Security+ Certification Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram SYO-101) [Paperback]

Kirk Hausman (Author), Diane Barrett (Author), Martin Weiss (Author), Ed Tittel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0789729105 | ISBN-13: 978-0789729101 | Publication Date: April 20, 2003

A new edition of this title is available, ISBN-10: 078973804X ISBN-13: 9780789738042

 

The Security+ certification is CompTIA's answer to the market's need for a baseline, vendor-neutral security certification. The IT industry recognizes there is a need to better train, staff, and empower those tasked with designing and implementing information security, and Security+ is an effort to meet this demand. Security+ will become the baseline certification for Microsoft's new security certification initiative (to be announced in 2003). This book is not intended to teach new material. Instead it assumes that you have a solid foundation of knowledge but can use a refresher on important concepts as well as a guide to exam topics and objectives. This book focuses exactly on what you need to pass the exam - it features test-taking strategies, time-saving study tips, and a special Cram Sheet that includes tips, acronyms, and memory joggers not available anywhere else. The series is supported online at several Web sites: examcram.com, informit.com, and cramsession.com.

The accompanying CD features PrepLogic™ Practice Tests, Preview Edition. This product includes one complete PrepLogic Practice Test with approximately the same number of questions found on the actual vendor exam. Each question contains full, detailed explanations of the correct and incorrect answers. The engine offers two study modes, Practice Test and Flash Review, full exam customization, and a detailed score report.

 

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The Security+ certification is CompTIA's answer to the market's need for a baseline, vendor-neutral security certification. The IT industry recognizes there is a need to better train, staff, and empower those tasked with designing and implementing information security, and Security+ is an effort to meet this demand. Security+ will become the baseline certification for Microsoft's new security certification initiative (to be announced in 2003). This book is not intended to teach new material. Instead it assumes that you have a solid foundation of knowledge but can use a refresher on important concepts as well as a guide to exam topics and objectives. This book focuses exactly on what you need to pass the exam - it features test-taking strategies, time-saving study tips, and a special Cram Sheet that includes tips, acronyms, and memory joggers not available anywhere else. The series is supported online at several Web sites: examcram, informit, and cramsession.

The accompanying CD features PrepLogic™ Practice Tests, Preview Edition. This product includes one complete PrepLogic Practice Test with approximately the same number of questions found on the actual vendor exam. Each question contains full, detailed explanations of the correct and incorrect answers. The engine offers two study modes, Practice Test and Flash Review, full exam customization, and a detailed score report.

About the Author

Kirk Hausman has been an IT professional for more than 20 years in the roles of consultant, trainer, programmer, database administrator, IT manager, and network administrator. He is currently working as a Computer Systems Manager and Lead Security Analyst for Texas A&M University, where he is active in many university-wide ERP planning committees and multidepartmental database-development efforts. He also is employed as the North American Online Manager for Fujitsu/ICL's online training division, KnowledgePool, Inc. Kirk has his Security+ certification, among others.

Diane Barrett is an instructor and technical reviewer. Currently, she instructs at Education America, where she has spent the last two years teaching in the Computer Networking program. She is also the president of NextGard Technology L.L.C., which specializes in security-awareness training and consulting. She is a member of InfraGard, the Sonoran Desert Users Security Group, HTCIA, and ISSA. Diane has done technical editing for the Coriolis Group and was a member of Transcender's technical evaluation program until it ceased in the spring of 2002. She had recently received her degree in Business Information Systems and is continually learning and advancing her education. She currently holds the following certifications: MSCE in Windows NT and 2000, CCNA, CompTIA A+, Net+, i-Net+, and Security+. You can reach Diane at [e-mail].

Martin Weiss is an Information Security Specialist with a large employee-benefits company. His other writings include i-Net+ Exam Cram and books on A+ certification and Windows 2000 Server. He currently holds the following certifications: CISSP, Security+, A+, i-Net+, Network+, MCSE, MCP+I, CCNA, and CNA. Martin lives in New England and enjoys snowboarding, candlelight dinners, and long walks on the beach. He currently attends graduate school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He can be reached via email at [e-mail].

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Que (April 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789729105
• ISBN-13: 978-0789729101
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,228,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Adequate Review -- Worth The Bucks, November 4, 2003

By 

Hugh K. Boyd - See all my reviews

This review is from: Security+ Certification Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram SYO-101) (Paperback)

I have never used the Exam Cram series books as a single source to prepare for any certification exam. I believe that their intent is to provide a good final review of the subject matter in preparation for an exam -- sort of like the old Cliff Notes that we used to buy in college. Coupled with the PrepLogic exam on the CD (you would do well to purchase the complete set of questions), it is an adequate preparation tool.

The only criticism that I can offer is that the material in the book (as well as the PrepLogic practice exams) tends to err on the easy side. I found myself scoring consistently in the low 90's on the first take of each practice exam, whereas I passed the actual test with a score of 828.

The Security+ exam is not an overly difficult test, but it is not a pushover either. If you use this book as it was intended to be used, it will probably help you. If you use it as your sole source of study, you will probably be disappointed with the outcome.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, BUT..., July 10, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Security+ Certification Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram SYO-101) (Paperback)

I looked at four books for the Security+ test and this was definitely the best. This book covered all the topics in a detailed manner but the problem for me was the Security+ test itself.

This test was just HORRIBLE! Poorly written, constantly trying to trip you up, very vague and unclear.

Also I scored consistently between 98-100 on the Preplogic tests but on the actual test I didnt do nearly as well. I passed the test but it was tough. The good news is a lot of the material covered for Security+ is common to the CISSP which I also passed so you can think of Security+ as a prep for CISSP. Also don't forget that passing on this test is something like 85% while other certs are in the 70% range so its tough. Also beware of the practice questions. Just because you consistently score 100% on the practice questions doesnt mean you are going to do that well on the real test. At some point when you are answering the same 300 questions in the case of Preplogic over and over again you will start to memorize the questions and answers. Thats why you start score high. So unless they ask those exact question on the test that isnt going to do you a lot of good.

So I would recommend this book but beware of the test itself.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book based on others I have read, August 19, 2003

By 

"tfs104" (Newport Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Security+ Certification Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram SYO-101) (Paperback)

I am in the process of reading this book, as well as a couple of others that I have been using such as:
Security+ Study Guide by Michael A. Pastore,
Security+ Study Guide and DVD Training System by Robert J. and

Shimonski, Norris L. Johnson, Debra Littlejohn Shinder
Michael Cross, Tony Piltzecker, Security+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide by Gregory White.

The last one seems really complete and much detail (especially on Cryptography). Seems to be the best if you want to understand the subject and not just pass a test.

Now, for this book - I have a real problem with some of the reviewers. The ones that complain because they say it is not detailed enough, obviously haven't read the 1st couple of pages of the book. The author specifically says that this is for people who already know the subject and that this is just a review of the subject for the test. The ones that are upset that they didn't pass the test after reading this book, obviously missed the boat.

I myself have been reading this book 1st (as I have some experience in field so understand most of what it says) and then go to one or more of the other books to get other views on different topics. I myself want to understand the subject - not just pass a test.