Please offer opinions!

Hi, Folks!

After several years here and having learned building, repairs, and general maintenance of our topic machines, I am wanting to take a job with my current ISP as phone support tech.
I've learned alot about Linux in recent months after Adrynalyn finally pushed me over the edge and into a new O.S. (Thanks!!! LOVE it!) which my ISP says makes me valuable to them.

Problem is, they test before hiring on networking / internet topics and I have zero formal training and no money to take said training.
I am, however, a very quick study and my reading retention is great.

Your opinions on what I should read would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks and Blessings to all,
port-o-san

 

Hey there, wondered where you went off to :wave

 

Dr. M and Darlene -
Wow! What a welcome back! Thanks! Makes me feel reeeal good, right when I was feelin' kinda left out in the real world!
Yes, the link took me to where I think I can get some help!
Am working also with Ubuntu forums and other Linux groups but, since about 88% of the callers will be using MS products, I know I'd best bone up on them again - lost alot of my MSthink since I've been on Ubuntu for over a year now - only things I miss are my Kodak printer and a couple of pieces of software that refuse to crossover or Wine for me.
I always think of MG's as "home base" and where I learned enough to learn more - good folks here have given me what it's taken to keep my bellybutton away from my backbone while reinventing myself after my neck injury four years ago - and I'll never forget that!
Thanks and Blessings,
port-o-san (Jim)

 

I can't offer any constructive advice I'm afraid but good luck

 

I believe dslreports.com has stories on ISP's You may find some networking know-how reading on those boards. Have you searched on the ISP you are thinking of going to work for with Google or Yahoo and seen what other problems are encountered?

 

Halo, BOOM, and Mac,

Am feeling really warm n fuzzy from this outpouring of support and good vibes - thanks to all!
I'm told by insiders that the specific test for this company includes knowing certain IP addresses and what they are, etc. - something I'm pretty weak in....
Am trying to get a primer (or copy..) of this test - I think its possible, since I know some fairly high placed people there.
Been marketing over the 'net for my daily bread for a couple years now and doing alright, but there's nothing like a fulltime with bennies for the life goals I have in mind so am willing to give up some autonomy for some security and stability - income has ranged wildly doing what I've been doing and I just cannot count on buyers on a steady basis in this economy, though some months have been rather spactecular (intentional wordplay).
Again, Blessings to all and please keep those ideas coming! It's all of help and dearly appreciated - maybe we can, indeed, make a silk purse of this old sow's ear after all!
port-o-san

 

If you want to read up on networking stuff, i would just go to your local book store and head straight for the computer section. there are so many books you could get to learn basic networking all the way to ccie godly stuff. check out your bookstore man, youll find something.

 

Found out a pal has the entire enchilada of the A+ test and study guide and some other materials from his tenure at IBM that should prove helpful.
All of your help is appreciated and especially the emotional support of just being accepted here at MajorGeeks!
Guess the rest is up to me now, huh? Nose to the grindstone time for this old kid!

Blessings,
port-o-san

 

mmm, enchilada, oh excuse me :-o

Good for you and good luck, keep in touch :wave

 

well A+ isnt networking bro. if you want the CompTia networking cert study material, look up net+ stuff.

 

Understood that A+ isn't networking but it's a place to start and is something to hang on a wall. I was the best auto/aircraft/farm implement tech for 30+ years and got into the mindset that paper on the wall meant nothing - because there WAS no paper for the wall when I started out and, by the time there was paper, I had my reputation and credentials - plus, I've seen hundreds of knownothings - with full paper...... but am finding that, in this business, paper is respected more by hiring/firing folk than experience or reputation - sooo, an old dog learns new tricks - am being "paper trained" at a ripe old age! HAHA!

Thanks all!
Port-o-san