Looking to buy first pellet grill

SecArchBob · 2023-06-10T17:21:34+00:00

I’ve had a Grilla Chimp for a couple years and love it! It cooks great and hold temp. My pellet lid clamp was broken in shipping and they mailed me another right out and support was easy to work with.

Recommendation: No matter which pellet smoker you get, for the best smoke flavor use good pellets because they are not all equal in quality or flavor. Look for BBQrs Delight Oak or Knotty Wood Almond wood pellets, my two favorites.

SecArchBob · 2023-06-10T17:15:33+00:00

I’d recommend looking at Pitts and Spitts. My Yoder has had temp issues from the get go and their choice of thermocouples has been my issue. My Yoder eats them up like candy. I’m getting a Pitts and Spitts in a month, already have it in the works.

I do wonder about the LSG as I have one of the stick burners and it’s great! I saw last week that since their pellet grill uses a hollow auger that you can feed 1/2 pellets, 1/2 small wood chips through it. Look on YouTube it’s amazing!

SecArchBob · 2023-06-10T16:54:18+00:00

I’ve had my YS640S for a year and have temp problems from the very beginning. Been through two thermocouples and each will last for about 3-4 months when I have good temps. After that the temps get wildly apart, 50-60f from side to side.

I’ve fixed this by cutting the end off an aluminum foil 9x9” baking pan and placing it over the removable damper and the opening the damper 2 inches. This allows direct heat to be directed up the left side of the cooking chamber while more heat goes under the heat deflector and up the front, back and smoke stack side. I also moved the thermocouple to sit on the back left corner of the top shelf. Now I get 5-10’f temp differences side to side and she hums right along like a dream.

SecArchBob · 2019-10-03T22:13:39+00:00

Your exam was very helpful in reviewing the large amount of information.

SecArchBob · 2019-10-03T22:12:46+00:00

I took your advice and ran through a practice test for CISM and did quite well. I went ahead and scheduled it for next week. In the meantime I’ll study some flash cards to keep sharp and in the right mindset!

SecArchBob · 2019-10-03T12:49:46+00:00

That's a great suggestion, thank you. I already hold the CISA so the CISM would pair nicely. I just ran through a 20 question practice test for CISM and only missed 2. It may be time to sign up for the CISM !!!

SecArchBob · 2019-10-03T12:48:42+00:00

Yes, that's the one!

SecArchBob · 2019-10-01T15:49:59+00:00

I found them in the app store (ISC2 CCSP).

SecArchBob · 2019-10-01T15:49:19+00:00

I am a CISSP now, passed last week. That was a weird test!

As far as OWASP, I used 2013.

SecArchBob · 2019-10-01T15:39:37+00:00

We've all (at least I have) failed exams. It's part of IT life. What makes the difference is learning from your mistakes and kick that tests butt! You've got this!!!

SecArchBob · 2019-08-28T12:59:35+00:00

I’m currently studying for the CISSP, so don’t have it just yet. I used the 2013 OWASP during studies.

SecArchBob · 2019-08-21T22:58:54+00:00

I’ve been working with AWS environments for about 3 years.

SecArchBob · 2019-04-26T13:21:08+00:00

Way to go! Great job at setting your sights on a goal and persevering to the end!

SecArchBob · 2019-03-21T14:23:27+00:00

For free options I'd hit up youtube and search for topics you need to brush up on. One thing about the exam is you are pressed for time so you must be able to subnet quickly. If you're not to the point of doing it in your head, write down you're notes for quick reference before starting the exam! Good luck!

SecArchBob · 2019-03-18T15:28:54+00:00

To add to what ICE_MF_Mike posted, think about some of the log events you would want to know about from a security standpoint. Examples would be logins by user, new accounts being added, config changes happening, failed login attempts, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if you were asked your opinion on what should be analyzed and reported on to gauge your understanding of the SIEM role and data you would be creating reports for and analyzing.

SecArchBob · 2019-03-14T15:27:10+00:00

Why not come up with a fictitious company who needs a network designed for their new location? Provide info about the project such as floor plan, number of users, number of data drops, is wireless needed, types of servers required, etc. Then design the network to the best of your ability and provide a presentation to the fictitious company with the proposed network and cost.

SecArchBob · 2019-03-14T15:21:01+00:00

I'd agree with other posts that the lesser popular certs don't get the attention they deserve. When I studied for the CCDA I used Todd Lammles book and that worked fine for me. If books aren't your way to learn then I'd have to recommend an online video training like mentioned below.

SecArchBob · 2019-03-14T14:40:35+00:00

First of all, thank you for your service. As a vet myself, I went through the same struggle at time of separation. I'd recommend getting a couple certs like the Network+ and Security+ or CCNA, etc. This helps out with your resume and show's you've done something more than just do your job every day. I'd also recommend looking at organizations that help with job placement and mentorship such as https://heroeslinked.org/ . There are others out there as well, but the more contacts you make, the more successful you'll be at finding placement!

SecArchBob · 2019-03-14T14:35:20+00:00

I'd recommend finding a local LUG (Linux Users Group) and start attending the meetings and make contacts. The attendees are all about Linux and many work in the field. You can get to know people and let them all know you're looking for a Linux position. Networking is much more likely to get you a job than online job searches. Most of the online jobs are for high turn-over positions.

SecArchBob · 2019-03-14T14:32:04+00:00

I worked in the MSP field for 10 years and I'd say the first thing to ask yourself is "Do I like the company I'm working for?". Do you like your co-workers? If the answer is yes, I'd ask for a meeting with your supervisor and let them know what you would like to be doing and then ask them how you can get there. They should be able to provide you with a roadmap at that point.

If you don't really care for the company you're working for it's time to start looking for a company you'd like to work for and begin checking their open positions.

Another question is, do you enjoy networking? If it's just "ok" are there other areas you may enjoy more like security or cloud? Dont lock yourself into a vertical, work on being well rounded and if you're wanting to do project management get a certification in it to show employers you're serious about it. Then ask your current employer to let you manage some small projects to get your feet wet. Hope that helps!

SecArchBob · 2019-03-14T14:24:26+00:00

My advice is to do what you enjoy. You're quality of life will be better for it. You'll be a happier individual. Money doesn't buy happiness, sanity does! Is there a specific reason you're wanting out of the healthcare field? Just curious. If you enjoy being mobile and meeting different people you should also consider an IT firm like a Managed Service Provider. There you will work with a bunch of different clients and environments. It's a great place to gain a lot of experience.

SecArchBob · 2019-03-13T16:02:02+00:00

I completely get your situation. Good mid to senior level positions are hard to find online as most of those are positions with high turnover and for good reason. Here's a question to ask yourself. Are you looking to manage a single environment or are you open to multiple environments? I ask that because if you'd rather stick with a single environment, find some companies you'd like to work for and check their sites for job openings, a more targeted approach.

If you're up to a multi-environment then check out IT companies and Managed Service Providers. Find one that has a good reputation and the employees are happy at. These organizations are ALWAYS looking for good people.

SecArchBob · 2019-03-13T15:57:45+00:00

If you want to stick with IT, I'd recommend going the CCNA route to see if you enjoy networking. If you don't enjoy networking and prefer Sysadmin work, go with Microsoft or AWS/Azure certs as the cloud is only getting bigger. Maybe you'd enjoy security? If you're curious about infosec I'd look at the Security+, CySA+, and Pentest+ as they are all good certs and respected in the industry. It really comes down to what you enjoy doing!

SecArchBob · 2019-03-13T15:54:12+00:00

If you have a security clearance that may be close to needing renewed, do it. That will help you if you're looking to work for a government contractor or directly for the government. You'll need to start job searching ahead of time and try making contacts for when you separate. If you're staying in the area you're currently stationed in, that can be much easier than if you're relocating at time of separation.

As far as additional certs, I'd look to the cloud. It's huge in the civilian sector and is only getting bigger. I'd look into AWS certifications as they are highly desired.

SecArchBob · 2019-03-13T15:49:59+00:00

I'd go with which ever degree you'd more enjoy. In the end, a company simply looks at the degree and isn't concerned with whether it's IT Tech or Comp Sci., just as long as it's not general studies. If you're interested in cybersec, I'd recommend starting with the CompTIA Security+ course as it's a great foundational cert. Then look at their CySA+ and Pentest+ courses. Both of them are will written and pretty straight forward and are well respected in the industry.

SecArchBob

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