There isn’t a singular “right way”, but you need to know the basics of computer science like OOP, algorithms, and data structures if you want to be a decent programmer. Everyone has their own advice, but here’s mine for whatever it’s worth.
If you want to be a sysadmin, you should learn command line languages like batch, sed, and bash (or a superset language like batsh). Start simple and don’t overwhelm yourself, these languages can behave strangely and directly impact your OS.
When you have a basic grasp on those languages (don’t need to get too complex, just know what you’re doing on the CLI), I’d recommend learning Python so you can better learn OOP and study networking while following along with the flask and socket libraries. The particular language doesn’t matter as much as the actual techniques you’ll learn, so don’t get hung up if you know or want to learn a different language.
Finally, make sure you understand the hardware, software, and firmware side of things. I’d avoid compTIA certs out of principle, but they’re the most recognizable IT certification a person can get. You need to have some understanding of operating systems, and need to understand how to troubleshoot beyond power cycling
I’m a Windows Sysadmin. A lot of places, just knowing your way around Active Directory and Windows Server is good enough to get your foot in the door. O365 management is pretty easy and check out some Azure courses on YouTube.
PowerShell has been helpful although I’m far from being fluent, “Learn PowerShell in a month of Lunches” was recommended to me and I agree it’s a good starting spot.
Build a Linux machine and just play around getting familiar with the CLI and basic commands, I build a lot of applications that we host on Linux AWS machines.
As others have said, networking knowledge is almost a must so at the very least look into a networking+ cert or just run through the course. Cert-wise, networking+ and security+ would get you pretty well rounded (for what it’s worth I have zero certs, just have done some reading and never officially got certified, the ability to prove your skills in most scenarios will be “good enough”)
Most importantly, fake it til you make it. You will make mistakes and you will bring down servers. A good employer isn’t worried about the mistakes you make, but how you recover. I’m self taught with everything and started as a tier 1 tech support role for an internet company 10 years ago. If I can do it, anyone can.
What actually is supposed to be the ideal way to learn? Say, for someone trying to be a sysadmin
There isn’t a singular “right way”, but you need to know the basics of computer science like OOP, algorithms, and data structures if you want to be a decent programmer. Everyone has their own advice, but here’s mine for whatever it’s worth.
If you want to be a sysadmin, you should learn command line languages like batch, sed, and bash (or a superset language like batsh). Start simple and don’t overwhelm yourself, these languages can behave strangely and directly impact your OS.
When you have a basic grasp on those languages (don’t need to get too complex, just know what you’re doing on the CLI), I’d recommend learning Python so you can better learn OOP and study networking while following along with the flask and socket libraries. The particular language doesn’t matter as much as the actual techniques you’ll learn, so don’t get hung up if you know or want to learn a different language.
Finally, make sure you understand the hardware, software, and firmware side of things. I’d avoid compTIA certs out of principle, but they’re the most recognizable IT certification a person can get. You need to have some understanding of operating systems, and need to understand how to troubleshoot beyond power cycling
Your advice here is worth a lot. Really helped build the environment around this profession, thank you
I’m a Windows Sysadmin. A lot of places, just knowing your way around Active Directory and Windows Server is good enough to get your foot in the door. O365 management is pretty easy and check out some Azure courses on YouTube.
PowerShell has been helpful although I’m far from being fluent, “Learn PowerShell in a month of Lunches” was recommended to me and I agree it’s a good starting spot.
Build a Linux machine and just play around getting familiar with the CLI and basic commands, I build a lot of applications that we host on Linux AWS machines.
As others have said, networking knowledge is almost a must so at the very least look into a networking+ cert or just run through the course. Cert-wise, networking+ and security+ would get you pretty well rounded (for what it’s worth I have zero certs, just have done some reading and never officially got certified, the ability to prove your skills in most scenarios will be “good enough”)
Most importantly, fake it til you make it. You will make mistakes and you will bring down servers. A good employer isn’t worried about the mistakes you make, but how you recover. I’m self taught with everything and started as a tier 1 tech support role for an internet company 10 years ago. If I can do it, anyone can.
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