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NetworkingATE
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 How can I improve my practical networking skills?
Career development, Networking, Networking training, Skills, study, Training
Hi, I am a computing student, and I love networking studies. I just have 25% practical and 50% theoretical knowledge about networking. My practical skills are weak compared to my theory, so I'd like to know how I can improve on them, through networking videos or hands-on networking practice? I am very grateful for any help.

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ASKED: September 18, 2008  10:21 PM
UPDATED: September 29, 2008  6:27 PM
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Laura Chappel (the <a href="http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/it-trenches/did-you-see-this-the-bitgirl/">Viral Bitgirl</a>) is one of the best trainers IMHO. You can find several of her "animated articles" here on the <a href="http://www.novell.com/connectionmagazine/laurachappell.html">Novell Connection website</a>. Take the <a href="http://cdn.novell.com/cached/video/bs_08/LLK9.iso">Laura's labkit</a> that is offered on the site and use the tools she has in her videos and you will gain much knowledge young apprentice.
Last Wiki Answer Submitted:  September 19, 2008  1:51 pm  by  Labnuke99   32,645 pts.
All Answer Wiki Contributors:  Labnuke99   32,645 pts.
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You should try to acquire network experience and knowledge in any and all ways that work for you. Reading and videos are good–and Laura Chappell (the lead author on our college textbook “Guide to TCP/IP, now in its 3rd edition) is fabulous–but you should also mess around with networking hardware and software every chance you get, too.

Given that you are a computing student, I hope you will take (or have taken) all the courses you can on networking. You might also want to think about pursuing some networking related IT certifications. The CompTIA Network+ is a good place to start, after which I’d recommend pursuing a CCNA. Depending on where you go to school you may even find classes already offered that cover these certifications, in which case they should also include access to a well-stocked computer lab where you can get some of that hands-on experience so useful in supplementing and complementing book/video learning.

If you have any follow-up questions or concerns, please post again to this message thread. Thanks for posting, and good luck with your network learning adventures.

–Ed–

Ed Tittel
 1,175 pts.