# Why bother taking Linux+?
- As opposed to RHCSA, Linux+ is distribution agnostic.
- Even though RHCSA is better resume-wise, I don't plan on getting a job as a sysadmin tending RHEL.
- I use Debian 12 as my daily driver at home, but I chose to delve deeper into Linux by preparing for and taking Linux+ to gain familiarity with the Linux boot process and kernel, Systemd, FHS, package mgmt, Git, Docker, `sed` and `awk`, shell scripting, etc.
- Plus I'm familiar with CompTIA's formats after taking the Network+ and Security+.
- I also chose Linux+ to increase my comfort level at the command line as a way to build up to taking the CPTS and OSCP.
# Preparation Materials
- Shawn Powers YT playlist
- Excellent content and delivery, but incomplete.
- Top Courses YT playlist
- Used only to fill in where Shawn Powers left off.
- Good content with copious command lines examples.
- Hank Hackerson YT playlist
- Verbose. Useful for a final overview at 2x speed.
- Sybex Study Guide 5th edition
- Great, comprehensive content as always.
- Composed notes published @ [https:/jasmith.me](https:/jasmith.me) while going through the Sybex Study Guide
- Chose to do this in lieu of my usual next step of handwriting note cards and plowing through as many practice exams as possible
- This forced me to perform the commands and create scripts myself, which I screenshotted to supplement the notes.
- This was also good practice for writing pentesting reports.
- Ancillary Benefits:
- Learned to use Obsidian and markdown.
- I have a thorough resource to refer to and search across for future studies.
# Results
- Passed in August 2025 with a score of 770, where a passing score is 720.
- Had a hard time with 2 of the 3 PBQs.
- Multiple choice questions weren't too bad.
- Many people say that they are lengthy. However, in my opinion, the multiple choice questions are fair and manageable.
- Required more conceptual knowledge, such as when to use the right command, as opposed to memorizing all flags.
- Wish I had studied `iptables` more!
- Looking back, I have a much stronger appreciation for the overall Linux architecture and feel comfortable with basic shell scripting.
- And, now I can grok the various arguments proffered in the text editor and `Systemd` holy wars.
- I'll stick with `nano`. I'm not that hardcore.
- `Systemd` definitely doesn't jive with the Unix philosophy, but it's both powerful and convenient :D
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