I study and learn a shit-ton of computer related information on a daily basis. The list of things I want to learn probably cannot be accomplished in a lifetime. I find it easier to pick a sub-section of computing and focus on it for a while and become familiar with the lingo, technologies and programs that make it all possible.

The most recent topic: Linux-based web server administration.

· Linux

• Specifically CentOS 5 (I tackled Ubuntu a while back.)

· Apache

• Configuration Files and understanding of Virtual Hosts
• Rewrite rules (very cool URL manipulation)
• .htaccess directives
• SSL Certificates
• CGI
• Apache logs and error files

· MySQL

• Creating databases and users
• MySQL user privileges / security
• phpMyAdmin
• MySQL command line interface

· PHP

• Common PHP directives such as ‘register_globals’
• Common errors or mis-configurations with PHP4 and/or PHP5

· PostgreSQL

• Creating databases and database users
• Database user privileges / security
• phpPgAdmin
• psql command line interface

· Mail Services

• SMTP, POP, IMAP
• Outlook and other mail client configurations
• SPAM / Virus fighting techniques

· DNS / BIND

The next topic on my list: Microsoft Network Technologies. Along with this I am going to complete my MCSE. I have already started working on test 270-70 because I already consider myself an “advanced” XP user and the course takes little effort.

The future: PhP, Ruby on Rails and Perl

Filed under: F.Y.I., Tech