Ron Jackson - IT blog

 At this point 2 Months ago, I had planned on having my Python Essentials exam done, as well as almost completing my Linux Essentials study, just in time for the exam at the end of March. Well Linux Essentials is still going ahead, but a little bit delayed on the Python qualification.  Dont get me wrong, I LOVE Python. I think it's fantastic. So why O why am I finding it so difficult to get my head around it? I spent the whole of January working on the Python PCAP course and it was great. First two modules, smashed out the park. 80% on the End of Module tests, 100% on the end of Module questions. Its Modules 3 and 4 that are really stumping me and Im not sure why. That being said, I will persevere and get through the course and nail the exam.  In regards to Linux Essentials, I am 90% of the way through the ACG (Or Linux Academy course as it was known) with the intention of getting this cert the end of March.  There has been quite a lot of change at work in that the team have deplet

After a nice Christmas break, I am starting on the PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification to improve my Python skillset.  I started out using A Cloud Guru as they served me so well on the AWS CCP, however, I feel really let down by their PECP Course. As a Python beginner, the course moves along VERY quickly so you do not always get an understanding of the fundamentals. I also have a couple of questions for ACG which havent been answered.  Is the material still relevant to the certification? The material seems to be from Linux Academy so should I be looking at this or a more up to date course,  The Tutor has you setup on a remote server which is part of the ACG 'PlayGround'. This was working fine until about step 5 and after that, it just failed to work. I spent 2 or 3 hours trying to get it to work but to no avail. I then contacted ACG as I say, still no response after about two weeks.  With that in mind, I had a google to see what other resources were ou

On the 22nd of December 2021 I sat and passed the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.  I found this to be a great exam! Without breaking the NDA, the exam was clear, concise and really well worded. Im really enjoying the remote exams as well. Its so much easier than hopping onto a train, find the station, try and locate the test centre.  Back to the AWS CCP! I used Stephane Marek's Udemy course and then used A Cloud Guru's AWS CCP 2021 course to re-inforce the knowledge. The ACG course is really well written with access to Sandbox's and Labs. There are test's at the end of each module as well as a full practice test at the end of the course.  The ACG Practice exam has about 450 questions. With that in mind, I only took five practice tests as I didnt want to just "learn the answer". I was averaging about 75% on the practice tests. I would like to have improved on that score but the AWS CCP Exam is about £80.00 so I thought I would go for it and see how I got on. 

My first objective is to pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. I have been researching AWS and can see that going forward, its going to be a great Skill to have.  The CCP course / Exam is a foundational exam and looks to give you the basic insight into Cloud. What it does, whats it for and why we should use it. Last year I obtained the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification (Mainly as it was a free course and free exam) but it will still an interesting subject. This has peaked my interest in Cloud hence why I am interested in obtaining the AWS CCP.  I have used a couple of sources for Study. One is the Stephen Markek AWS CCP course on Udemy which I found really useful, and the second is ACloudGuru which I love.  I have also downloaded the AWS White-paper - Overview of Amazon Web Services (About 76 Pages) as well as the AWS White-paper How AWS Pricing Works. I have a hardcopy of the Exam BluePrint as well as a Notepad of written notes for reference.  As far as practice tes

After 10 or so years working in IT Ive decided to create a blog. Musings, comments and thoughts about how I want to progress in my IT Career. My name is Ron, Im 43 and live in Essex.  Ive mainly worked in support roles and whilst Ive enjoyed support (Helpdesk / Desktop Support) I feel it's time to move into a more technical role.  I have an interest in Dev Ops and System Admin so with that in mind I am looking at working through some new qualifications which will benefit me on this path.  With my Cisco Certified Network Associate and Juniper JNCIA already obtained, Im looking at AWS CCP -> AWS System Admin Associate, Linux LPIC and Python PCAP. I am also looking at the Meraki ECMS2 as well as Cisco Devnet Associate (When Firebrand finally get enough people for the course).  The first objective will be the AWS CCP. I will be writing a summary of the test (Not breaking any NDA's) and the tools I used upon completion of the test.  If you wish to contact me, my email is jacksonr