IT Infrastructure Q & A

[Nate-NewVenture]

I got inspired by another post here to give back to the community that gave me some great feedback and different points of view.

I've been in IT for over 15 years. My experience range from Network/System Admin to Director of IT. I've attained a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience with a wide variety of hardware/software.

Here goes: Ask Me Anything relating to IT Infrastructure as well as IT Processes. If I can't answer it, I'll point you in the right direction to do so.

Giving my 2 cents back,
Nate-NewVenture

 

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[Napoolion]

I got a Virtual Private Server what I am self managing from Linode.

I haven't done much protecting it from hackers. I am using Ajenti V as my hosting panel. Am I too concerned about hacking or does it happen occasionally. Is there any guides on how to make it more hacker proof ?

 

[thecza]

I recognize it's been quite some time since this thread was started but I'll ask anyway (even if for posterity); I'm interested in starting a IT business focusing on small to mid-sized companies and I wonder if that's possible after gaining an A+, Network+ and Security+ certificate? I ask because every time I see someone mention having a background in IT they seem to always work for someone else--surely there's enough business out there for someone with the requisite skill to go ply trade for himself.

 

[HoneyBadger]

I recognize it's been quite some time since this thread was started but I'll ask anyway (even if for posterity); I'm interested in starting a IT business focusing on small to mid-sized companies and I wonder if that's possible after gaining an A+, Network+ and Security+ certificate? I ask because every time I see someone mention having a background in IT they seem to always work for someone else--surely there's enough business out there for someone with the requisite skill to go ply trade for himself.

To help you with business planning and Googling a general IT service that small - midsize companies outsource to is usually called a Managed Service Provider or MSP.

 

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[biggeemac]

I personally think there is MORE than enough business for someone to start something for themselves, regardless of the fact that managed service providers exist. Small and mid sized businesses LOVE deskside service. Most MSP's and cloud-based service providers are incapable of providing that level of service. And if you live out in more rural areas, your demand would go up. Is it scalable? Perhaps once you gain trust and reputation.

 

[HoneyBadger]

I personally think there is MORE than enough business for someone to start something for themselves, regardless of the fact that managed service providers exist. Small and mid sized businesses LOVE deskside service. Most MSP's and cloud-based service providers are incapable of providing that level of service. And if you live out in more rural areas, your demand would go up. Is it scalable? Perhaps once you gain trust and reputation.

And to give you an idea I work with a guy who use to run a profitable MSP in my city. Most of his clients were small medical practices who would call him twice a week because they downloaded viruses. Most of his work was backing up their computer as you can tell.

 

[thecza]

And to give you an idea I work with a guy who use to run a profitable MSP in my city. Most of his clients were small medical practices who would call him twice a week because they downloaded viruses. Most of his work was backing up their computer as you can tell.

You said 'used to'; he left the industry? If so, did he detail why? Also, did he say what kinds of medical practices?

 

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[HoneyBadger]

You said 'used to'; he left the industry? If so, did he detail why? Also, did he say what kinds of medical practices?

Any and all small medical practices where a big organization doesn't run them. Big organizations typically have in-house IT teams as they can justify the cost of keeping people on staff. He left because he received a lucrative offer to be an IT director at a growing healthcare start up which was one of his biggest clients at the time and he took the offer.

 

[botnickguy]

I recognize it's been quite some time since this thread was started but I'll ask anyway (even if for posterity); I'm interested in starting a IT business focusing on small to mid-sized companies and I wonder if that's possible after gaining an A+, Network+ and Security+ certificate? I ask because every time I see someone mention having a background in IT they seem to always work for someone else--surely there's enough business out there for someone with the requisite skill to go ply trade for himself.

I rarely post on the forum at the moment but I'd like to answer this for you. I have all three of those certifications (among others). Those are reasonably simple certifications to attain and I knocked them all out in ~6 months, maybe a couple less IIRC (was not working full time at this time). I wouldn't go for all 3, in general. In my opinion, the only one with valuable information is Network+ as it gives you an outline to the basics of networking (very important stuff if you are planning on working/doing business in tech). The other ones are merely resume padding to impress HR people and give you a foot in the door in certain roles.

There's a guy in my area I know of who started an IT business and a Youtube channel that you should check out. Interestingly enough, he also likes Lamborghinis (drives a Diablo). Look up Rob Dahm on Youtube and look into whatever you can of how he got his start. Seems like he doesn't have a traditional technical education but he prides himself on hiring people who know far more than he does (he states this in a video I believe). I'm sure he knows a fair amount more than the average Joe as he did start the business initially, but as others on the forum have stated, in some cases it can be more efficient to delegate the more technical roles to specialists (people who pursue specialized certifications). His videos are quite entertaining too, I would check it out.

 

[thecza]

I rarely post on the forum at the moment but I'd like to answer this for you. I have all three of those certifications (among others). Those are reasonably simple certifications to attain and I knocked them all out in ~6 months, maybe a couple less IIRC (was not working full time at this time). I wouldn't go for all 3, in general. In my opinion, the only one with valuable information is Network+ as it gives you an outline to the basics of networking (very important stuff if you are planning on working/doing business in tech). The other ones are merely resume padding to impress HR people and give you a foot in the door in certain roles.

There's a guy in my area I know of who started an IT business and a Youtube channel that you should check out. Interestingly enough, he also likes Lamborghinis (drives a Diablo). Look up Rob Dahm on Youtube and look into whatever you can of how he got his start. Seems like he doesn't have a traditional technical education but he prides himself on hiring people who know far more than he does (he states this in a video I believe). I'm sure he knows a fair amount more than the average Joe as he did start the business initially, but as others on the forum have stated, in some cases it can be more efficient to delegate the more technical roles to specialists (people who pursue specialized certifications). His videos are quite entertaining too, I would check it out.

Thank you very much for the insight.

 

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