Network+ Certification Training Kit, Second Edition (Cpg-Other)

CompTIA tests are vendor neutral, so I was interested to see what Microsoft Press would do with a non Microsoft title. Unfortunately they slip in a lot of subtle and not so subtle pro Microsoft PR fluff. Also, the book is very Microsoft centric, most of the examples in the book are from Windows. I realize this is a Microsoft Press book, but if they are going to publish books for vender neutral tests they should cut out some of the propaganda. ...The book itself is pretty well written, I didn't notice many mistakes. Its goes way more in depth that the info you need for the CompTIA Network+ test. Strangely enough, you cannot find MESH network topology anywhere in this book, even though it is a test topic, and I had 1 question on my test related to this. The CD contains the entire book plus their Network Encyclopedia, which was useful in studying for the test. It would be nice if the CD has some practice tests similar to the real test, this is not hard or expensive for them to do, every book in this price range that comes with a CD should have practice tests, IMO. I subtracted 1 star for all the pro MS fluff and 1 star for no practice tests on the CD, so its a average 3 star book in my opinion...

Just like the previous reviewer I used this book and the Coriolis Exam Prep to study for the Network+ exam, which I passed yesterday with a score of 863. There were only a very few very minor points on the exam that this book did not cover. However this book goes into far more detail than you really need for the exam, so if you work your way through this somewhat ponderous book, understand everything in it, and can answer the practice questions in the book without cheating, then you should have no problem on the exam (exam N10-001 that is - they are coming out with a revised exam real soon, so make sure to study for the right one!!). There is a small amount of pro-Microsoft propaganda in this book, as well as a modicum of Novell-bashing, but considering that this is a book from Microsoft Press, that shouldn't be surprising.

Just passed my test 1-3-02 with a score of 850. I used this book as my main study guide in addition to the Coriolis Exam Prep. It has just about all the information you need by itself to pass the exam and seems to be superior to the Coriolis book. I would recommend checking the online braindumps and using a search engine of your choice to look up additional specific references on protocols and technologies(like fiber). Even though its Microsoft Press, its not loaded with MS propaganda and doesn't bore you to death like others. This book would help you pass the Network+ exam, good luck.

(Not including my 2 1/2 years in the Networking field) No kidding I studied an average of 5 hours a week and was able to pass my Network + with a 826 out of 900. The test was very broad and a thorough review of each chapters questions more than prepared me for the Exam. - An extra 5 stars goes out to the author who filled the book with lots of detail but didn't make it boring to read -

Comptia's Network+ certification is rapidly becoming the certification needed to get the entry level technical job. With so many books on the subject and each one covering the exam objectives well what separates this book the rest of the pack - simply put the hands-on exercises.

Usually with books from Microsoft Press you get that Microsoft slant on the topics, this book is a little bit different in that it appears to be more vendor neutral in the approach. The book covers each exam objective such as network basics, OSI model, Hardware, configurations, connections, software and protocols.

Also there is over a 100 pages devoted to TCP/IP, routing and subnetting. Finally maintenance and troubleshooting round out the book. With review questions at the end of the chapters and the hands-on exercise as well this book is ready made for the classroom.

The CD-rom included has Microsoft Encyclopedia of Networking as well as the complete book. As an instructor this book will be seriously considered for the classes I teach. About the only thing left out are practice exams to try before going live. Overall a real pleasure to read.