Ask the IT Network Engineer

[wraith]

I just let Windows do it. All I install is the actual device drivers, have never used any of the proprietary software.

This. I think most of the software you get is a waste of time.

 

[VS_Pete]

I just let Windows do it. All I install is the actual device drivers.

OK computer noob here what drivers???????????

 

[wraith]

Do you know the model name of your wireless card? Is it a laptop or desktop.

Drivers are basically a set of instructions that Windows can read to understand how to interact with various devices.

 

[VS_Pete]

Laptop.

TOSHIBA SATELLITE L500/00X
Part No. PSLS6A-00x013

 

[Super_Low 91]

Try this page its the Toshiba page, top right enter your operating system and part number then look through the list for the wireless driver.

Support :: Toshiba :: Computers, Laptops/Notebooks, Tablets, Televisions, DVD and Blu-Ray Players, Camcorders, Storage, Accessories, and more

 

[Jaymz]

Jaymz, if this question has been answered already I apologise, but what would be your best advice for someone wanting to get in to the industry and eventually end up in a position such as yourself? Where would one start? Are there any particular traineeships or certificates (preferably TAFE due to funds) you'd suggest to get an edge over the competition? Cheers.

The best advice i can give to getting an edge over other applicants would be to get some real world experience. Even if you help out at a local computer shop for a half day each week unpaid if need be it will help get you exposure to clients, and more real world problems.

The world of IT is pretty vast, so finding out what you want to work in is key.

Getting started, be prepared to start low. Unless you have been working with servers for 5 years, you aint going to step into a senior engineer roll. Newbies here at work start off as helpdesk - that is taking calls, logging jobs, finding their feet in the systems.
You would do well to pick up what is taught to you very quickly. Take notes, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

As for qualifications, not sure what they offer over there in OZ, but if TAFE is the same as Tech here (see Wintec.ac.nz - cause that is where i studied) then that would be a fine grounding point.
Any networking papers will serve you very well in the real world. Understanding how computers network together (i'm talking about subnetting, ip addressing) will help you so much with troubleshooting.

if you like, PM me with any course links and i can have a look at them for ya

Microsoft qualifications are very handy to help get your foot in the door, but dont spend all your time getting them and neglecting experience, some employers will just think you have been on loads of boot camps and not really know what you have learnt.

 

[Auzziephoenix]

What is your experience with multicasting and OS deployment? Specifically WDS.

 

[The1]

What do you want to know? You can use lots of things for image deployment, most commonly used is WIM and ghost

 

[vr94ss]

What do you want to know? You can use lots of things for image deployment, most commonly used is WIM and ghost

We've used ANI - Automated Network Installations: Overview and Clonezilla - About mainly use clonezilla though. Why pay when there's a GNU alternative?

 

[Auzziephoenix]

I currently have a WDS setup in place to service ~1500 machines, each machine is prestaged and working exactly how i want it.

My only issue is multicasting, the network is a flat network with a single VLAN. The switching gear in place is made up of H3C hardware, 5800 for the core, and 5120s for the edge switches, i cant seem to get portfast to enable (i have studied mainly Cisco equipment), to allow almost instant DHCP packets, and for multicasting to actually perform above speeds of 5000kb/min. currently I have got BDPU guard disabled on all switches and IGMP snooping disabled aswell.

There are no loops in the network obviously with BPDU Guard disabled.