Posts made by john11smith

@scottalanmiller
@minion-queen said in New web site:

@john11smith I work with people trying to start out all the time (it's what The Minion Queen does).

You are trying to over complicate everything right now.

Who is your target client?

What are you trying to solve for your target client?

How are you trying to reach your target client?

What value are you going to provide to your target client?

I think you are wanting a simple site but you are talking about a blog .... which is it??
My target client small medium businesses

After finish with the website I'm planning to print some leaflets, then visit my friends and former customers hopefully they will help to open some doors. In worst case try knocking doors and asking questions lake salesman.

I aim to provide all-inclusive very cost-effective IT consulting and services with stress on open source and mainly free solutions.

Yes I see blog was a bad idea, will try to introduce my business, after finish with the design.

@marcinozga

Feel like have ruined whole idea with Andromeda cloud picture, because it does not fit now. But will figure something else, if the site looks better now?

@marcinozga
What you see it is actually child theme.
28.7% of web sites are based on WordPress CMS

@irj
Its not free and goes against whole idea of open source and free.

@marcinozga
Editing css is not the best practice, because if the theme gets updated all adjustments will be gone and will not work on another theme. I did pages from scratch using only html, php and css code without any themes, templates or pictures. But it is kind of inventing wheel.

@bigbear said in New web site:

Also charge 400% more not 40% less...

I am struggling to understand what you mean?

@scottalanmiller said in New web site:

So my first thought on going to the site is that it looks like the site is broken. There is no obvious title or information. It's clear that something is 40%, but what we don't know. We can't tell when the site is for, who the company is, or antyhing like that. So that there is a 40%... something is confusing. I might guess that the 40% image is related to the Sale blog post, but it's not clear.

Of course, I can make a static page but thought blog stile would be more interesting.
I do not rely on Google, will be actively seeking for customers and those who open this site most likely will have had some information beforehand.
People like discounts. They will definitely browse the whole site even if they don't need any IT services at all.
People like puzzles. I have spent some time to figure how to see your screenshot, but glad I made it.

I have adjusted the post a little bit. Still not clear enough?

@scottalanmiller said in New web site:

Is the site rendering properly? This is what it looks like here.

Yes, it is correctly rendered on your screenshot.

The site is based on old WP Twenty Fourteen theme. I tried a dozen different themes and this one I like the most. Grey right-hand side area on widescreen monitors is just site background and originally it meant to be white. To have the same grey color content background I had manually change CSS code in 4 places more, no one plug-in helped.

Hi, I have established a new company and about to start looking for customers. Here is my website: https://nioss.co.uk/. Would appreciate a little criticism.

I had Lynda's Net+ video course. And Professor Messer's video course and bought handy Course Notes. And took many free test exams, but still failed. Made errors at performance based tests. Struggled understanding some questions because the wording of the exam like nothing I used to see. Around 10 questions didn't answer at all because of lack of time.

Then bought "CompTIA Network+: Simulator + 2 Premium Editions" $79.99
That bundle contains everything you need to pass the exam. On the second attempt passed exam absolutely effortlessly. After the exam, a proctor said "Net+ is very hard to pass, people pass CCNA easier"

Despite the fact that I have 15 years of experience of servicing networked multifunctional devices and Net+ since March 2017 and still got no job. I have been applying to any level Net, Linux, SysAdm positions. Definitely wouldn't take Net+ certification again. Only use of it I don't have to explain where I have LAN/WAN skills from, but it still not good enough to get hired. I still need Linux or Windows certificate for Systems Admin jobs or CCNA for network.

If you take:
100-105 ICND1 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
You will get CCENT certificate. It is approximately Net+ level.
Adding "Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 200-105 ICND2"
Gives you CCNA and it is definitely good enough for entry or possibly mid level positions.
CISCO certificates are very welcome by employers having other brand networks.
There are many free CCNA RS preparation courses.
Cisco CCNA Simplified Kindle just $9.17:
A month at howtonetwork Cost $20:
They have Net+ course also, but I didn't take it.
Cisco rack basically cost just for delivery, if you don't take to much time for certification and sell for the same price on eBay.
I'm surely taking this way after deviation to LFCS and MCSA Linux on Azure certification.

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

2. I've worked in UNIX for 23 years and Linux for 20 years specifically and in the Linux training and hiring space and I've never heard of the LFCSA. These little "web site certs" aren't what people mean by industry certs. Nothing wrong with them, but they are no substitute for the "real thing." Seeing the LFCSA on your resume would likely do nothing as people looking for specific certs would never see it and most people in the field wouldn't know what it is or represents if they happen to see it.

Please don't take it personally, the majority of Linux professionals honestly should say the same. It is very descriptive about our society. Linux Foundation has established 17 years ago. Billions of people use Linux, therefore even industry professionals do not bother to show some respect and support for the kernel developers.
RHEL certification is RHEL specific. I saw many jobs were Debian or Ubuntu specified. LFCSA and RHCSA syllabus are nearly the same and both performance-based. RHCSA exam cost €460 (Price excludes VAT) and closest exam site is in Dublin. LFCSA $300 and includes one free retake attempt. Taken at home, proctored using a webcam.
For me and perhaps everyone quickest way to get into IT is still Microsoft Certification, but I do not believe in Microsoft and it would be before the last certification I take. The last Apple. RHEL is proprietary product based on open source. I do not believe in RHEL, even more, it would be even after Microsoft and Apple. May be one day if Red Hat gets Platinum or at least Gold Linux Foundation Member I will change my mind.

3. You've got a mix of things that look to be showing a range of really light knowledge, but nothing deep. Network+ is networking for non-networking pros, Juniper and Cisco are very specific classes for network pros. CCNA is an intern cert for networking - it's too light to get you a job in Cisco work, but too specific to be useful to anyone not on Cisco. The CCNA really exists only as a stepping stone to the CCNP and the CCNP is only for people looking to work as a Cisco Network Administrator in the enterprise space. So while that's a great career, it doesn't match your other classes at all.

I was thinking the same, but I passed Network+ not so long time ago. Knowledge is still fresh and I just have to renew and add Cisco specific. I'm really enjoying learning Cisco because I have a rack with awesome toys:

my lab

If I jump back into Linux now I would have to sell back all this stuff, because later would be outdated for the exam.
CCNA is a prerequisite for CCNP on every Juniper ad I saw was stated that cross training for Cisco engineers provided.

My big thing here is - focus. You've got five topics in your curriculum: Linux Admin, Cloud Engineer, Network Admin, Database something and DevOps (this is part of Linux Admin, but a different aspect of it.) But all of these are at the "survey" level. Great for someone building a foundation before looking into the specifics that they want to focus on; but at this point that focus seems to be lacking.

I'm struggling to focus choices:

1. I'm taking CCNA then perhaps LFCSA before diving into 6+ months CCNP certification.
2. If I can make a gap between CCNA and CCNP then I can make between Net+ and CCNA. My Linux Academy account is paid a year up front. For me, LFCSA would be cheapest and quickest way to get some another certificate. I know everything just need some practice to be quick enough on the exam. I shall definitely pass in another 2 attempts.
3. I think bench work would be perfect for me. Please don't say I need CompTIA A+ for this. I feel like it is going backwards. Perhaps Server+ then?
4. Open University: Certificate of Higher Education in Computing and IT Just learned that they would count some credits from Civil Engineering diploma. Unfortunately, it is too late for credit transfer this course. Registration closes 14 September, there still time for those who don't need a transfer. Next course starts in February. But it's very dear. £1,916 would cover CCNA CCNP LFCS and MCSA Linux on Azure (LFCS required for this) altogether including some extra for training material. Interesting what would provide better results?

@marcinozga said in Review My CV:

The line about Linux LAMP bothers me, it implies you only know how to setup LAMP stack. It's also on the same line as Windows servers, perhaps change it to "Experience with Linux and Windows servers". You list Apache and MySQL skills below, no need to be redundant.

Corrected, but with some redundancy for girls at agencies and search engines.

"I set up my own country which traded in stationery and office machinery" - perhaps you meant company here?

This line had been corrected by native NI English teacher. Never questioned, though it is an expression.

I don't know if I would list entire employment history, especially if it's not relevant to the position you're applying for. You have a lot of sales experience, but how does that relate to IT position?

I know in the USA irrelevant experience usually not mentioned. In Germany mustn't be any CV gaps. Looks like in the UK something in between, because that English teacher did many things in an effort to fit my CV in 2 pages, but never attempted to delete those.

Is it better now?:

Qualifications:
CompTIA Network+ N10-006 (March 2017)
15 years’ experience of support networked office & production equipment
Excellent PC troubleshooting skills in complex software and hardware problems
Experience support Windows, Apple, Linux desktops and laptops
Servers hardware knowledge and virtualization (Virtualbox, Vmware, KVM) skills
Experience with Windows Linux and servers, confident at command line interface CLI
LAN/WAN, VPN, TCP/IP settings, subnetting, cabling and troubleshooting skills
Strong problem-solving skills

Technical Skills: TCP/IP, Network routing, Cisco, Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS), Linux console, LAMP, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Tomcat, HTML, CSS, Puppet, DNS, NFS, Samba, SNMP, Bash Shell Scripts, MS Server 2008 2012, MS Exchange Server 2010 2013, Active Directory

Education & Training

Diploma of Higher Education in Civil Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (2002)
(This is equivalent to BTec Level 5 / SQA Higher National Diploma (HND) Standard)

I have completed multiple IT and customer support training through my employers and taken continuing private education in Linux, DevOps, Cloud, Database and Networking.

Howtonetwork.com – Cisco CCNA Simplified (in progress)

Employment History

Danwood Group Ltd., Belfast (Mar 2010 – Mar 2015)
Systems Engineer
Duties
Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair a wide range networked machinery and Windows, Unix and Linux based print servers and network controllers in office and production environments and integrate new equipment into clients’ existing systems, Including OS and software installation
Install and troubleshoot software solutions on customers' servers and desktop computers (Windows, Apple). Install printer drivers, configure network scanning, importing address books, configuring LDAP address books, checking Active Directory and Exchange settings.
Support customers on-site, by phone and email. Support and assist colleagues

BMK (Biznio Masinų Kompanija) Ltd., Lithuania (May 1999 – Nov 2009)
Systems Engineer
Duties
Mostly the same as with Danwood
Senior engineer called to the most difficult problems

Additional Information

Driving Licence: Full Category B Licence

Languages: I am fluent (including technical language) in English, Russian and Lithuanian

Personal details: Nationality Lithuanian, Live in Antrim town

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@john11smith said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

Statistics, in a couple of years I have applied for approximately 250 jobs and have received some feedback regarding medium and senior positions and nearly zero regarding junior.

Given your resume, why apply for senior positions? Given that you are making a major career change, it's just not reasonable to step into a senior role.

I have pulled this question from another topic. I think it is more appropriate here.

Counter-question. Why not? What is really wrong with my resume? There are guys in companies I used to work with titles "Senior IT Engineer" "Enterprise Architect". They install and configure printer drivers, configure scanners, software, install and support document solutions like Y-soft, Equitrac, Follow Me. I used to do the same thing + repaired devices also. As the matter of fact, I used to do it much better because I never had an opportunity to blame somebody of something else. Whatever was wrong I had to fix it. I'm sure if somebody of them were applying for the same job it wouldn't be considered as a major career change. The only major change I see here is switching from Window to Linux. If I got some Microsoft qualification and change just positions names my resume would be perfect even for senior positions.
Somehow experience fixing machines makes me unqualified for even junior positions.
What if I put in my resume line about last 18 months buying cat-C damaged (repairable, the cost of the parts, labour and potentially an expensive hire car would significantly exceed the value of the vehicle) cars fixing myself and selling things? Before that decorating my house (plastering, fitting tiles, painting) in addition whole time since March 2015 helping disabled wife. Lifetime IT career ban?
Is it somehow related to a theory of boxes in men's brain inability to touch each other?
https://www.facebook.com/enjoy.science/videos/549386455409236/

Leonardo da Vinci had interest included invention, painting, sculpting, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography. And he is called "Universal Genius"

Where is going our society?

@scottalanmiller said in If you are new drop in say hello and introduce yourself please!:

@john11smith said in If you are new drop in say hello and introduce yourself please!:

@scottalanmiller I see. I have to go, will be in touch tomorrow.

Enjoy your weekend. We have the excitement of the hurricane battering our next door city, here.

Thanks, Scott I hope hurricane didn't much damage for yourself?

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@john11smith said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@john11smith said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

2. Looks time-consuming and it would be commercial experience in what area? Microsoft office support? Organizations like that do not have much of infrastructure and no Linux servers.

You might feel that way, but you'd be in control. I did this myself and built out and entire Linux infrastructure for a K12 school in New York. Desktops, servers, storage, networking, phones, you name it. I did it all. That experience wasn't just amazing as a learning experience, it was, along with my home lab, what walked me in to the most senior role on Canary Wharf in pure tech. I was the only Linux person they had ever had with the scale of cradle to grave experience that they had seen and I got put in charge of the entire Linux infrastructure for the largest bank in the world.

Was that the only thing on my resume? Heck no. Did I have Fortune 10 experience before that? Yes. Did I use Linux before that? Yes. Am I good in interviews? Yes. So I'm not claiming that a couple years of volunteer work took me from new IT guy to true senior overnight. But there is no doubt that it was one of the biggest factors that there could be.

I was a decently senior IT person before that. But my volunteer work changed my knowledge, confidence and immediately caused me to triple my earnings.

Opportunities are out there, you just have to make them.

Something like that could be done though Ltd like business charity or discount service. Expenses would reduce profit taxes then. And perhaps it is the only way in the UK because there are so many regulations to do something in schools these days.

Or just volunteer. Don't know about in the UK, but the US looks favorably upon donating your time and effort.

No, it is schools specifically. Engineers have to have security clearance to work at schools, prisons, police, army... objects. There are so many regulations in the EU. Was one of the reasons for Brexit success.

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@john11smith said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

2. Looks time-consuming and it would be commercial experience in what area? Microsoft office support? Organizations like that do not have much of infrastructure and no Linux servers.

You might feel that way, but you'd be in control. I did this myself and built out and entire Linux infrastructure for a K12 school in New York. Desktops, servers, storage, networking, phones, you name it. I did it all. That experience wasn't just amazing as a learning experience, it was, along with my home lab, what walked me in to the most senior role on Canary Wharf in pure tech. I was the only Linux person they had ever had with the scale of cradle to grave experience that they had seen and I got put in charge of the entire Linux infrastructure for the largest bank in the world.

Was that the only thing on my resume? Heck no. Did I have Fortune 10 experience before that? Yes. Did I use Linux before that? Yes. Am I good in interviews? Yes. So I'm not claiming that a couple years of volunteer work took me from new IT guy to true senior overnight. But there is no doubt that it was one of the biggest factors that there could be.

I was a decently senior IT person before that. But my volunteer work changed my knowledge, confidence and immediately caused me to triple my earnings.

Opportunities are out there, you just have to make them.

Something like that could be done though Ltd like business charity or discount service. Expenses would reduce profit taxes then. And perhaps it is the only way in the UK because there are so many regulations to do something in schools these days.

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@john11smith said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

Statistics, in a couple of years I have applied for approximately 250 jobs and have received some feedback regarding medium and senior positions and nearly zero regarding junior.

Given your resume, why apply for senior positions? Given that you are making a major career change, it's just not reasonable to step into a senior role.

I have to apply for at least 5 jobs every two weeks, junior positions not always available.

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@john11smith said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

Anyway, my problem now that I am overqualified for junior positions and I do not have recent commercial experience for better once.

I've not checked the CV that you posted yet, but what makes you overqualified for junior positions?

Some employers and agencies told me directly, perhaps it just polite way to say "you are too old".
Statistics, in a couple of years I have applied for approximately 250 jobs and have received some feedback regarding medium and senior positions and nearly zero regarding junior.

@scottalanmiller said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

@john11smith said in Getting Started in IT SAMIT Video:

My friend advised using "fantasy" - write in CV that I was involved in some projects, which is not true. But later I started thinking I can make it true. I can establish my own company find a few little customers. I have some other income, so for me would be enough just cover expenses in the worse case. If I did that 2 years ago it was 2 years commercial experience by now.

Always "make it true." That's one of the great things about IT. There are always ways to make it true. Some ideas:

1. Start your own company. This is both direct IT and direct business experience. The challenge here is getting work that is high enough level to matter.
2. Volunteer. Non-profits or civil organizations often need IT and can't afford it. This can be one of the best ways to get real commercial experience without needing to start your own company.
3. Home Lab. Build a massive home lab and do (and document) absolutely everything. Document it here on MangoLassi, in fact! Or write a blog. Or both. Don't just "do the work" but do it, document it and have a "portfolio" to show off to employers. When they ask "have you done X", you don't just know the material better because you did it, you have a "story to tell" and documented "proof" online where you wrote about it and you can point them to that. Doing stuff at home cradle to grave and running it in your own production is a massively impressive thing to have. Make them ashamed at how much more you do at home than they do at the office.
4. Find an MSP and see about work there. MSP experience moves you faster than internal IT staff work, typically. Still requires getting hired, so not a magic answer by any stretch.
5. Intern. In the US, at least, interning for free is totally normal and you can do this and build experience with all kinds of businesses and hopefully have a mentor that helps you, as well.

1. It would fill resume gap automatically because has establishing date even if the company is dormant and there is a little chance that business will be successful. If I get IT contractor job would have to establish Ltd anyways. I am in the process already - domain and hosting paid for a year upfront.
2. Looks time-consuming and it would be commercial experience in what area? Microsoft office support? Organizations like that do not have much of infrastructure and no Linux servers.
3. I have a home lab and document it would be beneficial in any way.
4. Strange never came to my head.
5. Basically, none advertised and if so then for students of just after school.