# Become a Pioneer!

## Free 4-Week Sysadmin Course

Be an independent pioneer on the Internet and run your own servers: **FREE** OpenBSD sysadmin course with **FREE** VPS for four weeks.

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## [Claim Your VPS Homestead Today!](/vps/vps)

## [What You'll Learn](/minutemin/bootcamp)

You'll learn how to set up your own:

# Virtual Private Network (VPN) to browse the web anonymously

# Mail server

# Webserver and web apps

# Chat network on IRC (including bots)

# File sharing server

# Firewall

# Custom subdomains (domain registration price not included)

## How to Apply

# Create a [free shell account](/shell/shell) and finish the unix101 tutorial.

# Join us over on IRC on one of our [servers](/ircnow/servers) on #shell

To qualify, you must provide one of four verification methods:

# Get a referral from a friend who is trusted by IRCNow staff

# Provide a photo ID

# Show us your personal social media/website/blog

# Provide us with work portfolio/resume

## Upgrade

At the end of the four free weeks course, you can:

# [Purchase the VPS](vps/vps) at $5USD/month. Proceeds go towards [[supporting a free network](/ircnow/goals)
# [Purchase the VPS](vps/vps) at $5USD/month. Proceeds go towards [[supporting a free network](/ircnow/goals)

# [Volunteer as staff](/ircnow/minutemin) to keep the VPS free of charge