[flapjaxy]

Exactly, I think this thread is focusing on the utility of an environment from a mature SDec POV. Personally having a cheap R710 allowed me to practice my sysadmin, networking, security and a host of other skills that directly translated to my (then) current and future roles. I think the perception of a virtualized environment being the same is false and diminishes the sys/network/security admin's knowledge set. It's is akin to saying that writing JS is the same as Java, coding is coding. I'll also say the number of times I've been in rooms of IT pros who don't understand underlying systems, OS, or networking is disturbingly high.

Lastly, even if it is frivolous I see tinkering with hardware as part of the hacking spirit. It's fun, I like it and it gives me something to grumble about with the grey beards.

[ChuckMcM]

Here in the Bay Area I know a guy who both wires and de-wires commercial buildings for networking. It is surprising to me how many businesses move out and simply discard any equipment they installed in the POE to support their network. He gave me a Catalyst 9000 series to play with (he usually sells them to the resellers) and it was cool to be playing with "real" hardware but man, that thing was LOUD with the fans.