Pre-Course Prep?

Hey all, I’m currently in the basics course with plans to move this way after. I wondered if anyone had suggestions on things I should look into to get ready or software I should pre-install. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

I’m close to finishing the Pen Tester path, it’s definitely tougher.

I did the SOC Analyst before the Pen Tester and I feel that definitely helped.