I just finished the JTA questionnaire and I have an objection.
I don't want to start a flame-war or anything, but I would appreciated
if you considered my arguments.
I noticed that too many questions were based on a piece of software
called SWAT. Last time I checked, SWAT was just a web interface to
configure and monitor samba using a friendly web interface with
context sensitive help.
I manage many samba servers and I have never used SWAT, except for
evaluation purposes.
As far as I know, it is not activated by default on any Linux
distribution but I may be wrong.
While SWAT may be a wonderful(if not the best) tool around to
configure samba, it is also just an accessory, meaning something not
needed to actually configure samba.
Samba is no different than any other software suite so likewise, a
text editor and the man page should be enough to configure it.
Command line configuration may not be easier, may not be prettier, may
not be faster for some people, but one enterprise certified Linux
administrator should be able to do it without needing any extra tools.
Among the tasks to rate, was CUPS. CUPS, unlike samba, actually
installs the web interface by default. However, other than the
permission system to access CUPS's web interface, I don't remember any
other related tasks.
Now why is it decided to put so much weight on a tool not installed by
default while depreciating a tool actually installed by default?
While I use CUPS's web interface, among other web interface tools to
manage enteprise class services(for example, phpldapadmin), I don't
consider it relevant to an enterprise level linux certification. One
that is certified to configure samba, cups or anything else using just
the command line is capable of doing it using any friendly interface.
However, I seriously doubt that it can work the other way around.
Webmin, for example, is actually a great distribution-neutral tool.
Why not include it in the certification?
Thus, I am against any task related to alternate configuration methods
other than the default ones. Therefore, I am againt any SWAT related
task.
I don't mean to troll, since I can only imagine how much hard work
you've put into reaching this milestone. It is my opinion, however,
that we need to focus on managing an enterprise using only tools
available by default and leaving the alternate and friendlier
configurations methords at the administrator's descretion.
The good thing about the JTA process is that people will actually vote
on SWAT's importance so I hope more people share the same opinion. If
not, can someone correct me?
Thank you for considering my arguments and keep up your great work.
Regards
- Giannis Stoilis
On 24 Nov 2006 09:40:59 -0500, G. Matthew Rice <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi everyone,
The JTA software has finally been published with the LPIC-3 job tasks for
everyone to help vote on.
What is the purpose of the Job Task Analysis (JTA) survey?
The JTA survey is being performed so that LPI can determine how much
coverage is required for each objective on the LPIC-3 exams. The tasks
that are being reviewed will provide the psychometrician with the data
that is needed to make this determination (these are the weights that
you have seen on the LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 exams).
For each job task, you will be asked to comment on:
- how often the specific task is performed (or understanding of
a concept is required)
- how important it is to know this task or concept
The JTA survey should be taken by anyone that is in this role in the
profession or has knowledge of the tasks involved in this role; such
as managers and project planners.
Bonus for Linux Professionals Helping with the JTA
As an incentive for people to help with the JTA survey, we will
randomly award one (1) of one hundred (100) LPIC-3 exam vouchers to
Linux professionals that complete the entire LPIC-3 JTA (currently,
there are 365 tasks in the survey).
These vouchers will be usable at any exam lab the LPI holds at various
worldwide events such as LinuxWorld, IT360, and other regional events.
Sorry, we cannot make these vouchers valid at the computer-based testing
centres. If you cannot attend any LPI exam labs, you can transfer the
voucher to another LPI candidate and they are valid until Dec 31, 2008.
We anticipate that 300-400 Linux professionals will participate in this
survey.
The eligibility period for this draw ends on December 9th, 2006.
The Minimally Qualified Candidate (MQC)
The MQC is a description of the Linux professional that would be
able to pass the LPIC-3 exams. This description should be read before
starting the survey.
The full description is at:
https://group.lpi.org/publicwiki/bin/view/Examdev/LPIC-3#The_Minimally_Qualified_Candidat
The Location of the JTA
The JTA is available at: https://www.lpi.org/caf/Xamdev/jta
You will need to provide your LPI username and password. This is so
that we may track your progress through the task list. It also means
that you do not have to finish the JTA survey in one pass. Just return
when you are able and you will only have to review the tasks that you
have not seen already.
Using your username and password also lets us find you if you are one
of the Linux professionals awards the LPIC-3 exam voucher (see above).
Regards and happy surveying,
--
g. matthew rice <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> starnix, toronto, ontario, ca
phone: 647.722.5301 x242 gpg id: EF9AAD20
http://www.starnix.com professional linux services & products
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