A+ Certification Training Kit, Third Edition (IT Professional)

The A+ Certification book from Microsoft does a good job explaining the Core and Dos/Win. However, they should have an electrical engineer check their drawings on pages, 294 and 295, which are incorrect. The picture of the diode is not right, the Anode is + not - and the cathode is - not +. On page 295 the drawing of the half-wave rectifier is not correct the drawing shows it as a full-wave rectifier and it looks like it is shorting out the second diode should be reversed.

If you've studied from any of MS Press's MCSE books before, you'll feel right at home. The format is the same as those books: few photos, lots of charts and diagrams, and wordy. I found the notation of the estimated lesson time useless because everyone has different learning capabilities and has no bearing on being able to answer the questions. This type of book is more suited to experienced individuals as the information and the the way its presented may be overwhelming to novices. It comes with a CD-ROM.

I'm not a microsoft fan, but I love their books. If you already have pretty good knowledge of hardware and software this is a great first read. If your knowledge is a bit lacking, this book makes a great second read. The A+ book by Michael Meyers is an excellent first read. Studying these two books together will give you an excellent foundation in computer hardware and good knowledge in dealing with software.

Microsoft has a recommended retail price for this book of $69.99 (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1999/Apr99/A+Certpr.htm) Barnes & Nobel discounts the suggested retail, not sure why Amazon doesn't.

Probably the best A+ Certification book available in the market today!!

Thanks to Microsoft!