[ale] [OT] Advice needed

[lee hartley]

Not sure if this counts as off topic...
I am wanting to gain experience in programming and linux administration in hope of getting an entry level job in this field. Any advice would be great! 
Back ground=I have done a little java and javascript...(has been a while), Apache, Windows (2k) network admin, Web design, technical writing/e-learning, tinkered with php and mysql,...I am a philosophy grad., so, I am having to slowly move into this sector...

my questions-
1.what would be a desirable language to learn? (in terms of usefulness and job market)... I plan to work on an open source project to gain experience...any project recommendations?

2.What distro(s)to be knowledgeable of...I am currently running redhat 7.2

3.What are best avenues/routes for crossing over (e.g. just get in a large place and work through, startups,...)
Any advice is welcome!

Thanks for your time,
Lee Hartley
h_lyric at bellsouth.net


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