Review of CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

If you want to learn about switched networking, voice and wireless, this is an excellent text.It is well written, easy to read and understand.I especially liked the wireless section, which explained Cisco's LWAPP architecture. I am using some of the concepts in my enterprise network designs.

But,the reason I bought the book was to supplement my networking experience in helping me pass the 642-812 exam.I diligently studied this book along with an older 642-811 text, took notes, reviewed the material, took the pratice exams from the CD, and praticed configuring Cisco switches. This method worked well for me in the past, scoring high on most exams (this one was for recertification).

For some reason Cisco has made this exam MUCH more difficult than past exams. The exam questions were much more complex than the pratice questions in the book and CD.My suggestion would be to read this book, but suppliment it with other material and EXTENSIVE hands on switch configuration and analysis.

Product Description

CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide

Fourth Edition

• Master all 642-812 exam topics with the official study guide
• Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes
• Review key concepts with foundation summaries
• Practice with hundreds of exam questions on the CD-ROM

David Hucaby, CCIE® No. 4594

CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, is a best of breed Cisco® exam study guide that focuses specifically on the objectives for the BCMSN exam. Successfully passing the BCMSN 642-812 exam certifies that you have knowledge and skills necessary to implement scalable multilayer switched networks.

CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, follows a logical organization of the BCMSN exam objectives. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing readers' retention and recall of exam topics. Lead network engineer and consultant David Hucaby shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve your switching knowledge through the use of the consistent features in each chapter. "Do I Know This Already?" quizzes open each chapter and allow you to decide how much time you need to spend on each section. Exam topic lists and Foundation Summary tables make referencing easy and give you a quick refresher whenever you need it. Scenario-based exercises help you think about exam objectives in real-world situations, thus increasing recall during exam time. Challenging chapter-ending review questions help you assess your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.

The companion CD-ROM contains a powerful testing engine that enables you to focus on individual topic areas or take complete, timed exams. The assessment engine also tracks your performance and provides feedback on a module-by-module basis, presenting question-by-question remediation to the text.

Well regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, and challenging review questions and exercises, this book helps you master the concepts and techniques that will enable you to succeed on the exam the first time.

David Hucaby, CCIE® No. 4594, is a lead network engineer for a large medical environment using Cisco multilayer switching and security products. He also is an independent networking consultant focusing on Cisco-based solutions for healthcare and banking clients.

The official study guide helps you master all the topics on the BCMSN exam, including

• Spanning Tree Protocol concepts

• Virtual LAN (VLAN), VLAN trunking, and inter-VLAN routing

• Gateway redundancy technologies and protocols

• Wireless LAN topologies, components, connectivity, and standards

• Implementing a Cisco Unified Wireless Network

• Wireless client access

• Access layer voice concepts

• Preventing and mitigating attacks against switched network security

Companion CD-ROM

The CD-ROM contains an electronic copy of the book and more than 200 practice questions for the BCMSN exam, including simulation-based questions, all available in study mode, test mode, and flash card format.

This volume is part of the Exam Certification Guide Series from Cisco Press®. Books in this series provide officially developed exam preparation materials that offer assessment, review, and practice to help Cisco Career Certification candidates identify weaknesses, concentrate their study efforts, and enhance their confidence as exam day nears.

Category: Cisco Certification

Covers: BCMSN Exam 642-812

$59.99 USA / $74.99 CAN

About the Author

David Hucaby, CCIE No. 4594, is a lead network engineer for the University of Kentucky, where he works with healthcare networks based on the Cisco Catalyst, IP telephony, PIX, and VPN product lines. David has a bachelor of science degree and master of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky. He is the author of three previous books for Cisco Press, including Cisco ASA and PIX Firewall Handbook, Cisco Field Manual: Router Configuration, and Cisco Field Manual: Catalyst Switch Configuration.

David lives in Kentucky with his wife, Marci, and two daughters.

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Review of Serial Communications Developer's Guide (Paperback)

This book has lots and lots and lots of good information.

I read a few of the beginning chapters on serial port communications, and then skimmed stuff about the history of RS232, including BIOS interfaces, etc...

Thething that i found amazing was the variety of information.The author, forexample, actually includes a home-brew windowing system.you can tell thatthis guy loves to do what he does, and he likes to think about *every* partof the system, from the O/S, to the user interface, to the softwaredesign.

I went to the Win32 section, since I wanted to use the windowscommunications API.I was able to write my application in less than 7days!, so its better than a "in 21 days book!"however, i havebeen using Win32 for quite some time.

i also got, and will probablyreturn, Serial Port Complete because I have Parallel Port Complete (a gem)and the content seems to overlap.

the Serial Communications Developer'sGuide, IMO, will awe you with both minute technical detail as well as agood dose of pratical system level insights!

Product Description
Thoroughly revised and updated with new material on the 32-bit windows platform, this comprehensive guide delivers everything you need to write robust applications for embedded, data logging, point-of-sale, and other communications systems. You'll get a complete introduction to serial communications basics, tips on getting the most out of Windows APIs, methods for maximizing data exchange rates over high-speed modems, and the latest techniques for object-oriented programming. Featuring a CD-ROM packed with ready-to-run code modules, this is the one guide you need for successful serial communications development.

From the Back Cover
Serial Communications Developer's Guide 2nd Edition Inside Find Out How to:

• Write communications programs that are easily ported between different operating systems and hardware platforms
• Access modems or other serial devices across networks
• Use standard and intelligent multiport boards
• Implement file transfer formats such as XModem, YModem, ZModem, and Kermit
• Interface with the latest high-speed modems at data rates of 57.6Kbps and higher
• Write terminal emulation code that works on a wide variety of systems
• Write communications programs t hat take advantage of Windows 95, 98, and NT communications APIs
• Use TAPI and take the mystery out of modem settings

All source code and files for use with Microsoft Visual C++ and Borland C++ included on CD-ROM System Requirements: For 16-bit programming: Computer must be able to run Windows 3.1 and Borland or Microsoft 16-bit compilers. Borland C++ 4.5 or Microsoft Visual C++ 1.52. For 32-bit programming: Computer must be able to run Windows 95/98/NT and Microsoft 32-bit compilers. Microsoft Visual C++ 5.0 or later required. The Latest Tools and Best Techniques for Fast Results Now thoroughly revised and updated with new material on the 32-bit windows platform, this comprehensive guide delivers everything you need to write robust applications for embedded, data logging, point-of-sale, and other communications systems. Expert programmer and instructor Mark Nelson gives you a complete introduction to serial communications basics, tips on getting the most out of Windows APIs, methods for maximizing data exchange rates over high-speed modems, and the latest techniques for object-oriented programming. Featuring a CD-ROM packed with ready-to-run code modules, this is the one guide you need for successful serial communications development.

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Review of The Call Center Dictionary (Paperback)

El uso del diccionario es con fines de ampliar mis conocimientos de centrales telefonicas para optener un mayor rendimiento academico en el desarrollo de mi ptoyecto de tesis de grado para optar al titulo de Ingenieria de sistemas.

Product Description
Your company needs a call center to be competitive in the 21st century. This book is your guide to the technology, techniques, and trends in today's call centers. The Call Center Dictionary contains all the information you need to: Understand: Your boss,

The Call Center Dictionary provides clear definitions of call center acronyms, terms, and technology. Stay up-to-date on this fast-paced industry!

About the Author
Madeline Bodin has been writing about call centers for over 10 years. She is a former editor of Call Center Magazine. Her books have been translated into several languages and are read around the globe. Her most recent book is Maximizing Call Center Performance.

Keith Dawson is one of the world's foremost authorities on call centers. He is the author of the popular Call Center Handbook.

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Review of The Complete E-Commerce Book:Design, Build & Maintain a Successful Web-based Business [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This book was a pretty big disappointment and obviously written before the Net bubble burst.I am very surprised by all the 5-star reviews here... makes one go hmmm...

First, the book is out of date already.Published in the beginning of 2000 means it was written in 1999 and it shows.Many of the links are dead, or the businesses have changed their focus or been taken over by someone else.The recommendations are for the time when venture capital was plenty and business plans were optional.Those days are over...

Second, this book is geared to a millionaire who has big bucks to blow.There is information on servers and RAID redudancy that is too detailed for the non-techie and too shallow for the tech savvy.I doubt many people starting up an e-business today are looking to spend close to a million.They are looking for a "guerilla" style e-commerce book to get up and running under a few thousand dollars.And, yes, it can be done!I guess I'll have to write that book if no one else does.

Third, this book is poorly edited with incorrect subject/verb agreement and accept/except style grammatical confusion.Unfortunately I have come to expect poor editing in programming books, but c'mon, this is a book written for a general audience without coding... get a decent editor!

I do give this book one star over the minimum because it does contain some good material but it is not worth buying.Find it in a library or bookstore to copy the useful information as it is not useful as a reference or worth a close read.

Product Description
Make your e-commerce vision a success with this comprehensive, step-by-step handbook. Whether your company is a startup or well-established, you'll learn how to plan, implement and operate a successful e-commerce site - from selecting the right software through fulfilling orders.

The expert author starts by helping you plan the customer experience and design an effective, easy access interface. You then progress to cutting-edge programming techniques and robust server configuration. Next, you'll master site marketing, customer service, order processing, warehousing and shipping. Along the way are plenty of real-world examples of Web sites to explore so you can learn what to do - and what not to do. Using this book as a tutorial and a reference, you'll learn how to:

-Create a custom business model for success.
-Select the software, hardware and hosting service that will best meet your needs.
-Master outsourcing, building traffic, order processing and fulfillment.
-Choose the type of site that will fit your needs by reviewing current examples of brochureware sites, online stores, subscriptions sites, cyber malls and more.
-Choose the right vendors and consultants to get the job done - and learn how to manage their work effectively.
-Build a web site that stands out form the rest.
-Keep your customers happy with easy access, prompt delivery, good customer service and continuous enhancement of site quality and content.

Business owners, Web entrepreneurs and everyone who's involved with setting up and rolling out an e-commerce site will find answers to their business and technical questions in this all-in-one handbook!

About the Author
Janice Reynolds formed Janrey Consulting in 1995 to provide technology, marketing, advertising and public relations consulting to information technology and Internet/intranet clients. In addition to her work at Janrey, Reynolds has been a leading player in several Internet startups, including wipnet.com, globalgarage.com and Town24.com. She also provides expert advice to budding entrepreneurs as the E-commerce Expert on allbusiness.com. Reynolds' publishing experience includes serving as a roving editor and writer for CMP publications; editing books on the Internet, networking, telecommunications and telephony including "The Computer Telephony Encyclopedia" and writing "Logistics and Fulfillment for E-Business".

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Review of Secure Electronic Transactions Introduction and Technical Reference (Computing Library) (Hardcover)

This book describes SET payment process & protocal standands clearly. I think someone who is new to SET process can read this book and it would definetly be helpful.

Product Description
"SET" (Secure Electronic Transactions) is the electronic payment protocol recently selected by VISA, MasterCard and other major credit card companies as the new global standard for ensuring security and confidentiality when linking credit card holders, merchants, and financial institutions conducting business over the Internet. This detailed, yet reader-friendly guide to understanding this sophisticated technology will be one of the first -- if not the first -- books on this hot topic and is "must reading" for programmers and business managers who need to know how SET will impact their businesses.

Authored by a well-known conference speaker and writer for leading computer magazines, the book provides readers with a working knowledge of what electronic commerce is, and the various payment and security systems that have led to online credit card commerce, familiarity with the cryptographic extensions utilized by the SET system, the technical details behind SET, from purchase initiation, through certificate management, to data transport protocols, programming examples and computer code for constructing and rolling out a SET system.

The book includes a bound-in CD-ROM with a working demonstration of electronic commerce using the SET protocol, and ready-made protocol routines that programmers can use as a guide for SET implementation.

About the Author
Larry Loeb is the Principal of pbc enterprises. He has written and edited extensively for printed and online computer publications including BYTE, WebWeek, MacWorld, and Internet World.

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Review of OSS Essentials: Support System Solutions for Service Providers (Paperback)

This could have been *the* definitive reference on operational support systems. The author's uneven treatment of the subject and tendency to frequently go off topic or emphasize peripheral systems while leaving large gaps in the main subject have reduced this book to merely mediocre.

The strong points:the chapter on customer care and billing processes is remarkable.Here is a list of things that caught my attention and make this chapter so valuable: (1) the customer care maturity model is well thought out and serves as an excellent benchmarking tool, (2) the customer analysis and acquisition is on the mark, and (3) the customer interface management process and associated diagram comprise an excellent model for OSS processes.I also thought the way the author covered the problem handling process represents best practices, as does the section on SLA management.This is the stuff OSS is made of and it's covered both well and contains ideas and models in which service providers will be interested.The chapter provisioning and order processing is also strong and filled with excellent information for those who are seeking OSS-specific knowledge.

Weaknesses: Not only does this book overemphasize the network operations, which is important, but not central, but the author manages to drop this information into unexpected areas throughout the book. An example:Section 4.4 is an engrossing piece on the sales process that is succinct and filled with information, including tables and a diagram that reinforce the excellent information the author is imparting. Right in the middle of all this is a diagram that shows the use of a DMZ to separate intranets and extranets - not something anyone interested in sales processes cares about and is a big distraction.This happens throughout the book. Also, I agree with the comments made by a previous reviewer about wasting page count on product-specific information.This information needs to be moved to a web site where it can be maintained in an up-to-date fashion.Ironically, the publisher does this for other books.Finally, there are some major gaps:(1) no mention of the TeleManagement Forum, which is a global non-profit organization that is devoted to OSS.This organization has a technology integration map and numerous OSS-related processes that are De Facto standards in the OSS world, yet no mention of the organization and no mention of the wealth of material available that is directly related to OSS.(2) Section 7.4, which addresses migration from an existing to new billing system, misses some key considerations, which could have been developed into a discussion of strengths and weaknesses.For example, how do you segment and migrate subscribers?By CSA? Bill cycle? Region?Price plan? As the industry consolidates this particular issue keeps cropping up and a more in-depth treatment here is warranted.(3)No mention of TL 9000, which is an encompassing quality standard for telecommunications service providers.A portion of this standard applies directly to OSS.

Overall, this book contains some of the best information about OSS that has been collected and compiled into a single book.In fact, it's the only book on the subject. What is needed to make it great is a strong editor who understands OSS and who is not reticent about removing large pieces of superfluous material from this book.More information about standards that are directly related to OSS should also be included.If you work with operational support systems you really have no choice but to buy this book - I just hope that the next edition addresses the weaknesses.

Product Description
A guide to mastering one of the most strategically critical aspects of any telecommunications, ISP, or ASP business
Operational Support Systems (OSS) refers to the technical infrastructure that enables telecommunications companies, ISPs, ASPs, and CLECs to provide services directly to customers. In this important book, author Kornel Terplan draws upon his 25 years of experience as a top global telecommunications consultant to provide telecom operations managers and developers with the expert information and guidance they need to make strategic decisions about OSS in their companies. He reviews protocols and technology for service support, explores best practices for service development and provisioning, and provides expert guidance on tools and human resources for the technical service provider. Throughout, Terplan's approach to teaching OSS principles and practices is to present a real business problem and then walk you through the best solution.

From the Back Cover
The ultimate business survival guide for telecommunications service providers

If you're involved in the telecommunications industry, then you know how hard it can be to develop effective support and billing systems amid the dizzying rate of change and rapidly evolving Internet technologies. In this book, Kornel Terplan teaches you how. He cuts through the deluge of protocols, business processes, and tools, and guides you through best practices and real-world solutions you'll need to succeed in the digital marketplace.

Using ample practical examples and flowcharts, Terplan shows you not only how to meet the technical and administrative challenges facing today's service providers, but also how to take advantage of emerging opportunities in voice, data, and wireless services. Whether you work with telcos, ISPs, ASPs, CLECs, or another type of service provider, you'll want to know what Terplan has to say about:

• The impact of different services and products on your company's infrastructure
• Traditional, enterprise, and Web-based protocols-from Telecommunication Management Network (TMN) to XML
• A wide range of customer issues, including QoS, customer relationship management, and the billing process
• Order processing and provisioning, from inventory and service development to security management
• Network operational processes, from performance monitoring to data collection and management
• How to integrate support, documentation, and management systems and choose from existing products
• Human resources as a critical success factor, whether in stream-lining job profiles or the art ofteam building

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