My tips for the Red Hat RHCE exam

Last week I attended the Red Hat RH300 course (fast track) in Amsterdam and did the RHCSA and RHCE exams on the final day. I passed both RHCSA (283/300 points) and RHCE (300/300 points). I had a great teacher because, apart from technical stuff, I also learned how to approach the exams.

The objectives for both RHCSA and RHCE are well documented on Red Hat’s site. You should start to make sure you know everything inside out. Practise, practise, practise. Learn to use the documentation that ships with RHEL, as this is the only help available: no internet access is provided during the exam. There are several books available that help prepare and Red Hat has very good courses as well, that I really recommend. I assume you should be able to study this all one way or the other.

One advise on this though: don’t try to remember everything but remember the references instead. If you know a man page has examples you can use, just remember the man page. If you know documentation is in a separate package, remember the package name. A references takes less ‘memory’ in your head, so you can remember more. This will speed up your work significantly.

But wait, technical knowledge is just one challenge. Watch out for the pitfalls:

Pitfall #1: Time
Most experienced Linux sysadmins will probably be able to pass the exam if there was no restriction on time. You could test, trial-and-error and read man pages all day long. Even start from scratch when you seriously broke something. Well, it’s time to wake up: in reality time on the exam is (very) limited. And yet many candidates do not manage their limited exam time.

A classic example: spending too much time on something that does not work right away. Instead, accept the fact it doesn’t work now and continue with other tasks or else time will run out. When you have given everything a first attempt, you can always return to a task that you skipped before.

Not only should you know immediately what to do when you read the tasks, you need to know the fastest way to configure something. Yes, the fastest way. Not the way you prefer to do it, or have been doing it until now. I’ve heard people complaining about the GUI/TUI tools. And I agree a GUI is not something you want on a server. But hey, if ‘system-config-authentication‘ has a ready to fill-in form and makes you configure LDAP with TLS and Kerberos in 60 seconds. Why would you want to go for the manual way on the exam? Yet, some feel they are better off configuring this on the command line. There’s simply no time for that approach, nor will it bring in more points. Be smart, take the fast track.

Pitfall #2: Your assumptions
Reading is a big problem because candidates tend not do read very well on the exam. Especially when aware of Pitfall #1, they will not spend the first few minutes reading instructions. A waste of time, right? But in reality this will cost precious time later on because assumptions are made, but never checked. Is it a good idea to start working on something, without seeing the bigger picture?

I don’t think so. Sometimes, tasks are related but not grouped together. When you read everything first, you might find that doing two tasks together is easier. Or you might choose a different approach based on all information, instead on just a single task. Reading ahead helps you understand the bigger picture.

Imagine you are asked to configure, let’s say, NTP. Some assume they have to sync to a time source that is provided and then have to setup a NTP server and serve time to the local network. But isn’t is a waste of time to configure a NTP server, when all you have to do is setup a NTP client? This also occurs with tweaking configurations more than is being asked for. Keep it simple and do exactly what is asked for.

How I avoided the pitfalls
Value your own work through the eyes of a customer. Example: if a web server is perfectly configured but a firewall prevents access to it, then this does not work for a client. Website is down: zero value. Red Hat might also values your work on the exam like this. Keep that in mind.

Structure is another important thing to work on. This was my approach on the exam:

1. Imagine you are working for a client that has written down everything they want from you. Read it all and try to understand the bigger picture. Then reorganize it: group together what belongs to each other.

2. Install everything at once. After step 1 you should have identified all packages you need to install. Do it now. Then ‘chkconfig on‘ every service you will configure later. Why? Because it is easy and it prevents forgetting it later on. Remember: a perfectly configured service that does not start at boot brings in zero points.

3. Then setup the firewall for the services you identified at step 1 and installed at step 2. You probably need to tweak this as you go through the tasks, but just setup the basics now. This will make it easier later on.

On my exam the first 3 steps took less than 20 minutes and provided a solid base to build on.

4. Work through all tasks and remember: Be smart, take the fast track. Also, skip any task that you are stuck on for more than 10 minutes.

Reboot a few times and recheck everything you have finished so far. Your work is reviewed after a reboot anyway, so you should make sure your changes survive a reboot. The sooner you find a problem, the sooner you will be able to solve it.

5. When everything is done, carefully check the items a final time. Then you’re done. And, you probably have some time left!

Article Source - http://blog.remibergsma.com/2013/10/07/my-tips-for-the-red-hat-rhcsa-rhce-exam/

RHCE Exam Objectives

RHCE exam candidates should be able to accomplish the following without assistance. These have been grouped into several categories.

System Configuration and Management

• Route IP traffic and create static routes
• Use iptables to implement packet filtering and configure network address translation (NAT)
• Use /proc/sys and sysctl to modify and set kernel run-time parameters
• Configure system to authenticate using Kerberos
• Build a simple RPM that packages a single file
• Configure a system as an iSCSI initiator that persistently mounts an iSCSI target
• Produce and deliver reports on system utilization (processor, memory, disk, and network)
• Use shell scripting to automate system maintenance tasks
• Configure a system to log to a remote system
• Configure a system to accept logging from a remote system

Network Services

Network services are an important subset of the exam objectives. RHCE candidates should be capable of meeting the following objectives for each of the network services listed below:

• Install the packages needed to provide the service
• Configure SELinux to support the service
• Configure the service to start when the system is booted
• Configure the service for basic operation
• Configure host-based and user-based security for the service

RHCE candidates should also be capable of meeting the following objectives associated with specific services:

HTTP/HTTPS

• Configure a virtual host
• Configure private directories
• Deploy a basic CGI application
• Configure group-managed content

DNS

• Configure a caching-only name server
• Configure a caching-only name server to forward DNS queries
• Note: Candidates are not expected to configure master or slave name servers

FTP

• Configure anonymous-only download

NFS

• Provide network shares to specific clients
• Provide network shares suitable for group collaboration

SMB

• Provide network shares to specific clients
• Provide network shares suitable for group collaboration

SMTP

• Configure a mail transfer agent (MTA) to accept inbound email from other systems
• Configure an MTA to forward (relay) email through a smart host

SSH

• Configure key-based authentication
• Configure additional options described in documentation

Reference:

https://www.redhat.com/certification/rhce/objectives/

RHCSA: A New Base Level Certification From Red Hat

The new version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 is now released and with this new arrival, certifications under RHEL 6will no longer be current. Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) exam is no longer offered by Red Hat. RHCT exam is now replaced by RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator). This article attempts to provide a clear picture about new changes in RHCE certification.

RHCSA is the new addition to the performance based certifications, to strengthen IT professionals with superior training and performance based assessments in the IT industry. The certification title itself indicates more precise description of the duties held by people with this certification. More over RHCSA is built with thorough analysis of the knowledge and skills needed for modern system administrators. This is an outcome of technical survey, task analysis and feed backs from professionals world wide. In effect RHCSA is similar to RHCT except with some additions to include the result of feed backs from professionals.

RHCSA is the base system administration certification. Now onwards those wishing to earn RHCE on RHEL 7 must get RHCSA and write separate exam for RHCE. RHCE is now upgraded as a higher level system administration certification. A current RHCE will remain as prerequisite for advanced level certifications from Red Hat.

The main changes with RHCE exam on RHEL 7 is that previous RHCE Exam will be replaced by RHCSA Exam  and updated RHCE Exam . These two exams are now separate and RHCSA is not embedded with RHCE as RHCT was earlier. It is not necessary that one must get RHCSA first, before being eligible to write RHCE exam. If one passes RHCE exam first, then their record will be retained and when they passes RHCSA the earlier RHCE will be clubbed and person will be then RHCSA and RHCE. RHCSA exam is also performance based which evaluates skills through hands-on lab based system.

Certifications from Red Hat provide validation of a professional's technical expertise and knowledge. Nowadays enterprises looking for employees can give more preference to certifications as an input into hiring, promotions and other allowances, as these certifications are obtained from performance based exams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5543956

First Look at RHCE for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7

With the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7, the RHCSA and RHCE certification exams have been changed and updated for the new version of the operating system.  There are some new testing elements that are included in the new exam.

The new exam objectives are available on Red Hat’s web site and one of the first things I’ve noticed is that the exam is now 4 hours whereas the RHCE 6 exam was 2 hours long.

Some of the new items I noticed are:

System configuration and management

• Use network teaming or bonding to configure aggregated network links between two Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.
• Configure IPv6 addresses and perform basic IPv6 troubleshooting.
• Use FirewallD, including Rich Rules, Zones and custom rules, to implement packet filtering and configure network address translation (NAT).

Network Services

• Configure SELinux to support the service.
• Use SELinux port labelling to allow services to use non-standard ports.
• Configure the service to start when the system is booted.
• Configure the service for basic operation.
• Configure host-based and user-based security for the service.

HTTP/HTTPS

• Configure TLS security

Database Services

• Install and configure MariaDB.
• Backup and restore a database.
• Create a simple database schema.
• Perform simple SQL queries against a database.

I like many of you are in need of passing this exam to keep my RHCE certification and plan on creating a comprehensive guide to cover these new topics and there others necessary to pass.  As always I would love to hear from you regarding any of these new topics and you you use them.  I will work to make regular updates until I have covered all of the RHCE 7 topics.

Career in Linux Administration

Linux usage has grown rapidly among American companies. Most experts estimate there are nearly 10 million Linux users today and that as many as 40% of all new servers sold have Linux installations.
Advantages Of Linux are:
1.) Linux is free.
2.) Linux can run on as little as 150 Mb of space and can run on as little as 2Mb of Ram.
3.) A Full Multitasking, Multiuser and Time Sharing OS.
4.) A portion of the hard disk can be used as the Ram thus creating room for virtual Ram.
5.) It have got windows like X-Windows system, and GNOME and KDE desktops.
6.) For networking, it uses standard TCP/IP protocols.
7.) The source code is freely available.
8) It is based on current stable Kernel version.
9.) It has a great documentation to work on.
10.) Red Hat package manager is included to update the utilities or to delete the utilities.
11.) Source Code is Included with the OS.
12.) Red Hat is considered as the most secure Operating System as of today.
As companies continue to adopt the Linux operating system, employers are increasingly looking for individuals competent with Linux. One good way to demonstrate that competency is through certification like RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) or RHCT (Red Hat Certified Technician).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/322937

Overview and Benefits of Red Hat Certifications

Red Hat is a company in the free and open source software sector, and a major Linux distribution vendor. It is based in California, and caters to worldwide operations. It is not only respected for its technical proficiency, but also for the social initiatives taken by it. RHCE engineers are part of the "One laptop per child" initiative. It is one of the few rare companies to involve itself in the dissemination of technology and information - worldwide, and at all economic levels and social orders.

Alongside this, Red Hat has always managed to be at the forefront of interactive media - by making it appeal to the target audience in the best way possible.

Benefits of Red Hat Certification Programs:

Red Hat certifications are among the most respected credentials in IT. They are a judge of whether the candidate can perform real world tasks based on his knowledge and experience. So it requires one to be an expert in all the RHCE products. And this is what the certification does - prove that you are an expert in the handling of RHCE products, and can be relied on for any technical assistance.

The program is flexible and works on a hierarchical model. Choosing the right certification depends on your background, job role and goals. It also depends on the amount and type of experience you have in handling and working with RHCE products.

You can work in a number of roles, from a technician, to an engineer and even an architect of the products, depending on what you choose for yourself. This gives you the power to ascertain for yourself how little or how much you want to get immersed in the product development and management.

In the IT sector, it is one of the best opportunities to be recognised for your skills and knowledge.

To know more about Hot RHCE certification training and resources for RHCT certification training, feel free to ask me or visit my site. Thank you. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2093519

How To Get A Red Hat Linux Certification

Why Should I Get A Linux Certification?

Well, the first question you might have is why should you get a Linux certification? The answer to this is similar to getting certifications in general. It helps to prove your knowledge in the Linux operating system, by testing and passing a minimum standard of knowledge

.

It can also help you get a job in the industry. Many jobs require or prefer a certification in Linux, such as Linux administrators or general server administrators. It can also add to your existing Linux knowledge, which you could apply to your current job.

Which Linux Certification Should I Get?

This could be an entire post on its own - but I'll include all the information here in one convenient place.

There are four main providers of Linux certifications, and they all offer a range of different certifications for different levels.

Novell

They offer a range of certifications, with labels of Engineer, Professional and Desktop Administrator.

• Certified Linux Engineer 11 (CLE11) - provides engineer-level skills for managers and architects on large systems based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11. You need to have passed the Certified Linux Professional 11 exam to be eligible for this.


• Certified Linux Administrator 11 (CLA 11) - a new certification, focusing on daily operation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server networks.


• Certified Linux Desktop Administrator (CLDA) - focused on those with Windows desktop experience and wish to learn about SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop.


• Certified Linux Professional 11 (CLP 11) - provides skills necessary to administrate SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

CompTIA

ComptTIA only provide a single Linux certification, the Linux+.

• Linux+ - an entry-level certification for those looking to get into the Linux field. Vendor neutral.

Linux Professional Institute

The Linux Professional Institute, otherwise known as LPI, offer a few Linux certifications.

• Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 (LPIC-1) - a junior level Linux certification that tests basic skills in major Linux distributions.


• Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 (LPIC-2) - an advanced level Linux certification that includes skills in administration. Passing the LPIC-1 is required for this.


• Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 3 (LPIC-3) - a senior-level Linux certification for major Linux distributions that offers several specialties. Passing the LPIC-2 is required for this.

Red Hat

Red Hat offer a few certifications for their distribution of Linux.

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) - a lower-level Linux certification that covers the basics of administration.


• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) - more advanced Linux certification, aimed at experienced Linux professionals. Passing the RHCSA is a requirement for this certification.


• Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator (RHCVA) - focused on deploying virtual hosts in the Linux environment


• Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS) - focused on security features and areas of Linux


• Red Hat Certified Datacentre Specialist (RHCDS) - focused on the requirements for administrating and supporting datacentre environments


• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) - the highest level of Red Hat certification, this focuses on expert topics of Linux administration and usage.

So, the answer to which Linux certification should you get?

It depends on your experience and requirements. There are several junior Linux certifications (Linux+, RHCSA, LPIC, CLE11) that could be useful if you're looking to start out.

More advanced certifications such as the RHCE, LPIC-2, CLA11 and CLP11 can be beneficial if you have more experience. If you're a senior professional in the Linux area, I'd look into the RHCA or the LPIC-3.

However, this article is focused on the Red Hat certifications, so we're going to look at how to get a Red Hat Linux certification in this article.

How To Get A Red Hat Linux Certification

The steps to getting a Red Hat Linux certification are fairly straight forward. I mean, the concept is simple, but actually doing the work and getting the certification can be tough, especially for the more advanced certifications.

The process you can follow is something like this:

• Determine which certification to get. This will come down to two things - which one you want, and which one you're eligible for. Have a look at the requirements and recommended experience for each of the certifications, and make a decision. Many of them are based on junior/intermediate/expert levels, and have prerequisite exams, which limits your choices. The Red Hat Certified System Administrator is a good place to start, if you're not sure.


• Determine the requirements. Confirm the requirements on the official website. This may include previous exams, years of experience, and certain knowledge. You should be eligible to sit the exam before attempting to study for it.


• Enroll in the course. Make an enrolment into the course, and set an exam date. Yes, do this before you even start studying. This will give you a deadline, and subconsciously motivate you to study more and get it done quicker. Without a set date, the study may just never happen.


• Study. Read the material, get familiar with the course work and the included topics. Take notes, practice, and learn.


• Sit the exam. Depending on the exam, it will be either a theory exam based on computers, or a live exam where you perform on a Linux machine.


• Pass. Knowing your material and getting the questions right will mean you pass the exam.


• Celebrate! Well done, you've passed the exam and earned a certification! All your hard work has paid off and now you're Red Hat Linux Certified!

For more IT career tips and information on how YOU can improve YOUR IT career, such as RHCE Training in Jaipur visit LinuxWorldIndia.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7713080