What is it like... Cybersecurity, Software Development and Software Engineering.

[Sherri is a Cat]

Check this out: https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/containers/whats-a-linux-container

I read one of their articles explaining the difference between a VM and a virtual container. I didn't see this one. Thanks!

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

I thought I would never have to look at another Windows desktop again. I was wrong! I'll have to be able to use it if I get hired in this industry. Fortunately I won't have to pay for Windows 11. Someone I know just upgraded all her office equipment. I got her old lap top with Win 11 (and an Epsom all-in-one). I'll set it up after I take out the microphone. MS eavesdrops on people. I can put tape over the camera lens. I guess I could put some on the mike also, but I want to make sure no one is listening to me and my cats meowing at night. I think there may also be a location tracking device in it somewhere. I'll check on that. If there is, I'll take that out too!

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

Coding... I like it!

Code works just like my brain does. You can't tell me to walk across the room if I don't know to stand up first. It makes perfect sense to me. Is that scary?

Before class began, around 25 people showed up for orientation. That was when we were told that funding for internships dried up. About 1/2 of us showed up the first day of class. 6 weeks in, there are 4 of us left. Last week my professor said he talked to his boss about possible work for all of us.

I'm wondering if they wanted to find who would stick it out, do the work before handing out internships...

 

[MikeRocor]

Coding... I like it!

Code works just like my brain does. You can't tell me to walk across the room if I don't know to stand up first. It makes perfect sense to me. Is that scary?

Before class began, around 25 people showed up for orientation. That was when we were told that funding for internships dried up. About 1/2 of us showed up the first day of class. 6 weeks in, there are 4 of us left. Last week my professor said he talked to his boss about possible work for all of us.

I'm wondering if they wanted to find who would stick it out, do the work before handing out internships...

At the community college where I got my associates degree (in the mid/late 1990s), there were three instructors who taught programming, networking and database principals (and probably a few other classes) who, together, also ran an IT consulting company. They cherry picked the best students and hired them for their company. Since the community college only offered two year programs (associate degree, no 4-year bachelors degrees) They could be reasonably sure their new hires would hang around for at least a couple of years - until they finished a four year degree - before moving on. It was a win for them and a win for their students/employees.

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

Just thought I'd share this... I'm proud of it and glad I'm doing this!

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

I finally got around to setting up this laptop with Win 11. I couldn't think of what to name it. Curiously, MS won't allow to use certain words in conjunction with other certain words...

Then I remembered @bob466

This one's for you!

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

My cat was talking to me while I was setting up Windoze. I clicked on the weather widget and guess what pops up? The Widget Board with pictures of cats. I closed it. Began singing 'Band On The Run'. I don't need to tell you what I saw the next time I opened up the Widget Board, do I?

The microphone is behind the touch screen. I'm not up to carefully taking the laptop apart to remove it right now. I did find a service manual for professional repair techs.

I'm bringing it with me to class tomorrow. I'm going to ask my prof which of these useless apps I really need to keep.

 

[MikeRocor]

I finally got around to setting up this laptop with Win 11. I couldn't think of what to name it. Curiously, MS won't allow to use certain words in conjunction with other certain words...

Then I remembered @bob466

This one's for you!

View attachment 26817

Is that an HP Envy x360 "Convertible" - the kind that flips the whole way around so it can be used like a tablet? That's the exact same machine I'm using - though I have it the whole way closed and am using it as a desktop. Runs Linux really nicely.

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

Is that an HP Envy x360 "Convertible" - the kind that flips the whole way around so it can be used like a tablet? That's the exact same machine I'm using - though I have it the whole way closed and am using it as a desktop. Runs Linux really nicely.

I would put Linux on it in a heart beat! I need to keep Windows 11 now since I'm going to do this tech stuff. I'm thinking of things to do with it though, dual boot, clone Windows maybe? I've got options. I'm going to take out that microphone. MS listens in everything.

 

[MikeRocor]

I would put Linux on it in a heart beat! I need to keep Windows 11 now since I'm going to do this tech stuff. I'm thinking of things to do with it though, dual boot, clone Windows maybe? I've got options. I'm going to take out that microphone. MS listens in everything.

The only reason I have this machine is because of MS Windows - It was fouled up so badly that my sister just gave me the machine in frustration. I did try to fix it for her but it looks like the last time she took it to a shop (for the same sort of issue) they did something out of the ordinary such that it wouldn't even take the usual "factory reset" any more. I was able to salvage her data, once I had linux running on it, before reformatting the HDD.

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

A few things to report:

One, I successfully hacked into a security lock box yesterday without setting off the alarm. Two physical doors with combination locks, some kind of Raspberry with an RFID card scanner, a keypad and alarm.

This is what I got for my efforts:

Two.

I just finished my practice exam. No reviewing before beginning. I passed with 89% correct.

Three

I have a second interview on Thursday for a position to get my foot in the IT door. My prof said that anything related to tech is enough to start. If I get hired, I'll be representing Qualcomm, selling and teaching people how to use the Snapdragon X Elite laptop.

I really want this job. It's really good pay, part time and the hours work well with school. I'll get to learn a lot too.

Snapdragon X Elite: Laptops and Desktops

Four

I have another interview tomorrow with a different company to repair cell phones. I assume it's primarily walking people through trouble shooters that they are too scared to do on their own.

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

Class isn't officially over yet. My prof wanted us to all complete one of the practice tests before class today. He wanted to go over subjects we need help in. He told me I didn't have to stay. I stayed anyway because I had some questions about Boolean's, subnet masks and networks. I'm not comfortable assuming I'm ready for the actual exam based on one practice test. I'm going to review all of my notes, take more practice tests, etc, etc.

I can't believe how easy it was to hack into that box. My prof said people really do all the things they tell you not to do. At first I over-thought it, approaching it as if I were trying to break into my own security box or safe. It was just too easy.

I had to figure out the combinations for 2 physical locks.
The network password to access settings and electronic documents. (Device IP address in a browser)
Find the pin for the keypad.
Used a Linux distribution that we don't talk for this one!
It was hidden in the 'hidden' documents. Searched the documents, found the pin a couple of minutes.
Opened the box, disabled the alarm with the pin.
Got my stickers.
Went home!

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

I'm a naturally curious person. Everything I learn about leads to more questions...

So today I was asking questions about IP addresses, VPN's, tor browsers, mac addresses, NIC's....

Then I asked about the device ID when you use a USB port to tether your phone, which device would be visible, the phone or the USB port, can I change a MAC address.

It was about then that my prof interrupted me saying, "Sherri, are you trying to get me to help you do something illegal?"

I told him he would be the last person I would ask for help with something like that. He would be too obvious as a witness.

 

[Sherri is a Cat]

I had my second interview today for the job representing Qualcomm. It went well. I got the highest start pay in the range advertised in the job listing. He told me he knew he would hire me as soon as I started talking about ARM architecture, NPU's and compatibility layers!

 

[Mike-BTU]

Very good! We're all rooting for you.

 

[gvisoc]

Great progress! You can do it.

 

[hasser33]

I've hesitated mentioning this to anyone either here or in the 'real world'. It would be a huge change for me and a challenge, but one that I think I would enjoy. But before making a commitment I would like to know what it's like from people who actually do these things.

Some of you know that after having cancer and a few other life changing events I'm starting my life over. It would be a very long time before going back into business again as a landscape designer. I love it and I can't believe people pay me for it. It's just not possible right now and I won't work for someone else. My ideas are worth money.

After getting over my fear of them, I've always enjoyed computers. I love knowing how things work, how to make them do what I want them to do, getting around obstacles, building them, fixing them. People have encouraged me to pursue IT but I never took them seriously. Recently I met and became friends with someone who works in cybersecurity. When he said I would be good in IT, then I took it seriously.

I have an apprenticeship opportunity in the IT field with a local college. After 12 weeks, I can take the CompTIA test. I took an aptitude test and scored highest in cybersecurity, followed software engineering then software development. I've read up on what these jobs are about. I talked to someone who went through the program and knows the professor. He thinks I would be a good fit. I was given the professors email address and phone number. I just sent a message asking for more information.

I lost a lot after a divorce, a sudden move and then cancer. This apprenticeship could potentially change my life, help me get it back on track. I think I'm going to go for it. Before I make a commitment, I would like to know from people who actually work in these fields what it is like. What is good, bad, what do you like about it, what do you not like. It's one thing to read an article. It's another to hear from people in the trenches.

If you work in one of these fields I would really like to hear from you.

Thank you Using the liven app in cybersecurity helps me build consistent habits like daily threat monitoring and quick incident logging. Its simple reminders keep me focused without overwhelming, making complex tasks more manageable. The reflective prompts encourage continuous improvement, which is vital in staying alert and proactive in this fast-changing field.

Diving into Cybersecurity is like being a digital detective, outsmarting cunning hackers in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, guarding secrets in a fortress of code. Software Development is akin to crafting intricate puzzles, weaving logic and creativity into apps that spark joy or solve chaos. Software Engineering, meanwhile, is like architecting a bustling city—designing robust systems, balancing efficiency with innovation, and ensuring every digital street hums smoothly. Each field pulses with problem-solving thrill, blending tech wizardry with relentless curiosity in a never-ending quest to shape the digital world.