embarrassed But i am pretty new to the networking world. Windows guy looking to make a break into networking. I have been reading over a few CCNA book and Videos so i have a general understanding of networking and have played around with a couple 2600's that my boss gave to me.

I am looking for some good advanced labs to help me learn some more. the books i have been reading primary focus on "Getting Certified" i not only want to get certified but want the knowledge and know how to back it up ;)

Current lab equipment available to me:

(3) 2600- Routers (1) ASA SSM-10 (1) ASA 5500 (1) 3650 switch (1) AIR-Rm1252A Wireless

any help would be much appreciated!

First, I must congratulate you on wanting to have the knowledge to back up the certification. Paper proves nothing, but knowledge about the subject is powerful.

Stretch has provided a great lab for the community and it's a great way to experiment and learn. GNS3 is another great way to practice with the real IOS CLI without needing the hardware. I will have to dig around for some of my links to labs that can be run with GNS3 to prep for the CCNA. When I find them, I will post to this tread and maybe post to the wiki.

Don't worry about being a Windows guy, that virus will eventually pass and you will come to the "dark" side, ie Linux. :) I can tell you from experience that being well versed in Cisco, Windows and Linux will make you a more versatile and desirable candidate in the current job market. In my current position, I am responsible for everything from the Active Directory Administration/Desktop Support to the 1 gig internet links for the company. BTW, most of the servers in my current company are running Linux, which I am the main contact and support person. As a matter of fact, the company came after me due to my experience and knowledge across all the platforms.

VMWare is a great way to play with Linux to learn it without going full-time.

The biggest thing is to not get discouraged and drop the notion of getting to know the Cisco IOS and networking technologies. I had that happen to me in 2003 and it took me another couple years to get interested again and finally achieve my Cisco Certification.

What books have you been looking at?

Enjoy the journey.

Anthony

thanks for the reply Anthony.

i am downloading GNS3 right now and will give that a try on my Ubuntu machine. trying to freshen up my Linux skills. Have very little experience with Linux. But So Far i must Admit using it on a daily basis its a little more complicated than windows but runs so much faster and smoother.

I plan on to try out Stretch equipment as my equipment is a little old and, would like to try something new and try some of the features that i am unable to do now. As far as books i have the Standard Cisco Press CCNA Study Guide Todd Lammle Study guide and DVD series.