Any Linux users here?

[kcfanXIII]

Alright, so I'm an IT student right now and we're working with virtual machines, using windows 7. We're getting into Linux later this quarter, and I have no experience with it. I'd like to set up a VM and tinker with it before we get into class with it. I know this forum is crawling with techies, so I ask you Chiefsplanet, what would be the best version for someone to get their feet wet with Linux?

[DaveNull]

Not sure if trolling or serious.

Knowing how to drive a *nix operating system is part of any well rounded set of tech skills. One reason to get started with Linux is that you can learn it for free instead of having to pay for Microsoft training or the licenses to set up a lab in your own place.

If you're doing security on the red team, either the tools are linux based, or you've got to work to get the Linux tools working in a Windows environment or run Linux in a VM.

Now I wouldn't call what I do traditional, nor would I say that I work in the "IT Shop" for my organization per se. I use skills developed over time in the following OSs for the following purposes:

Backtrack/Kali Linux - Red cell work, forensic acquisitions of *nix like OS's including OS X.
SIFT 2.x - Linux based forensics on all operating systems
Windows 7 - Windows based forensic analysis and email
OS X - Used for multimedia preservation, software development and as my host OS for virtualized systems.

As for your statement about Linux on the server dying, I think this chart goes against what you're saying.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by DaveNull

Not sure if trolling or serious.

Knowing how to drive a *nix operating system is part of any well rounded set of tech skills. One reason to get started with Linux is that you can learn it for free instead of having to pay for Microsoft training or the licenses to set up a lab in your own place.

If you're doing security on the red team, either the tools are linux based, or you've got to work to get the Linux tools working in a Windows environment or run Linux in a VM.

You are so FOS. Dude, a n00b will never have a better chance at a career in Linux than Microsoft. It's really bad advise to give people who just want to enter the field.

Originally Posted by DaveNull

Now I wouldn't call what I do traditional, nor would I say that I work in the "IT Shop" for my organization per se.

That explains a lot.

[ChiliConCarnage]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Linux is regulated to the pure geekdom of tech history. Just 5-10 years ago businesses were considering Linux as at least web servers but now it's dying and has no future in business. It will be what it is or less as time goes on.

It will always be a toy of geeks. Not making a judgement on thats the way it should be, just stating the reality.

If you want to really learn to earn money.......... Vmware/SAN/Security/AD will get you the most opportunities in I.T. shops.

... Is this a real thing? Linux is slowly eroding most of the Unix market. You can make money in a ton of areas in IT. I'd say being an Oracle DBA with experience with a T1 ERP is really strong whether it's SAP, EBS, etc. It seems like those guys can get laid off and have a job within a week.

I'm surprised OEL hasn't received more recommendations in this thread. I know of at least 3 big corps switching to OEL over the last 2 years. Granted, it's pretty much RHEL. Support is so cheap though, lol. Of course, if Oracle can kill Canonical they'll come back with the rape mode on the pricing.

When Oracle bought Ksplice that was a big deal.

Anyway, I'm not sure how much running Linux as a home OS will help the OP but it can't hurt for sure. It can be a real challenge for even basic stuff. Wireless in particular can be a real bitch

[TribalElder]

Debian and Red Hat are great to know. Once you understand rpm and deb package management you can fix broken yum and apt get problems. After you get that down you have masted 90% of the Linux world.

Then when your serious download Slackware and get to work. Build from source and control where your apps live. Much more enjoyable than spec files.

http://www.slackware.com

Backtrack did a version based on slax ( which is based on slack ) a few revisions back.

From auditor and whax to backtrack to Kali. What's next?

[QuikSsurfer]

I've got two senior positions open for a Unix admin. Redhat experience is a must.

Unix/Linux is very much alive in enterprise level IT.

[DaveNull]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

You are so FOS. Dude, a n00b will never have a better chance at a career in Linux than Microsoft. It's really bad advise to give people who just want to enter the field.
That explains a lot.

Putting aside the attention to detail that you give to proofing your own posts, I'm not sure if you actually read what I or the OP wrote.

Neither he, nor I, suggested that he should be or actually is pursuing a "career in Linux" over something else.

Learning Linux helps generate critical thinking skills which can be applied in any type of situation and don't clearly stand out on a resume. In particular, working with a security based distro like Kali/Backtrack gets a person's feet wet with things like TCP/IP, firewall configuration, bash scripting, email administration and troubleshooting and gives someone a healthy sense of skepticism when it comes to things like antivirus.

I suppose it's a difference in perspective. If you want to get a "job" instead of a "career" then just learn the bare minimum and go do that 9-5. If you want a "career" then go build a set of skills, enhance your ability to solve problems and find an area within technology that you can feel passionate about.

As far as your tremendously insightful "That explains a lot " response, how about you point out why my comments and perspective are less relevant than yours because I don't work as a line IT worker.

[TribalElder]

If someone is in the IT field and they don't know Linux I consider them at a severe disadvantage.

@Dave did you conquer the oscp after taking the backtrack class? I was hoping to do that someday but would have to pay out of my own pocket

[DaveNull]

I haven't, but have gone through a good portion of the self study materials that come when you sign up for the OSCP class. The materials are quite good, and the labs are far from easy. I'm in the same situation where I'd be paying out of my own pocket, and at this point I don't do security as part of my formal job. That said, since the person that never finished the OSCP class isn't at my employer at this point I may see if I can transfer it over to me if/when I find time.

Last year at defcon they started doing training sessions which are less expensive than the Blackhat training but probably just as good. It might be something to look into.

[TribalElder]

Thanks for the info. PWB at blackhat is already full. I hope to do the online class someday when I get time to dedicate to it. The endurance test of the 24 hour exam seems like quite the challenge. I don't know python but have heard it might be passable knowing some perl and shell scripting.

Maybe someday

[DaveNull]

You going to be out there for DC21?

[TribalElder]

Not as it stands currently. Would like to but not in the plans yet

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by DaveNull

I suppose it's a difference in perspective. If you want to get a "job" instead of a "career" then just learn the bare minimum and go do that 9-5. If you want a "career" then go build a set of skills, enhance your ability to solve problems and find an area within technology that you can feel passionate about.

As far as your tremendously insightful "That explains a lot " response, how about you point out why my comments and perspective are less relevant than yours because I don't work as a line IT worker.

I was making no judgement on the quality of Linux vs. Windows. Just stating the facts in the business world.

I've been hiring techs in the SAN, Windows, Vmware, SharePoint, Exchange, AD, SCCM, SCOM, Blackberry and Unix fields for over 6 years now. Best in world level down to entry level techs. I work with tech people don't even know exists. I think that qualifies me to offer a learned opinion on how to best enter the I.T. field and have a long career.

That being said I shouldn't discount your opinion and experience. My bad. Sorry for coming off as a dick.

[DaveNull]

Originally Posted by TribalElder

Not as it stands currently. Would like to but not in the plans yet

You should fix that. Flights are still cheap and I'll bet you can still get a room on-site.

My bad. Sorry for coming off as a dick.

Not a big deal. Cheers.

[MBSiMMENS]

Right now I'm dual booting Windows and Ubuntu on my laptop. Since it has 2 hard drives it works really well. I also use Ubuntu on a flash drive so I can have a portable OS to take anywhere I go. I have also tried MINT and really just like experimenting with the different types even though I'm fairly new to it all.

[kcfanXIII]

Sorry to bump an old thread of mine, but just wanted to throw this out there. I sent my first resume out, had my first interview, and got a job out of it. One of the reasons I got it was because I had tinkered with Linux, and had some knowledge of red hat.