Studying software not easily accessible

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I'm wanting to basically (after finishing my MCSA off) study a couple of areas and specialise to get out of day to day support. For example one of the areas I'm thinking of is Oracle administrator. What do people do when the software you want to learn is very expensive to obtain. Do you stump up the cash or can you tend to get the software cheap if it's for non commercial use?

Areas I'm interested in are:

Oracle
VMWare
Citrix
SQL
Sharepoint

 

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You can get cut down versions of VMWare.

You can get an eval version of ESX also.

You can get cut down versions of Oracle called Oracle express or XE.

I'm pretty sure you can get single user development versions of Oracle for windows and linux for evaluation.

Citrix, not my thing.

SQL, I take it you mean MS SQL server, as SQL is a open technology standard. Cut down version called MS SQL express is available, failing that theres various initiatives to get either an eval or subscription version, dreamspark, bizspark, technet, msdn sub, etc.

Sharepoint, again evals or developer subscriptions are available.

 

Use it at work... because it's not likely that a company will hire someone to be an Oracle/SQL/Sharepoint/Citrix admin with no real-world experience.

 

You can get a 2-user license for Citrix PS 4.5 - I posted a link to it a few months back (dig around the forums, you'll find it if you look hard enough)

If you're looking to work in networked storage, there are .iso images of full simulators for NetApp OnTAP and EMC Celerra appliances available - these can be mounted in VMWare Server or ESX

As for Oracle, I'm not sure why you would find it difficult to locate a trial version - at the top of the software downloads page on Oracle's site it clearly states that you can download Oracle servers for evaluation purposes

EDIT - found the instructions for downloading an eval of Citrix 4.5

 

BosonMichael is right.
I've been a DBA wannabe since 2005 and it got me nowhere. I got the books, trial versions, samples, etc. But in the end of the day it comes down to experience anyway. I know my way around SQL Server 2005 and 2008 but there isn't a slightest chance of me getting a job as DBA or even junior DBA. I would say that in this matter a degree in databases would help a bit to get junior DBA position.

 

Or, better yet, get some experience managing the database servers, and if possible, assisting the DBAs where you are with basic administration of the databases themselves.

 

Entry level jobs do exist but most will go to people with computer science degrees or HND's. There are so many qualified people about companies can often take their pick. Often they want programmers with VB, PHP, or other skills as well.

The pure DBA role is very rare nowadays in my experience, those jobs are few and far between and held by people with years of experience.

Some people manage to get data entry or admin jobs and work their way up but these days they are probably in the minority.

Have you looked nationally for junior developer or data entry positions ? If you were prepared to live in central london on £18k perm you could probably have managed to land a positon in the good times.

Have you looked at getting a HND or degree ?

 

I can't as I don't have access to the systems as they are controlled by 3rd line and I'm 2nd line and they won't allow access to it. I do a little on a SQL server that is in the Newcastle Office.

What I want to do is concentrate on a tech that would allow me to move away from support and also have a backup tech so maybe learn Sharepoint inside out and also Oracle and hope that a company will take me on for Sharepoint but can use me to administrate their Oracle DB or help out with it. Sometimes it's impossible to get hands-on experience and you just need a bit of luck.

Anyway guys thanks for the replies and links. I did look on Oracles website and could swear blind I couldn't find a download link

 

And yet I got a job as a DBA less than 12 months after being in IT. My degree isn't in databases either (though I did write an Access DB for record cataloguing of fossils LOL). Keep at it - you'll get there eventually. If you're good enough, keep applying for positions (though as someone else mentioned on this thread there really aren't that many 'pure' DBA roles around any more - most of them involve Application Development, Document Management, Business Intelligence or something similar as well)

 

Yeah it's going to be tough to get away from 2nd line support and I'm in for a hard slog but I've done support for 6-7 years and am sick of it tbh. I also have to think about long term as I'm probably at the top end of what I can earn in 2nd line in Newcastle and need a better salary as we are moving house and want another bundle of expensive joy in a year or so.

 

I am sympathetic to your situation... but that still doesn't change the fact that companies are not likely to hire someone for a job like that without experience. If that's a problem for you, I would recommend that you make a lateral move to a similar position at a different company where you ARE allowed to assist with Oracle or Sharepoint administration.

 

Yeah... back in 1973!

 

Cheeky git! I'm younger than you!

Though I will admit that the first platform I worked on was SQL Server 6...

 

I couldn't live in London, I love Newcastle too much and wife wouldn't move anyways. Newcastle isn't great for good IT jobs but I couldn't survive on 18k tbh with a family, mortgage and the usual bills. I haven't thought about an HND but it's something to look into.

 

Fair points, I was really aiming those comments at LukeP.

I don't think the answer should be for everyone to work in london or take a pay cut, but if a person is really struggling to get the career they want they have to be flexible and think outside the box.

If you live in a small town the jobs won't come to you, you have to go to the jobs.

 

Lol sorry mate but it is a valid point about moving around to get the best jobs.

 

On another note does anyone know where to purchase SQL 2008 Developer edition (I believe this is the full version used for testing purposes) as Microsoft UK store doesn't sell it and I can't seem to find a recognised reseller that has it. I know you can get a trial version but I want a permanent copy without having to reinstall it every 180 days.

 

Google = your friend.

http://www.dabs.com/products/Microsoft-SQL-Server-Developer-Edition-2008-DVD-599V.html

 

lol all I could find was Microsoft US, Amazon (but market place which I wouldn't be keen on) and 2 companies I've never heard of. Couldn't remember what I put in my Bing search.

 

There's your problem

Qs