Oracle Database Discussions

Hi,
I am an Msc Computer Science fresher residing in India (Kerala State). I want to do Oracle DBA certification. As I am an fresher to this database I want to start from the beginning itself for my career. Now the Oracle 11g has been released this month. Most of the training centres in South India are teaching the older versions like Oracle 9i, 10g etc.

So for a newer one like me which should be good for me to start up my career in Oracle technologies as an DBA. Is it from the current 11g release or from the Oracle 9i. If from 11g then plz tell me from where I can get certified in and around South India to build up my career.
Beyond the complete certification (I think up to 4 papers) is there any crash course in this field to complete the course very quickly and to get an job related to it.

I want to know also about the DBA certification in Linux. In which area it is more good idea to be certified? whether in Linux or someother......
Which one have better job opportunities available in upcoming years...

Please help me to select the right decision to start up my IT career with strong base.....

With regards,
Anoop K

Message was edited by:
Anoop K