SysAdmin Show

On today’s show we continue working on the VMware lab we started last show.  We will be focusing on configuring some basic settings, so that we can deploy VMs.  Once VMware is setup I walk through the process of deploying a few VMs.  The evaluation software I use for the VMs can be downloaded for free from Microsoft’s website. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2016

Installing VMware ESXi 6.5U2 to use as the basis of my home lab.  I was planning on installing ESXi 6.7, but they have release new CPU requirements that my lab servers is not compatible with. My server is a HP ML350 G6 with 2X XEON E5530 Quad Core CPUs and 48GB of RAM.  Any fairly recent computer could work and it does not need to be server class hardware.  You will want fast storage and as much RAM as possible.  Fast storage will give you better performance for the VMs and more RAM will allow you to have more VMs running at the same time allowing for more complex lab environments.  If possible multiple network adapters is a plus.  I am using a Crutial 500GB SSD to host my virtual machines and a 32GB SD card to boot ESXi.  I have a included another 500GB non-SSD drive in the server for generic storage like install media. The install media from ESXi is freely available with VMware account. https://my.vmware.com/ You will be downloading an ISO that can then be burned to a CD.  A USB stick can also be used if you have the right tools, but I ran into issue and didn’t want to spend anymore time on it.   HP ML350 G6 Front   HP ML350 G6 Side   SD Card Slot   Sata III Card   HDD   SSD

Today’s Show: Testing 123 Developing good testing practices is important Computer hardware/software testing Backup restore testing Documentation & process testing Patch testing OS Application The basics Pre-test, validate current state What works, what doesn’t Partner with business community if needed Build test environment Useful for more complicated or critical systems Virtualization has made this easy Pre-test the development environment, does it match production? Take notes on the steps you take, so you know what to expect during the production upgrade Verify backups Have a fail back plan Outline situations when it would be needed Post-testing Does system functionality match the pre-test? Use acceptance test required? Testing process Be as thorough as time allows based on upgrade scope and system importance How much time & money will an outage cost you? Don’t assume anything Even the smallest detail can have a significant effect on the outcome How many people are required? What equipment is required? Phones Printers Computers/Servers Time required? Final Thoughts Good testing habits will save you time, money and embarrassment Resist the urge to just get it done It’s better to do it right then to get home 10 minutes earlier.  Otherwise you might be driving back into work to fix it.  Testing decreases this temptation because you can use your notes as a checklist

In Today’s episode I take a look at using VirtualBox on Linux Mint.  I have included a few pictures of the hardware I use in this episode.  This is a fairly old setup but the performance is good mostly because of the SSD drive. https://linuxmint.com/download.php https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads   f You can send questions, feedback and ideas for future episodes to [email protected].

Today’s show is all about facing fear and getting out of your comfort zone. Is fear holding you back? Do you put off tasks that you are not sure how to do? Have you not applied for position you don’t feel qualified for? Fear is a normal part of life It is hard to grow without facing some fears What do I do? I take on things outside of my comfort zone Start somewhere What is the worst that can happen? Ask questions, get more information Remember, you won’t always feel this way Final Thoughts Fear can be a hindrance or a motivator You can send feedback and ideas for future episodes to [email protected].

Today’s episode answers listener feedback and explains the basics of problem solving. You can send feedback and ideas for future episodes to [email protected] Listener Q&A Example degree AAS Computer Information Systems Computer User Support Specialist 25k – 40k Lab Equipment Cost DL360 G7, 8 Cores, 32GB – $220 DL360E G8, 16 Cores, 32GB – $320 Today’s Show The Basics of Problem Solving Users report symptoms not problems Break/Fix Verify the issue Can it be reproduced? Other users affected? Is a work around available? Printer example User reports unable to print Where are you? Which printer? When did this happen? When did you last print successfully? What are you printing? How urgently do you need it printed? Try another printer as a quick workaround Offer to print it for them if urgent Can you get online? Printer Testing Check if printer is online Check supplies / Status Check print server Test print from another computer PC Testing Network connection Correct printer selected? Default printer correct? Correct driver? Print spooler service restart Computer restart Printer port correct Feature or Project Request Define the requirements and scope Validate resolution path Training on deployed solution User already has the ability to do what they are requesting Deploy standard solution The requirements fit an existing solution already deployed to others Manager approval required Investigate and deploy new solution Validate the request by user’s manager Research candidates that meet requirements and scope Demo top candidate, include business community as needed Management approval Deploy solution Final Thoughts User Training Users have less issues when they are properly trained Communication is key Especially if a problem will take some time to resolve

Today’s episode is all about the training options available for IT professionals today. You can send feedback and ideas for future episodes to [email protected] Today’s Show – Let’s Talk Training College If you can afford it, loans not recommended If you like structure If you want to work in management or for a large company AS, AAS, Bachelors, Masters, PHD Classes & Certifications More affordable More specialized Continually updated & changing Well regarded and understood Sometimes required CompTIA: A+, Network+, Security+ https://certification.comptia.org/ Cisco: CCNA https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications.html Microsoft: MTA, MCSA, MCSE https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/browse-all-certifications.aspx Vmware: VCA-DCV, VCP-DCV https://mylearn.vmware.com/portals/certification/ Citrix: CCA-V, CCP-V, CCE-V http://training.citrix.com/cms/education/certification/ Video Training YouTube.com Lynda.com CBTNuggets.com ITPro.tv Work Experience Pays the bills Takes a while Internship Part time Independent Study Must be disciplined Typically will not help you get a job unless paired with certifications or a degree Mentoring Everyone can benefit We all have someone less and more experienced than us Shows you are serious Can help get you opportunities Why you need a home lab Hands on with hardware Experience with various software Improve your troubleshooting skills Building confidence Staying Current Podcasts Blogs User Groups Conferences Final Thoughts The IT field has amazing opportunities You can get as much out as you are willing to put in We are answer finders, we don’t need to know everything

This is episode 1 of the SysAdminShow!  In this episode I give an intro to the podcast and give an overview of what SysAmins do day to day. You can send feedback and ideas for future episodes to [email protected]