About jbmurphy

I am a SysAdmin living in New York City. I implement systems on both Windows and Linux platforms. I believe that my cross platform skill set allows me to find the right tool for the job.

While getting my degree from the University of Pennsylvania, I started woking in a small research lab (EBDC). There I was involved in setting up simple file sharing for a team of researchers. At the time, Windows for workgroups was the OS of choice.

I was hooked.

Working at a university for many years allows for a unique experience in terms of IT. Every researcher is their own CEO, and there are never enough funds available for a project. This forced me to “think outside the box”, leverage existing products, and look for both open and closed source solutions that can be quickly implemented. Since it is almost impossible to increase headcount in an academic institution, efficient systems had to be developed that were easy enough for untrained information workers to support.

These unique challenges has given me set of tools and experiences that allow me to help an organization create the right solution for the problem.

My systems

I am always learning, and I believe that is one of my greatest strengths. I can see a new technology and immediately visualize how it can fit into existing systems, resulting in a unique solution for a problem. All systems are complex, but the most successful systems remove as much complexity (K.I.S.S) as possible, without limting functionality. With that in mind, I strive to create systems that are versatile, yet easy to maintain.

Recently, I have been interested in Technical Training (I went out and earned my CTT+). I enjoy sharing what I know and I would like to help people learn about systems, and as they say, you never truly understand something until you teach it.

Certifications

I have had my Microsoft certifications (MCSE with Messaging since 2003). I recently updated them to the Microsoft Certified IT Professional track. Last year I passed the grueling RHCE exam for RedHat 5. I believe certifications add value (plenty of debate on this). Every single time I have gone to training for a certification, I have learned just as much from my fellow students, as I have from the instructor. Adding the pressure/focus of gaining your certification makes the experience even better.

Currently I am:

  • Microsoft Certified IT Professional : Enterprise Administrator (MCITP : EA)
  • RedHat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
  • CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+)
  • Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)