This episode is an arbitrary update where I talk about whatever is on my mind.  After putting if off over a year I recently built a new computer to help with video streaming & editing.  I also have started fresh with my Lab environment adding my old desktop to it.  I’ve spent the last few […]

In this episode I talk with Travis Plunk and Tyler Leonhardt about their new book Learn PowerShell in a Month of Lunches, Linux and macOS Edition.  We discuss the book writing process, installing PowerShell on Linux and macOS, using Visual Studio Code and how PowerShell can make you more productive. The Book https://www.manning.com/books/learn-powershell-in-a-month-of-lunches-linux-and-macos-edition?query=Power Find Travis or Tyler […]

In this episode I walk through the process to setup an AWS Lightsail WordPress multi-site server.  This is also available as a video on my YouTube channel. https://lightsail.aws.amazon.com Affordable, configurable, fast  Transfer allowance In and out count towards allowance Inbound traffic is free after allowance is met $0.09/GB after allowance 1TB = $90 5 static […]

In this episode I share the audio from my first YouTube live stream. It was an open question and answer session, but since no questions came up I share a bit of my story of how I got into the information technology field. If you would like to watch the video you can find it […]

This episode is an update of what I’ve been working on recently. Lync/AudioCodes Setting up a new gateway Working with a vendor We are going ultimately responsible for the support and reliability of our solutions Cloud and on premises  HP ML350 G6 48GB Ram 2x Xeon E5530 1TB Samsung Evo SSD Sata III Card USB […]

In this lab episode I run through the setup process for OpenVPN on pfSense.  If you’re new to pfSense check out episode 10.  This is a great opportunity to get hands on experience with networking, VLANs and working with certificates.  Education and book knowledge is important, but hand on experience is critical! You can also check […]

In today’s show I have the opportunity to speak with Will Courson.  He is a listen who is an IT Technician in the process of transition to a SysAdmin role.  Will’s story is a great example of how to get started and progress in your IT career. If you want to contact me you can […]

This episode is all about the resume writing and interviewing process.  You may not need this information now, but when you do following these guidelines will help you get the job you want with competitive compensation. Fitness Plug: Anyone interested in achieving some fitness goals should check out my wife’s Instagram.  She is a Beachbody […]

In this lab episode I run through a recent PowerShell project.  This is a very basic example will give you an idea what can be done with PowerShell.  The YouTube video for this episode can be found at https://youtu.be/SXv-ZVV9ioc.   As promised I have included the final scripts below. ##########################demo.ps1##################### #Define variables $webdata = “” $complete […]

This episode is an overview of the Security+ course I recently took. The Security+ course is intended for those with 2 year of IT experience The course is broken down into 6 modules 21 Hours of training videos on LinkedIn Learning https://www.comptia.jp/pdf/Security%2B%20SY0-501%20Exam%20Objectives.pdf Threats attacks and vulnerabilities – 21% Types of attacks/threats Pen testing Technology and […]

Today’s episode is all about getting motivated.  If you feel like your stuck spinning your wheels in your IT career this episode will help you get moving! We are motivated for many different reasons Basic needs Food Water Shelter Peer pressure They want Guilt/Fear/Obligation I should Reward I can Internal desire – the most rare […]

This is a new type of episode I’m trying out.  In there “Arbitrary Update” episodes I will be sharing anything and everything that is on my mind.  Some of it may be SysAdmin and Technology focused, but not all of it.  I do expect most of it will resonate with many of you.  I’m interested […]

In today’s show I discuss what ticketing systems are and some of their primary features.  Overview Ticketing systems allow us to collect, assign and report on specific tasks I consider a basic ticketing  system a necessity for any IT team Centralized Request Management What happens if someone is  out sick or on vacation? How do […]

In this episode I walk  through the process of installing Server 2019 Core. Hands on experience is critical for anyone looking to start or enhance their IT career. I am using my Windows 10 Pro computer with Hyper-V for this lab, so give this a try at  home and let  me know how it goes.  […]

In this episode I join Paul Joyner on his podcast Sysadmin Today.  We cover a wide range of topics including SPAM Filters, Exchange, Office 365, Meraki, SD-WAN & ISP Migrations.

In today’s episode I talk about patching various types of systems and my recommendations for each.   Workstations BIOS/Firmware Update at deployment then as needed Drivers Update at deployment then as needed OS Update monthly Delay one month from release date unless critical Applications Enable auto-update if available Update monthly if reasonable, otherwise as needed Level […]

This episode is an an interview with Jack McCarthy.  He has been working in IT for 6 months and it currently an IT Client Support Specialist. Some takeaways from my conversation with Jack are: Don’t be afraid to try different things Get a job that is close to what you want, even if not the […]

I today’s episode I explain how it feels to learn a new technology and my process for getting past uncertainty.

In this episode I talk about why System Administrator is my favorite IT role. Today’s Show This following is highly influenced by my own opinions and experiences The System Administrator role is my favorite in the IT field Education & Experience requirements 4+ years with 4 year degree 8+ years without degree Responsibilities Wide range […]

In this episode I talk about the importance of being prepared for a disaster that takes your primary data center offline. Being prepared to keep IT systems operating during or after a disaster is critical What is DR, how does it work? How will you offer IT services if a fire destroys your data center? […]

In today’s  show I add email to the lab with Exchange 2016. Follow Up From last show Grounding bar Conduits and ladder rack Airflow Data Closet Specs Today’s Show Exchange 2016 Cu11 install files https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=57388 The 2016 trial will not install on server 2016, but the CU is a full installer and will go into […]

In today’s episode I go over all the requirements for building or remodeling a server room. Today’s Show – Building a Server Room New construction or remodel Project Management Depending on the scope IT maybe expected to manage this project If not managed by IT you will want to ensure you are involved as early […]

In today’s show we will continue working in the lab.  I walk through the process of deploying Active Directory on a new Server 2016 VM with DNS and DHCP.  We also setup a file server with a basic network share. Follow-Up One way conversation so far, I want to hear from you [email protected] @sysadminshow Some […]

We continue getting the lab setup.  Configuring a dedicated network with internet access for the lab  using pfSense and VLANs on a managed switch. https://www.pfsense.org/download/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_network Configure VLANs on pfSense Home Public Lab Reset and Configure managed switch Patch in and test Configure VMware networking Testing

Follow-Up Missed from SAS 006 Testing Hardware/Software Test everything, try to break it Don’t assume anything Testing backups Monthly backup tests Quarterly disaster recovery tests Annual business continuity tests Today’s Show – Managing IT Vendor Relationships Everyone will need an IT vendor at some point, so build good relationships for when you need them Staffing […]