About the Module

The Unix/Linux module can be used to assess candidates seeking "Administrator" profile in IT companies. The module has been designed to assess the knowledge of the candidate about:

• Unix/Linux environment : UNIX architecture, files and processes, the directory structure, the UNIX environment variables, general purpose utilities , file system, handling files and file attributes , the vi Editor, networking tools
• Shell structure and programming: Shell scripting basics (command redirection & pipelines, variables), functions, and variable scope.
• Commands: This includes directory commands, file edit/create/view commands, File operation, processes (current, foreground, current process n killing), user administration commands, system status commands etc.
• File system and organization: Directory and File Structure, File Names, Directories, Subdirectories, Specifying Files, Protecting Files and Directories, Creating Files, Text Editors, Files as Output and Log Files, Comparing Files, Searching Through Files, Changing file permissions and attributes, file compression.

The SQL assessment module has been designed to assess the candidate's familiarity with SQL commands/queries and implementation of database concepts using SQL. It also tests the candidate's ability to create, manipulate and delete databases and tables. This assessment helps IT companies to test candidates for the "Database Administrator" profile.

Broadly, it covers the following topics:

• SQL Constructs: Database & table creation, Statements, Expressions, Data types, Clauses, Union, Filtering & Searching, Conditions, Advanced Data filtering, Grouping, Indexing and Sequencing, Query checking & raising, Syntax checking.
• Intermediate SQL: Joins & Types, Sub-queries, Sub-queries & Joins, Sub-query type, using set operators, Data Insertion, updation & deletion, DML statements, Data integrity
• Advanced Querying: Views, Multi-user database, Transaction Processing, Transaction models, Locking, Versioning, SQL Security, Data control & Transaction control statements, PL SQL. The module also checks whether the candidate is capable of finding out errors in the program & arriving at the output of the program.

Tips to improve:

• If you wish to continue learning UNIX, here is a list of good UNIX and Linux books, ranging from beginners to advanced: UNIX power tools, Ubuntu Linux for non-geeks, UNIX in a nutshell, essential system administration.
• Wicked Cool Shell Scripts by Dave Taylor is a perfect book to learn shell scripting the fun & easy way.
• 10 good UNIX usage habits by IBM: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/aix/library/au-badunixhabits.html
• If you are new to SQL and want to learn SQL Server then you can check out free SQL Server Video Tutorials at http://wtv.watchtechvideos.com . The site has 300 free video tutorials on SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008.
• You can also check out Microsoft Virtual Labs where they give you server setup to practice what you learn.
• SQL in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference, Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes, SQL Queries for Mere Mortals are some great SQL books to enhance your knowledge.