Customer Reviews

Security+ Certification Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram SYO-101)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

To be blunt, this is one of the worst sources of technical information I've run across. The content is cursory, meandering and frequently inaccurate.

The stated goal is to get an experienced tech through the exam, so it can be forgiven for glossing over certain (testable) subjects, and not going into depth on much of anything. What I can't get past are the glaring, and sometimes comical, inaccuracies. Example: Page 66 tells us that viruses are based on exploits of Microsoft Visual Basic. Page 80 reminds us that Internet Explorer is, in fact, an email client. And page 113, where we're told that JavaScript can execute arbitrary code on the server. In all, I highlighted around forty completely inaccurate statements, which should have never gotten past a technical editor.

If you're interested in passing the course, get the Sybex book. It's written to a much higher standard and, unlike this book, will do a decent job of preparing you for the Security+ exam.

Two stars for having a couple useful charts, and spelling the authors' names correctly.

This book is simply outstanding, and in a world of get 'em out there quick books, this one is a relief. First off, I settled on this book because unlike most of the other ones out there, this book was actually written after the real exam went live. Therefore, the authors had a chance to actually examine the REAL exam before writing the book. I see a reviewer left a bad review claiming he is an experience security engineer -- well then he should be embarrassed for failing. A beginner reading this book will pass the exam, and surely an experienced person will! The book's format is great (yes I ACTUALLY read the book) -- the 15 chapters are logically organized, and the Exam Alerts are so valuable as you better believe this will be covered on your test. While some books may come close in content, none come close to the quality of the questions. Not only do you get Q&A at the end of each chapter, plus you get two tests at the end, PLUS tests on the CD! And at the last minute, this book comes with a useful glossary and cram tear out sheet of important last minute cram facts. Finally, this is one of the best-edited tech books I have yet to read. I assure you that you can read this book and confidently pass your exam. This book has a great name tied to it "Exam Cram", and experienced authors and editors. It is simply a fantastic book. Welcome to the Security+ certified community!

I recently started studying for the Security + exam. I have about two years of security experience and about four years total computer experience. A friend of my who has his MSCA, Net+ and A+ has recently failed this test for the third time! After reading this book I know why. He used this as his primary study material and believe me when I say that it is far too shallow to prepare you for this exam. I have been a big believer in Exam Cram up until this point. I've read the book but am also reading some of the CISSP books just to make sure. This test is too expensive to fail that many times.

--- Update! I passed my exam *barely* and was so glad I used additional study materials to study or I would have definitely failed!

I read several books on the Security+ content, and none of them completely cover the test. This book fills in the blanks, but don't depend on it as your primary study source, just for preparation for the exam. Don't take the test without reading this book and taking all the practice exams!

This test is a bugger. The most common mistake people make is they don't take it seriously enough. This is not an easy test, and you will need to be prepared. This is a very poorly written test with vague and misleading questions, questions with no right answer, and questions that have nothing to do with the content. You have been warned.

This book is simply outstanding, and in a world of get 'em out there quick books, this one is a relief. First off, I settled on this book because unlike most of the other ones out there, this book was actually written after the real exam went live. Therefore, the authors had a chance to actually examine the REAL exam before writing the book. I see a reviewer left a bad review claiming he is an experience security engineer -- well then he should be embarrassed for failing. A beginner reading this book will pass the exam, and surely an experienced person will! The book's format is great (yes I ACTUALLY read the book) -- the 15 chapters are logically organized, and the Exam Alerts are so valuable as you better believe this will be covered on your test. While some books may come close in content, none come close to the quality of the questions. Not only do you get Q&A at the end of each chapter, plus you get two tests at the end, PLUS tests on the CD! And at the last minute, this book comes with a useful glossary and cram tear out sheet of important last minute cram facts. Finally, this is one of the best-edited tech books I have yet to read. I assure you that you can read this book and confidently pass your exam. This book has a great name tied to it "Exam Cram", and experienced authors and editors. It is simply a fantastic book. Welcome to the Security+ certified community!

First of all, this exam is NOT that difficult -- it amazes me that other books are filled with so much fluff and garbage just to fill the pages. This book is perfect for the exam. All the objectives are covered adequatley and LOTS of exam questions are provided, which are very similiar to the real thing. It took me (working full time) 2 weeks to get through the book and took the exam and passed with a high score.

One side of the IT industry that is busting at the seams is security, I can not count the number of job posting for the security arena. Yet to get the entry level security jobs you have to have a way to separate the candidates and CompTIA has the exam called Security+.

Having worked on 3 Security+ book over the past year, this exam cram book certainly has all the major points or highlights in one place. The authors, who have extensive years in the IT industry and the Security arena, have condensed the objectives and given you a tool that is meant to be used as a final stage prep tool.

One thing about Exam Cram books is they can not replace knowledge and experience and if you are looking for the all the test answer, then this book isn't for you. However if you are looking to be able to put the finishing touches on your exam prep, than this book makes a fine addition to the QUE Security+ Training Guide.

One thing that has always impressed me about the Exam Cram Series is the tips and hints throughout each chapter as well as the practice questions, which have excellent explanations with them. This book like other in the EC2 series includes the Prep Logic tester, and as with other books the entire set of questions should be included.

Overall this book not only makes a fine tool for the exam but would come in handy after with the real life exam.