/DVD including many of the tools that are referenced throughout.

A Look at CLE 9

2006-02-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

An overview of the CLE 9 (Certified Linux Engineer with SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9) exam and certification is now posted on CertCities. It includes sample practicums and can be found at http://www.certcities.com/editorial/exams/story.asp?EditorialsID=105.

Entry Level Wireless Certification

2006-02-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

An overview of the CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Adminstrator) exam and certification from Planet3 is now posted on UnixReview at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=10013/ur0602b/. A sample test of 50 questions on the topic should be up and available later in the month.
This is an entry level certification for wireless networking, as well as for other Planet3 certifications - many of which will be discussed in upcoming articles.

CISA and CISM certifications

2006-01-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

An overview of the often overlooked, but very meaningful, CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9953/ur0601l/ur0601l.html. Both certifications are from ISACA and are limited in quantity by only being made available twice a year.

Supplement and Sample Test

2006-01-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

SysAdmin Magazine has posted their Certification supplement, including a 50-question Unix/Linux sample test. The supplement can be found at http://www.samag.com while the sample test can be directly accessed at http://www.samag.com/documents/s=9951/sam0613d/0613d.htm.

Review of SUSE Linux 10

2006-01-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

A review of SUSE Linux 10 (formerly SuSE Professional in all previous versions) is now posted on CertCities. The article can be found at http://certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?editorialsid=202.

Review of Cisco's TCP/IP Volume I posted

2005-12-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

A review of the latest edition of the bestselling book from Cisco Press - Volume I of TCP/IP is now posted on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9943/ur0512g/. Contrary to the Volume I in the title, this book contains almost anything and everything most admins need to know on a daily basis.

"Hot" Certifications for 2006

2005-12-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

Becky Nagel has put together the annual list of certifications expected to be popular in the coming year for CertCities. There are few surprises on the list aside from the fact that it is missing any entry level title. The article can be found at http://certcities.com/editorial/features/story.asp?EditorialsID=95.

FileEngine Company Overview

2005-12-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9943/ur0512d/ur0512d.html. This is a small company with a very big idea that should catch on. They have spent a great time of time and effort perfecting their product, and hopefully the market will reward them.

An overview of overlooked certifications

2005-12-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9943/ur0512b/. Many of these are very useful in select circumstances and should be considered if you work for a company that has a relationship with the vendor wherein having such a certification would be valued.

Survival Guide review posted

2005-12-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

A review of the Administrators Survival Guide is now posted at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9920/ur0511k/ur0511k.html. I was greatly disappointed in the boook and expected something more based upon the promise implied by the title and the marketing material.

Linux Remote Admin article posted

2005-12-01T05:27:00.000-08:00

The article on remote Linux access/administration is posted on CertCities and can be found at http://certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=201.

SUSE Linux 10 Unleashed

2005-11-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

The SUSE Linux 10 Unleashed book by Michael McCallister is now available (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0672327260/002-8242058-8448039?v=glance&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&amp;v=glance). While not the best book ever written, it does offer a fairly good overview of the operating system. The best part is the inclusion of SUSE Linux 10 (what was formerly called SuSE Linux Professional) on the DVD accompanying the book. The book lists for $49.99, but can be found online for $17 cheaper, while the cost of the OS by itself is almost $60 ($7 cheaper at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BD1R8U/qid=1133187459/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-8242058-8448039?v=glance&s=software&n=507846).

Worthwhile Thoughts on CLP

2005-11-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

There is a review of the CLP book on Amazon that is worth looking at. In addition to pointing out the obvious (practicum-based exam, etc.), it also has this (spelling corrected from original) to say:

Also the platform they are using for this test is in lack of other words..
plain stupid. You are working with servers through java and Macromedia Flash. The latency is at least 1-2 seconds. Imagine typing something, and everything is
lagging 1-2 seconds. You see you misspelled something, and press the arrow a few
times, just to discover that you pressed a few too many. Tab doesn't work to
"shortcut" commands and links. The resolution is 640x480, so I hope the shell is
a good friend to you! Trust me, you will get super frustrated of the poor
performance of the test system!

It may not seem like working with a simulator and enduring a one to two second delay is a big deal but it is. Particularly when that delay is on EVERYTHING you do. I realize that these exams are available at very few locations, but if you have a choice between one or more testing centers in your area, make sure you choose the one that has the fastest connection and best testing machines.

Review of the CLP exam on CertCities

2005-11-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

A review of the CLP exam, and the practicums that it uses, was posted today at http://www.certcities.com/editorial/exams/story.asp?EditorialsID=102. The best part of this article is that it includes answers to the two sample practicums, and they are varations of practicums that appeared at end of the CLP Study Guide (without answers). Anyone reading the CLP Study Guide and seeking answers to the sample practicums can- more or less - find them within this article.

Convergence Certifications

2005-11-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

The final article on Convergence Certifications - comparing CCNT and CTP - posted today on UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9920/ur0511b/ur0511b.html. The table was a bear to create and I intend to stay away from doing that again for a while.

uptime Software Review

2005-11-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

The up.time software review is posting today at UnixReview and can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9900/ur0511c/. I was VERY impressed by the product, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a monitoring tool.

SCO Mention Still Drawing Ire

2005-10-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

Though it is over a month old, the article on Linux servers at Redmond Magazine (http://redmondmag.com/features/article.asp?editorialsid=510) continues to draw criticism. The issue at hand is that OpenServer from SCO is mentioned without mention of the company's legal wranglings. In any review of a product, I feel it is important to focus on that product, and not unrelated dealings of the company behind it. I did not mention SCO's lawsuits just as in a review of a Microsoft product, I would not mention that Gates donates as much money as he does to African causes. As great a cause as that is, it has nothing to do with the product and should not be mentioned in the review.

Practicum Guide Available

2005-10-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Practicum Lab Manual for Novell is scheduled to ship from the printer today (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0672328402/qid=1129813698/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-4843613-3871863?v=glance&s=books). It contains 75 lab-based exercises on Novell products (NLD and SLES) to help prepare for the CLP and CLE exams.

To quote the marketing copy:

Familiarize yourself with practicum exams to successfully take either
the Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP) or the Novell Certified Linux
Engineer (CLE) exam with the Novell Linux Certification Practicum Lab Manual.
The first half of the book consists of exercises with scenarios and relevant
background information. The second half of the book walks through the exercises
and shows the reader how to obtain the needed results, and is broken into four
sections:
Working with the Desktop (CLP)
Intermediate Administration (CLP and CLE)
Advanced Administration (CLE)
Answers (CLP and CLE)
You will be able to walk through the scenarios and assess your preparedness for the
exam with the help of the Novell Linux Certification Practicum Lab
Manual.

Linux/Unix Time on CertCities

2005-10-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Although the posting date is given as 10/12, the article on time in Linux and Unix has recently posted on CertCities. A copy of the article can be found at http://www.certcities.com/editorial/columns/story.asp?EditorialsID=199. What is missing from the article, due to space constraints, is an in-depth discussion of how time is truly kept in terms of seconds past midnight, 1969. An article that included this was written for SysAdmin 10-12 years ago but badly needs updated. Hopefully, it will become a future article if time allows me to revisit the topic.

Sarcheck Review

2005-10-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

The review of Sarcheck 6.01 is scheduled to post on UnixReview tomorrow. When posted, the article can be found at http://www.unixreview.com/documents/s=9900/ur0510k/. While it is a very good product, I also reviewed up.time from uptime software and found it to be worth consideration as well. For more information, contact me at edulaney@iquest.net.

In the Beginning

2005-10-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, there was only this posting. More postings will follows in short order, but it is important to get something up as quickly as possible.