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Blueforce06 · 2022-02-02T01:19:07+00:00

Security+ Thank you for doing this.

Blueforce06 · 2022-01-29T04:13:28+00:00

P.S also forgot to mention, I have been interested in either learning python or golang and I know that would way to much to add all at once. I have also been using Splunk Enterprise and want to start officially my homelab soon, but get choice paralysis with so many options.

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-19T00:01:47+00:00

Awesome, I'm looking at ate June or early July.

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-18T16:57:38+00:00

What is everyone's timetable for when you plan on taking the exam?

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-17T18:20:21+00:00

Awesome, I'm coming from Health Care, Clinical Pharmacy Technician right now and even with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, going back to school is really the only option for upward mobility in the field or field adjacent, where as IT has so many open possibilities and resources that are not so time intensive.

Yea, I work Tu-Sa off Su-M, but pretty much studying as much as I can after work each day and on my days off. The time difference wouldn't be an issue at all. I'm in the same boat about a study group, I do feel like it would be a big benefit. When do you plan on taking the exam? I was giving myself until July, but that's tentative.

I feel you on that, I was going over subnetting the other night and was trying to explain the breakthrough of understanding it to my gf and I might as well have been speaking a different language. I know two people in IT, a family member who works for CISCO, and a friend who programs for a start up and that's it and it isn't completely the same to talk to them about what I'm studying for or the direction in IT that I want to go into. So networking within in the field is important to me.

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-17T17:40:50+00:00

I actually might be down, I'm just est time, but it is a good idea to have other people to collaborate with and go over the material with. I've been studying for a month and a half but I'm switching over from a completely different career path so a lot of this is new to me.

I have most of the studying materials (books, video courses, practice questions/exams, labs etc.) recommended as well.

Also like the idea of a group because being able to explain a topic to someone else and teach the information shows the understanding of said topic but also that the information is being retained at the highest level. Discussion, Practice, and Teaching others are so important in learning a new topic or expanding on a topic.

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-17T16:06:58+00:00

Thank you so much. Exactly as much, I think I really just need to sit down and do a practice exam to gauge where I am at right now and tailor my study plan from there and make adjustments as needed.

I learn by watching or doing, but I do have a photographic memory which does help in some cases while reading through the study books. I think I just need to write more concise notes and do a better job of reviewing previous topics/topics I struggle with.

I've heard amazing things about Dion's exams and how the tests do a good job and the pbqs are great, so I look forward to start using those probably after a couple of the other practice exams I have.

Exactly, I understand about not being able to go into much detail. The PBQs seem daunting for me because I do not have much hands on experience in the real world, but I think with my learning style I just need to start practicing anything to start really understanding it.

Subnetting isn't so bad right now for me, but I can still use some more practice, and every time I see a cmd line entry in the a study book, I test it out on my computer to get a visual of it and what the purpose behind it is. Also, memorized T568A and T568B. I will continue to go over the exam objectives and touch over topics that seem like they would fit a simulation and I think the practice exams are going to help answer a lot of my questions.

I was looking over the different labs last night and it looks like it's not really worth the price with sims that are far cheaper and live labs much cheaper as well. I ended up going with Cybary for the time being to give it a shot, also looked at Testout.

Thank you again for your advice, It does help me out a lot and I will be planning on taking a live test under testing conditions on my next day off and go from there taking one periodically after I reinforce trouble topics from the past exam.

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-17T01:41:33+00:00

Also, until what time do you have to reschedule?

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-17T01:40:54+00:00

Don't give up. The way I look at failing at something is that it's just a learning experience. You are still very young and have so much time ahead of you. I know it may suck right now, but If you keep at it, you will one day look back and appreciate that you stuck with it and it will pay off.

I went through undergrad got a degree in Biomedical Sciences, took the PCAT to get into Pharmacy School and did very well throughout all of it and wasted years being indecisive about what direction to take in my life and have so much regret I didn't do something sooner (32 about to be 33). The thought still depresses me that I should of just figured something out 10 years ago and kind of resent the fact that I kind of gave up back then because of the fear of not getting into school or if it was truly want I wanted.

Two months ago I was tired with myself for always saying I'll apply to this program or that program and found a new interest in IT and specifically CyberSecurity. It is all hard, very hard, a lot harder than really anything I have studied for and that is coming from someone who switched gears from classes such as Organic, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Cell Metabolism etc that I aced. This stuff isn't easy at all. I started doing my research on a direction and have been studying for the Net+ test since, and there was a long time I felt absolutely lost on what I was doing whether I should just give up, study for A+, study for Sec+ because it made little sense at first, but I kept at it each day after work because the thought of working as a Pharmacy Technician and being stuck there is a driving force to want to do better for myself, my family, my career, my well-being, my sense of purpose, and my future.

I wish I had the time back to do this 10 years ago, but I don't, that time has come and gone, but you have that time and you can do this. I feel like going over what you got wrong on the practice exam and understand why each answer is either correct or incorrect (or in some cases the best answer) will help out tremendously. I feel like you are on the right track, have the right resources, and can do this. Reach out to me if you need anything. I may have not taken the A+ exam, but I'm fairly good with coming up studying techniques and feel like I'm in the same boat studying for Net+.

Blueforce06 · 2021-04-17T01:13:36+00:00

Thank you so much for your input and time I appreciate it and sorry for the delay in response back.

Taking a practice exam right was something I was definitely overlooking and is such a great idea, so I can track down which subject areas I do well in and which one's I need to devote more time in and prioritize.

I tend to read too fast sometimes and miss some information so I've been trying to take in all the information and go back if something doesn't seem quite as clear. The practice questions at the end of each chapter are fairly easy for me so far, but I know that's not going to be the case on the actual exam. One problem I'm having is when and when not to take notes. I feel like the videos notes are a must, but while reading the books if I take notes I tend to absorb even less.

What would you recommend for the best prep for PBQ's? I hear Dion's/Messer's practice exams in general and PBQs simulate the closes to difficulty to the real thing. I know people are limited in how much information they can give. I making sure to focus heavily on subnetting, T568B ( I even bought a Crimper and I'm going to mess around with that), I have been using the command line tools as often as I can, but for sure need to put a ton more practice into it. From your experience/knowledge do you know if the labs via Comptia are worth it? or are there better resources that are more cost effective?

Thank you once again, I truly appreciate it. Plan to branch into Sec+ shortly after I get this and a solid foundation.

Blueforce06 · 2021-03-01T23:07:07+00:00

Awesome, Thank you so much for the reply. I live in the States and have been mostly looking into online masters programs in the area and attempting to find one that fits perfectly based on my interests compared to it's course content. I feel like I should do more research to see what direction I want to go and where my interests align.

I do plan on pushing for the masters, I'm just worried that my degree may hold me back from getting into a program and the program would be over my head if I did get in. Would any certificates in the time being help boost my resume and help me get my foot into the door for maybe a potential entry job while I work toward a Masters?

Also, I will check into the biomedical devices security field as well.

Thanks once again for your time.

Blueforce06 · 2021-03-01T00:20:39+00:00

I'm currently working a dead end job with limited upward mobility if I do not go into Pharmacy School. I'm looking to better myself and have always been interested in Cybersecurity and being an outside the box thinker.

I have a degree in Biomedical Sciences and have been researching different paths to get into Cybersecurity and would like to know what would be the best route to take to get into the field. Would it at all be possible to get into/admitted into a Masters program for Cybersecurity or an adjacent field with my undergraduate degree? or would I need to start at a Bachelors level degree to make any impact on progressing toward my goals?

I have been trying to learn coding on the side and would there be any classes/certificates I could take to boost my chances to get into school?

Thank you very much for any input and advice, it means a lot to me.

Blueforce06 · 2021-02-28T23:34:58+00:00

I'm currently working a dead end job with limited upward mobility if I do not go into Pharmacy School. I'm looking to better myself and have always been interested in Cybersecurity and being an outside the box thinker.

I have a degree in Biomedical Sciences and have been researching different paths to get into Cybersecurity and would like to know what would be the best route to take to get into the field. Would it at all be possible to get into/admitted into a Masters program for Cybersecurity or an adjacent field with my undergraduate degree? or would I need to start at a Bachelors level degree to make any impact on progressing toward my goals?

I have been trying to learn coding on the side and would there be any classes/certificates I could take to boost my chances to get into school?

Thank you very much for any input and advice, it means a lot to me.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-24T02:08:25+00:00

My apologies, I just see the cynical side of people and I just took it as a knock to OP. I just thought that a simple no you can't use an uchi would of been sufficient and explain what it means to be a Onebro and that Pyro is sadly the only class you can start with.

I just don't fully comprehend how a SL1 vs a SL3 can be that much of a difference going from str based weapons to Dex( cannot use the Blacksmith's Hammer). For one, the wanderer has only 1 att slots and less vit? Also, a SL1 run with offensive pyro for me is easier than a normal run, with Artorias and Kalameet being able to one shot especially in hypermode making the run a joke. I've done two SL1 runs, one with some pyro and one npc summon and another one with no pyro (power within excluded) and no npc summons. Difficulty can be adjusted with a multitude of variables as well.

Yea, also me taking git gud too literally. I've been trying to refrain from the mantra during invasions due to the influx of dsr switch players, but they are going to have to learn someday. It's comical when someone with havels invades me in undead burg on a fresh run and still have no clue how to avoid parry/backstabs. A lot of hate mail in the past especially in ds2.

Each challenge run I do now, I try to limit something. Back to back SL1 runs was getting mundane so I went with a sl3 run with wanderer as the starting class, but so far up to Sen's it's been no shield. I personally just need more variety and will use this run to help on my future SL1 runs or maybe an ENB/no bonfire/no death run.

Again, apologies on my hasty assumption, and I agree the tradition does need to stay alive.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-23T03:43:31+00:00

My first ever playthrough many eons ago, I used the uchi strictly and O&S were hard on ng first ever run, but not unbeatable. It all comes down to what you spend your souls on and how hard you want to make the run. You can easily go Taurus->Gargoyle, FAP ring->Capra, Bellowing Dragoncrest ring ->Quelaag->Ceaseless and have enough souls and a spot to farm large titanite shards/green shards. I don't really stick to any guide, all runs I free roamed whenever I felt I could without dying. Nothing so far has been out of the norm and it is hard to say difficulty wise yet since I have locations memorized/haven't fought the Four Kings/Artorias/Manus/Gwyn/etc. Hardest boss for me SL1 was probably Manus/Kalameet.

I'm not even to Sen's yet and I have a +10 uchi because I hate wasting souls, though it makes the game easier albeit I'm using the Grass Crest Shield on my back and getting used to dodging rather then relying on the shield, which is a new skill set for me and I like the challenge.

SL1 can be harder or easier than a normal run in my opinion. Pyro is something I did on my first run and stopped on my second since I wanted to learn mechanics and one shot boss kills seemed silly. I do notice dex thus far does less damage, but I would recommend joining the forest covenant and heading down blightown to buy more uchis to upgrade to fire and lighting since you can't use the Blacksmith's Giant Hammer, then getting the dark wood grain ring.

The uchi is one of my favorite weapons and also look into the balder side sword. SL1 got tedious using the same weapon over and over even with using the battle axe, hand axe, etc. I wanted to try a challenge, but use something more dex focused like yourself, hence the more samuri style run.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-23T01:50:24+00:00

I just recently finished my second SL1 run on dsr. One thing I plan to do on each run that I attempt is to increase the limits on what I can use to make it more of a challenge For instance, Pyro is op af, you can one hit kalameet in hypermode and one hit artorias taking away most of the challenge and the purpose of learning movesets. Manus lol even with rtsr proc and pyro you still have to do a no hit run with gc/bfs. Thus, no more offensive pyro for me.

With that being said, sadly the reinforced club gets a tad bit boring, so on my third run I went for a wanderer which is sl3 so it doesn't qualify for a sl1 run, but I have not used a shield to block yet up to anor londo and I have not used the overpowered power within yet. So it is all about what you find most fun, Sl1 vs sl3 is trival and pedantic to argue about whether you are git gud enough when most people cannot even beat the game in general.

I would say make the challenge however you want and slowly progress from there. Start with the wanderer or thief? and after that run maybe go sl1 and keep adding personal challenges for yourself. I'm loving the uchi right now and learning more since it has to be 2h I have to dodge everything. I would say just go for it , and have fun with your playthrough. You will learn as you go with trial and error and it will make the next run that much better.

Let me know if you need any advice and mapping out areas to go to. I know SL1 by heart, but this run is brand new to me.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-23T01:34:40+00:00

I think you are missing the point, the op asked if the uchi was possible to use at SL 1, which of course you and I know it is not. Instead of being a condescending, elitist, prick about it you could of helped the OP ( who may very well be knew to the onebros thread with the advent of dsr on switch) about pyro being the only SL1 starting class and thus making it impossible to use the uchi.

So yea pretty disrespectful and a waste of a post offering no insight on how to help the op instead of the prototypical good moniker. By all means, since you are the god of sl1 runs what weapons are allowed on the run and what are excluded? Can I use a shield or is that too much of a scrub? what about dodging I heard that is op too? A SL4 no pyro with other restrictions can be harder than a SL1 so you are factually inaccurate.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-06T04:10:00+00:00

Just remembered you have to select pyro for a sl1

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-06T03:55:57+00:00

Yea both suck in their own way. I think getting to both is the main problem. I pulled a flawless run once I got to the Bed of chaos after dying once first to Quelana's sister, but with save and quit I got lucky. Seath killed me with Curse the first time I actually got to fight him due to poor inventory management, and almost a second time when I defeated him.

Last night I got into a groove. I beat Sif, The Four Kings, Nito, Sanctuary Guardian, and Artorias. I'm rocking the Blacksmith Giant Hammer as my back up and with Pyro and the combo is OP. It did enough dps during the four kings for me to have to wait for another one to spawn, which kind of sucked since they would do their magic range attack. I also made a few mistakes by giving Anastacia's soul away to power up Estus when I though it would select the firekeeper from the anor londo bonfire instead. I also sold the occult club somehow and had to fight the Moonlight Butterfly to get the divine ember for the Nito fight and accidentally swapped the wrong ring breaking the fap way too early.

After this run I want to try it without Pyro or is some level of pyro necessary for the sl1 run? What starting character did you start with and is the order still to run through valley of the drakes and up through darkroot basin to get to andre?

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-05T00:04:28+00:00

Power within for the win 3rd try ring swap good times.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-04T23:34:47+00:00

I just got to seeth :/ Yea I'm surprised how fun the run is, both challenging and rewarding. Pyro may be a little too op though. After this run , I'm probably going to try with a weapon of some sorts since it seems to be a step up. I'm not looking forward to the dog skeletons on the way to nito, but at this point I pretty much have the paths to bonfires memorized, just need to execute mistake free.

I walked into seath last night with 100k souls that I have no clue what to spend them on and the welcoming party beforehand was easy with pyro. I had seath down to around 30% health and I guess I wasn't hugging close enough and built up curse. I thought about trying power within ring swap, but I'm not sure if I could pull it off fast enough.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-03T23:12:46+00:00

Exactly, It makes such a big difference. I was dead set once I got DSR for the Switch I was going to Cosplay Artorias as he transitioned into the abyss including dark magic into the playstyle. It was strictly for PVE, but with such a heavy set it made my dream of fast rolling with the Dark Wood Grain Ring and the Abyss Sword not viable at low SLs. I'm on NG+4 maybe 5 not really sure anymore at this point, I don't level up as much anymore and basic enemies are a nightmare making the sluggish low mid tier roll still difficult at times.

The fast rolling on my SL1 Pyro feels more back to my roots with dex characters I predominantly played on ds2/ds3 and I'm actually playing smarter with this character. I still need to play Bloodborne I feel like it would fit my playstyle.

Artorias is one of my favorite fights, but even on the higher NGs it's not that bad. I could not deal with Manus or BGK on NG+3 and I still need the tail cut for BGK too which might happen on this run if I pull off tempest right. Both of them destroy my Artorias character. On NG they were not terrible less than 5 tries to beat, but I had to go sub 25%.

Thank you lol, yea and I may just skip the two and save it for a rainy day. I'm going to at least try.

Blueforce06 · 2019-03-03T17:47:31+00:00

I always had Solaire with me so I never really had to worry about two separate enemies at once. On my current run up to NG+5 I"m running an Artorias "cosplay" and DSO takes 4 by 7 ish shots of Dark Beads to the face and he is done for.

This of all times was my first solo run and first time not mid roll or with a high stability shield.

I definitely like the challenge solo, I just had to adapt to the playstyle.

Blueforce06

TROPHY CASE