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My Experience Installing Windows Subsystem for Linux

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Learning Linux is important for progressing in cybersecurity. At first I was looking into setting up a virtual environment on my Windows PC to run Kali Linux. I didn’t know a subsystem could be set up in Windows to run Linux.  What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)? Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables you to run a Linux environment on your Windows machine WITHOUT the need for a separate virtual machine or dual booting. According to What is the Windows Subsystem for Linux? “WSL 2 is the default distro type when installing a Linux distribution. WSL 2 uses virtualization technology to run a Linux kernel inside of a lightweight utility virtual machine (VM). Linux distributions run as isolated containers inside of the WSL 2 managed VM.” Also, WSL is faster and better for simple Linux command-line tasks. For beginner learning purposes, this would suffice for now. If you are more interested in watching a video tutorial on the process, you can check out “Windows Subsyste...

Pearson Vue CompTIA Security+ Testing Experience: What to Expect and Tips

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  1.   Run a system test. 2. If successful, the screen will show a QR code and the URL which will take you to the next steps which are photo taking. 3. With your smartphone, take the following photos: your headshot, photos of your valid ID (front and back), and four shots of your desk from the front, back, and sides. 4. Back to the computer screen, you will go through workspace verification where they test your system to see that you don’t have an extra monitor, extraneous devices, or other issues. 5. Close all other applications (CTRL+ALT+DELETE > task Manager) 6. When this is done, as soon as you click ‘Next’ you will be put on a queue. 7. When it gets to your turn, a chat window will open and the proctor will introduce themself and ask to call you. My proctor contacted me through the computer and spoke through my speaker. She also had me put my phone away so that I could not access it during the exam.  8. The proctor wanted to verify my...

Resources, Tips, and Techniques that Helped Me Pass the CompTIA Security+ Exam

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After completing the Google Cybersecurity Certificate program, the next step on my to-do list was to pass the CompTIA Security+ Exam. Exam Prep Time How long does it take to study and prep for the exam? It depends on your knowledge, experience, and background. It also depends on how quickly you can study and learn. I have seen Reddit comments that give the range from 1-2 weeks to several months.  ​ My Background I am going to be upfront and say that the Google cybersecurity program was NOT enough to pass the Security+ exam. Don’t get me wrong, it was a very informative course with lots of practical knowledge. However, the CompTIA Security+ exam covers A LOT! Also, I did not do the Network+ certification nor did I have two years of network admin experience. My background in software development and IT has mainly been in technical writing, manual QA testing, and doing computer troubleshooting and fixing for myself and friends and family. I decided to set two goals:    ...

CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Discount Vouchers

Discount Vouchers There’s no two ways about it, the exam is expensive. Here are vouchers that can help, from student vouchers, freely offered discount codes, and discount codes offered through courses and study guides. Students can get discount vouchers at the  CompTIA Academic store. For everyone else, here are a couple of freely offered discount codes : Professor Messer 10% discount. Pearson 10% discount using the code  PEARSON10   at the  CompTIA store.  (Valid through December 31, 2024 )​ Discount Codes are also offered through courses and study guides such as: Jason Dion’s CompTIA Security+ Bootcamp  Darril Gibson’s CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead book  Google Cybersecurity Certification Program  (offers a 30% discount code upon completion) 

CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Breakdown: General Info, Cost, and Differences Between 601 and 701

The  CompTIA Security+ Certification exam is the most popular entry-level cybersecurity credential. ​Below is some quick, overall info on the test, the cost, the topics covered, and the main differences between the 601 version (retired on July 31, 2024) and the newest version 701 that launched  November 7, 2023.  Exam breakdown: Cost:  $404 (as of July 2024) Passing score:  750/900 Time limit:  90 minutes No. of questions:  70 – 90 ( Including 4-6 Performance based questions (PBQs)) Topics covered:  5 major domains with 35 objectives (for 601, but 28 objectives for 701) Differences Between 601 vs 701 Versions of the Exam For  changes in SY0-701 vs SY0-601 c heckout this video  here . Or this article on the  Comprehensive Guide to Security+ Domains (2024) here. ​ Additional Info on the CompTIA Security+ Exam CompTIA states that there are NO formal perquisites. However, they recommend: 2 years of IT admin experience with a security fo...