Rating: 
Summary: A ten star rating for a first rate book and author.
Review: When I took my A+ tests I used the second edition of Mike Meyers book. This choice was based on a recommendation from several people and I was certainly glad I did. Now that I am a technical instructor there is no doubt as to what I will use on the classroom to help the students pass the newest exam - the third edition.Mike Meyers is the master of the A+ exam and this book is loaded with more than enough information to pass the exam. After reading through the book I can now understand what made this book one of the most anticipated books, the author simply covers everything in great detail and makes sure you are fully prepared for the exam. About the only thing this book doesn't do is take the exams for you. Updated to the newest exam, this 1260 page book starts with the breakdown of the pc, moves on to microprocessors, ram, bios and motherboards, buses, power supply, modems, printers, portable computers, storage systems, cd-roms, sound and video. Thinking you might be done, not even close. Meyers then breaks down operating systems starting off with DOS, and then to Windows 3.X and 9.X. Excellent coverage for NT and 2000 are also a major part of this book. Finally you have coverage of the networking side of things and the information goes far beyond the A+ arena. Normally this would be enough material and information for anyone, but what separates Mike Meyers from the rest of the pack is the other things his books include. There is review Questions, information beyond the A+ objectives, pictures, figures, tables, screen shots and even a pull out poster of the motherboard. Every section is detailed yet easy to follow and understand and comprehend. The book includes a cd-rom that has 6 practice tests, if this is not enough you can go to the Total Seminars website and order more. There are video clips, tools and utilities for technicians completing and rounding out what I would say is probably the best and must buy for every technician on any level.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding resource, even after you pass
Review: I passed the A+ years ago, and I still pull the 2nd edition off the shelf when I need a hardware reference. Can't wait to get my hands on the new edition!
Rating:
Summary: Accept no substitutes!
Review: Head and shoulders above the competition. The best explanation of how a PC actually works I've ever seen anywhere. Covers all the A+ HW and OS competencies very thoroughly, with clear explanations and sample questions to practice with, and best of all, this book actually has a sense of humor! Mike Meyers RULZ!
Rating:
Summary: Can I add another star!
Review: WOW! WOW! WOW! This guy is great! Mike ROCKS! This book is so clear and easy to read and understand! Why does it seem so hard when other books try to explain this stuff? I sent him an email and he responded in one hour!
Rating:
Summary: This is what you need
Review: this book is what you dream for A+ certification. You just find everything you want to pass the exam from the 1st time.
Rating: 
Summary: Do you like antique equipment?
Review: I teach a college course in computer hardware and used Mr. Meyers' book. There were a few minor technical errors, but noting major. What I had a problem with was the intensity with which he covered older technology and operating systems, and then glazed over material that my students would see later on the exams. I have subsequently moved over to a different book.
Rating:
Summary: Mike Meyers is all you need
Review: I used the Mike Meyers book exclusively and passed both exams without a problem. Unlocking the supplemental questions on the CD was a HUGE help in preparing AFTER I had read the material. If you are considering taking the exams, I would wait until some good study guides/books are written for the 2001 version of the test that will take effect after March 30, 2001. Ty Percy, A+
Rating: 
Summary: A+ Instructor Rates Book Poor for preparing for exam
Review: I have had to teach several classes form this book. Students complain to me on a regular basis. It is hard to read for someone with no technical experience. The book covers several areas in grave detail. It then leaves other areas of A+ with a lot to be desired. For instance there are 20 chapters in this book. Four chapters are on the DOS\Windows portion. You can not expect to pass the exam with just the book. There seems to be a lot of page fillers in this one. I have read several A+ books and this rates at the bottom. Please do yourself a favor and buy another book. Adam Roberts A+, Net+, MCT, CNI, CNE, MCSE Instructor
Rating: 
Summary: Great Study Tool, It Worked For Me :)
Review: Michael Meyer's book was a great asset in my A+ certification goals. I used it as an additional supplemental book to the PC Repair/A+ Certification course I took. It gave me the needed edge and push to pass the exams. Meyer's book is VERY easy to read and follow and is also extremely comprehensive, particularly for the Core objectives. The diagrams and charts, both technical pictures, diagrams and cartoons illustrate his points very well. The book is written in a way that explains extremely well how the technology develops. Meyers makes a strong effort to make sure you understand the concepts which is very important for passing the exam. He does more than "prep you for the exam." He preps you for a career as a technician. I believe this book will be great for "beginners." It you are an experienced technician who just wants to get ready for the exam, this book may be more "remedial" for you. After reading the book you come away with a great understanding of how computers work. It may not be so much of a "study" book. I think of it more as a "foundation" book. After reading it though, I believe you come away with more than enough knowledge to pass the exam because the book gives you that strong foundation. Whether or not this book is your "one-stop" resource for passing the exam is more a matter of the individual. For myself, I took a prep class and used additional training software. This book filled in many of the gaps for me and did n fact provide me with additional and stronger background into the technologies. Summing it up, I can only see this book as a help for you in your quest to become A+ Certified. It won't hurt you. It worked for me. Good: VERY COMPREHENSIVE AND EASY TO READ. Great for novices. Awesome prep tool for the Core in particular. The author shows a true mastery and understanding of the technologies and he passes it on well. Easy to follow charts and illustrations. Comes with CD-ROM with four 25 question practices tests with additional "locked" practice tests that can be bought for a fee of $79. FREEBIES!!! The CD also comes with diagnostic software you can use on the job or at home. Definite winner!!!! So-so: Practice tests are okay. I used the free ones that come with the book. Not bad, but you may find better practice testing software out there (like MCP Prep or NIIT) Coverage for the Windows/DOS portion was not as extensive as the Core, but still adequate. He goes over EVERYTHING you need to know. Bad: If you are a seasoned tech this book may go into TOO MUCH depth for you. You may consider a regular "study guide" like the Exam Cram book. Note: Keep in mind though, the A+ exam will be revised in Jan. 31, 2001, so this book will not be current. However, given his track record, I would think his future updated editions will be just as comprehensive and effective. Meyers is a winner.
Rating:
Summary: excellent for dos/windows exam
Review: This is an excellent book for PC novices. The author really teaches you about PCs as well as how to pass the A+ exam. The section on DOS/Windows is superb. If you don't pass the exam it's your fault!
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