Review of Network+ Certification for Dummies (With CD-ROM) (Paperback)

I read this book from cover to cover as my main learning aid for Network+ certification. I passed on my first try with a score of 85%. The author did a great job in the format of the book, chapters are short and point out theimportant stuff. He pounds the information into your head by summarizing itbefore going into the detail, and throughout the book he goes over theimportant stuff again. The end of chapter exams are great as well as theend of book exam. The practice tests on the CD are worth the money alone. Idid find some errors but that just helped me to understand those particularareas better. Besides, try to find a book without errors, you won't. GreatBook! Highly Reccomend!

Product Description
CompTIA, the A+, Network+, Server+, i-Net+-and the vast array of other pluses-certification outfit has revised its certification program for the hard-working network technician with an excellent general knowledge of networks and internetworking technologies. However, unlike other networking certifications, such as MCSE, CNE, or CCNA, Network+ covers all kinds of general network technology knowledge and practices, instead of revolving around just the brand-specific stuff. Apple, Microsoft, Novell, and other manufacturers and their products are included on the Network+ test, making it the true measure of a networking technician's overall grasp of networking and internetworking technology.

Obviously, you're considering Network+ certification for one of the following reasons:

• You're planning to become Network+ certified no matter what, but you don't quite know how to achieve your goal.
• You know how valuable Network+ certification is to a network technician's career and advancement.
• You're wondering just what Network+ certification is all about.
• You think that reading a Dummies book on the topic would be a fun and entertaining way to learn about computer networks and their components.

If you fit into any of these categories, then Network+ Certification For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is the book for you!

This updated edition is a no-nonsense reference and study guide for the Network+ certification exam. It focuses on the areas likely to be on the exam, plus it gives you a little background information here and there to help you understand some of the more complex concepts and technologies. The focus is to prepare you for the Network+ exam-and not to give you a long and drawn-out dissertation on networking technologies.

Here's just a sampling of what you'll find covered in Network+ Certification For Dummies, 2nd Edition:

• An overview of the exam, with explanations of basic terminology you'll find on the exam
• Networking basics you'll need to know, including tools and hardware, operating systems, and client software
• The OSI model: Putting a network together and testing your network
• Understanding TCP/IP protocols: Addressing, configuration, and utilities
• Network security and administration
• Preventing network problems and troubleshooting problems when they arise
• Top Ten lists on test day tips and online resources

You'll also find a CD-ROM full of Dummies test prep tools, plus trial versions of shareware programs geared toward preparing you for the Network+ certification exam, including Network+ Prep and PREP! For Network+. There's also a sample test at the back of the book so that you can test your knowledge.

So if you're ready to take the Network+ plunge, Network+ Certification For Dummies, 2nd Edition, can help you become certified in no time-and you may even have a little fun along the way!

From the Back Cover
Your friendly guide to Network+ exam success - now updated!

Now revised to cover the latest exam changes

The fun and easy way to study for the exam &- all the rewards in half the time!
Here's the Network+ exam test-prep guide you've been waiting for - a For Dummies book-and-software package that actually makes studying fun.

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Review of Absolute Beginner's Guide to Personal Firewalls (Paperback)

This books leaves a mixed impression. First of all, although the book is called "for absolute beginners", it is not written as a book for housewives who never saw a computer before. It is interesting, informative, and the reader is assumed to be knowledgeable and capable of making informed decisions. In fact, one has to have a certain understanding of Windows (yes, it is not oriented towards Mac users) and TCP/IP to understand what the author is talking about. The author obviously has very extensive knowledge of internet security, and the book includes much of his practical knowldge. The negative side is that less than 1/3 of the book is generic and applicable to any firewall, i.e., discusses why home networks need to be protected, and where are the potential areas of vulnerability. The rest is step by step description of how to install and configure several commercial firewalls. Frankly, I do not understand who needs all these details since installation/setup guidelines are always included in the software manual which one gets in printed or electronic form together with the purchased program, whereas it is an obvious fact that any particular version of the program gets obsolete very quickly. I doubt that any of the descriptions of software from the book remains relevant two years after the book came out in 2001. I would rather prefer to see more generic (and less dependent on the software version) discussion of how to take advantage of the features present in most firewalls (blocking certain protocols, applications, IP addresses, etc.). All this said, this book is "beginner's guide" only because it does not get into too many details of what exactly firewalls do, and how they do it. However, those few items which are discussed are covered in significant depth and on a good professional level.

Product Description

The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Personal Firewalls is designed to provide simplified, yet thorough firewall information on the most prevalent personal firewall software applications available for the non expert firewall consumer.In addition, it offers information and links to Web sites that will help you test your security after your personal firewall is installed.

From the Back Cover
The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Personal Firewalls is designed to provide simplified, yet thorough firewall information on the most prevalent personal firewall software applications available for the non expert firewall consumer.In addition, it offers information and links to Web sites that will help you test your security after your personal firewall is installed.

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