looking for a multifunction

I had picked up a lexmark x6650. It worked fine under windows but alas poor linux. For a while I thought it might work as an x2600 series. After a call back from lexmarks linux division (atleast they have one) I learned they do not have linux support for this model… yet. be for warned Lexmark linux support is hit/miss proposition. I have since ordered an HP Photosmart C4580 and expect all to be well.

Looking for Free Beginner Developer Courses from Microsoft?

Several months ago, my career in IT/Security had finally brought me to something I have tried to avoid for many years – Programming. Most of my very limited programming knowledge was mostly from Q-Basic and a little bit of Visual Basic 6 and C++ 1.0 (yes that is right C++ 1.0), and as a result I have tried to stay away from programming as much as possible. However, I have finally reached the point in my career that would require me to learn Visual Studio .Net programming in order to perform the duties and responsibilities of my current job (talking about a great opportunity).

Despite my learning curve and outdated knowledge in programming, I quickly googled for free classes in VB.Net programming to begin writing apps. Surprisingly, Micosoft offers some of the best free training material online for all of those beginning developers who wish to pursue a career in .Net programming or at least write some apps for their job. In my opinion, some of the video training is on par with today’s college level courses at a local community college, even though the videos do not truly go into detail in computer science related theory. The training videos  would be similar to that of a vocational nature, basically hands on learning with labs, along with explainations of basic programming concepts. The videos themselves can be found here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/default.aspx

P.S. – I would also like to mention that the site mentioned above, would be a great learning tool for those taking programming courses at school, since some of the videos may clarify programming concepts and definitions for those struggling to understand them.

ITunes U – Education On The Go

For anyone and everyone who either has an IPod or a computer capable of running ITunes, has a chance to grab some free educational resources to further develop their minds. Please note that the resources maybe limited to excerpts of a course or only a small taste of some of the classes that enrolled students would receive, so don’t expect to get a full course for free. However, it is worth checking, hey you never know what you may find, there may even be full fledge courses.

Here is a link to get you going:

http://www.apple.com/education/mobile-learning/

Free CISSP Training

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (aka CISSP), is one of the most renowned security certifications to get, especially for those who wish to work in the information security field. One of the biggest problems with this certification is the cost of training, luckily I am up to the task to updating this post as I come across free training materials on the net. I will also try to post other study materials as well, such as study guides, practice exams, and other useful materials.

Training Materials:

• CISSP Essentials Security School - this site provides a variety of training videos and prep questions. It also provides other resources as well for those seeking to either earn the CISSP or obtain training in the information security field.

Looking for free college level courses from multiple universities?

I have always admired those who moved up in the world through their own resources and initiative.  Like the high-school/college drop-outs who started their own successful businesses, or those who sought education through books at their local library or other research/study materials and unable to afford to go to college, and still yet become successful. I also strongly believe in sharing of information with others and teamwork as a means of accomplishing goals and tasks or to at least better society as a whole.

To kickoff the free college level courses blog category, here is the first link to begin finding college level courses that are free on the net:

Open Courseware Consortium - this site is linked to multiple universities that offer some college level course material for free. To name one off hand, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, aka MIT, is one of the major universities that offer free courseware. You can use this site to search for courses in areas of your particular interest(s).

P.S. – Using open courseware may or may not earn you college level credit; you are going to have to research that on your own. Each university offering free courses may have policies that state whether or not credit can be earn. Either way, it is still useful to keep an educated mind.