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💻 Windows vs. Linux, Who Pays More + My Top Tech Tools This Week

Author

Michael Bowden
May 10, 2025

In partnership with

THE_LOG_FILES#SHOW LOG

IN TODAYS EMAIL:

  • 🎯 Today’s Focus: The CISA Certification

  • 🛠 Resource of the Week: My Amazon Store

  • The Bigger Picture: Windows Gets You In, Linux Gets You Paid

CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS TO WATCH:

🎯 Today’s Focus: The CISA Certification

aka the Certified Information Systems Auditor

Whether you’re pivoting into security or looking to level up without touching a firewall — this post is for you.

💡 What is CISA?

CISA is an ISACA certification designed for pros in:

✔️ IT governance

✔️ Audit & assurance

✔️ InfoSec process oversight

It’s globally respected and gives you a credential that says: “I don’t just know tech — I know risk, compliance, and best practices.”

🧠 Why it matters:

Every org needs someone to make sure things are done right.

CISA = high trust, solid pay, and access to leadership-aligned roles in security.

📝 What’s covered in the exam:

• IS audit process

• Governance & management of IT

• Acquisition, development & implementation

• Info asset protection

📈 How to become CISA certified:

  1. Pass the exam (within the past 5 years)

  2. Have 5 years of relevant experience

    → Substitutions allowed for degrees/certs

  3. Apply for certification + pay $50

  4. Agree to their code of ethics & continuing ed

💰 Exam costs: $575 (ISACA members) / $760 (non-members)

👉 Yes, you can take the exam before you have the experience.

📚 Study Materials

ISACA hooks you up — practice tests, videos, guides, and more are all on their site. No scavenger hunt needed.

📌 Why You Should Care:

• Want to get into security but skip the heavy technical work?

• Looking to move up in your current security role?

• Want a skillset companies will always need?

CISA = your next move.

🔥 Final Take:

If you want to stay in demand — get certified, get experienced, and get paid.

Even if you’re not fully certified, passing the exam still counts — it shows you have the knowledge. You just need the hands-on time.

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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:

My Amazon Store

🛒 Browse the collection:

🔍 Categories include:

• IT certifications (CCNA, Security+, etc.)

• Study aids & lab gear

• Books to grow your career

• My favorite podcasting & productivity tools

👉 If I use it, it’s in there.

LATEST EPISODE:

The Bigger Picture: Windows Gets You In, Linux Gets You Paid

💻 Windows vs. Linux: Which One Pays You More?

Most IT pros start with Windows — it’s what we know.

But Linux? That’s where the bag really lives 💼💰

🎯 In this episode, I break down:

• Real pros + cons of Windows vs. Linux

• Which one gets you hired faster

• Which one helps you earn more

• Where each OS shows up in the tech stack

• Entry-level vs. senior role salary comparisons

🧠 Bottom line:

Windows gets you in the door.

Linux helps you run the place.