Network+ Study Guide (4th Edition)
Authors: David Groth, Toby Skandieri
Publisher: Sybex Inc.
Book Specifications: Paperback 560pp
Category: Certification/Networking
User Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Suggested Publisher Price: $49.99 USA/ $69.99 CAN/ GBP 34.99 UK
ISBN: 0782144063
Info from Back:
“Here's the book you need to prepare for CompTIA's updated Network+ exam, N10-003. This revised edition of the best-selling Network+ Study Guide was developed to meet all the exacting requirements of today's certification candidates. In addition to the focused and accessible instructional approach that has earned Sybex the reputation as the leading publisher for certification self-study guides, this book provides: ”
- Clear and concise information on networking essentials
- Practical examples and insights drawn from real-world experience
- Leading-Edge exam preparation software, including a test engine and electronic flashcards.
You'll also find authoritative coverage of key exam topics including:
- Media and Topologies
- Protocols and Standards
- Network Implementation
- Network Support
Introduction
I purchased this book to take a break from Microsoft testing. CompTIA's Network+ has been known for being vendor-neutral and I figured it would complement my certification base nicely. The authors both hold the Network+ certification, and the book is approved as CAQC (CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum).
The exam (compared to Microsoft exams) had a tendancy to bounce all over the place, and there were several inconsistant questions...even some that left me scratching my head. This really makes me wonder how reputable CompTIA really is, perhaps they're another small company hiding behind a big company website?
(To give you an idea of how "lost" this company is, it took over 6 months for me to get a congratulatory email for passing the exam!)
If you're considering taking the Network+ exam and wonder what lies ahead FEAR NOT! My total study time was 2 weeks, and after reading this book and the Exam Cram I scored a 788/900 (88%).
Contents
The book starts out with a quick introduction that discusses the benefits to Network+ Certification. This section also includes details about the test; how to register for it, the exam's objectives, and a few pointers to consider during study time and test time.
The Authors Write:
If you are one of the many people who want to pass the Network+ exam, and pass it confidently, then you should buy this book and use it to study for the exam. The Network+ exam is designed to measure the technical knowledge of networking professionals with 18-24 months of experience in the IT industry. This book was written with two goals in mind: to prepare you for passing the Network+ exam, and to prepare you for the challenges of the real IT world. This Study Guide will do that by describing in detail the concepts on which you'll be tested.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Assessment Test
Chapter 1 - Network Fundamentals
Chapter 2 - The OSI Model
Chapter 3 - TCP/IP Fundamentals
Chapter 4 - TCP/IP Utilities
Chapter 5 - Network Operating Systems
Chapter 6 - Wired and Wireless Networks
Chapter 7 - WAN and Remote Access Technologies
Chapter 8 - Network Access and Security
Chapter 9 - Fault Tolerance and Disaster Recovery
Chapter 10 - Network Troubleshooting
Glossary
Index
Style and Detail
These authors are great! Every chapter is quite organized and straight to the point, additionally its fed to the reader at a slow enough pace he/she isn't overwhelmed. They keep the content relevant throughout the book yet somehow make reading it less painful than most exam books.
Because certain technologies have dependancies on other technologies and theories of such, there is a nice helping of overlapping content within. I think the authors did a great job keeping it to a minimum, because some overlap is necessary.
Each chapter ends with a series of practice questions to ensure you retained the material, as well as the correct answer and the reason for it. The authors here decided to stick with content in their publication, and let the reader decide who their test source will be.
Conclusion
As an experienced IT Professional, I think this book was incredibly comprehensive and will satisfy the needs of those with or without professional experience and knowledge.
Is this book enough for the exam? I believe so. I supplimented this book with an Exam Cram book and regretted the lost weekend of "overstudy". In my opinion, if you have relative understanding of computers and how they work you could read and understand this book.
The authors did a great job of covering the material and pounding it into my head. Although, some tips/pointers for memorization of protocols and requirements of Win/Apple/Novell network integration would have been great. I was also very happy to keep my practice question source, this book comes only with the review questions at the end of chapters. (that's a good thing)
Currently this book serves as an excellent reference and I honestly think the authors know more about networking than CompTIA does. You'll find the authors do a great job making this readable and smooth-flowing.
For the outstanding job of preparing me I rate this book a distinguished 10 of 10! Sybex's Network+ Study Guide is about as good as a review book can get!
Jon Kleinhans