Introduction

There is high demand for professionals in the information technology (IT) industry, and because Solaris is the most widely used UNIX implementation in the world, Solaris certifications are very worthwhile to obtain. You have made the right decision to pursue certification, because being Solaris certified will give you a distinct advantage in this highly competitive market.

Solaris 9 is Sun Microsystems' latest version of their popular UNIX-based operating environment. Sun's first operating system was released as SunOS in 1983, based on BSD UNIX. Throughout the years, SunOS went through many transformations, most recently with the release of Solaris 9 in 2002.

Sun Microsystems is known for their innovative and reliable hardware (namely the SPARC processor) as well as their Solaris operating environment. Because of their large and loyal user base, and their willingness to take calculated chances to remain on top, Sun is poised to remain an industry leader for years to come.

This book is intended to help you on your exciting path toward becoming a Sun Certified System Administrator for the Solaris 9 Operating Environment. Basic knowledge of Solaris is an advantage when reading this book but is not mandatory. Using this book and the Solaris operating environment, you can start learning Solaris and pass the CX-310-014: Sun Certified System Administrator for the Solaris 9 Operating Environment, Part I, and the CX-310-015: Sun Certified System Administrator for the Solaris 9 Operating Environment, Part II, exams.

Why Become a Sun Certified System Administrator?

The number one reason to become an SCSA is to gain more visibility and greater access to some of the industry's most challenging opportunities. Solaris certification is the best way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the Solaris operating environment. The certification tests are a combination of multiple choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank questions. They test your knowledge of Solaris commands and components, as well as your understanding of system administration principles.

Certification is proof of your knowledge and shows that you have the skills required to support Solaris. Sun Microsystems' certification program can help a company to identify proven performers who have demonstrated their skills and who can support the company's investment in both Sun Microsystems' hardware and software. It demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of your job role and the Sun products used in that role.

SCSAs are highly respected and well paid in the IT industry. Although there might be a significant number of IT professionals certified in other network operating systems, Solaris-certified and other UNIX-certified professionals are still in very high demand.

So, whether you are beginning a career, changing careers, securing your present position, or seeking to refine and promote your position, this book is for you!