** Official IT Thread ** - Come in for some tech!

[jerzyfit]

if you just want to fuk around with building a network get cisco packet tracer. great way to learn how to build and set up networks

It's better to have actual lab equipment. Yeah, Packet Tracer is fine, but having the equipment will teach you so much more.

[mattrunks]

have two semesters before i finish my associate's in information technology, the course also teaches CCNA routing and switching 1-4 although doesn't include the certification which i will have to sit externally on my own.

also started intro to cybersecurity through the cisco academy website, might sit the CCNA security as well.
for anyone else interested in security, strongly recommend the hacking exposed book series written by renowned security experts, learnt a lot so far with the book.

here is link
http://it-ebooks.info/book/1096/

[jerzyfit]

Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Post some pics and give a rundown of your home setups, I'd love to get some ideas.

Work doesn't provide much in the way of getting my hands into networking just yet, and I want ideas for what I can do at home.

Having a really hard time justifying building a home network to play with, that will actually have some use aside from draining my electricity. Biggest problem is, no one at home is really wired/nor cares to be. Everyone is on their phones, or some mobile device, so I can't really justify getting any l2 devices to play with. Just have a basic router that does everything.

No need for a NAS as I don't have much media/file storage (everyone at home pretty much uses netflix), everything's just DAS of some sort, with an external drive for backing up critical stuff.

All I could really think of is getting some firewall appliance, but that's it.

Any practical ideas?

Here's my setup. My server is under my desk.

[omnip0tent]

My testing center was under renovations and they were "supposed to be closed" and didn't think i would show up to the test (uwot?). After some stern words they reconnected 1 computer in their testing center for me and let me do it unproctered and everything. It felt very unprofessional, they didn't even know what papers to make me sign n **** afterwards, they just told me to sign the bottom and they'd do the rest. I was the ONLY person in the building minus 1 secretary girl and the construction dudes... Either way phuck all that noise, 801 down. 802 on thursday



CHEA

[jerzyfit]

have two semesters before i finish my associate's in information technology, the course also teaches CCNA routing and switching 1-4 although doesn't include the certification which i will have to sit externally on my own.

also started intro to cybersecurity through the cisco academy website, might sit the CCNA security as well.
for anyone else interested in security, strongly recommend the hacking exposed book series written by renowned security experts, learnt a lot so far with the book.

here is link
http://it-ebooks.info/book/1096/

Nice bruh, thanks. You doing your BA after? I went to a tech school. I really want to go back and get my degree.

[jerzyfit]

My testing center was under renovations and they were "supposed to be closed" and didn't think i would show up to the test (uwot?). After some stern words they reconnected 1 computer in their testing center for me and let me do it unproctered and everything. It felt very unprofessional, they didn't even know what papers to make me sign n **** afterwards, they just told me to sign the bottom and they'd do the rest. I was the ONLY person in the building minus 1 secretary girl and the construction dudes... Either way phuck all that noise, 801 down. 802 on thursday



CHEA

HELL YEAHHHH bruh. Add that ish to your resume!

[JayC24]

Just got my first IT job doing installations at the biggest hospital in Jacksonville. They have 6 different locations and are still growing. Nothing too technical, but with no certs, degree, or experience, this is a great opportunity for me. My buddy started doing this and is now on the help desk for them making $22.75/hr with only his A+. This is essentially my foot in the door, and $15/hour is a pretty good start IMO considering where I live has a low cost of living. Working towards my A+ hopefully going to follow the same path that he did.

So f*cking happy to get out of waiting tables and actually doing something towards a career.

congrats brah, off to a solid start.

google search "A+ rapid review pdf" You'll find a free DL. Its the one book I used. It follows all the test objectives and I feel it did a good job preparing me in general for the types of things I'd see on the test. + https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCke...Z9PLsoGRtml2FQ <==== That youtube channel IS ALSO GOAT . And I feel confident. But I'll let you know tmrw how I did on the 801 :3

Exam Cram is supposed to be highly recommended: http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-220-80.../dp/0789749718

Just picked it up myself and its easy reading, gives you all the chit you need to know and no extra bullchit.

thanks. also found a couple other a+ and network+ study guides pretty easy through a couple torrent sites, amazon shows them highly rated so i'll have plenty of reading to do it looks like.

[SynapticCleft]

It's better to have actual lab equipment. Yeah, Packet Tracer is fine, but having the equipment will teach you so much more.

this x1000

There is only so much Packet Tracer can teach you. For instance piping command and some show commands like environment, inventory, process and controllers do not work on PT. You can play around on GNS3 since you can use real Cisco IOS versions, but obtaining a Cisco IOS might be troublesome if you don't have a Cisco acct with valid authorization.

I built a small network rack for myself by buying used Cisco gear off ebay. For routers I suggest a 2811 and for switches 3550 (if you can afford) since you can practice L3 switching, if not just get a 2960 switch they are cheap as phuck. I spent about $100 for my router and switch with shipping included.

If any of you brahs need the IOS for a 2811 router or 2960 switch just shoot me a PM.

But you should still practice the basics off Packet Tracer or GNS3 before diving into actual equipment

[jerzyfit]

this x1000

There is only so much Packet Tracer can teach you. For instance piping command and some show commands like environment, inventory, process and controllers do not work on PT. You can play around on GNS3 since you can use real Cisco IOS versions, but obtaining a Cisco IOS might be troublesome if you don't have a Cisco acct with valid authorization.

I built a small network rack for myself by buying used Cisco gear off ebay. For routers I suggest a 2811 and for switches 3550 (if you can afford) since you can practice L3 switching, if not just get a 2960 switch they are cheap as phuck. I spent about $100 for my router and switch with shipping included.

If any of you brahs need the IOS for a 2811 router or 2960 switch just shoot me a PM.

Thanks for participating in the thread bruh. Craigslist is awesome for hardware. I got a power edge T410 for 200 bucks.

[whitepaper]

if you just want to fuk around with building a network get cisco packet tracer. great way to learn how to build and set up networks

Go on Craigslist. Pick up a couple cisco routers and switches. Link them all together and make them all work . You can get a full set for 200 or cheaper.

Yeah, I've looked around and found some good stuff for a decently cheap price. I was just hoping that I could get creative some way and use things that actually provide me with some functionality, aside from just playing around with.

Will look into the packet tracer, I suppose, and consider that firewall appliance.

[omnip0tent]

What do you guys do with all these "home servers/networks"? I wouldn't even know where to begin. **** my comp is hooked up to my ****ty comcast router, and i've hooked up every other device in my house to the network? Is that kinda the same ****?? lol

[SynapticCleft]

What do you guys do with all these "home servers/networks"? I wouldn't even know where to begin. **** my comp is hooked up to my ****ty comcast router, and i've hooked up every other device in my house to the network? Is that kinda the same ****?? lol

Pretty much. I like having the ability to access my files from where ever I go and the other servers were personal projects that I thought were hilarious/interdasting.

Had fun with my roommates who are also miscers, when I redirected facebook to pornhub and the misc to reddit with a VM that ran as my DNS server in my lan environment.

You don't need alot of equipment for servers, just a very good computer that can handle tons of virtual machines.

[omnip0tent]

Pretty much. I like having the ability to access my files from where ever I go and the other servers were personal projects that I thought were hilarious/interdasting.

Had fun with my roommates who are also miscers, when I redirected facebook to pornhub and the misc to reddit with a VM that ran as my DNS server in my lan environment.

You don't need alot of equipment for servers, just a very good computer that can handle tons of virtual machines.

OIC. Alot of stuff that would be useful in a professional environment. Or to nerd the **** out for lolz/useful shiz. I'm was just thinking very basic

[3Crutchez]

Rarely post but I'll chime in.

Graduated last year with a degree in Computer Engineering Technology. Decided to get my CCNA in December, studied my ass off. Supplemented with GNS3

Job search has been tough for me, partly because I have no experience and a disability. I've interviewed for a few Junior Net/Sysadmin type jobs but I feel I inevitably get discriminated because I can't do a lot of the rack and stack grunt work. I also can't drive in an area where having a license is pretty essential. I'm normally pretty positive about things but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little down about not having this aspect of my life sorted out.

[mattrunks]

Nice bruh, thanks. You doing your BA after? I went to a tech school. I really want to go back and get my degree.

I could do my BA but i honestly don't think its worth it, it'll take me another year if i just use my credits but id still have to do another 8 subjects. in IT all you really need is vendor certification and some experience under your belt. most people i know in IT don't even have a degree, just experience and vendor certs.

[iheartmoms]

Hey bruh,

That's awesome. I'm planning on trying to go back to school myself. I'm currently a sysadmin for a pretty large MSP.

You can pretty much do scripting for any type of job. I want to start learning powershell because it's becoming really popular. The best advice I have for you is keep reading and learning. Set up a lab at home and screw around with stuff. That's the best way to learn.

Yeah, need to start in helpdesk. No way to get a job in IT without that. You can't come outa school and say "hey, I'm going to be a sysadmin!". Then someone asks you about GPO's and OU's and you look at them like they're crazy. Definitely start out in helpdesk for a good company and you'll learn a lot.

Should I just stick with Windows over Linux? I've used Windows my whole life and know a great deal about it. Feel like I could learn faster on something I already have a strong foundation with.

Nice! How do you like being a sysadmin? What are you thinking of going back to school for? Trying to switch to a different job?

Rarely post but I'll chime in.

Graduated last year with a degree in Computer Engineering Technology. Decided to get my CCNA in December, studied my ass off. Supplemented with GNS3

Job search has been tough for me, partly because I have no experience and a disability. I've interviewed for a few Junior Net/Sysadmin type jobs but I feel I inevitably get discriminated because I can't do a lot of the rack and stack grunt work. I also can't drive in an area where having a license is pretty essential. I'm normally pretty positive about things but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little down about not having this aspect of my life sorted out.

Congrats on the degree and certs! Are you open to/able to move to another city for a job where driving wont be a necessary?

Regardless, keep hustling man and don't let it get you down. Searching for a job is stressful and at times can make you feel hopeless. Just keep applying, practicing your skills at home, and eventually someone will bite.

My testing center was under renovations and they were "supposed to be closed" and didn't think i would show up to the test (uwot?). After some stern words they reconnected 1 computer in their testing center for me and let me do it unproctered and everything. It felt very unprofessional, they didn't even know what papers to make me sign n **** afterwards, they just told me to sign the bottom and they'd do the rest. I was the ONLY person in the building minus 1 secretary girl and the construction dudes... Either way phuck all that noise, 801 down. 802 on thursday

CHEA

Nice brah, congrats! Walk in that building on Thursday and make 802 your bish

[DLM012]

In

Currently working as a contractor for a large health organization on the service desk answering incoming phone calls for several hospitals. 70% of my day consists of pw resets, 20% instructing people to power cycle printers, and 10% random issues. I've been working here for 6 months maybe more and while there is still plenty for me to learn about the environment, it's just not challenging anymore and every day is a grind now because I'm so bored with it.

Supposedly I'll be getting field training (level 2) and transferred to a different campus soon but they've been saying that to me for weeks now. Not sure if I'm getting the runaround bs or if they're still trying to find the right time. My contract was extended till September, beyond that I don't know what's gonna happen.

Associates in Network and Systems Administration so I know about Cisco hardware. No certs at all at the moment.

Speaking of home networks, I intend on building a NAS fairly soon when money permits. I might need some help setting it up for external use though. Not sure how all of that works.

[sknot1454]

Some cliff-notes for those interested in the cyber security field and where it's headed.

1. learn Splunk
2. learn python
3. learn powershell
4. learn basic RE techniques and how to use some populat debuggers like IDA
5. learn some basic forensic analysis techniques (corey harrell has a great blog called "Journey into IR"). Get familiar with some of the tools. Some of the best ones are free and come with security distros like REMNUX
6. start following some of the more prominent penetration testers and their blogs like carlos perez, matt graeber, raph mudge, chris truncer, rob fuller, etc. There's invaluable information to be learned about offensive security trade craft and how you can defend as a "blue teamer".
7. find some local CCDC events and go volunteer. The networking opportunities are priceless and you can get some real hands on experience.
8. BUILD A LAB. If you have a decent PC you can run Virtual Box and set up a small Windows network to play around on. Reading books won't help if you can't get hands on keyboard.
9. If one exists, join a local cyber security club chapter like the ISSA, for example. https://www.issa.org/

[omnip0tent]

Some cliff-notes for those interested in the cyber security field and where it's headed.

1. learn Splunk
2. learn python
3. learn powershell
4. learn basic RE techniques and how to use some populat debuggers like IDA
5. learn some basic forensic analysis techniques (corey harrell has a great blog called "Journey into IR"). Get familiar with some of the tools. Some of the best ones are free and come with security distros like REMNUX
6. start following some of the more prominent penetration testers and their blogs like carlos perez, matt graeber, raph mudge, chris truncer, rob fuller, etc. There's invaluable information to be learned about offensive security trade craft and how you can defend as a "blue teamer".
7. find some local CCDC events and go volunteer. The networking opportunities are priceless and you can get some real hands on experience.
8. BUILD A LAB. If you have a decent PC you can run Virtual Box and set up a small Windows network to play around on. Reading books won't help if you can't get hands on keyboard.
9. If one exists, join a local cyber security club chapter like the ISSA, for example. https://www.issa.org/

Hopefully If i pass my 802 tmrw I'll be A+ certified, and be able to find myself a nice entry level IT gig. IT just seems so broad I have no idea where I want to focus my energy/studies next...

[jerzyfit]

Yeah, I've looked around and found some good stuff for a decently cheap price. I was just hoping that I could get creative some way and use things that actually provide me with some functionality, aside from just playing around with.

Will look into the packet tracer, I suppose, and consider that firewall appliance.

The point in getting the stuff is to play around with it. You can technically use it all to route all of your traffic, that's up to you. Going into a job with just Packet Tracer knowledge isn't going to get you the position. But hey, do what ya wanna do.

[jerzyfit]

Pretty much. I like having the ability to access my files from where ever I go and the other servers were personal projects that I thought were hilarious/interdasting.

Had fun with my roommates who are also miscers, when I redirected facebook to pornhub and the misc to reddit with a VM that ran as my DNS server in my lan environment.

You don't need alot of equipment for servers, just a very good computer that can handle tons of virtual machines.

You can do everything virtually. It's just nice to have the actual equipment and know it when you go for the interview.

[jerzyfit]

Rarely post but I'll chime in.

Graduated last year with a degree in Computer Engineering Technology. Decided to get my CCNA in December, studied my ass off. Supplemented with GNS3

Job search has been tough for me, partly because I have no experience and a disability. I've interviewed for a few Junior Net/Sysadmin type jobs but I feel I inevitably get discriminated because I can't do a lot of the rack and stack grunt work. I also can't drive in an area where having a license is pretty essential. I'm normally pretty positive about things but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little down about not having this aspect of my life sorted out.

You're going to make it bruh. Trust me, we all of doubts at times. The important thing is to keep your head up and keep hustling.

[jerzyfit]

Should I just stick with Windows over Linux? I've used Windows my whole life and know a great deal about it. Feel like I could learn faster on something I already have a strong foundation with.

Nice! How do you like being a sysadmin? What are you thinking of going back to school for? Trying to switch to a different job?

Honestly bro, it's up to you. They are both great avenues. Windows is obviously more broad, but Linux Admin jobs are awesome as well.

Nope, not really. I kind of just wanna do it to say I did it. I like it, annoying at times, but it's cool.

[jerzyfit]

In

Currently working as a contractor for a large health organization on the service desk answering incoming phone calls for several hospitals. 70% of my day consists of pw resets, 20% instructing people to power cycle printers, and 10% random issues. I've been working here for 6 months maybe more and while there is still plenty for me to learn about the environment, it's just not challenging anymore and every day is a grind now because I'm so bored with it.

Supposedly I'll be getting field training (level 2) and transferred to a different campus soon but they've been saying that to me for weeks now. Not sure if I'm getting the runaround bs or if they're still trying to find the right time. My contract was extended till September, beyond that I don't know what's gonna happen.

Associates in Network and Systems Administration so I know about Cisco hardware. No certs at all at the moment.

Speaking of home networks, I intend on building a NAS fairly soon when money permits. I might need some help setting it up for external use though. Not sure how all of that works.

Nice bro, good chit. Keep hustling and keep asking for more and more to do. Setting up the NAS for outbound is pretty much just opening the correct ports on your all-in-one, your router, or L3 switch. Depending on which one of those you have,

[jerzyfit]

Some cliff-notes for those interested in the cyber security field and where it's headed.

1. learn Splunk
2. learn python
3. learn powershell
4. learn basic RE techniques and how to use some populat debuggers like IDA
5. learn some basic forensic analysis techniques (corey harrell has a great blog called "Journey into IR"). Get familiar with some of the tools. Some of the best ones are free and come with security distros like REMNUX
6. start following some of the more prominent penetration testers and their blogs like carlos perez, matt graeber, raph mudge, chris truncer, rob fuller, etc. There's invaluable information to be learned about offensive security trade craft and how you can defend as a "blue teamer".
7. find some local CCDC events and go volunteer. The networking opportunities are priceless and you can get some real hands on experience.
8. BUILD A LAB. If you have a decent PC you can run Virtual Box and set up a small Windows network to play around on. Reading books won't help if you can't get hands on keyboard.
9. If one exists, join a local cyber security club chapter like the ISSA, for example. https://www.issa.org/

This sounds good. I'd just like to add one thing. Download Backtrack or Kali and do some penntesting in your own envirenment. Learn about hping2 and armitage. Download Metasploit which is a Linux distro that's made to test penntesting.

[jerzyfit]

Hopefully If i pass my 802 tmrw I'll be A+ certified, and be able to find myself a nice entry level IT gig. IT just seems so broad I have no idea where I want to focus my energy/studies next...

Once you get your first job, you'll figure it out. Hopefully you can get into an MSP where you'll be working with multiple types of technology. That way you can figure out what you really like.

[sknot1454]

This sounds good. I'd just like to add one thing. Download Backtrack or Kali and do some penntesting in your own envirenment. Learn about hping2 and armitage. Download Metasploit which is a Linux distro that's made to test penntesting.

Yeah, this goes along with the whole lab setup I mentioned. Kali is awesome of course and is the OS gold standard for pen testing.

Technically Metasploit isn't a Linux distro per se, it's a framework of tools built in Ruby FOR Linux. Trying to get on dat dere Cobaltstrike time though. Beacon is basically the best thing since sliced bread.

[jerzyfit]

Yeah, this goes along with the whole lab setup I mentioned. Kali is awesome of course and is the OS gold standard for pen testing.

Technically Metasploit isn't a Linux distro per se, it's a framework of tools built in Ruby FOR Linux. Trying to get on dat dere Cobaltstrike time though. Beacon is basically the best thing since sliced bread.

Gotcha. My apologies for not being politically correct on that one. My cyber security knowledge isn't up to par lol. Do you work in cyber security? Network security? I'm definitely going to look into your suggestions.

[DLM012]

Nice bro, good chit. Keep hustling and keep asking for more and more to do. Setting up the NAS for outbound is pretty much just opening the correct ports on your all-in-one, your router, or L3 switch. Depending on which one of those you have,

Thanks brah sometimes we all need to hear that. I've been writing technical docs for my team when the opportunity arises and pitched a project to my supe fairly recently but haven't heard back from him if it's a yes or no. Yet he keeps telling me, "DLM, if you think of a project let me know"

Guess I'll have to keep bugging him. I talked to him but he told me to email it to him since he was busy that day. I'm sure it got buried.

[jerzyfit]

Thanks brah sometimes we all need to hear that. I've been writing technical docs for my team when the opportunity arises and pitched a project to my supe fairly recently but haven't heard back from him if it's a yes or no. Yet he keeps telling me, "DLM, if you think of a project let me know"

Guess I'll have to keep bugging him. I talked to him but he told me to email it to him since he was busy that day. I'm sure it got buried.

Yeah man, gotta keep reminding everyone. I think we all get so busy from time to time. Sometimes I get to the point where I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast lol.