Back in January 2010, I created a list of goals to achieve before 2011. We’re half way through year and its about time to review those goals. At this point I would take a look at the list:

  • CCNA Certified
  • Project Oriented
  • Microsoft Server Expert
  • GTD Evangelist

The items crossed off above mean I have completed those goals. So the next steps include reviewing how I completed my goals, add new goals, remove goals or modify my goals.

Review

CCNA Certified

It took me at least a year to complete this goal. I’ve been working on it since the summer of 2009. Studying for the CCNA certification was usually on and off at times but realized that it takes time and dedication to know the material. Mind you, I have the equipment at my workplace and occasionally work within Cisco gear but to actually know the test material is a different story.

What I should have done differently was set a goal date and work towards completing my studies by that date. I always moved it around which resulted in me acquiring my certification a year later. Secondly, study when there are no other distractions around and be sure to practice on either virtual or physical labs.

Project Oriented

I’ve began using Microsoft Project 2010 to plan out my projects ahead of time. There’s a statistic somewhere on the interwebz that say 70% of IT projects fail. That’s an alarming statistic and with this economy I cannot afford to have my projects fail near that rate. I subscribe to project management email lists and read a few IT project management websites occasionally.

I am no expert, to say the least, but I have started a new mindset on projects, planning, and implementation. I will continue to grow in this field.

Microsoft Server Expert & GTD Evangelist

If you were to see me on a time line I would be at the Microsoft Server section. Like the CCNA certification, it has been a laborious task to make time for studying. With the juggle of work, personal life and rest it can get difficult. Nevertheless, I will have to implement the GTD (getting things done) Evangelist side of me to knock things out.

So this is where I stand with my IT goals. I will not be adding anything new since I have my own work-related goals to exceed. My fear is running into a state of burnout.

Where do you stand with your goals?

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Update to 70-640 Certification

by The Network Technician

I’ve changed my reading material to the Microsoft Press series, Configuring Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Training Kit. I found that the sybox book did not fit in well with my studies so I will be trying this book out. But before studying I have decided to take a break from reading any certification material [...]

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Training for MCTS 70-640 Certification

by The Network Technician

I’ve taken quite an extended break from my last CCNA certification. After much thought, I’ve stepped back and decided to go towards a Microsoft certification. In particular, I will be training myself for the Microsoft MCITP: Enterprise Administrator. The prerequisites for the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator are 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647 and either 70-680 or 70-620 [...]

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Passing the CCNA Exam

by The Network Technician

After a year of on and off again studying of Cisco’s CCNA I can finally say that I am CCNA certified. It’s not an easy exam to pass. The CCNA exam is a lot harder compared to the Network+, which was my last certification. The format between the Comptia and Cisco exams are definitely different. [...]

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2 Great Forums On Networking Topics

by The Network Technician

If you’re looking for a community to discuss networking topics such as Cisco, certifications, Microsoft certifications, etc. then these two forums will be a great resource for you: Sadikhov Networking-forum Share and Enjoy:

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2010 IT Goals and Skills

by The Network Technician

In the past I’ve focused on To Do lists and they never really pan out well for me. This year will be a little different. The To Do list will still be there but it will reflect my “To Be” list. I recently attended an inspirational talk and he got me thinking about focusing on [...]

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User VLAN Do Not Acquire DHCP Address

by The Network Technician

When configuring VLANs on a layer 3 Cisco switch we often tend to segment our network by grouping devices in certain VLANs for security/departmental/geographical purposes. Enabling inter-VLAN routing allows all the devices on different VLANs to communicate with each other. If you’ve placed DHCP devices on a VLAN separate from the DHCP server you’ll notice [...]

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Be Up to Date with Drivers and Firmware

by The Network Technician

Here’s a great tip for newbie Systems Administrators: Check regularly for updated drivers and firmware You’ll never know when things start breaking on you. Share and Enjoy:

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