Learn Linux at These 158 Linux Bootcamps

Listen if where being honest, learning a new language is difficult but you have to be open to making a mistake and these instructors help you but you have to ask for the assistance. I am happy to be apart of this course and group!!

If you are here reading this comment, it means that you are not sure about doing this course. So I will help you: 
Yes, do it, go ahead and you will not regret making that decision. It will change your career and will reveal a lot of possibilities in your new way. 
A group of passionate teachers led me through this intense experience during 3 months and they taught me everything I know about web development, because I began the course with no experience or knowledge.
SPOILER ALERT:  The road will be hard, but every minute will definitely be worth it.

Having just completed the introductory course from August-September 2020 I can confidently say that the introductory program has done its job at helping me determine whether Cybersecurity is a good fit for me long term. In fact, this is the only university program in my area that I know of that offers an introductory course before fully committing hundreds of hours and thousand of dollars into CyberSec. For example, UCLA's extension course did not have an intro and required you to put $12K for the full course, regardless of whether you realized it wasn't a good fit for you early on. Think of it as a sampler before the real thing. 

Aryan, our instructor, is not a racist and I don't like seeing a good professor's name get dragged down like that. As an Asian American I know discrimination when I see it and I haven't seen it in the class at all. In fact, I thought our cohort had a diverse mix of Latinos, Asians, Blacks, and Whites and had a couple women as well, each with their own experience level in IT, and I saw Aryan treat everyone there with respect. Yes, his jokes may fall flat sometimes but remember, we're learning from people in IT, not communications, so it's pretty much a given. Aryan was very helpful and patient in guiding volunteers thru hands-on labs that the rest of the class would follow on their own computers. If you were having difficulties keeping up with the lab there was always an associate professor, who you could ping, and you and him can split off into a separate Zoom call where the associate gets you up to speed. For example, last class I had some stubborn networking issues on my Virtual Machines that prevented me from keeping up so I messaged the associate instructor on Slack and after 15 minutes of fiddling with the settings, got my machines back up and running. I also appreciated how Aryan would relate what we learned that day to something he either experienced during his time at Boeing and Disney, as well as telling us stories of how the best hackers he met had backgrounds you'd least expect, which helped me since I was someone who came from software sales into CyberSec. He also helped us develop good habits early on that would help us be successful in tech, such as being familiar with Slack and using Google for researching solutions. What was also pretty nice about the course was that once it was time for class to end Aryan respected our schedule and didn't lecture over time, but offered to show an actual computer hack to people who wanted to stay for longer. 

The course load was very doable, as long as you stay diligent. Expect to read around 15 pages before each lecture, with most of the pages consisting of diagrams and screenshots and "What is ______" homework questions. Completing the labs were pretty simple as the directions are very clear and the screenshots that accompanied them were self-explanatory. I would highly recommend getting familiar with how Networks work and doing the labs multiple times so you get a good feel for the different console commands in Kali Linux and Windows 10. I thought the technical learning curve was also very manageable for someone with a common grasp on computers. I know as much about computers as the next guy and I was still able to keep up with the rest of the class. In fact, I actually surprised myself with how I installed the Linux and Windows virtual boxes by myself, thanks to the directions on the VM installation labs.  

Would I recommend the Introductory course to a friend? Of course. The ability for you to try out the field of cybersecurity without going all-in is a very helpful feature for those looking for other career options during these *cough* times. Aryan is a solid, albeit quirky, instructor who I could tell is passionate about Cyber Security and the opportunities it brings to those who choose this field. Granted, since this is an Introductory course I think it is a good idea to set appropriate expectations so people don't set one star reviews with the intent to damage a man's reputation. Will this course make you interested in CyberSecurity? Yes. Will it make you into a turbo-1337 hacker in 4 weeks? Not yet, but it does scratch the tip of the iceberg and give you enough of a foundation to feed your curiosity. If after the course you still want to be a turbo hacker, then the Intro has done its job and that's what the extended program is for. 

They really want you to get a job in whichever industry you choose! Another benefit of the smaller size of this school is they do well if you do well.

Full Review:
There are a couple programs out there that might help cover tuition if you qualify and the school offers reasonable financing options. I had spoken to one of their recruiters before signing up and was able to work out options best suited to my financial situation with their senior leadership. They have some information about their financing options on their website, but if the cost of tuition is the only hurdle you see then be open with them and talk it out. They absolutely want to help people who honestly wish to help themselves. 

Skillspire is a small institution focused on getting people into the tech industry. Their size allows them to help you in the right capacity needed for your situation. They have more freedom to accommodate their students on a personal basis. 

Are you a nervous test taker or stress over due dates? NO WORRIES HERE! You won't take a single exam and due dates are very flexible. The course was designed to be no stress/low pressure for the students. The grading structure is very relaxed as well. Turn in your assignment and get the points. 

Concerned you won't be able to find the time to participate? 
I live on the East Coast and they're based in Seattle, WA. That's a 3 hour time difference. Wednesday classes were late for my time zone but if I couldn't make it to class the instructor sent a link to the recording of the class. They're understanding and lenient on attendance.

You will not pass/fail based on attendance or grades. You are responsible for learning the material just like any other learning institution but they will pull all the stops to make sure you can learn what they're teaching. You get out of this course exactly what you put in. When I went through the course we didn't have our first official homework assignment until just before half way through the 20 weeks. Personally I recommend using an additional resource to practice what you learn between classes. I was brand new to all the material and I felt I needed it and the extra practice helped. 

Worried you're computer skills are outdated? 
For me, I was a fairly new to programming and didn't have a language I already knew. I had dabbled in C++ in the early 2000's and I liked it. I can't say I put much effort in staying current in tech since that time. When I was looking into this course I wasn't even familiar with Window OS's post Windows XP. I used computers at work that ran Windows 7 - 10 but I only used them for very  basic tasks. Upon signing up for the course I had to get myself a proper laptop but I was definitely overdue. ; )
My point is, I barely had a hobby remotely related to tech before I took this course and I didn't struggle due to that. I had played around with some Linux distros on an ARM device (Raspberry Pi 3B+) I purchased on a whim a few years ago but it wasn't even operational when I committed myself to taking the course. I was absolutely a novice. 
I just recently finished the course and I'm excited to see where I end up from here. 

This has been one of the most unexpected best things to have been chosen to participate in the first CS bootcamp cohort. I have been working in the auto industry for the past 8 years and have worked my way up in my department and have hit a wall. Knowing I eventually wanted to swap careers I focused on sharpening my skills while keeping a watch on other opportunities. When I saw the CS bootcamp opportunity on the Tulsa Community College (TCC) facebook, I immediately knew that is what I wanted to do. I had just had my son 6 months prior so we had somewhat of a routine and the timing couldn't of been better. 
The classmates were all very likeminded individuals and as I worked with them at different points, we made connections, networked and really helped each other out as much as we could. The encouragement, support, and overall sense of community amongst the classmates was one of if not the best I'd experienced in a "classroom" setting, especially considering it was virtual. 
Not only were my peers excellent, the staff from the administration, Instructor to the Teaching Aids, all supported us, providing resources, personal encouragement, and just any help we needed along the way. Though some of the curriculum was harder to understand or get through, the instructor and teaching assistants really clarified and fill in the gaps. Yes this program was challenging, but the amount of resources and guidance ensured success at every step of the way as long as I put in the work. With the full time job and baby, I had to take this serious, but really was very doable as I long as I stayed on top of everything and managed my time.
The last great thing about the program is now that I have completed, I still get assistance with the transition into my next career and to me that is extremely helpful. As my time seems to be extremely limited these days, getting feedback about my linkedin or my resume was really helpful in helping me get things ready asap. The connections made and networking done in class I think is also extremely valuable and useful as I am a believer in "it's who you know, not what you know". Though, now I know the fundamentals of Cybersecurity AND have a great start to my network!

I can not say this enough DO NOT take this course, it is terribly over priced and you can get the same and even better teaching for $10-$20 courses on udemy. THIS COURSE HAS HAD A SEVERE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON MY LIFE, I AM IN DEBT WITH NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.

I cannot believe how cheap it is. It really is legit and there's to many tools provided. I love how you can do self paced and online. Very useful for someone who isn't really an extrovert. so once completed, you apply for a job with the partner companies and get hired right away. Starting salaries are usually from $60k upwards. It is self-paced and you can do the course in less time if you put in more hours during the day. For anyone skeptical, not a scam, and the guy who runs it is pretty reputable. I would highly recommend going through the course, especially if you are anti-college.

When I was a student, we were participating many projects right after finishing any web and mobile development topics. Especially, my teacher, Ali(he is still teaching with the same passion like his first day) has two master degree from one of the high-end universities in Canada. He was just amazing because of small class size, he would spend his time for every student in order for us to understand the logic behind and every single details.

I could personally write so much good things about the program, long story short, it is just a brilliant program that everyone should have a chance to be part of this great atmosphere. Highly recommended.

I loved the content, this has been by far the most informative course I ever attended. I appreciate team's expertise and insight on what it's like actually working at a giant company.

The teachers are open to all kinds of questions and that's what kind of differentiates this one from some courses that are plain videos & questionnaires. So - awesome content, keep up the good work!

P.S. got my offer but can't share details due to NDA. But very very glad I found the course and helpful for Alex's tutoring me through the hiring process.

This has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I did not expect this to go so well. I had completed 2 previous bootcamps with other schools years ago with mixed feelings. 
My journey began with me engaging with 5 possible schools to learn cybersecurity. I chose UTD Tech because of the personal attention I received from the recruiter. She was very accurate and upfront about who would benefit the most from this course. The course material itself prepares you for today's cybersecurity challenges while providing a significant amount of pertinent historical data that shows how we arrived at where we are. The instructors went to painstaking measures to ensure we under the concepts leaving no students behind. 
And then the creme-de-la-creme. All the help that was provided with resumes and virtual presence helped me land my new career.

I really think enthusiasm and a positive environment are the best catalysts for learning and Brendan provided just that. Learning how to code this quickly can be an intimidating process, and we covered a lot of material. Brendan and Amadeo both were fantastic mentors and teachers and made themselves available for hours of questions and debugging and I am so grateful for that. 

This course gave us all the tools we needed to dive headfirst into a new career in tech, including career prep with Laura! Laura was instrumental in helping us during the post-bootcamp job hunt; she is a wealth of knowledge and it shows that she loves her job. 

Overall I have nothing but great things to say about this experience. 10/10 would highly recommend. Thank you for everything, Fullstack team!

This was a great experience for me. I would recommend this program to anybody who had any interest in web development. 

I started this bootcamp with little knowledge or understanding of what goes into being a web developer. I followed my instincts, took a risk, and I'm so glad I did. I have experienced the full range of emotions during my time in the bootcamp but the most prominent feeling at this time is one of accomplishment. This was the program I needed to help me break into developing myself as a web developer. This bootcamp gave me a path I can follow for my future success. It also gave me the tools to start creating. The foundation is set and now I can expand.

Some of my most favorite and stressful time was during the project weeks. This was a chance to team up with classmates, use the tech that we've been learning, and to be as creative as we possibly can. It could be very thrilling and stressful.

Speaking on the teaching staff, I thought they did a great job with teaching so many new developers. My instructor was great at teaching new concepts and getting ideas across. He was very professional and patient. He was knowledgeable and open about the realities of being a developer. I was stuck several times and he helped me get over those challenges. Also, the TAs that were part of my cohort, were awesome as well to work with. I always felt like I could reach out to them for help and get a response. Ultimately, the people you interact with the most help enhance the experience and shape what you take away from the bootcamp. I was very fortunate for my instructor, TAs, and fellow peers. As those are the people I had to lean on when I needed some extra help. 

To the curriculum, they introduced over 24 technologies to us that was outlined from day one. They definitely teach you the tech you need to build a full stack website or web app. These full-stack tools that I've come away with from this bootcamp will be my foundation that everything builds from. I am very excited and pleased with what I've learned in this short time. Now I need to refine what I've learned and curate my skills and style. In my opinion, this is where things get exciting for a developer.

The pace of the classes were just right for me. Any slower, and I don't know how we would have gotten through all the material needed by the end of the program. Any faster, and I wouldn't of kept up as well as I did. I was slightly behind the whole program but I was able to complete the program requirements with high marks. 

There are so many resources available for a student starting with your instructor, TAs, and peers. They have tutors available to students by schedule. I never took advantage of this resource, but I wish I had. I heard a lot good feedback from students about their tutoring sessions. You can also post questions to the bootcamp website and get a response in reasonable time. My instructor went above and beyond with curating resources to share on a weekly basis. These links definitely helped prepare me for the coming class or week of material. 

In addition to the material and resources, they also have a career connections service in the bootcamp. I wasn't able keep up my career connections during the bootcamp so I am tackling all of my milestones after the bootcamp. I am very grateful these services are available for three to six months afterward. This gives me time to build on my skills and confidence as I transition into the workforce. 

I have been a stay-at-home dad for the last 10 years with four kids at home. I am 41. I chose the part-time course (Felt like a full time experience to me) and I'm so proud to say that I have completed the bootcamp. If you're willing to show up and put forth your best effort, you will do fine in this program. Enjoy the experience the best you can but take it seriously. You paid good money for it and the people you are interacting with are professionals. No need to waste anyone's time. You definitely get out of this program what you put in. 

This was the program I needed to start myself on a developer's path. Now I just need to do the post work and transition work. 

Fullstack Academy provided me with several tools and a feeling of confidence to pivot careers into a new industry. From programming, connecting with others, and leveraging my past experiences, I was able to land several small tech roles after graduation before landing a larger contract. Because I came from a nontraditional background without any connections in tech, each section within the program was a new experience for me. From frontend designs to backend servers, from mock technical interviews and making connections via LinkedIn, I found value in nearly every lesson of the program.

While many of the lessons and topics can be learned online via Youtube or another platform, FSA’s structure facilitated growth, gave me and my cohort a strong baseline, and encouraged continuous development. That being said, it is not perfect. Due to the rapid pace of the curriculum and frequent changes in technology, what is taught in the program can be forgotten or depreciated in a quick manner. We covered full-stack JavaScript, but covering the material and creating several projects is not the same as mastering a programming language. At the end of the day, it is up to you to understand the material, put it into practice, and keep up to date with the current technologies. If you want to become a developer or engineer, Fullstack Academy can provide and help you with the tools, but it is your job to master them. You will have an instructor and a TA, so use them for advice, ask them questions, and get as much information as you can from them! If you thrive in structure, need a community for support, and are willing to learn post-boot camp, this is a great option for you!

With the current state of the industry (2022-2023), it is difficult to gauge if the skills I acquired during Fullstack Academy were refined enough to truly be “job ready” after graduation. During my first few months of interviews, I found myself rather lost, struggling, and consistently failing to pass technical interviews, build the take-home projects (while simultaneously working my old job), and be noticed by recruiters. It was not until I started looking at roles adjacent to Software Engineering and Software Development that I found something that I enjoyed and succeeded in interviews. Because of the skills in JavaScript, React, Express, CSS, and other technologies learned throughout the program, my cohort and I found success and were often moved into the next round of interviews in the fields of QA engineering, SDET, Technical PM, Technical Writing, and more.

Throughout the entire year-long job search, there were several ups and plenty of downs. Despite this, career success with Laura McClernon was an absolute lifesaver. From the curated weekly job position list (which always resulted in high response rates), alumni chats, connection and job hunt walk-throughs, resume and LinkedIn reviews, and encouragement throughout the process, Laura was an absolute treasure. If career success was not part of Fullstack Academy’s program, I would have given up on the job hunt long ago.

Overall, I am grateful and supportive of the team at Fullstack Academy. They provide a great foundation for those looking to develop their skills and change careers. Their program is not for everyone; however, it is perfect for those who thrive in structure, routine, and learning more than what the lecture slides say. The skills—programming and soft skills—introduced throughout the program create a solid foundation for you to develop, create a network, and earn a role in the tech industry. Ultimately, Fullstack Academy provides you with the technical tools and career success resources, but it is up to you to maintain the tools, access the resources, and continue learning after graduation.