Rating:  Summary: Questions useful, technical review missing Review: This book is decently written. It's humorous, covers most of the necessary topics, and it's obvious that the authors know what they're talking about. Unfortunately, the book also appears to have been written over a weekend, as it is rife with typos. This can be very distracting (and potentially devestating on test day) for the Cisco novice that this book targets. The book comes with a CD with various tools to test your knowledge, such as practice tests, but this unfortunately also appears to be hastily written. Some of the programs don't even appear to be fully implemented (ie, click on a button and it takes you to a blank page). All in all, not a bad book, but I would avoid using it as your sole source of information, as it is just not trustworthy enough.
Rating:  Summary: Decent study guide, but poorly edited Review: This book is decently written. It's humorous, covers most of the necessary topics, and it's obvious that the authors know what they're talking about. Unfortunately, the book also appears to have been written over a weekend, as it is rife with typos. This can be very distracting (and potentially devestating on test day) for the Cisco novice that this book targets. The book comes with a CD with various tools to test your knowledge, such as practice tests, but this unfortunately also appears to be hastily written. Some of the programs don't even appear to be fully implemented (ie, click on a button and it takes you to a blank page). All in all, not a bad book, but I would avoid using it as your sole source of information, as it is just not trustworthy enough.
Rating:  Summary: Not nearly enough info for the CCNA exam Review: This book is misleading in its ability to prepare a person adequately for the CCNA exam. The lack of familiarity with the scope and style of Cisco's test is evident in the way this book lays out the material. It is highly unlikely anyone would ever pass the CCNA with this book alone, or with experience and this book.Because information and time is important, the book that really has it all and is readable is Todd Lammle's "CCNA Study Guide" published by Sybex (it could do a better job on bridging though). I don't think that I would be so hard on this book if certification preparation claims weren't implied in the title.
Rating:  Summary: Don't bother... Review: This book is not worth your time. It will not help you pass your exam. The topics are not dealt with in enough depth to really prepare you for anything, except failure. On the included CD, the practice exams are worthless. I wish my CCNA exam was that easy!
Rating:  Summary: Good core material Review: This book really helped me get my good CCNA score of 924, because it was very readable and very well laid out with excellent tables and explanations, precise and without clutter, all the stuff one needs to know for the exam. The tough subnetting subject was a lot more enjoyable in the clear way Ron wrote the chapter with lots of worked examples to enable it to sink in better. I liked his book so much I've just ordered Network + today by the same author..Keep up the good work Ron, Jeff and Kevin, thanks for helping me through and now waiting for some CCNP books with a good sense of humour!
Rating:  Summary: CCNA for dummies.. Review: This is a good study guide, it quickly glances over the topics and gives you tons of highlights, buzzwords, charts and tables. I would not use this as a primary source as the Sybex book is much better in terms of depth, but if your just brushing up or need another poit of view I would recommend this book. Also the tests are helpful from the CD because you can customize it. T My only one complaint on this book is the part on ip addressing and subnetting, it was a little difficult and the wording made it tricky to figure out. This was a pretty hard topic to figure out and this book did not make it much easier, but overall a good book and a good aid, not a main source of info though. Jerry.
Rating:  Summary: Good reference Review: This was the first book I read in preparing for the CCNA exam and also used it to cram before the test. This book helped give me an overview and get familier with the terminology before going on to study with Todd Lammle's CCNA Study Guide. The CCNA for Dummies is a great reference and was a good cram book for the week before the test.
Rating:  Summary: It's alright - but not on it's own Review: When preparing for the CCNA I purchased this text and found it to be a great introduction. Indeed, most all the material you'll find on the exam is covered. However, the exam requires some analysis, not just plug-and-chug answers. For a better understanding, I recommend Cisco's CCNA boxed set. I was displeased with this text because you'd occasionally find contradictions between the chapter and the Q&A at the end of the chapter. Bottom line - if you know Cisco routers, this will get you through the test. If you're new to Cisco, get a copy of the Cisco boxed set as well.
Rating:  Summary: Not for Test 640-507 Review: Words of caution. Test #640-507 was released in Aug of 2000. This book came out in April of 2000. I found out "AFTER " I read the book, took the test, didn't pass, and searched for new study material. The book cover says that it is for test 640-507 but it misses the mark. I found the book to be generally useful. Lots of good info. Everything was explained clearly. Good book to have on your desk. For test preperation, look for a newer book.
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