CCNA for Dummies (Paperback)

by Ron Gilster (Author) "Regardless of the motives Cisco Systems, Inc. had in developing its Career Certifications, the certification exams included in this program have become desired, sought after,..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description
What was that whizzing sound? It was you, passing the CCNA certification exam. After you've covered all of Cisco Systems' exam objectives in CCNA For Dummies, such tasks as following network protocols, routing, and maintaining network security will be new tools to add to your skill set. First, expect to become familiar with the language of the exam with the expert guidance of your certified authors. Then, find your way around the workings of the OSI model and its layers: the data link, network, transport, and upper layers. Routers become manageable as you practice commands and algorithms. And when you're comfortable with network protocols, you'll move on to LAN and WAN switching. The book's CD-ROM helps you assess your weak spots through a test engine and a variety of exam scenarios, and ten sites to boost your studying are also included. Remember: It's just a test, and at this point, it's open book! Covers: Exam 640-507

From the Publisher
Discover how to:

Review the material, objective by objective

Use Cisco software tools

Assess what you know -- and don't

Spot and avoid test traps

Answer questions quickly

Hone your skills on top test-prep software

All this and a BONUS CD-ROM with:

Dummies Test Engine, our exclusive, fully customizable test-prep software featuring hundreds of sample questions

Demo versions of EtherPeek, TokenPeek, and AGNetTools for Windows from AG Group, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (April 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764506900
• ISBN-13: 978-0764506901
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #256,838 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for Test 640-507, September 27, 2000

By	dan mayberry (san diego ca) - See all my reviews

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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Only a start, March 3, 2005

By	SRB (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: CCNA for Dummies, Second Edition (Paperback)

First of all, I would tell anyone studying for their CCNA exams to read this book first. Most of the other books on the subject are written by nerds for nerds. This book (as is true of most of the "for Dummies" series) demystifies a lot of the technology by describing it in clear language. But don't use it as your only study guide. It is NOT the only reference you're going to need to pass the exam. I also used Wendell Odom's books (published by Cisco Press). I recommend them for content but I found some of the explanations a little difficult and had to reread passages several times to get what he was saying. Also, the CCNA flash cards book (also published by Cisco Press) is a good resource. I used CCNA for Dummies, Wendell Odom's CCNA Intro and CCNA ICND, and the flash cards books to study for a recertification and did very well. If you are studying for a first time certification, I would add one more source (publsihed by Sybex or McGraw Hill--take your pick) because each author is going to emphasize different things and this is the only way to get the big picture. Regarding the quality of the practice testing software supplied with CCNA for Dummies, I ran into this with Boson (who supplied the practice tests for CCNA for Dummies and the practice tests and NetSim software to Cisco Press)--yes, some of the practice questions do have wrong answers. The QC, though, is the responsibility of the authors of the tests, not IDG, Cisco Press or Boson. The tests are buggy but the publisher is standing between you and the author. You'll beat up the publisher for selling you an inferior product but the actual responsibility lies with the author of the practice test. The only thing you can do here is know your subject so well that you know when the answers to the practice tests are wrong. As far as the practice simulators are concerned, go to Cisco's website to see what the test simulator is REALLY like. So, the bottom line on CCNA for Dummies is that this should definitely be in your arsenal but should not be the only book you use to study for the test(s). You're definitely going to need several books to do well on the exam.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book is incomplete and a disappointment, August 21, 2000

By	Jonathan W. Sygiel "Jonny B" (denver, co USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a big fan of the "Dummies" series, as I couldn't have passed my half dozen MCSE tests without their help. I was able to get some information from it, but if I had made it my primary study guide, I don't think I could have bested 55-60% on the exam. I have noticed that everyone else that reviewed this book took the 640-407 exam. This book is supposed to be for the new 507, which is the one I took. This book falls far short in covering the switching and Wan protocols on the new exam. Also, the outpost game on the CD does not function properly. I know two other people that purchase it, and none of us was able to load it. This book will help as a companion, but it should be only a minor player in your study efforts.