Customer Reviews

CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This huge book, or as the front cover says, 9 Books in 1, covers CompTIA A+ exams 220-601, 220-602, 220-603, and 220-604. It takes over eleven hundred pages to cover everything, and then has a CD with the 'For Dummies' test engine and hundreds of sample question.

The book basically covers two areas:

First is the material you need to know and understand about computers in order to pass the test. This covers simple things like what's a motherboard to security in networked systems. It is written in the typical 'For Dummies' manner, that is, light and easy to understand, but with all the bases covered from the big picture (is the power on) to the small details.

Second is the part specialized to the test itself. This covers everything from what the test is about, to what to do on the day of the test itself to give yourself the best possible chance of passing.

All of this is combined with the usual humorous writing common to the 'For Dummies' books that help to make them a bit more interesting. And of course there are Rich Tennant's cartoons between the major sections.

I generally like the Dummies books because they are surprisingly comprehensive and very readable. This one was no different, but I wanted to warn A+ test takers that the "Test Engine" on the cd has a large amount of bugs. Like you will choose the correct answer, but it thought you chose a different one, or the question won't match the answers, etc. There are 724 questions and I would say at least 50+ bugs. So if you use the cd (which is definitely useful) just be careful and check your answer with the book if you think the engine made a mistake. I have the 2007 edition, ISBN 978-0-471-74811-3, and hopefully they will fix the bugs in a later version.

This book was recommended to me by my tech support guy, who is very knowledgeable. I picked up this book because I am tired of not knowing how my computer works and I want to be able to help others with their computer problems, possibly in a work setting where I could increase my paycheck and/or switch jobs by getting my A+ certification.

The main drawback of this book is that it contains more than a few proofreading errors, but despite that annoyance, the content and organization of the book are very helpful. The best thing about this book is that the chapters are short, which makes the gigantic book seem a lot more manageable, and there are short quizzes at the end of each chapter which will allow you to see if you've actually retained and understood what you just read. Though concepts are generally explained simply, if you do not already have at least an intermediate knowledge of computers, many parts of this book will probably be above your head. If you're not already fairly well-versed in computers, I would recommend reading PC Troubleshooting for Dummies and learning about the innards of your computer before venturing into this book.

Book is not separated into test objectives. All 1100 pages covers all tests. If you are not wanting to take "Depot" or "Remote," You still must read ALL chapters to cover information required for basic tests. The book is very well written and explains topics in detail. If the book was separated into test objectives, I would give it 5 STARS

I have just got my A+ Certification and I think that this book was much more informative than both books that came with my class. If you want more in depth instruction,this would definately be a good choice.I told the other people in my class about the book and most said that they would get the book also.

I titled this the real story because these are the things you need to know before buying this book. First, yes its 1100 pages; big because of the "improved" A+ update. The problem isn't the size, its the organization. To become A+ certified you have to pass A+ Essentials & one "elective" (IT Technician, Remote Support, or Depot Technician) One would assume that there would be one section dedicated to A+ Essentials, and others for the aforementioned "electives" but there isn't. There are no sections that start off saying "Remote Support" then teach you everything about that particular "elective" etc. Everything is mashed together. If the book was as short as the previous version then this probably wouldn't be a problem for most people. But again its 1100 pages, of technical stuff; why read about technical stuff pertaining to Remote Support when you're studying for Depot Technician. The software is pretty much a joke. It's not adaptive (then again neither is the real exam for now) so it can't really help you learn your strengths & weaknesses. You're just being asked 750+ questions with no interactivity (no test engine at all) so it doesn't help all that much. There's also the quick assessment tests that are nothing more than pdf files that you open and read. They are 2 page files that contain between 5 & 10 questions. The first page has the questions and the second page has the questions with answers. The only reason I gave this book 2 stars is because of the amount of info in it and work that went into it, but its the worst Dummies tech book I've bought; My opinion, wait for the next release or make sure you buy study material for the "electives" you're studying for.

Bought this book to study, used this book alone for my A+, just read the book, do the practice questions on the cd and you should have no proble passing the A+. this is the best book i ever bought, passed both of the tests the first time because of this book.

When I received my delivery of the comptia A+ desk reference, I thought it would take me two years to finish. I'm on my second week and I'm half way through. The reading is easy and interesting.

If you are wanting certification this is the perfect book. Not to technical or just the right amount of technical, good for anyone looking for A+ training.

As someone new to IT ( not a complete novice, I do know how to use a mouse/keyboard and surf the web, etc. ), this book is great especially when compared with the other A+ books one can find out there. For the price it's a steal, I highly recommend it.