Building a lab environment, where should I go.

[CrazyMav]

I am interested in building a lab environment I can play with. I have two computers, an i7 4790k with a GTX 670 and an older computer with a Phenom 965 BE and a GT 210? 8 GB and 4GB of Ram, respectively.

I can run a few VMs on my I7 and a dedicated or another VM on the Phenom.

I have some Linux VMs, though I am not familiar with Linux(Should learn this), I have Windows Server 2012 R2, but I don't know what I could do with this, Windows VMs and can get my hands on legitimate copies of vSphere and some of those products within the suites.

Anyone have some ideas?

 

[Ralston18]

Key words = "play with".

Do whatever you feel like doing at any given time.

That said, the real issue is your longer term goal(s) and the time frame within you must learn/work.

Are you just curious about possible IT positions or really know that you wish to have an IT career perhaps.

Either way, the approach that I recommend is to look at the job descriptions for current IT positions. See what skills, educational, and experience levels are being sought by employers.

Set up your lab accordingly so you can get some 'hands on" work. But take classes as well so there will be real pressure and requirements placed upon you.

Eventually you will find an IT path fitting your interests and abilities. However, all will change so keep looking ahead.