SQL and Active Directory

Discussion in 'Employment & Jobs' started by Markyboyt, Jun 9, 2008.

  1. Markyboyt

    Markyboyt Kilobyte Poster

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    In my current job hunt i am seeing a lot of positions asking for knowledge or experience of Active Directory and SQL which seems to be limiting the options drastically.
    I actually had a relatively local agency call me up today because they had seen my CV on monster and wanted to know a bit more info, he asked what my current position was, i told him but he said he actually wanted to know what IT i was using on a regular basis, i told him windows xp at home and that the majority of the work based It which i use constantly is specialised software.
    He said the position he had were after SQL and Active Directory, i was honest and said i didnt use these programs (I obviously didnt tell him I dont actually know what they are. SQL usually seems to mention relational databases but I know no more).

    Can anybody enlighten me a little on these programs and is it possible to gain experience with them without having a job using them?

    Also I didnt understand why he had called me up to ask me if i used them when it quite clearly isnt written on the CV he had, unless he wasn't happy with my answers and used it as a get out.
     
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  2. zebulebu

    zebulebu Terabyte Poster

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    Not sure what sort of jobs you are applying for, but if you don't know what SQL or Active Directory are, I'd suggest you're applying for the wrong ones!

    Active Directory is pretty much ubiquitous in today's workplace - it is the directory service that underpins Windows networking environments - and has been in place since 1999 (Windows 2000)

    SQL is the database language used for the majority of RDBMSes (simply, the language which is used to create, manipulate and interrogate databases) today. These include Microsoft's SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL amongst others - though it is likely that they are talking about MS SQL Server rather than one of the others.

    If you're looking for entry level positions, you'll be expected to at least know what these technologies are - the above should give you a decent starting point. From here, check out Google for information on both, then start thinking about setting up VMWare where you can play with AD at least in a safe, cheap environment.
     
    Certifications: A few
    WIP: None - f*** 'em
  3. Markyboyt

    Markyboyt Kilobyte Poster

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    Thanks for your reply, yes when the ads get specific with SQL they do usually list SQL Server.
    I don't think im applying for the wrong jobs, I just don't seem to have armed myself with all the necessary tools, I will definately use your information to help me learn about both of these technlogies as this is obviously restricting me heavily.

    Thanks

    Mark
     
    WIP: A+
  4. disarm

    disarm Byte Poster

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    There are a lot of jobs around at the moment which require Active Directory knowledge - and it's up to agencies to read the CV properly. It's not on my CV and I get asked it all the time.

    Some of these people are just office administrators matching key words on CV's, they don't know what any of it actually means.
     
  5. onoski

    onoski Terabyte Poster

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    Mark, you might also find that this web site http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx is invaluble on all subjects to do with SQL, AD and anything Microsoft.

    Just type in the search box active directory or SQL and you'd be presented with white papers, articles and free evaluation software downloads. Best wishes:)
     
    Certifications: MCSE: 2003, MCSA: 2003 Messaging, MCP, HNC BIT, ITIL Fdn V3, SDI Fdn, VCP 4 & VCP 5
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  6. Bluerinse
    Honorary Member

    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    Active directory is not a program as such, it is a hierarchical database that allows for centralised administration of a domain based network. Active directory is installed when you promote a windows server (2000, 2003 2008) to a DC (domain controller). It is a very complex subject to master and is obviously covered in courses leading up to MCSA MCSE etc.
     
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  7. Carlsberg Wordsworth

    Carlsberg Wordsworth Bit Poster

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    Hmmm,I know where you are coming from Markyboyt. Done the same thing myself. And kind of realising (personally) that this isn't really something I am interested in.

    That is to say,not interested as in career and not your post btw :biggrin
     
    Certifications: A+ Certified
  8. Crito

    Crito Banned

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    If only AD/LDAP used SQL... the world would be a much better place. :biggrin A great example of why OOP developers should never be allowed near a database.
     
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  9. supernova

    supernova Gigabyte Poster

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    You can use SQL with AD via ADSI SQL. However, to update you need to use ADSI.

    Andi
     
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