I want to be a DBA but where do I start?

A very FAQ for me is "I want to be a DBA but where do I start?" Man, that is such an open ended question. What is your background? Do you already do any programming? Are you familiar with Linux, Unix or Windows? Do you do any OS, Network or other database administration currently?

Of course my first response is usually read my blog. ;-) Since they are asking me the question, I kind of have to assume they are already doing that.

I was asked this question again just the other day. This particular person is a PHP developer with a MySQL background. He's also working on a Master's in IS. Based on these, I took the approach that it was just a matter of finding the starting point rather than skill building. He was also interested in getting certified.

Here is my answer:

My recommendation for starting points would be to sign up at otn.oracle.com. It's free and is the one stop shop for everything oracle. Download 11gR2 and get it installed. Oracle gives all the software away free with a developer's license.

Get thee to tahiti.oracle.com. You can get the docs at otn but the index at tahiti is nicer. Check out the 11g 2 day dba. Master that and you've made a good start.

For certs, I used the sybex books as a study guide and used selftest software for practice tests. I only did the sql and pl/sql certs and then stopped but I've been thinking about finishing up.

Obviously, I didn't go into a step by step detailed introduction. I think that based on his background, this is enough to get him started.

How do you answer when someone asks you this question? Point them to OTN? To a book?

Let me know.

LewisC