SysAdmin Show

By Dustin Reybrouck: IT System Administrator

A podcast focused on the Information Technology workplace. We discuss career opportunities, education/training and the technologies used today.... more

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FAQs about SysAdmin Show:

How many episodes does SysAdmin Show have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.

SysAdmin Show episodes:

November 02, 2018 SAS 008 – In the Lab – Configuring VMware and Building VMs
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
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41min
October 28, 2018 SAS 007 – In the Lab – Installing VMware
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
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37min
October 25, 2018SAS 006 – Testing 123
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
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26min
October 20, 2018 SAS 005 – In the Lab with VirtualBox
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

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You can send questions, feedback and ideas for future episodes to [email protected].
...more
27min
October 17, 2018SAS 004 – Facing Fear
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].
...more
21min
December 01, 2017SAS 003 – The Basics of Problem Solving
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
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30min
October 31, 2017SAS 002 – Let’s Talk Training
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
...more
37min
October 08, 2017 SAS 001 – Welcome to the SysAdmin Show! – SysAdmin Does What?
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]

...more
24min

FAQs about SysAdmin Show:

How many episodes does SysAdmin Show have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.