Need some advice on learning networking

[rthonpm]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

I use the free version for myself, which just means I have to build my own packages and only get a single system as opposed to client/server.

I've had a few customers purchase the enterprise license, which is expensive at $500 per administrator, but for a large environment, it's worth it. One customer uses it to push out all of their custom applications as well as updates to config files. Others use it, and I do as well, as a software repository so if a user requests a piece of software it can be pushed to their computer.

Since I'm limited on the free version to a single step in a package, I generally just throw it into a batch file or cmdlet if I need additional steps.

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[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

I finally played around with PDQ Deploy. Keep in mind that I'm using the Enterprise Package on the 10 day evaluation period. There's a lot of prebuilt packages. For instance, I deployed Adobe Acrobat Reader to a couple of the PC's on the domain. You can deploy to only 1 PC or all of 'em or anything in-between. It's pretty tight.

I only played around with it for a few minutes but it appears that I can build my own packages and even control when I want to deploy updates.

I'll play with it some more and see what else I can figure out.

[rthonpm]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

I finally played around with PDQ Deploy. Keep in mind that I'm using the Enterprise Package on the 10 day evaluation period. There's a lot of prebuilt packages. For instance, I deployed Adobe Acrobat Reader to a couple of the PC's on the domain. You can deploy to only 1 PC or all of 'em or anything in-between. It's pretty tight.

I only played around with it for a few minutes but it appears that I can build my own packages and even control when I want to deploy updates.

I'll play with it some more and see what else I can figure out.

You'll love it. I've built some crazy packages with it. One word about some of their packages is they will disable automatic updates, which you generally want turned on.

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[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

You'll love it. I've built some crazy packages with it. One word about some of their packages is they will disable automatic updates, which you generally want turned on.

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Man, I've learned so much from you. Today I had to go add another user to SharePoint. I had never heard of SharePoint until you turned me on to it. It's awesome.

PDQ Deploy is also awesome. I owe ya!!!!

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

PDQ Deploy is something else, man. lol

Again, it's one of those things that has levels. You can create all kinds of packages and do a lot of other stuff that I won't get into at the moment. The only question is, how good do you want to become with PDQ? You can spend a lot of time on it.


I think I'm gonna put this project on the back burner as there are other things I need to be working on. But make no mistake, PDQ is a necessity if you're gonna be maintaining a larger network.


Speaking of "larger" networks.... there's where all the fun is.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

When I first set out to learn networking, I didn't know which way to go. CCNA or CompTia?

CompTia deals more with computer hardware, operating systems computer repair, security, ect.

CCNA doesn't really cover any of that. It does cover security...big time. When deciding which one to choose, I went with CCNA because from everything I read, it was the harder of the two. That may not be sound reasoning...I'm just telling you my thought process.

Now that I'm into the this pretty deep, I think it's important to know both.

There's really no way to avoid the Windows operating systems. Not if you plan to make any money at this.


Can you avoid CCNA? Probably. But I would highly recommend taking this course. It opens up a whole other world that will limit you if you don't.


In fact, if I had it to do over again, I would make the same decision.


PS - Just as important as anything is to learn Windows Server.

[rthonpm]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

PDQ Deploy is something else, man. lol

Again, it's one of those things that has levels. You can create all kinds of packages and do a lot of other stuff that I won't get into at the moment. The only question is, how good do you want to become with PDQ? You can spend a lot of time on it.


I think I'm gonna put this project on the back burner as there are other things I need to be working on. But make no mistake, PDQ is a necessity if you're gonna be maintaining a larger network.


Speaking of "larger" networks.... there's where all the fun is.

The easiest thing to do is just build out a couple of install packages for common software that you need. Just remember that the software has to support a silent or command line install to properly work with PDQ.

It's not a major learning curve for it if you're used to working in command line or software installs. It's really just a force multiplier as you can throw software to dozens, or hundreds of computers in a matter of minutes or even seconds. An an example: one customer has an application they need to manually update a license file for every year and then run an application on the machine to apply the new license. I created a package in PDQ Deploy to do that all for them:

Step 1: Copy new license file from a network share to the appropriate folder on the C: drive of the target computers.
Step 2: Stop the service for the application.
Step 3: Run the command line license update for the software.
Step 4: Start the service.

What used to take them about five minutes for each of 55 machines can now be done in about 40 seconds per machine with the onsite admin never leaving their office, as well as getting a status for any steps that fail, or any machines that aren't powered on when they run the deployment.

This kind of plays into another reason Windows is so entrenched in most environments: the operating system has the capability to be remotely managed by default: no extra tools needed. All PDQ Deploy does is make use of the remote management features already available in Windows a builds out a clean and extensible interface for it.

[rthonpm]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

When I first set out to learn networking, I didn't know which way to go. CCNA or CompTia?

CompTia deals more with computer hardware, operating systems computer repair, security, ect.

CCNA doesn't really cover any of that. It does cover security...big time. When deciding which one to choose, I went with CCNA because from everything I read, it was the harder of the two. That may not be sound reasoning...I'm just telling you my thought process.

Now that I'm into the this pretty deep, I think it's important to know both.

There's really no way to avoid the Windows operating systems. Not if you plan to make any money at this.


Can you avoid CCNA? Probably. But I would highly recommend taking this course. It opens up a whole other world that will limit you if you don't.


In fact, if I had it to do over again, I would make the same decision.


PS - Just as important as anything is to learn Windows Server.

CCNA is a great way to go, but there's also value in the CompTIA route as well. CCNA has a very specific end, which is an understanding of Cisco network equipment. CompTIA certs are more focused on a general understanding of various topics like computer hardware (A+), networking (Net+), security (Security +), etc. If you're going to be living in iOS (the Cisco one, not Apple), or dealing with switches, routers, and other network gear then CCNA is a great route.

It all comes down to a preference for a deep but narrow learning path or a shallow but wide path. For anyone who just wants to see where their interests lie I'd say go with CompTIA and see what areas interest you and go deeper from there: the tests are relatively inexpensive and they have a pretty good learning path.

This stuff changes so frequently and there's so much to learn that any path that lets you see where everything is going is a good one.

Speaking of that, I need to renew my Network+ cert this year.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

CCNA is a great way to go, but there's also value in the CompTIA route as well. CCNA has a very specific end, which is an understanding of Cisco network equipment. CompTIA certs are more focused on a general understanding of various topics like computer hardware (A+), networking (Net+), security (Security +), etc. If you're going to be living in iOS (the Cisco one, not Apple), or dealing with switches, routers, and other network gear then CCNA is a great route.

It all comes down to a preference for a deep but narrow learning path or a shallow but wide path. For anyone who just wants to see where their interests lie I'd say go with CompTIA and see what areas interest you and go deeper from there: the tests are relatively inexpensive and they have a pretty good learning path.

This stuff changes so frequently and there's so much to learn that any path that lets you see where everything is going is a good one.

Speaking of that, I need to renew my Network+ cert this year.

I think I agree with all of that. When I started out, I really didn't know anything. If you read the start of this thread, it's readily apparent. What I discovered is that I love routers and switches. I have a real love and passion for it. However, I found that I was severely lacking when it came to general knowledge of computers and operating systems. That put me at a severe disadvantage.

I also have a love for Windows Server but have done zero learning in any kind of structured program. The majority of my education on Windows Server has come from you.

Like you say, it comes down to what a person likes. Me personally, I love all of it.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

By the way, I purchased another Dell PowerEdge 610 Server. It's being delivered today. This will be my virtual server.




Specs:

Model	Dell PowerEdge Dell PowerEdge R620
Type	Server
MPN	R620 - 106413
Processor	2x Intel Xeon E5-2660 V2 - 2.20Ghz 10 Core
Memory Installed	32 GB PC3-12800R (4 x 8GB)
Hard Drives	4x Enterprise 900GB 10K 2.5" SAS Hard Drives
Drive Bays	10x drive bays, trays for empty bays not included
Riser Board	PCIe x16 connector with x8 bandwidth; half-length, half-height PCIe x16 connector with x16 bandwidth; half-length, half-height PCIe x16 connector with x16 bandwidth; half-length, half-height
External Media	DVD Not Included
Power Supply	Redundant Hot Plug Power Supplies - Power Cords Not Included
Backplane	Backplane for 10 x 8.5" SAS or SATA Drives
Ethernet	Dual Port 1Gbps RJ-45 LOM
Video	Integrated Matrox G200 w/ 16MB Shared Memory
Form Factor	1U Rackmountable
RAID Controller	Dell H710 RAID Controller - 512MB Cache
Remote Access Card	iDRAC 7 Express
Front Bezel	Not Included
Rapid Rails	Not Included
Operating System	OS Not Included
Software	Software Media or Licenses Not Included
COA	Not Included
Service Tag	Several - Available Upon Request
Interface	Ethernet (RJ-45)
Processor Manufacturer	Intel
Processor Type	Xeon 2660
Return Policy/Warranty	60 days Money Back Or Replacement

[rthonpm]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

Nice server! You can likely load up more RAM cheaper by buying it yourself. 32 GB will get you maybe around four to six VM's with overhead for the hypervisor, though that can always be added later on if you need to grow. Same with drives, though make sure you definitely get Dell branded drives otherwise the RAID controller may give you false positives, or worse: false negatives on the condition of the drives.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

I purchased a wall rack and a 48 port patch panel. I just put it together. I'll probably finish up tomorrow.


See below:


Server Rack.jpg

[rthonpm]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

For those of you on more of a budget, here's a slightly DIY alternative for a traditional server rack: LackRack - Eth0Wiki



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[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

I have the rack mounted on the wall. Now the real work begins - punching down cable.



Wall Mount.jpg

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Need some advice on learning networking

This turned out to be more work than I anticipated. I had to tear down most of my network and put it back together again.


If you look at the picture, on the bottom is a Sony receiver that plays piped in music inside and outside of the building. Sitting directed above that is a Aton multi-zone auto controller. This allows us to control the volume in each room independently. Right above that is a Reolink NVR that controls 8 POE Security Cameras.

And above that is a Cisco POE 48-port programable switch. And last but not least, above that is a 48 port patch panel.


I've ordered some shorter patch cords and a rack power strip.

That was a lot of work and I'm not done yet. See picture:



rack wall.jpg