Now I pass all 3 CCST exams (IT Support, Networking and Cybersecurity), I am now officially the CCST (Cisco Certified Support Technician) Trifecta!
I got to say that I enjoyed the 3 exams because even they are entry level exams, to me it was worth doing and worth the money spend. I know people will disagree, however, to me I get to be Cisco Certified again because my old CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) expired in August 2019 and I chose not to renew it because at my workplace, there was no need for me to use the CCNA. I am glad not just I am
Cisco Certified, but also the CCST Certifications are certified for life meaning these certifications does not expire. Unless Cisco change the rule, but I hope not.
The reason why the certifications is worth it because unlike CompTIA, these certificate does not expire and to me this was a skills refresher so I learn more because of new technologies.
This is the 3rd and the last of the CCST Certifications I studied and pass.
This is remind me of the CompTIA Security+ which I pass around 10 years ago but it was a CE (Continuous Education) version meaning a 3 year certificate and I did not renew because after I become the CASP (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) now renamed CompTIA SecuriyX+ I am done with CompTIA.
Now with is exam. I use Udemy to study this which took few days to study. Then I spend 2 weeks practicing the mock test using the G-Metrix. The test was complicated because they use too much acronyms. I had to understand the acronyms such as SOAR, SIEM and MITRE. Once I understand the full terms, then I get to know the fundamentals and the materials behind it.
Now I become more knowledgeable about the type of threats, attacks and virus. Also understand the CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) and each usage of them.
I sat in the exams relaxed and the questions was tricky but I understood it very carefully.
I pass the exam in flying colours with the score of over 900 points. The high score is unexpected, but once you pass IT Support and Networking in correct order you will learn the concepts of Security.
Now I pass IT Support, Networking and Cybersecurity. I am now officially known as the CCST Trifecta!
This is the 2nd of the 3 CCST Certifications I studied and pass.
This is an interesting study as this was remind me of CompTA Network+ in 2010 where I was doing the 2005 version of Network+ (N10-003) as when I booked the exam the N10-003 was required and booked the 2009 version instead (N10-004) which I failed because there was very new stuff included IP6 and security side. Then resort to restudy again because of new technology. After the 5th attempt, I manage to pass. The best part was I was lucky because if I failed the 5th time I have to wait another year to resit and also CompTIA introduce the 3 year certification renewal so I got this CompTIA Network+ Certificate before 2011 or else Network+ will be under CE version (Continuing Education).
Now today, I am doing another Network exam, 14 years later. This time the Cisco Round.
There are lots to learn and throughout the years of Networking, a lot of things changed such as IP6, security and the cloud are in the picture.
I use Udemy for study and G-Metrix for practice test.
I spend 2 weeks to study the practice test before the exam.
On the exam, the exam covers network switch, screenshot of the command use in Cisco, understanding Address, Subnets, Diagnosis and the Concepts.
The subject itself is more Cisco based version of CompTIA Network+.
On the exam results, I though I fail because I did not get most questions correct, however I got a good score because of the partial credits accumulate the score which I did not see coming.
At the end I did pass the exam because of partial credit score.
It was a hard and shocking pass, but at the end of the day, 'Pass is a Pass'.
This is the 1st of the 3 CCST Certifications I studied.
During my 20 years of doing Technical work, the practice test was very easy to pass.
I use Udemy for study resources and G-Metrix for practice tests. The same G-Metrix I use for Microsoft Office Specialist examinations.
On the exam and the practice test, you learn about not just basic technology, you need to understand the ticketing system when doing IT Support such as prioritising IT Support ticket when you work as an IT Helpdesk/Support, how you write and log Support Tickets, gather information from the end user when they had IT issues. Learn the troubleshooting tool, understanding basic security, Remote Tools and as well as basic networking.
By the way, they will briefly include Linux, MacOS and Android questions in the mix.
I did pass the exam successfully with a good score which is above 750 which is more than expected as the passing score is 700 points out of 1000.
I did enjoy the exam as this is similar to CompTIA A+. I remember doing the CompTIA A+ exam which was in 2009 which was few attempts to pass.
Since years goes pass the IT Support and CompTIA A+ exam has expanded because of all the new technologies evolved. Also, the IT Support is not longer about Desktop and Laptop, it is beyond that as this has include Mobile phones as my manager always say that 'Mobile Phones are just like PCs' which he is correct.
Since I pass this exam I have now regained my Cisco Certification Status since 2019 because I let my CCNA Networking Certificate expired and I did not renew it.
I was on my Facebook feed and I come across some new Cisco Certifications.
They are the Entry level Certifications. Unlike the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician), Cisco created the new CCST Certification.
CCST is an acronym for Cisco Certified Support Technician.
Cisco Certified Support Technician was created in Late 2022 and I was not aware of this because I was focusing on Microsoft Server Hybrid Administrator Certification. I just found out recently (around November 2023). Networking started in 2022, then Cyber Security. Now they are introducing the IT Technician Certification.
What is Cisco Certified Support Technician? Basically Cisco Certified Support Technician is the new Entry Level Certifications for Cisco. I call it 'CompTIA' version of Cisco because the Cisco Support Technician Certification is the rival of CompTIA. Unlike CompTIA, CCST will be a bit of Cisco in it because it is Cisco based Certification.
Why do I call it CompTIA's rival?
Because the Certs and the subject matter experts are equivalent.
CCST IT Support = CompTIA A+ CCST Networking = CompTIA Network+ CCST Cybersecurity = CompTIA Securiy+
Some may disagree with me because they may assume CCST Cybersecuriy should be equivalent to CompTIA CySA+, however it is not because CompTIA CySA+ is more higher than CompTIA Security+.
The best part of them all is they do not expire. Meaning I will be 'Certified for life'.
It is the exam worth it? The answer is 'yes' because this will teach you all the modern fundamentals of the subject and if you are new to IT. However if you want the Vendor Neutral style of IT which teach you the overall, then you can always choose CompTIA.
Also the cost of the exam is way cheaper than CompTIA and they do not expire.
I am planning on doing all the 3 Certification because I like to see how the exam goes and it is worth a try.
This will be an interesting blog produce because I had a lot thinking before I post this. The title of the video will be called 'AI which is (Artificial Intelligence) needs human touch'.
The reason I come up with the blog post because at my workplace, I manage Microsoft Intune from Microsoft 365 and I observe for many years that people and organisations always rely on Automation.
It is good that AI does the job for humans, but the people and developers never grasp to understand that AI still need human touch and human interaction.
For example, end users complain that the Apps does not update automatically or synchronise.
This is sometimes because they are not connect to the Wi-Fi to do the update or email does not sync. Even the syncing does not always work, this still requires human interaction to use the phone to swipe the phone to manually sync so the end users see new incoming email messages.
I realise the end users are so rely on everything Automated, they become lazy and useless. It is not the fault of technology. Technology does its best by make thing better. But it still requires end users to manually check, this is the reason why AI needs human touch.
I made a YouTube video using the Star Trek's V'ger which will come out soon, analogy because it does not matter how intelligent V'ger (Voyager 6) is, it became not just self-aware, but it gain conscious and sentiment. Now asking for a human touch because being intellectual logical is not enough so the solution is it requires emotions to learn and evolve.
It is very important in the Technology world that end users and people in Technology should not rely on anything Automated because it still need human interaction to do maintenance when things goes wrong and start using your brains to maintain.
Here is a clip below of the unofficial V'ger Translation:
I was looking at HPE Servers and I come across HPE MicroServer Gen 11 has been release few months ago (probably August 2024)
I did not know that HPE MicroServer Gen 11 has been released. I knew it was planned, but I did not know when. I did some research so far HPE MicroServer Gen 11.
So far, what I know is the CPU and Wattage are the same (Intel C252 and still 180w).
However this now have of the following: - M.2 - 4 UDIMM DDR5 slots which can go up to 128GB RAM. - 2 PCI-E Slot, PCIe 5.0 x16 and 4.0 x4. Both low-profile - No iLO, but have iLO 6. However, iLO and Serial are optional
The motherboard as some new feature ports, but HP cannot identify what they are.
I thought about purchasing one but I will wait for a while because I purchase and upgraded my Gen10 v2 which I done a YouTube video on does since March 2024. Also the v2 does what I need at the moment as it have 64GB RAM and 8 Core / 16 vCore on Gen10 v2.
On my last post I did mention about doing a theory of putting 6TB and 8TB on Proliant MicroServer Gen10 plus.
The reason for the theory because for may years that HP stated that you can only support up to 4TB per slot maximum. However on the Home Server Show website did a test run and can put 10TB Hard Drive meaning you can put a larger (above 4TB) Hard Drive in the slot.
This was the question for years people was asking me. Since I decide to do my Server upgrade from Version 1 to Version 2 on HPE Gen8 plus because I have more CPU power on 65w which low consumption and double the memory capacity to 64GB, why not buy 2 Western Digital Red, one 6TB and another is 8TB. I was thinking 'What the Hell, it is worth a try'. I got to put my money where my mouth is and put to the test by making a video about it.
On the video, I could not use the capture card because it did not capture BIOS setup and I was using a VGA to HDMI adaptor to run it so I had to hold my phone when I was recording it.
I could of use a tripod, but it was the heat of the moment and I had to put it to the test.
As you see on the video that both 6 and 8TB WD Red works which is the good result. Since I am please with the result I can put it on the v2 of the HPE MicroServer plus and use it for more storage than before. Thanks to the results you can do RAID up to 32TB. I do not need 10TB or more at the moment for now.
Also another note as I close this post. I got this Yeskamo CCTV NVR for my home and the Surveillance unit can support up to 4TB. I decide to to buy 6TB for the time being if this works. I thought about 8TB but that is too much. So I purchase 6TB Western Digital purple and it works perfectly on my CCTV NVR. I think this is because of the firmware upgrade it done.
The following parts I use to install into the Server:
CPU = Xeon E-2378 @2.60GHz (8 Cores/16 Thread) 65w
Memory 1 = Global Memory 32GB DDR4-2666 ECC UDIMM
Memory 2 = Global Memory 32GB DDR4-2666 ECC UDIMM
PCI-E = NVIDIA GeForce 210 512MB GDDR3
ILO Slot = iLO Enablement Kit (P13788-B21)
HDD Slot 1 = Western Digital Red 500GB SSD
HDD Slot 2 = Western Digital Red 4TB NAS Drive
HDD Slot 3 = Western Digital Red 4TB NAS Drive
HDD Slot 4 = Western Digital Red 2TB SSD
Hard Drive Caddy 2.5 to 3.5 Adaptor (HP 654540-001)
This time I decide to replace the previous SSD and one of the 4TB Hard Drive with both Western Digital Red 500GB and 2TB Red because the 500GB Red is for the Windows OD Drive and the 2TB is for the Hyper-V. I thought about 4TB SSD but it may not work.
I did mention in the video that since this MicroServer can only Support 4TB NAS Hard Drive, I will purchase a 6TB and 8TB Western Digital Red plus NAS Hard Drive to see how if this works. If it does I will post and confirm it.
One my previous post when I done a Research on the side by side comparison between 2 HPE Proliant MicroServer Gen10 plus and showing the picture of Tale of the tape. I made a video in details about the Tale of the Tape.
I have been doing a lot of research on the difference between the old v1 and the new v2. HPE Proliant MicroServer Gen10 Plus v2 was introduced in late 2022 to improve the Hardware performance.
I did not get much information until few weeks ago to find out if I wanted to buy v2 of the MicroServer Gen10 plus.
After a litter dig deep from HPE. I found a clear comparison between the version 1 and version 2
What's new in the v2:
- Better motherboard which can support upper tier CPU which is Intel C252
- More memory capacity which is doubled to 64GB DDR4 RAM
- Internal USB is now USB 3.2
- TPM is embedded
Unfortunately, both Power Supply will retain 180w and the Heatsink will retain as 71w.
However the good news is that I can get a Intel Xeon 8 Core CPU on 65w
Here is the picture of the tale of the tape for you to see:
I went to my usual Facebook feed because I join an IT Support Group (not mentioning the specific name of the group), they were talking about how upset they are because HP (Hewlett Packard) decide to change the rules on Ink and Toner Cartridges by introducing DRM policy. DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. There are 2 versions of DRM, one version is called IP (Intellectual Property) which we all know about the legal stuff regarding the Copyright and Trademark. Another one is about Manufacturer Ink Cartridges.
What is the DRM version of Ink Cartridge? Very good question. This basically means that each printers has a firmware chip that detects branded and non-branded cartridges. Branded are Original Manufacture or Re-Manuaftcure (refill inks by the original manufacture). Non-Branded are 3rd party ink cartridges. They can be recycle or eco-friendly inks.
Why people buy Non-Branded inks? Because they cost cheap and less as running costs. They are cost effective and are compatable with the printers.
What is the deal and why the Tech community are upset about the DRM rule? Let is go straight to the point of this. What has basically happen is because of people complaining about how the printers are faulty when they are new because the consumers has modify the printers by using 3rd party ink cartridges. When these faulty printers return to the HP Assembly for assessment, the HP Engineers and Technician notice that the consumers are using recycle inks.
Since this was an ongoing issue HP decide to update the printer firmware so that way the printers can only take Original and Branded refill inks so that way the consumers will not void warranties. This basically means you can no longer use and recycle or non-HP eco friendly ink and have no choice but to use pay for an expensive original cartridges.
This is one of the article, however there are lots of articles about this. I made a video in defence of why I support the idea of HP using DRM policy on printer.
I am going write what I mention on the video.
A lot of techs are not going to like this but I will say my peace on the video.
Basically, at my workplace the company I work for uses 3rd party ink cartridges because they are cost effective. We all like to by inks which are cheap and save money which we all have no problem with. We all like to have low-cost solutions.
Unfortunately, the 3rd party/eco-friendly recycle inks started to degrade the print quality and also causes the printer's health and lifecycle.
The printer lifecycle is usually 5 years or more if the printer still works, however, because of use to recycle cheap cartridge, the print quality degrades and the printer last a year before it wears and tear, all because of 3rd party cartridge. So they resort to and start using original HP ink more often which is most cases remedy the problem. Recently that I notice that new firmware has prevent from using recycle ink because this will keep the warranty intact. HP stated that using recycle inks nullify warranty when buying HP Care pack.
This now become a controversy to the IT Tech Community because HP are doing this to protect the investment and the product. Also to remind the consumer that if you use cheaper solution by buying recycle in save cost, they are voiding a warranty and doing this at their own risk. HP will be responsible for the consumers' action as HP stated that they do not support 3rd party cartridges.
I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 1st time in my life to meet my friend and whilst I was there I was exploring the Shopping Malls which were nice place to explore.
This one I come across a very large mall full of Technology. It was so exciting so I decide to film it so when I come back home to London, UK. I can edit the video and upload it. The mall turns out to be 'Plaza Low Yat'. Which is the Mall of Technology. The place was full of tech wonders from Gaming to Repair shops. The tech stuff place is every where.
When I explore every shop in the Mall, I getting constant hijacked by the each kiosk in a good way wanting me to buy something from them. I did not want to buy anything because there were nothing to buy as I already got I need and also I have to be mindful about the import customs when returning home. You know the Customs from the Airport.
My overall experience is I really had a nice time there.
I made a video about the Facebook Meta Business Suite Phishing Scam and show you the screenshot as an example.
Basically, I am getting a lot of these message scam about how my page will get disabled or Terminated.
I can easily spot them with their fake names and accounts. They may use the Meta logo and sometimes upside down version of the logo.
When I get these messages I just delete them and pay them no mind.
Why do people get this phishing messages?
Just to steal your ID.
Basically I am writing this article to anyone reading this or watch my Video and run a Facebook Page to be aware of these phishing messages. I still get these Phishing messages.
If you get these scam message, just ignore and delete them and please do not open or else they got your ID.
More information: https://malwaretips.com/blogs/meta-business-help-center-facebook-scam/
I did my usual skill refreshment by using G-Metrix and I almost forgotten all my PowerPoint skills and I could not wait until I did the exam.
When I did the exam, I was focusing of brushing up my skills. As soon as I completed the exam, the remote got disconnected from my end. Got lucky as I press 'Submit Project' or else it would time expire.
I did contact the Trainer to get me reconnected and he knew I pass the exam as the exam was walk in the park. However I almost got a perfection. I got 1 wrong answer somewhere. But I was so close to perfection to get a maximum of 1000 points.
Now I am the PowerPoint specialist there is only one exam left, and that is Outlook Associate.
Currently, there are debates between the Microsoft Trainers and Microsoft Education board about the restructure of the Microsoft Outlook Certification which is the reason why as of this date of this article blog post, the Outlook Apps is not released yet. I am not sure when Outlook will be released.
Until then, I will take a break from Microsoft Office Specialist Certification until Outlook arrive and when it does, this will be the last exam for me to become the 'Microsoft 365 Apps: Grand Slam'.
In 2019, I achieved 2 certifications I achieved was Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate and Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert and I renewed them with the Assessment test ever since.
Months ago Microsoft informed that some Certifications will be renamed because of the reflection of the technology.
It was originally from August but they move it to September.
As of 6th September 2023 my 2 certifications has been changed Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate -> Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate
Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert -> Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert
Now instead of 2 exams, you now just have to pass 1 exam to get the Certificate.
The reason why the Desktop Certification change to Endpoint is because the Desktop Support Certifications is not just about Desktop PCs and Laptop. It is more than that Desktop Support as now the Endpoint which featuring Microsoft Intune now also deal with devices such as mobile devices. Not just Microsoft, but also Macintosh OS and Samsung Android OS. Include a bit of Linux.
Desktop Technician like myself now not just do PCs and Laptops. We also image and deploy mobile phones. At my workplace I do a lot of Intune work deploying Android OS on the Samsung Work phones and also set up Kiosk phones.
Even the name changed, however I always be the Desktop Technician guy.
This exam was a walk in the park as I am been expose to Microsoft Word for 2 decades and 5 years of utilising all the tools.
However I use G-Metrix practice exam to refresh my skills as I sometimes forget about all the tools because in life on the daily basis and at the workplace that we all use a fraction of the tools when using the Microsoft Office packages.
Associate Version: I done many practices on the test and when I sit in the exam and this exam was so easy to pass. However I did not get the best score as it was almost 900 points. But still I am happy with the results because 'pass' is a 'pass' and as long as I pass. I get the certificate.
Expert Version: The exam was tricky, however thanks to G-Metrix to refresh my skills. I manage to pass with ease. A good score of over 800 points. Also watch out for Macros task.
Now I not just completed the Word Double, I also completed the Exam side of the exams. Now, I got only Associates left which are PowerPoint and Outlook.
After I done a retake and I become the Expert on Microsoft 365 Apps. I feel like the burden has been lifted because I have pass the beast of the Microsoft Excel Expert exam.
On my previous blog talking about completing the Excel Double aka both Excel Associate and Excel exams, where I always mention how challenging Excel Expert is. Only the Excel Expert 2016 version where I pass the exam in one go which had a better score than other versions.
The question is how did I become the 1st man in London, United Kingdom history to become MOS on Microsoft 365 Apps?
Well I tell you:
The general Certificate pathway is you have to pass Word, Excel and PowerPoint to become an Associate and pass Word Expert and Excel Expert including Associate Certificate to become Expert level.
The Certification pathway has also as an elective route. Since I have the Grand Slam in Office 2019, I only require pass any 1 of 4 Associate Exam to become an Associate Level and then any 1 of 2 Expert Exam to become an Expert.
So basically saying I got complete either Word Double or Excel Double to become an Expert in an instant.
I never know that achieving the Grand Slam gives you a shortcut to Certification goal.
This exam was very interesting because I had to go
through delays because of the bookings and I missed one as I was late, so it
was rescheduled within a fortnight.
This time, the Training Provide use a new remote
tool called 'Quick Assist'. This is a Microsoft version of 'TeamViewer'. You
require Microsoft Account to use it.
My exam experience was much smoother than the
previous web-based counterpart.
Let us get to the 2 Excel Exams:
Associate Version:
I done many practices on the test and when I sit in the exam, the task was a
bit complex, however I learn the refresher skills on how to create basic
formulas and charts. I have done well on the exam and pass with a score above
800 points which I am happy with.
Expert Version:
When it comes to Excel and the Expert exams, the Excel Expert is definitely the
beast of them all because of complex formulas to learn.
When I took this exam for the 1st time, I was
completely confused on how to do the formulas. Even I did a lot of practice
with G-Metrix tests. The test was featuring Macros, Vlookup, Pivot Chart and
tables. End up failing the exam.
After I fail the exam, I remember all the projects
and tasks then I start practicing all of the tools and formulas and how to
learn them as I had to refresh my Excel skills when it comes to Advance
Formulas.
I spend time writing notes on each sections on how
to learn the Expert skills.
I had to wait another 2 weeks to get a retake and I wish it was 1 week as I was
ready for a rematch.
Then 2 weeks later, I finally had an opportunity to do a retake.
As soon as I done a retake, the project and task was in different order, but
the same as the previous attempt which means I know the tasks off by heart (no,
there are no dumps on Microsoft Office Exams).
After I took the test, I thought I smashed the exam
with ease because this was the exactly the same questions/tasks/projects as
before.
When I got the exam results, I thought that I would
get at least 800 points or more, however I pass on the dot (700 points) which
was not I was expected. I was not happy at first because I pass on the dot, but
I expect better results.
But at the end of the day, it does not matter how
good the score is, I pass, and I am happy with it.
I am now not just completed Excel Double (Associate
and Expert), I also become the 1st man in London, United Kingdom history to
become certified as Microsoft Office Specialist - Expert: Microsoft 365 Apps.
After few months of announcement about my journey to MOS Microsoft 365 Apps certifications, I finally get to sit in the exam.
The layout is a bit different from the 2019 counterpart, however when I did the last exam by remote, it was via some Virtual session which was not bad and good.
This remote was using an App called QuickAssist which a Microsoft Remote Assistant App and I been told that I am the 1st person to do the Microsoft 365 Apps version of the exam.
The 1st exam was Microsoft Excel Associate which as MO-210. It was an interesting exam.
I will go more in depth with the Excel version on my next topic as I require to pass the Expert version. Not looking forward to it because Excel Expert is the toughest one.
Since I pass Excel Associate and done the Grand Slam in Office 2019 which was the prerequire, I manage to get the Associate Level.
I am happy with the exam and a lot of thinking when it comes to instructions.
