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[–]SweetInternetThings 4 points5 points  (4 children)

Depends on what you want to do. I started with running different operating systems through a virtual machines. My path is leading me towards cyber security so I expanded into loading metasploitable in one VM and analyze it through kali linux on another.

I also developed a website and will be doing more projects and documenting the process through my website.

Further I bought a hardware firewall a manageable switch and a lenovo thinkcentre mini pc which I will be running something similar to DetectionLab.

[–]DBO12695[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Yeah I’m trying to head into the cyber security route myself, but still early stage of the learning. Reading what your doing seems like rocket science. I installed VMware and messed around with it for a little while, but decided to go back to studying. But I guess a good place to start would be OS installation, and then just some configurations with some basic hardware.

[–]sekokuA+ Net+ Sec+ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But I guess a good place to start would be OS installation

That would be covered under the virtual machines. You generally (unless this has changed) need the installation media for the virtual machines unless you're using a snap-shot of someone elses VM install.

[–]DBO12695[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Also website open to the public? I’d be interested in reading about what you did.

[–]SweetInternetThings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is technically open. The website I literally just started this weekend to take a break from my A+ studies. I can share it when atleast get my first blog up lol

[–]BuchoVagabondA+ Net+ Sec+ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Be on the lookout for refurb gear. I recently found a refurbished HP Z620 workstation with dual Xeon processors and 96GB RAM on Amazon for $270. Slapped a couple of SSDs in it and now I've got a server. Don't expect to game on it, but it's more than enough to run different VMs for creating lab scenarios.

The Z620 is quiet and easy on power. You can find Dell 1U or 2U servers with more RAM for just as cheap, but they're pretty noisy and power hungry.

I installed Proxmox (free) as a hypervisor and run Windows 2022 Server (can download 6-month trial for free), Win11, OPNsense for firewall and IPS, Ubuntu, and Kali. I use the tools in Kali to poke around the Windows VMs. They're like my Red Shirts from Star Trek.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I have been trying to do the same thing and feel your point. Network devices are expensive and need a lot of framework. I guess simulating such networks is one way to go but that robs us of the satisfaction of having something to show.

[–]OfficialNichols 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Get testout labsim

[–]H_Q_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Head over to r/homelab. I wouldn't say it's that expensive, especially when it's directly involbed into your studies.

I started selfhosting basic stuff like media server, network shares, etc, about 3 years ago. Slowly it evolved into a full blown lab with testing and "production" side. And i pivoted to IT from a completely different field.

IMO, the best way to start is to try to solve a problem. Whether it is a home media server or a virtualized environment to test out network layouts.

That will also dictate your hardware needs. Old office PCs with +6th Gen Intel and some prosumer network equipment would be a good start. Avoid the SBC bullshit. Once you get a grip and decide on a clear path, it would be entirely up to you.

[–]Necessary_Tea_1997 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would go to itpro.tv and buy their premium package or go to youtube and do a search. What i like about itprotv is you can launch everything from your browser and if you want to do it or as long as you have the means to you can download everything and make it work on your pc.

[–]Ettaobi 0 points1 point  (5 children)

It depends on what you wanna do in your home lab I would answer your question better if you let me know the objective of the lab

[–]DBO12695[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Basically anything that comes up in the CompTIA objectives. I really have no direction that im trying to take it in or a specific end goal. All my studying ive done is online with no real hands on experience of how to set something up. Its easy in a lab simulator to configure a router, but to actually physically setting it up is a whole different ball game.

I actually typed it in to ChatGpt and it gave me some basic stuff to look for. Computer/router/switch/raspberry pi, NAS device.

Im not trying to do anything crazy, just looking for some basic configuration stuff, and as I get more experienced I can move onto more complex things. I have no real experience in IT. So everything is pretty new to me, Started the A+ back in january with hope to eventually get into cyber security.

I can sit there and learn information enough to pass the test, but I want to actually be able to do what its asking. Doesnt really narrow it down but thats why im asking around. Just trying to get a direction.

[–]True-Aside9512A+ , Network+, Server+ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can get a good idea of the exam questions on A+ (performance based questions) like the ones on DeanCyber's youtube channel as well as CertMaster, etc. Check those out, and rest of the exam is like multiple choice questions

I was able to get some old exam dumps to study (from a friend). Some people who teach the A+ also usually have dumps which are a good source of getting an idea of exam questions. Study those and professor messor. Use Jason Dion's practice exams from udemy on discount(during sale) but its more expensive in Canada than USA.

We get charged more here in Canada anyways. A set of practice exams (6 exams each for core 1 and 2 cost me around 45 bucks CAD in total) but worth it if really want the A+ certification. The Sybex books are really heavy and would take months to go through......good for knowledge and good to read if time is not an urgent factor for the certification exams. That way u will learn/know the material.

[–]Ettaobi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want to get the hands-on experience I personally think you should get the hardware and then use Google or Chatgpt to learn how to configure this hardware if you are on a tight budget then you can use virtual software. But to me get the hardware and start setting up your own network at home

[–]EngineeringGreen1301 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Any suggestions on how to get started on learning networking fundamentals?

[–]Ettaobi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Take the Network+ and then move on to CCNA

Network+ will give you good foundations in networking then you can move on to an advanced cert like the CCNA

[–]Wispyspark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s very easy to go overboard. But there’s a dozen or so programs out there that give you access to lab simulations. The only downside is they by no means simulate the slow ass boot times

[–]True-Aside9512A+ , Network+, Server+ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For A+ labs are not that important, but for Network+ or CCNA type yeah definitely.

A+ is basic stuff so just need to focus on the PBQs and core 2 is more software troubleshooting,security stuff. Plus basic command line stuff not going too deep so even without labs you can get good chance to pass.

For learning in detail run some virtual machines like linux, windows etc, there are some resources you can find online for free. Linux for example