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mclubens
Trainee
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:06 am Posts: 1
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 Server+ or Linux +
Im going for my A+ then Network+ Certs, but I wanted to know should I go for a server+ or linux+. I want to be a server admin, I just didn't know which would be the best next step. Any idea's?
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professor_messer
Administrator
Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:58 pm Posts: 475
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 Re: Server+ or Linux +
There are a lot of differences between a Linux admin and a Windows admin. The jobs are nearly identical, but the process of getting there and staying there are somewhat different.
Windows is so well established in 99.9% of businesses that it's relatively easy to find job openings for Windows administrators. Unfortunately, that also means that it's a very competitive market with many trained people.
Linux administrators are much more difficult to come by, and even more difficult to find one who's really good. Of course, relatively few companies are using enough Linux to require an administrator, so you may be waiting a while to find a job that fits your skill set.
Personally, I think having an understanding of both Windows and Linux is a very powerful combination in your search for a job. Many organizations may be running Windows, but almost all of them would like to do more with Linux or need someone to take care of their handful of Linux devices.
Server+ is very generic and applies to almost any operating system, so it's a good entry-level server admin certification. If you're working on servers, you'll almost certainly require a certification associated with the primary operating systems that you'll be supporting. If you want to really do well, you'll get Server+, Linux+, and a good Windows certification.
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professor_messer
Administrator
Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:58 pm Posts: 475
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 Re: Server+ or Linux +
It's true that Server+ has not really enjoyed the popularity of A+, Network+, or even Security+. The appeal of operating system-specific certifications is very often a priority over the more generic Server+ certification.
I suppose it can be possible to have "too many" certs, but only when you get many different certs across many different subject areas without focusing on a single area of IT. I would think a security professional with 10 security certifications would be much more valuable than 10 certifications where only 3 were security-related.
I've met a number of people who quite literally "collect" certifications. It's an odd business card when the list of certifications goes on for two or three lines...
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