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Content and Tips CompTIA Linux tips, guide and Linux opportunities - What is Linux+? |
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Linux+ exam (XK0-002) is a vendor-neutral certification developed for people
who want to launch into careers in Linux. CompTIA
(the Computing Technology Industry Association) developed Linux+; CompTIA is a member
organization that promotes competences and standards in the IT industry.
As most CompTIA literature, state, “CompTIA is a global trade
association representing the business interests of the information
technology industry.”
Linux+
is designed to certify professionals who can install, configure, manage,
network, and troubleshoot Linux-based desktops and servers. Such individuals should also be conversant with Linux concepts
and basic Linux hardware.
Even
though, as with all CompTIA certifications, it is based on
vendor-neutral standards, the development of Linux+ has been facilitated
through multi-vendor, industry-led collaboration. “It is what industry says it needs, not what we think
industry needs”. The
Linux+ certification exam was developed with the support and financial
assistance of IT industry heavyweights such as Intel, IBM and Hewlett-Packard who believe in the future of
Linux. The test questions are written and updated by Linux
professionals working in industry.
Linux+
was introduced in September 2001. However, due to the rapid rate of
change in the world of information technology, CompTIA released an
updated version containing major revisions in early 2005. According to
Yvonne Keith, CompTIA Linux+ certification program manager. "The
revised exam is designed to build Linux capabilities for today's job
tasks, and to prepare individuals for success as they train for and earn
more advanced vendor-neutral and vendor-specific Linux
certifications." CompTIA certifications don’t expire and so previous Linux+
certifications earned with the 2001 exam objectives are still valid.
Linux and Linux+
Linux
is a clone of UNIX operating system that runs on a wide variety of
systems including desktop PCs, mid-range and high-end servers, and is
licensed under an open source license. Linux comprises a kernel (the
core control software) and specific software programs and resources.
Popular distributions include those from Red Hat, Debian, SUSE/Novell,
etc.
In
the world of information technology, Linux has proven itself in the
server sphere and is making significant inroads in the desktop market. Globally
the market for Linux is on the increase. According to research company International Data Corporation (IDC)
worldwide Linux server revenues are increasing yearly. By 2007, yearly
revenue from Linux servers is expected to rise above 300% of its present
value. Linux is also projected to double its share of the installed base
of desktop PC units worldwide within this period.
Most
importantly, let’s stick with reality: Linux is fast growing not just
because it is inexpensive and flexible, but also because it is seen as a
viable alternative in the marketplace. The bottom-line is that amazing
Linux adoption is driven by performance.
Who
is Linux+ for?
What
is the exam focus? What
capabilities should one expect of a Linux+ certified professional in
terms of specific knowledge and skills?
This
exam requires a basic understanding of open source technologies and is
an excellent opportunity to certify important fundamental skills and
knowledge in Linux.
The
target audience for CompTIA Linux+ is an individual with 6-12 months
experience installing, operating and maintaining the Linux operating
system. Many who fall into this category are usually those seeking their
first formal Linux training and certification experience. Do you need
foundational Linux expertise? Do you want to start a career in or with
Linux? Those passing the CompTIA Linux+ exam will demonstrate knowledge
mastery required to provide basic installation, operation, security,
administration, and troubleshooting services for the Linux operating
system on workstations and servers.
The exam focus of CompTIA Linux+ certification is proof of
technical knowledge in basic installation, operation and troubleshooting
for Linux operating systems. Specifically the exam tests the following
knowledge domains with the extent to which they are represented in
parentheses:
Installation (19%), Configuration (20%),
Management/Maintenance (26%), Security (21%), Documentation (6%), Basic
Linux Hardware (8%).
What are the benefits of
Linux+?
CompTIA
Linux+ is the perfect launching pad into a career in Linux for the
following reasons:
-
Linux Opportunities
The
number one benefit is that of value. Any tool that makes you better able
to contribute and add value worth is your time, effort and money. Linux
is here to stay. Do you need to know more about Linux? Linux
brings many opportunities to the market place. Today, all the major players
on the hardware and software market each have their team of Linux
developers. The widespread
mainstream adoption and growing importance of Linux, in
turn increases demand of qualified and competent Linux professionals.
It’s obvious that Linux know-how can give you an
edge in competitive situations and in the job market. It makes sense to
invest in knowledge that helps you stay ahead of the crowd. Getting
exposed to a technology with immediate and foreseeable demand is a wise
career move for IT professionals. In view of its flexibility and
outstanding performance, Linux is often called a workhorse. With the
right approach you can use this workhorse to become a powerhouse.
-
Recognition and Proof of achievement
Becoming
CompTIA Linux+ certified gives an individual a recognized industry
credential that offers proof of knowledge and expertise in Linux
technologies. It is a level
of competence commonly accepted and valued by the industry. Not only are
you saying you are capable in Linux, but a reputable external body is
confirming your level of competence. With the right mind-set this can lead enhanced job and career
opportunities.
Job
advancements and promotions are some of the common rewards for getting
certified, as it also enhances individual marketability.
-
Foundational Knowledge
Linux+
provides a foundation for a variety of fulfilling and challenging
Linux-related careers. It is a vendor-neutral and entry-level credential
that gives one a solid foundation for more advanced Linux
certifications. For example, CompTIA Linux+ could be a first step
towards building a career involving Red Hat Linux and/or Novell SUSE
Linux.
In
this regard, it also provides foundational knowledge for vendor
certifications. Many of the leaders in the IT industry including IBM, HP
and Novell all recognize CompTIA certifications as prerequisites for
their vendor certification programs.
- New
Career Opportunities
But
don’t make the mistake of thinking that Linux+ is only for beginners. If
you need fundamental skills in Linux, Linux+ may meet your need. For
example, as an experienced professional, you may consider investing in
Linux to open up new career opportunities. But ignoring
the fundamentals to save money and time can be costly. You
may be a guru in Microsoft networking, but how solid are you in the
fundamentals of Linux? To open doors to new career opportunities, you must be solid on
the ground.
Other Linux Certifications
Linux+
isn’t the only Linux certification. As explained earlier the growth and mainstreaming of Linux, means Linux
certification makes sense. Other organizations offering Linux
certifications (http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/linuxcerts.html)
include The Linux Professional Institute (LPI), Red Hat and Novell.
Target audience, exam focus and costs differ. If you’re interested in
Linux certification, it is your job to know which one best meets your
need. For example Red Hat is focused on Red Hat products, while
CompTIA's Linux+, which is the focus of this discourse, is a great
vendor-neutral entry point to Linux certification.
Preparing
for Linux+
Presently
there are over 5,000 CompTIA Linux+ certified professionals worldwide. There
are no prerequisites for this entry-level certification. However,
CompTIA recommends that you should have a background that includes
knowledge and skills validated by the A+ and Network+ certifications.
The
Linux+ designation is achieved by passing one conventional format exam. The
exam is 94 questions long and candidates have 90 minutes to complete the
exam. It is an exam that requires high quality preparation. So how
should you prepare?
As with any certification various options exist. Preparation
options include instructor-led learning (http://www.jidaw.com/train/linuxtrain.html),
certification preparation books, practice tests, Internet resources and
Computer Based Training (CBT). What works for me may not work for you.
There are no perfect learning options. Each option has its strengths and
its weaknesses. There is no option that
covers "everything". Consider your
interests, your background, opportunities available to you and of course
what works for you. I would
encourage students to start by being familiar with the focus and
objectives (http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/comptialinux.html) in
whichever study method they use to prepare for the Linux+ exam.
The
Linux+ Perspective
The
Linux market is huge and growing, but please keep perspective. A Lesotho
proverb states, "You only gain interest on what you invest".
There are no short cuts. Be prepared to make the effort. “The man on
top of the mountain did not fall there". Don’t focus only on the
reward side, but in addition consider the demands that Linux is meeting,
the value Linux is providing. Are you ready to contribute and make
things happen in such areas? Do such areas interest you? Linux+ isn’t
just about a hot, powerful or “pretty face” credential, it’s also
about you – what do you want to achieve?
Before you invest in any certification have a clear understanding on how
that certification fits into your career plan and how it will enable you
to add value. Do an honest self-assessment. What level am I at?
Do I have the required background? Where am I going? What knowledge do I
need to get to where I’m going? If you’re not sure talk to experts
and attend career/certification enlightenment forums (http://www.jidaw.com/netseminar.html).
Know the difference between the journey and the destination. Do
you know what certification can and cannot do? There is competition and choice. Keep
your feet on the ground.
It is important that you have a clear
understanding of what Linux and Linux+ can provide in relation to where
you are and where you need to be. Is it useful for your journey? Is it
relevant to your destination? Or is it just good to know? You know best.
This analysis enables you to make informed career decisions on the value
that Linux certification can give you. Be truthful to yourself. Don’t
invest in programs simply because they are popular, instead focus on
what will make significant and meaningful impact in your area of
interest.
The
growing importance of Linux has boosted demand for skilled Linux
professionals and increased the relevance of Linux+. The question is: Is Linux+ for you?
Jide
Awe
Jide Awe is the Founder of Jidaw.com (http://www.jidaw.com)
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