Customer Reviews

CompTIA Network+ Study Guide: Exam N10-004

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I bought Todd Lammle's book and found it to be instrumental to me for passing the test. I compared his test questions against other test questions and found other tests to be using outdated questions. Some of his questions could have come directly from the Net + test, they were that close.

I found his lesson layout to be helpful, teaching you the various basics you need to know. Then building off of them to take you to the next level. There is some critical things you need to memorize and Todd tells you what you need to remember. You might not know why at the time, but you'll be glad you took the time to memorize the lists, by the next chapter or two.

I found for me, the best study technique was to sit with the book and a stack of index cards. I would make flash cards as I read each chapter. I did every exercise and worked every practice test. I would start each day retaking the previous chapter's test, to help me remember what I learned the day before. Then, I would read the next chapter, while making flash cards. Then I would do the labs and take the post chapter test. Anything I missed, I would go back and study that relevant section until I realized what I got wrong and why.

My only beef with the book is that some of the test questions got the answers wrong, they should have been better proofed. But then again, being able to tell what the correct answer was and knowing what's a wrong answer, is a testament to how good the training is.

After 3 weeks of study, I took the Net + exam. I finished the exam in less than 30 minutes, and did not even go back and review any questions. I passed the exam with 875 points out of a possible 900. I'd say that shows how good the training actually is.

As someone that has read countless technical resource and exam prep books, I am used to the typical "here are facts, good luck learning them" style of writing. However, I found the CompTIA Network+ Study Guide to be a different read and in a much better way. I have been increasingly more careful giving books five stars, but I feel Lammle deserves five stars with this guide. I was impressed by the breadth of information given all while explaining details in a easy to learn (and remember) way.

I consider this edition to go beyond a mere study guide. This book can serve as a reference tool just as much and will likely stay on my bookshelf for a long time. This study guide is recommended for both those that are new to networking or those that have been in the networking/IT world and wish to finally pursue certification.

The book is well organized and provides clear explanations. Illustrations and additional tips/points are provided throughout the entire guide. If you study this book and use all of the provided material there is no doubt you will be on your way to certification. But again, keep this as a reference!

The CD included with the book is a great addition. Most technical books include some digital resources, but with this edition you get a PDF of the book. Take it with you on your mobile device, desktop or other PCs, or just keep a digital copy for quick reference at a later date. There are also some other handy digital resources including study aides and practice exams.

Going in, just let me say I tend to prefer the Transcender products. That said, I was quite pleased with the Network+ Study Guide from Sybex. At well over 700 pages, there is a lot of information provided, which also means a lot of information to be digested. The author breaks down the info extremely well, chapters are logically and appropriately divided by topic, and Mr. Lammle has a nice writing style, presenting the text in a way that makes it more pleasing to read than one might expect for a technical book.

You can use it for the certification test, of course, but I would also recommend it for someone looking to learn "Networks 101". Unlike some products, it doesn't start off assuming you already have a good deal of knowledge on the subject.

The review quizzes in the book are good and the CD study guide was helpful. It includes exams and electronic flashcards, which you can put on your PC. It also includes the entire book as a PDF file so you can take it with you and study on your laptop, on the go, etc.

The author also pinpoints some specific information you will need for the tests. If you take your time and read this and study it, you should be prepared for the test (N10-004). I would look for more titles from this author based on this book.

Edit: It's worth mentioning here that Mr. Lammle felt the need to badmouth me personally, call into question my own level of knowledge then delete the posts where he does so. I've reposted them in comments below here what he's said so you get an accurate picture of the author and his "standards".

As it is, i'm a junior network administrator. I hardly know everything, but I know enough to know misinformation, and typos, and contradictions. I first read Mike Meyers' Net+ book and it was very well done, very informative with a very small amount of typo's, and what typo's there, didn't cause any confusion("teh"/"the" instead of "568A"/586A"(note the transposed "6"). It isn't just once though, typo's like that happen often enough to make you question which one is actually correct. If that weren't bad enough, so much of content is just wrong. For example at the end of chapter 3, in arguably the most important part of the chapter, that labeled "EXAM ESSENTIALS", it lists the differences between 568A and 568B as "568A is for a straight through cable and 568B is for a crossover". A cross over is created when you terminate a cable using both standards. That's just one example of flat out wrong information.

A second beef with this book is the practice test. As I mentioned above, I read Meyers' book first, and then went looking for another book to get another perspective on topics I didn't fully understand(without resorting to RFC's and the like). I also wanted something with a good practice test engine. I can't even begin to describe how awful the "test" is. First, it's just each multiple choice question ripped from the end of every chapter so you'll have answered everything already(most likely incorrect). They didn't even bother to put some randomization in there, ever question is in the same wording, the same order. A good number of the questions don't even make any damned sense and you're left to guess. "How many wires are used in UTP during transmission?" I don't know, are we talking 10/100baseT or 1000baseT. Protip: If you go with this guide, assume the highest/largest of something when they don't specify, typically that's the answer. In that case it's 8 wires, which is correct if you're running a gigabit lan, but if you're on a 100baseT lan, you're using 2 pairs(4 wires), 2tx and 2rx. This is only the first 2 chapters i'm talking about here. I can't even imagine the awful information when they start talking about routing protocols or, god forbid, fiber modes, distances and speeds. *shudder*

Don't buy this "guide".

The book is great, too bad the practice and chapter exams suck. Not only could the test engine be a lot better, there are several wrong answers in the practice exam. Whatever you do get the errata from the web page. At the last minute I panicked and bought more practice questions from somewhere else, but don't waste your time and money. Everything you need for the exam is in this book. Make sure you're getting the right book for the right exam and disregard anything else that doesn't say N10-004.

Except for the extra test questions that were useless, this book was my only resource in preparing for the exam. I passed at 92% and finished in a half hour. There were a few parts I didn't memorize enough, but the information is definitely in there and the test questions in the book were right on, I just wish there were more of them.

I'm in the process of selling my textbooks and I will probably be keeping this one. There is a ton of great information in here. The shortcut to subnetting is great and saves a ton of time on the test.

I'm sure Mr. Lammle must have access to the exams because it was like reading parts of the book in the exam, it's written well and goes from nothing to Networking. It's a tough subject and it will take effort and time to study and get through this. But this is the only book you need to pass and I like his style of presenting the information. When I go for my CCNA later on, I'm getting Mr. Lammle's book.

I wanted to get a Net+ cert. for my resume and after reading the reviews on Amazon I picked this book. I have a little over a year of IT experience and don't have any other certs at the moment (A+, CCNA, etc.). Going through this book over the course of 6-8 weeks (and the study schedule was less than rigorous) prepared me very well for the Net+ exam. I'd call 881/900 a pretty decent go at it (720 is passing).

How quickly you get through the book probably depends upon previous knowledge and experience, but if you're relatively new it will cover majority of the points. If you're dedicated to learning the content, I'd advise finding resources online when you encounter tough sections, being wary that not everything on the internet is true. I used a CCNA tutorial (free, of course) online to work through some subnetting before it 'clicked'.

I'd have liked more test-like questions included on the CD and you should be aware that there are still some errors in the book and more noticeably on the CD (questions and flash cards). Some errors still don't show up on the errata section for this book on Sybex's website (which you should visit). Like others have said though, the fact that I was able to determine that there were errors speaks to 1) the book's thoroughness and 2) my thoroughness in reading the book.

A great guide for the Exam and practical experience. I got 863 out of 900!

The first four chapters were a little tedious for me as I knew almost all I can know about tcp/ip protocol. IPv6 stuff was fun though.

Later on the book picks up it's pace and I really did learn allot about vpn switches and other sections. I am highly technical and studyied Networking at university, so the pace later on was just right for me (if a little slow up till chapter 8).

The language though is very accessible with allot of practical stories. If you are a smart amatuer this book should be ideal.

Highly recommended, would buy Todd's books again. Thinking of ccna now!

"CompTIA Network+ Study Guide" is a must-read for anyone who needs to learn more about the world of computer networking. The book's cover announces it is tailored for the new Network+ Certification (Exam N10-004). What follows is part exam, part practice lab and all study guide. Mr. Lammle, also the author of CCNA Certification Kit: Exam 640-802, never loses sight of his goal. There are review quizzes of twenty multiple choice questions at the end of each chapter as well as two bonus practice exams on the included CD.

Why bother to become certified? As Todd Lammle writes in his introduction, "Certification is one of the best things you can do for your career if you are working in, or want to break into, the networking profession, because it proves that you know what you're talking about regarding the subjects your certified in.

There is a lot to admire in this massive study guide. Empressively, the author pile-drives through all of this material in about 730 pages, systematically presenting it in twenty chapters. Mr. Lammle includes real-world scenarios and exam essentials in each chapter "that identify critical areas you must be proficent in before taking the exam." Most student's memory of study guides are of wrong quiz answers and bone-dry text. Contrary to general expectations, Mr. Lammle has an engaging style -- unusual for technical writings. Each chapter contains helpful illustrations, charts, diagrams and photos.

Mr. Lammle suggests the reader begin with the assessment test. Then study each chapter, complete the Written Lab at the end of each chapter, answer all the Review Questions. Test yourself of the bonus exams and review the electronic flash cards.

If you are determined to pass the CompTIA's Network exam, it is the book for you. It contains all the information logically presented you will need to successfully pass the test with confidence.

When I say "Good Read", I mean that the writing style is casual as if the author is speaking to you personally. Many technical books are written in what I call "lecture style" - much more matter-of-fact and sterile. Lecture style isn't such a bad thing if the writing is not confusing, complicated, and/or wordy. How many of us (show of hands, please) have read text books written so that we find ourselves re-reading the same sentences over and over as we try to understand what the author is trying to say? A good writer can make even the difficult and/or boring understandable and sometimes even entertaining. Mr. Lammle accomplishes this with his writing style.

A big plus for me is that answers to written labs and quizzes immediately follow - they are not in an appendix at the end of the book. The general layout of the book is good.

I prefer pop-up books personally. All kidding aside, there are ample pictures and illustrations. We humans learn more and retain longer when abstract concepts (words formed by ink on paper) are skillfully reinforced with good graphics.

Finally, the content is accurate and more than complete. One reviewer even complained that there was more material than necessary. Give me a break. The problem with a lot of aspiring IT folks these days is that they want to learn just enough to pass an exam. Do you want to be a real IT pro? Then don't be one of those guys.

I got this book because Network+ certification is becomming a requirement in my organization for anyone who wants to be an administrator of their work PC. I also wanted to better understand some of the networking terminology that is used on my project.

The book is well organized and starts off with the basics, progressing to more advanced topics. There are plenty of pictures and illustrations to help convey difficult points. Review questions are available at the end of each chapter so you can gauge where you need to apply additional attention. A study guide is included on the CD that comes with the book and there are pointers for taking the certification exam.

I am in the middle of studying this book now and I plan to use it as a sole source for preparing for Exam N10-004. So far, I would definitely recommend this study guide for anyone seeking a greater understanding of networks or those wanting a certification.