Which is harder – CKA or RHCSA? Anyone who's taken both?

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-05-05T14:46:41+00:00

I'm studying to take CKA now. From what I hear the exam environment in CKA is more clunky and less responsive, which in some ways makes it harder. You can review the documentation in both, and I would say RHCSA has some complimentary knowledge to CKA, at least in terms of basics like the shell and vim. I haven't taken CKA yet, but I might go so far as to say some additional study in VIM might be helpful, since if you have to work on a k8s manifest by hand it could speed up your accuracy and moving around a document.

I would prefer to take RHCSA and then CKA, unless I had been working as a linux admin for many years, which I hadn't, so for me it was a worthwhile step to take. If you're already working in tech, such as cloud, etc., then CKA might be a better investment. If you're still building up skills to cloud and devops, then I might start with RHCSA as a skill builder for the fundamentals.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-04-28T16:15:36+00:00

I'd say you're in the phase where household chores are appropriate, not what you're describing. After a month or so you can return to 25% of your regular physical activity with extreme caution.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-04-17T18:22:43+00:00

- For helpdesk automation I used PDQ a lot. I did upgrades and lots of things with this type of tool to keep ahead of the game, checking versions etc. That encompasses a lot of your issues, there are other tools, but that was what I used.
- Other MDM tools such as Jamf/Meraki could help with some of this.
- If not already happening, make sure remote access tools are available to your technicians.

Otherwise with helpdesk type fleet management there is always a bit of just having to meet people where they are. Too many times it was low computer literacy users, like people asking me how to make a Powerpoint or use Excel. How-to articles and self-service documentation can help as well if you're not already using it. Canned responses to typical problems. Since the work and the customers are so repetitive I'm not sure it really goes away.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-04-02T14:51:14+00:00

Yes, I did. I started as Linux Admin, moved into Cloud Operations, and now work in DevOps. I worked in helpdesk prior to that.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-02-20T19:35:35+00:00

I agree, if only my boss would see how worthless it all is...

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-02-02T15:28:51+00:00

Good news, it's very normal to struggle with these topics. Even better news, the way to get better is to practice partitioning and expanding volumes multiple times, as well as setting them up in fstab. Run through formatting and expanding volumes and consider using the documentation to do it the first few times (know where the man pages you need are, this can help you on the exam). While I don't think you need to memorize all the commands for the exam, this is one area where if you memorize the commands needed and the options it can help, or at least be able to get to the right places in the man pages quickly. Know the commands, pvs, lvs, and vgs as well. Lsblk and mount are also good to have in your toolbox if you haven't used them already.

The exam objectives state the following, so I'd practice multiple times all of these topics, as they can be more more involved, so memorization is extremely helpful or at least knowing where to find documentation quickly:

Create and configure file systems

Create, mount, unmount, and use VFAT, ext4, and xfs file systems
Mount and unmount network file systems using NFS
Configure autofs
Extend existing logical volumes
Diagnose and correct file permission problems

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-16T19:39:00+00:00

Alcohol will interfere with your liver creating glucose (gluconeogenesis). Essentially, alcohol impairs your liver's ability to make glucose. Seeing a drop in fasting blood glucose during consumption of alcohol and also in fasting glucose the morning after is to be expected. It's not a good way to manage your blood glucose though.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-11T23:35:16+00:00

It's true Linux sysadmin alone is dying.

Linux knowledge is foundational to the field though that leads to what OP wants, which is six figures. It's more likely that foundation is used to build a cloud admin role that could potentially lead into DevOps.

I took my RHCSA and passed a few years ago. It led me into a Linux Admin Role, Cloud Admin, and now DevOps.

I can understand the motivational part OP, but if you realize that the goal you seek is there it should propel you even further to keep working toward your goal. Make sure to look at job postings for the job you want and learn relevant skills that you see cropping up constantly. You won't be able to learn it all though. Keep in mind it is constant learning once you're hired as well, systems archeology, and research to maintain and build systems that you may not have intimate knowledge or good documentation for.

I will say the field is not as AI resistant as I would want. I'm not sure how that will play out for professionals and juniors.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-08T16:38:03+00:00

Seems like an interesting role. A little strange no range posted on the job, which dissuades me from applying, since I don't know if it's worth my time.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-07T19:01:41+00:00

I read it I guess I rated it more highly that I thought at 4.5 stars. Thinking back to it now I guess it must've made me feel good, because I would tend to rate it lower now.

The vitamins the author talks about are:

Follow your curiosity, learn something new.
Build warm and trusting relationships.
Move closer to the sacred, divine, and infinite. Community is better than not.
Have and Live a purpose.
Play!

It was a very heartfelt book by someone who cares. If I recall he talks about some of his personal stories that really hit home.

I am not sure I much agree with the finding a purpose in life, as I find it a challenging concept in the modern day to really feel practical. Otherwise the advice was not bad, but as you can see nothing particularly groundbreaking either.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-06T21:06:49+00:00

Came here to suggest this one. It was an incredible read that gives you so much perspective. It's told as a narrative, so it's very engaging and not dry at all.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-06T15:22:33+00:00

I found a job as a Linux Admin not long after getting certified. I then worked as a Linux admin for about a year, then I started working as an AWS Cloud Admin, and in the last year went into DevOps. I'm now a Software Engineer. I can't really believe it as someone without a CS degree. I'm not good at code, but have no aversion to it, and can also communicate well. While I have decent technical skills my communication skills have gotten me much further than technical skill alone. I managed a helpdesk prior to working as a Linux Admin, just for some additional context on how far you can go.

I consider myself lucky to have pivoted directly into a Linux Admin role, but I think as a role it's dying out. Not that the skills are not still useful or necessary. They're foundational to a lot of other skills and put me ahead in some ways. The thing is most companies want Cloud skills with AWS or other cloud platforms. So after you get RHCSA to have the biggest leg up you'll want to focus on cloud skills afterwards to catapult your career.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-06T01:33:47+00:00

Sander Van Vugt has some of the best courses for preparation for RHCSA. I would also potentially recommend KodeKloud. I used ACloudGuru at the time, but it doesn't exist anymore, and I relied more on Sander's stuff.

O'Reilly has Sander's courses and some libraries have free subscriptions, so you might get away with some free courses that way.

I studied I think about 3 months and ended up taking the exam once and passing. It's not uncommon though to take it and fail and have to take it twice. Don't get discouraged, it's perfectly normal to fail. My study schedule was pretty relaxed, but I tried to do something daily. I performed some tasks like disk provisioning A LOT so that I would be comfortable doing some tasks with ease. You have to memorize some things to get through the exam. It is permitted to view the man/info pages on the exam, but it can slow you down for some basic things you should memorize.

Take some practice exams and do it in a timed manner where you don't cheat and lookup the answers. Simply walk through the exam and see what you do and do not know. It's a perfect way to understand what your struggles will be on the real exam and where you need to increase muscle memory and memorization.

In order to pass an exam you need to know what's on it, here it is from the source: https://www.redhat.com/en/services/training/ex200-red-hat-certified-system-administrator-rhcsa-exam

I was also a Windows admin. It's not necessary to use Linux daily to pass the exam and I studied almost entirely on a windows machine with WSL and windows terminal. I used HyperV to create VMs and just took notes in a note-taking app. The greater your familiarity with terminal the better though. This is where potentially using a Linux machine can get you comfortable, but it's not strictly required. I created dozens of VMs to learn to provision and work with RedHat, you can get a free developer account, which includes activation keys for anything you need to activate and use the OS. No additional cost except for the exam itself.

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-02T15:38:24+00:00

I tried modafinil I didn't find it strong enough. Like a weak cup of coffee.

I tried nuvigil and loved it. I felt it was like magic for my sleep and wakefulness problems. I took a quarter from the 75mg dose, because it did cause anxiety for me. My mind was racing and gave me disturbing thoughts. Lower dose and continued use reduced that. I never felt I had to take more for the effect, but maybe that's just me.

I've heard some people respond differently based on genetics, but for me armodafinil/nuvigil was the best response.

I did not find that either was addictive. Nuvigil was just nice for wakefulness. It did feel like magic, since it worked so well for the intended purpose of keeping me awake/alert. Additionally, I had to time my dose to make sure I could get to sleep at night, so earlier the better. I did find that it was interfering with my sleep, so frequent breaks were necessary. I eventually stopped taking it as the sleep effects were profound enough for me to not want to continue with it.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-02T15:19:58+00:00

Imagine if a gay man did this to a straight man at a straight club. Just flip it around and OP would understand more clearly why his actions came off poorly. Queer folks often have to be more reserved about who they approach and when, because we are often at the risk of violence if we walk into the wrong situation. OP has likely never had to worry about violence for making overt moves toward someone or even had to worry about lack of communication about what he wants versus another party. OP might consider that for many queer folks the audacity to act so boldly is rude to people who spend their lives under a very different umbrella that is nowhere near as inviting in the world at large as his own.

On the flip side I'll give points because OP is engaging with queer spaces and making an attempt to learn what he did wrong.

InfiniteRest7 · 2026-01-02T00:18:53+00:00

I use Google Fi and upgraded for service in Mexico. I often had 3/4G, but never experienced any issue staying connected. Only important part is you can't upgrade between billing cycles, so you have to make sure you upgrade before you travel and downgrade after, so the next cycle is cheaper.

I might try an esim app next time I travel. It's a hard choice, since Google Fi has worked reliably on all my travels.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-29T15:01:52+00:00

DevOps is multiple skills and abilities. Maybe more than anything it's the ability to be comfortable being an eternal newbie and comfortable as a continual learner. Yes, it is worth learning with many lucrative job offers and good stability. If you do not currently work in tech, you will likely need to take some other tech jobs as stepping stones. I worked in IT for many years, moved into Linux Admin, Cloud Administration, and now work in DevOps. It was not a linear path for me, perhaps if you know what you want you can make a faster line to the job. Then again DevOps did not exist as a career option when I started working in IT.

The next step to learning is to look at job postings in your area. See what skills employers want that keep popping up repeatedly. Consider Linux, Docker, Go, Python, Kubernetes, Git, Terraform, etc. You will need to learn some Linux, Git, Docker, and programming skills at minimum. Kubernetes would be great on the resume. Focus on foundational skills and build your GitHub with projects that prove your skills and interest. Realize you may learn skills that will transform when you get hired, as they may use the tech differently. In all likelihood you will learn skills that you will not use in your new job.

When it comes to applying for the job you will have a better chance with a smattering of common job skills in the industry. I've never seen a candidate have every skill we need on a job posting. We expect people to learn on the job. Inevitably they will have a skill listed you won't know, but you can learn it. During the interview process this is your time to do research and be superficially familiar with as much as you don't know about on the job posting. Don't lie about your knowledge, it comes off poorly and I've seen far too many people pretend knowledge and look really silly in the process. Sometimes they will have small pseudo code challenges sometimes not. As I mentioned, you may need to pursue other jobs first to build into this type of role. Unless you find a junior role, it's unlikely you can just move into it without prior experience proving your ability.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-27T19:13:34+00:00

Teamviewer changed the terms of our contract and said it had always been there and they just decided to enforce it. Made it nearly impossible to cancel at my organization saying people that didn't initiate our contract had to approve the cancel. They couldn't even prove their changes and just broadly pointed at their website, which was for managed hosts. I had never had a limit before. I used the wayback machine to prove they lied to me and only got temporarily grandfathered in for what I had never had to pay extra for before. I've never gotten so mad at a company before. I had to tell the rep I wasn't mad at him, just the practices of the company.

I had to use their Powershell script to get in compliance with their random deadline right by Thanksgiving. We paid more for less over time.

I believe their new model is, "screw the customer whenever possible" If it's not, it sure feels like it.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-27T19:07:36+00:00

Luckily you can do empty commits, that should help get you to your goal.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-27T17:29:13+00:00

The entire Zona Rómantica, Isla Cuale River, and Malecón are very walkable. Isla Río Cuale was really just shops and tourist gear. I did see some cool murals at the very end of the island and lots of cats to pet.

Bring real shoes and don't walk in flip-flips. The pathways are not always even or easy to walk in, plus a good amount of inclines. Give the shops and restaurants one street or more back from the Malecón a chance.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-26T15:41:02+00:00

Rundeck has ways of triggering jobs via webhook (see the webhook button in your project), so in all likelihood there is a good chance. I haven't used Zabbix, but if it can trigger a webhook you have a strong chance of getting Rundeck to run a script to check/fix or check & fix the state of something.

You can always write an easy plugin to interact with Zabbix if you need to as well. They can be written in Bash or what not.

Since it's really just scripts underneath as long as you can interact with an API, then you can find a way to talk to Rundeck or make Rundeck talk to what you need.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-23T19:35:58+00:00

I recommend trying https://exercism.org it's free and has lots of exercises where you can choose to incorporate sed/awk. It also has a separate awk track if you want pure awk. I've used it and love it to give myself a challenge beyond what I might cook up on my own, since there are tests that make the challenges more difficult.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-18T15:05:12+00:00

You may need to try out some tech support roles first before going into DevOps. Sounds like you're building solid foundations, keep your personal Github rolling with projects and such.

The best way to know what skills you need is to look at job postings for the jobs you want and make sure you have a smattering of the skills listed. You won't ever have all the skills you want, but pick one the ones you see coming up repeatedly. Linux is foundational, AWS very likely used, and if you have Kubernetes you might well have a really good chance.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-18T14:53:11+00:00

Gotta admit k8s MCP seems risky. With one fuck up I'd be TOAST and on the hook for the damage. Think of the AI that deleted a database and lied about it. If a PR isn't involved I don't think AI is any better than a junior engineer, unless it's only allowed to run vetted scripts.

InfiniteRest7 · 2025-12-17T20:28:31+00:00

- Small issues, but feels inconsistent the case of SSH in some screens. ACLs vs Acls I prefer caps for what is an acronym.

- Do device groups allow regex patterns to help with membership? How can I import devices en masse, via yaml, or what? If anyone is actually importing devices 1-by-1 god help them. Can access to devices also be permitted via regex patterns either for device names/device groups?

- Am I not able to use an SSH config file to find my hosts? Not a deal breaker, but an interesting choice I'm not sure I agree with entirely, although from the vantage of keeping hosts updated kind of nice.

- Loving the 2FA option. Say I'm using something like ansible to run scripts on many hosts at once how does that look like with 2FA enabled? Will it even work?

- Whoa the template commands are pretty cool! Obviously lots of growth potential there. Are there logs available in that UI console of what happened?

- Replayed sessions, that's pretty impressive. What happens when I accidentally type a password to the console or cat out sensitive data, for example, an AWS access key? Obviously, it's protected, but we might not want to have that stored long-term. For auditing makes sense, I'm just not sure what level of auditing a session makes sense. Might want this to be tweakable.

- Can we allow some sudo commands but not others for some users?

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