IT Classes

[cody]

I have a certificate in Microsoft Networking and a certificate in Cisco Networking from Santa Rosa Junior College. They don't mean much on paper, but they were great bang for the investment classes. I'd like to further my knowlege of Active Directory before elevating the network here at work from a Workgroup to a Domain. I have some books by Mark Minasi but I learn better from hands on training.

My company will pay for classes at a local community college and possibly even more expensive classes. Can anyone make any recommendations? My first though is to just check out TMCC and maybe the University, but I'd appreciate any input. I'll need to take night classes as I work "bankers hours".

[Dean]

TMCC had some OK stuff last I checked.

There is also a ton of On-Line stuff out there. You might want to focus on the stuff that preps you for the MS tests.

On a side note, why do you want to move to a domain? what is the scale of your systems and organization?

Domains require a significant investment in administration, and possibly equipment and software licenses.

[cody]

Thanks Dean. I've taken online classes but (assuming a good teacher) I get a lot more out of actual class time (lectures and hands on labs). Plus I have some specific questions about the easiest/best way to migrate and then manage the workstations. I really should focus on the MS tests as it would = more money if I ever need to look for a new job. If I want to go that direction, is TMCC a good bet?

As for why I want to move to a domain, for one (don't tell my boss), but it will be a great experience for me, personally. But I also feel like it's long overdue. We currently have 22 XP Pro workstations, 1 Windows 2000 machine (in Production), and 2 2003 Servers. We have 25 Server CAL's too so AFAIK, we wouldn't have to purchase anything additional.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by cody

Thanks Dean. I've taken online classes but (assuming a good teacher) I get a lot more out of actual class time (lectures and hands on labs). Plus I have some specific questions about the easiest/best way to migrate and then manage the workstations. I really should focus on the MS tests as it would = more money if I ever need to look for a new job. If I want to go that direction, is TMCC a good bet?

As for why I want to move to a domain, for one (don't tell my boss), but it will be a great experience for me, personally. But I also feel like it's long overdue. We currently have 22 XP Pro workstations, 1 Windows 2000 machine (in Production), and 2 2003 Servers. We have 25 Server CAL's too so AFAIK, we wouldn't have to purchase anything additional.

Your edification is not a business justification. What business, administration or technical issues lead you to believe it is "long overdue"?

2 Servers/Domain controllers is the absolute bare minimum, though there are issues running either SQL Server or Exchange Server on Domain controllers and that should be avoided if possible. Use of Virtual Server can resolve them, but needs to be managed very carefully and introduces another layer of complexity to what sounds like a small environment.

[cody]

Dean, MS suggests anything over 10 workstations justifies a Domain. It would be worth it so I could use Group Policy to lock down certain settings and for patching the systems. Once it was implemented, it would make Administration more effective. Plus, the longer I wait, the harder it will be, as we are always adding more workstations (but slowly).

I would never make a move as involved as this if I didn't whole heartedly believe it was the best thing for the business. But I'm not going to hide the fact that running a Windows Domain is also somthing I'd personally like to accomplish.

We don't have SQL Server or Exchange Server.

So while I truly apreciate your input, I resent your inference that I'm only thinking of myself.

Back on topic (in Off Topic): Where should I go to school? What certifications should I achieve?

[sperry]

If you have questions about IT classes, I suggest you read the GCR.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by cody

Dean, MS suggests anything over 10 workstations justifies a Domain. It would be worth it so I could use Group Policy to lock down certain settings and for patching the systems. Once it was implemented, it would make Administration more effective. Plus, the longer I wait, the harder it will be, as we are always adding more workstations (but slowly).

I would never make a move as involved as this if I didn't whole heartedly believe it was the best thing for the business. But I'm not going to hide the fact that running a Windows Domain is also somthing I'd personally like to accomplish.

We don't have SQL Server or Exchange Server.

So while I truly apreciate your input, I resent your inference that I'm only thinking of myself.

Back on topic (in Off Topic): Where should I go to school? What certifications should I achieve?

You brought up your own desires, not me. I was just asking for the more relevant ones, no offense intended.

I am not saying you haven't thought of these, just throwing them out. As an IT professional, you need to make sure you are considering as many angles as possible.

You have some solid technical objectives. Are there any business drivers? Security, Access control, audit, etc? Or are the security enhancements and system impacts of a domain a possible negative to business productivity and application performance? What business processes are affected with the implementation of a domain? Can the business bring in a temp or new employee while you are on vacation, etc?

Again, Domains, GPOs, etc. require more administration time, so keep that in mind. Sometimes, small shops without technical depth can get themselves into a support nightmare. Especially if only a single person knows how all the pieces fit together and know how to administer the environment.

MS workstation number recommendations not withstanding, you have to ensure that what you deploy has a long term supportability even in your absence and that management understands the incremental resources involved with supporting a domain.


MSCE is probably the direction you want to head.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb291022.aspx

[Dean]

Originally Posted by sperry

If you have questions about IT classes, I suggest you read the GCR.

I thought the same thing when I read the title. Then I realized it wasn't in the Motorsports forum.

[cody]

Thanks Dean, you make a very good point.

I am probably ready for MCSE training now, but I am still possibly interested in local classes. I guess I'll check with TMCC and the University.

Another option that I'm looking into is earning an MS cert here in Reno: http://www.nhreno.com/index.html

The lady on the phone said they do offer MCSE training and tests right here in Reno, but she'd have to have somebody call me back with more info...

[Dean]

There should be MS classes in the area. The MS link should have a "find a class near you" database somewhere.

[cody]

Yes, that's how I found New Horizons. They were the only one listed within 90 miles of here though. The 2nd closest was HP and that was 90 something miles away.