Essential Information
Individuals interested in working as system administrators or developers should look into training in UNIX. Many certificate programs combine UNIX training with lessons about the Linux operating system, which is similar in nature. Employers often desire employees to hold a bachelor's degree, but many hiring organizations will consider applicants with a combination of education and experience or experience and credentials.
While graduates of a bachelor's degree program in computer science have a general understanding of UNIX, UNIX-targeted programs are offered at the undergraduate certificate level, and unaccredited training may also be found online. Certificates may be 3-8 classes long, while UNIX workshops are 4-6 days long. Seminars may be as short as a few hours. Some of the training programs available may require skill labs.
Certificate in UNIX
UNIX training certificate programs not only assist individuals seeking entry-level opportunities, they also advance job opportunities for established network professionals, system administrators and programmers. Certificate programs typically go over the management files, running of programs and maintaining of security. Courses in this type of program may include:
- System installation
- Server configuration
- Networking
- Programming languages, such as C+, Perl and Shell.
UNIX Training through Job Experience
Most employers require UNIX system administrators or engineers to have 3-5 years of related experience. More experience is needed for individuals without a 4-year degree. Experience with a particular UNIX operating system, such as Solaris, is often required. Candidates should also be familiar with networking and security practices. Experience with Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) is often preferred, and knowledge of domain name system (DNS) server administration is desirable.
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UNIX Licenses and Certifications
Voluntary certifications are offered through companies with UNIX operating systems. Oracle, for instance, offers a Solaris-based Sun Certified System Administrator (SCSA) credential for individuals who pass two exams; those with a SCSA certification can take an additional exam to earn the Sun Certified Network Administrator designation. Individuals seeking HP-UX certification can earn a Certified Systems Administrator or Certified Systems Engineer credential. Similar certifications are also available in Mac OSX, Linux and AIX systems.
UNIX Workshops and Seminars
Local colleges may sponsor one-session UNIX seminars and tutorials, which may last for a few hours. Additionally, many industry organizations sponsor conferences, which often run 4-6 days. During this time, participants can attend seminars on topics such as:
- Computer networking
- File storage
- System design
Continuing Education
UNIX professionals can acquire tips or learn about system updates through various online resources, including blogs and discussion forums. Books and industry magazines may also prove helpful in staying abreast of industry trends. Professionals may also decide to enroll in college courses or advanced certificate programs to further develop skills.
UNIX training can be found through various sources, including certificate programs, workshops, and seminars. Many of these mediums are fairly short, teaching students several core aspects of the Linux operating system.
