This is my first blog on my first day here in the office. It’s already been a very interesting day, and I just want to sit down and get this entry started before things start to get too busy.

So the first thing I want to talk about is myself. That makes me sound kind of shallow, doesn’t it? Well, I’m sure I’ll come to prove that’s not necessarily the case. Anyway, as I mentioned, I am a new hire here at Train Signal, and today is my first day. I am 22 years old and a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame (which I hear is the company owner’s favorite school, score one for me!) with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. This is nice for me, because it gives me just the right amount of technical background to work in the IT industry. I think Train Signal and I are going to be a perfect fit because this position will allow me to get my career off the ground the way I want … while getting some great learning experience along the way.

My interests include technology (video games and computers … duh?), and I enjoy city life (I live in Chicago currently), and above all, music. I also enjoy long walks on the beach and candle-lit dinners (not really, but this post was starting to sound like a personal ad, right?).

So my first responsibilities on the job include getting acquainted with our main website Train Signal and also our training website, Train Signal Training which I will be focusing a lot of my time and energy on. For starters, I will begin reviewing our Network+ course; you can find more info about it here.

It feels weird starting work at a new place. I’ve been kind of subdued and quiet so far, and that’s not really me. I think I’ll probably be more comfortable once I get settled in. But for now, maybe I should get to work, I don’t want to get myself fired on the first day.

That was a joke. Hopefully. See you around.

8 Responses to “Hello out there in the blogosphere. This is Bill at Train Signal!”

• Rudy Trujillo Says:

  August 13th, 2007 at 1:13 pm

  Hello Bill, my name is Rudy and every once and while will drop by Trainsignal web site to see the latest in news and training. During the last few quarters have reviewed videos purchased from Trainsignal unfortunately no hardware to apply it to other then test server for windows. The Cisco stuff is hard to sit through cause like other training there is no hardware CHEAPLY available. Simulators are not my cup of tea bought one a while back and it was a waste of money. So my interest in your blog is more a last effort to rededicate myself to this training. Looking forward to what you do and how you do it. My main problem with these courses is when you run into a problem NONE of the forums speak to exactly the training you have just completed. For example it would be great to talk about why VPN did not work thru linksys router and server 2003,etc.
  Anyhow looking forward to seeing what comes down the pike on your blog

  Rudy

• Gary Eimerman Says:

  August 14th, 2007 at 3:56 pm

  Hi Rudy-

  Thanks for checking in. It’s always good to hear from our long time fans and customers.

  I agree with you, I’m not a fan of simulators either. There is nothing better than practicing on the real thing. While Cisco equipment isn’t the cheapest of hardwares, you may find that it isn’t as expensive as you think. Over on ebay, if you look up something like CCNA Router packages or some variation you will findthat there are many suitable solutions in the $250-$500 range or you can indidually pick up some 2500 routers or 2900 switches for 20-70 bucks each. Overall that’s a steal when you think of the value the CCNA and CCNP certification are worth. And it’s even cheaper than a low-end CPU from Dell.
  Another option with the CCNA training is Chris Bryant, the instructor, offers rentals on his network for training purposes. You can find more details at thebryantadvantage.com.

  Also, if you ever have questions concerning the courses please feel free to call or email us at Train Signal. If you are looking more for a forum that you can discuss more specific tech topics I’d highly suggest checking out petri.co.il as their forums are filled with good information and discussions resolving technical problems.

  Again, it was good to hear from you and I look forward to hearing from you again in the future.

  Sincerely,
  Gary Eimerman

• Rudy Trujillo Says:

  August 15th, 2007 at 9:38 am

  Back at you Gary, thanks for the input! Just finished giving the URL you suggested a glance and now looking forward to diving in and seeing what all is available. Started my own blog to see if I could document the success and failure of setting up VPN through LINKSYS and finally Windows server 2003 Eval copy.

  PS
  I have Chris Bryants CD’s and they are great and now maybe I can afford the hardware that goes with it. You see I am semi-retired.

  Rudy

• Bill Bullock Says:

  August 15th, 2007 at 11:08 am

  Hi Rudy-

  Thanks for the input. I just wanted to echo Gary’s response, and let you know I’m glad you’re reading my (and hopefully all of the other) posts here at TST. We strive to make sure all of our customers are satisfied with our products. Good luck with your training and with your new blog (it can be a lot of fun)! Be sure to let us know if you have any other comments.
  Thanks,
  Bill Bullock

• Roz Says:

  February 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm

  Hi Bill,
  Enjoyed your success story. I also have TrainSignal CCNA CBT. I have been trying to review the CBT every day. I hope the information sink in :) Some days I think I undersand and other days I feel like I need years before taking the certification.
  Subnetting seem to be my biggest problem. I think Network+ might be easier, I don’t know I am just confused and really need to take a cert. Maybe you or Gary can give me some words or wisdow.

  Roz

• DamionKutaeff Says:

  March 23rd, 2008 at 5:41 am

  Hello everybody, my name is Damion, and I’m glad to join your conmunity,
  and wish to assit as far as possible.

• Dan(lazy)Honnet Says:

  March 25th, 2008 at 9:10 am

  Hello everybody, my name is Daniel, and I’m glad to join your conmunity,
  Wish to assist as far as possible.

• Adrian Says:

  July 18th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

  Congratulation Bill on getting a degree in Computer Science passing your Network + exam and landing a job at Train Signal that’s awesome. I have also passed my Network + exam on May 31 2008. I wonder what certification will you be trying for next?

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