This study guide provides ample coverage of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam material from a theoretical angle and should prove an adequate study aid for those with Cisco-related work experience or training.
The authors cover all subjects on the CCNA objective list published by Cisco. They explain the Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model in considerable detail, then take on the specifics of implementing networks with the Internetworking Operating System (IOS) router operating system. This book details Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and routing as it applies to TCP/IP, with significant focus on IP address allocation and access-control lists. This preparatory guide also features coverage of WAN, including ISDN information, and virtual LAN material.
CCNA would be much better if it included more guided procedures that helped reveal facts. To partially compensate for the light touch on experiments, the authors have included a lot of multiple-choice practice questions. Answers appear (with brief but adequate explanations) in an appendix. The same questions and answers are on the companion CD-ROM, which presents them in a fairly clunky format that is unable to track your score or even process your answers. -- David Wall
1 Good Book, but got lost at times!
This is a good book, but I kind of got lost in some of the wording at times. I think this is a great book to sit down with if you have a Router Sim or an actual router to try things with.
2 Not a good choice.
This book is poorly arranged and confusing. It is full of typographical errors and in several cases the material is simply incorrect. I felt that the authors rushed this book to press without thoroughly reviewing it.
I would be surprised if anyone without prior experience in this subject could pass this test based on this book.
There are several other texts for this test that are much more accurate and of much better quality.
3 Not a good choice.
This book is poorly arranged and confusing. It is full of typographical errors and in several cases the material is simply incorrect. I felt that the authors rushed this book to press without thoroughly reviewing it.
I would be surprised if anyone without prior experience in this subject could pass this test based on this book.
There are several other texts for this test that are much more accurate and of much better quality.
4 Necessary reading for CCNA qualification.
I used both this and the Sybex book to study towards my CCNA. Looking back, it is this book that covers the material required to pass. The Sybex book has a number of shortcomings. This book is readable, contains tough tests and goes in to each topic at just the right depth. I'm no bookworm and often find self studying difficult. My advice; if you buy one book, buy this one by Syngress. Do the tests at the end of each chapter thoroughly and understand the concepts. With this in hand you will pass. Good luck!
5 Not for the newbie
This book is packed with good information on Lan/Wan technology. But I found it poorly organized and some times hard to follow. Too often terms or concepts are thrown in with out sufficeint explination. This seemed to be written for an experienced wan tech looking for a review and not a lesser trained lan tech. If you fall under the cisco "newbie" lable, try some thing from sybex or another publisher first.
6 Makes paasing the exam a little easier.
What never ceases to amaze me is the amount of information you need to pass a Cisco Certification Exam. What amazes me even more is the number of people who try each day to become certified, myself included. Osborne McGraw-Hill is your new friend where CCNA is concerned.
I have reviewed several books on the CCNA topic and each book is good, this book may be just a step ahead in the presentation of material and the information included. Broken down by exam objective the books gives you plenty of material to make passing the exam that much easier.
With over 500 pages filled with picture, diagrams, tables, examples, tips and suggestions you might not need any other resource. Topics like IPX, TCP/IP, OSI model, routing and routed protocols and so much more is included in the book and each chapter ends with practice questions.
The cd-rom that is enclosed with the book is worth the money alone as it includes over 500 questions, links to helpful information from Cisco and the whole book in electronic format for quick reference. All that for under $50.00 - now that is money well spent!
7 Good book! Fell short on some things.
You can pass the test if you go to Cisco's website and get the exam objectives. Then make sure you get all the objectives covered buy studying the books. This book didn't adequately cover some stuff like CDP, subnetting and Wide Area Networking. On some points it did give easy to understand explanations. I would recommend this book as a supplement to Todd Lammle's CCNA study guide which has much more print outs of how a router's configuration really looks like from scratch. Spend the money and buy both books, because they make up for each others weak spots. Then study hard and you'll definately pass the test.
8 Good book but I think it helps to have a foundation ...
This was one of the first CCNA books to hit the market and I'm glad I bought and read it. However, working in the industry and being an MCSE gives me a good foundation to build on. I haven't read other Cisco books and haven't had any router or switching hands-on experience. But, I've understood all the material in the book. I'm actually pleasantly surprised at how well I understood everything the first time around! It's logically arranged and well written. The two-minute drills and self-tests are fairly challenging and the CDROM is a great tool to cut and paste your own set of notes and quizzes. The book also maps directly to Cisco's web site learning objectives. Also, it's great if you've got the hardware to play around with.
Trying to learn about Cisco internetworking and attaining CCNA certification isn't easy. Like anything else, this book will be an easier read, if you have a good foundation. I recommend the book.
9 Try again
I found this book to be a boring read. I know it is a study guide, but it was still very difficult to follow. The boring text is coupled with poor formatting and numerous errors of fact. There are several places where you are referred to particular page, diagram or table only to find the information is not there. I never did get the CD to work.
10 Pretty good book
I pass on the fisrt try using this book as my main study guide. It had errors, but once I was able to catch the errors, it made me more confident. :)
11 Great Book
Great Book Passed test on the first try
12 I passed the CCNA exam and I used this book!
I purchased this book because its formatting was appealing. What I found very useful with this book is the HTML version of the entire text on CD. This is great to compile your own notes and use them to cram for the exam once you have read the book. I also liked the "From the Classroom" sections in each chapter. They put a lot of that theory in the perspective of a production environment. The inaccuracies that have generated so much bad press are covered for the most part in a downloadable errata. Again, most books (not just this one) have published errata -this is a fact of life. I am a veteran test taker. I am a MCNE and a MCSE. I do not understand people who think that by reading one book they can become certified. Experience accompanied by a lot of study and preparation are the keys to success. This book is not the only source of documentation I have used to become a CCNA. I would never dream to read one book and become certified in anything (reality check #1). In addition, only 68% is required to pass the test. That represents only 47 questions right out of 70 -make no mistake though this is a tough exam. A failure on the CCNA can only be attributed to a lack of studying and a lack of preparation. It is preposterous to think that a book can contribute to failing an exam. I would recommend this book as a good source of information. Do yourself a favor, be critical of what you read. Browse the book at a bookstore and see whether or not you like it. It is still the best way to buy a book for us book lovers.
13 Worst book of the bunch
Numerous errors in diagramming and the use of nonstandard diagrams make for confusing examples. If you really want to get certified get the Cisco Press books and the Exam Cram Series.
14 It not right but it's o.k.
After studying the book I almost passed the CCNA test the first time. The following week I studied the Cisco ICRC course material and passed with 80%. So although there are errors in the book, it a good pick up study guide, but don't use it alone. So to follow Whitney Houston, it not right, but it's an o.k. book. Suc6 on the persuit.
15 Worth Purchasing
This is a strong book that I used along w/ lammle's. Both were great, and both helped me pass CCNA. This book is strong in many places, and should not be disregarded. I'm pleased I bought it, and it will stay on my shelf.
16 Don't buy this - buy the CCNA Study Guide by Todd Lammle!
This book was a terrible waste of money. I wish I read all the reviews prior to buying it! There were so many errors it made my head spin (both typos and incorrect facts!) After reading through this book I went out and bought the Study Guide by Todd Lammle and read it with only a week before having to test - boy was I glad I did. I would not have passed if I had gone by the Syngress Media Study Guide!
17 Good reference
There were some errors in the book, but over all it was a good reference to pass the CCNA certification.
18 A must to avoid
Bought this book and got burned just like everybody else. If it were possible to assign a negative star rating, this collection of dis-information would get five of those. Any material in these pages that isn't completely erroneous or irrelevant to the subject matter covered by the test is available absolutely free on the Cisco website or other similar sites. I'm currently pursuing the CCNP & CCDP certifications. My experience with the above title has put me off this publisher completely. And, as of this writing, they're the only ones offering texts supporting the CCNP/CCDP test curriculums. Save yourself the money and the time when it comes to this book -- it isn't even a worthwhile reference.
19 Worst book I ever read
I just finished reading this book and I am amazed how they can print it with all the errors. I will be watching out from now on to make sure that I dont buy a book that was writen by anyone of these authors.
20 Disorganized info, insufficient content, and bad test ?'s.
I have minimal experience with Cisco routers, but I was catching errors in the content and test questions. I know they were errors because I had access to a router for comparison. There were also errors in the TCP/IP sections, a topic I do know well. I can't trust this book to teach me what I don't know if it can't teach the things that I do know.
I depend on books and other study aids to prepare for certification tests because I can't afford the instructor led courses. This book should be removed from any 'recommended reading' lists.
21 I thought this book was terrible.
I read this book twice and when taking the test at the end of each chapter I was getting 95% or better. I noticed there where a lot of key information missing, after I failed the test. There were quite a few things on the test that weren't covered in the book. I got quite a bit of information from this book, but the purpose of the book was to help in passing the test. I wouldn't refer this book to no one.
22 Good book but supplamentals are almost nessesary
I read this book cover to cover and was 95% or above on all the practice questions and failed! I then downloaded a cramsession to supplament and it gave me all the extras the book didn't, therefore I passed. I would think there is a better book out there somewhere. Good Luck...
23 Way to many mistakes, don't buy this book
I purchased this book hoping to help me prepare for the CCNA test, lucky for me I have been working with networks and routers for years. You would think no one even proofed this book, when you are publishing a technical book, make sure your technical facts are correct. I found over 50 technical errors, someone studying this book will have the wrong answers for the test. At this time I wouldn't recommend this book, not even to an enemy.
Signed,
A waste.
24 This book is a waste of our Money
I Purchased this book in hopes that it would help me pass the CCNA. You know what it didn't, it doesn't cover any thing about ISDN Protocols E,I,Q or give you the rest of the information you need to pass the ISDN part of the Test. It doesn't cover the 5 step of Data Encapsulation very well. It also made no comment about steps of VIP port asignment in a Cisco 7500. I found this book very lacking in knowledge in general, But the One Good part was the Sections Tilted From the Class Room which where Extremely Well written. I ended up buying CCNA Exam Notes which is an excellent book to help you pass the CCNA!!
Joseph L. Degele CCNA MCSE
25 Book does not cover everything that is on the exam
After reading the book and taking the test, I was highly disappointed in finding out the information that was to prepare me for the exam. My suggestion would be to purchase the Cisco Press, Introduction to Cisco Router Configuration book and studying it. Poor job Syngress!
26 Buy Another Book
If you want a good book(s) that will help you pass the CCNA exam this is not your book. I would recommend buying the Sybex and both the ICRC and the ACRC books by Cisco Press.
Good luck,
Michael
27 Couldn't afford an editor I guess.
This has to be the worst computer book I have ever seen in my life. It is obvious that they just rushed it to market because Cisco is hot. Don't waste your money. Buy the Sybex CCNA Study Guide instead. I have seen the ICRC by Cisco, Sybex CCNA Study Guide and this Osborne piece of junk. The Sybex is the best, then the ICRC and this Osborne book shouldn't even be called a book.
28 Good Value
the authors cover pretty much everything you nbeed to know, the parts on the OSI is really detailed. Better than any study material I have used for the other exams.
Coverage on WAN and ISDN info is adequate for the perpose of passing with a good score.
29 Glad I bought it
I liked the book. Some of the reviews here almost scared me off, but I bought it anyway as I thought that the more help and reference I had, the better. I'm glad I thought this way. This was an excellent book, and one that helped clarify things such as VLAN and IP Configuration that I wasn't totally comfortable with. I've recommended this book to several co-workers, and they have all used it successfully as well.
30 Good value
Trust me, this is a good book. I can't believe that there are so many negatoive reviews here. I agree that there are some small errors, but the Syngress website has the errata posted on it. Plus, I happened to get a 3rd printing, and they've fixed some of the stuff that was wrong in the first one. I've had trouble with various study guides in the past, and trust me, I complain when I feel like I've purchased crap. This is not one of those times. If you buy the book, study it well, and have some experience, you will pass... And be pleased you bought this one.
31 DON'T BUY - It would zero stars if there was an option!
This book is full of errors and does not stay on track with Cisco's objectives. Don't waste your money. Todd Lammle's CCNA book was great and I passed the test the first time!
32 Try using an editor
Generous with 2 stars. It is unbelievable that some of the questions I saw on this book and CD are wrong. They should have atleast edited the book. I feel for people who rely on just this book to help them. I am sure most people have told you that the Cisco press series of books is much better. I bought it specifically for the test questions. I found the CD to be a poor tool as well. These were not practice tests, but just the same questions in the book(at the end of every chapter), on CD in HTML format. If you want practice tests, I would suggest Sylvan prometric site, but get the Cisco Press publication for the test you are taking.
33 Fair Book - Horrible CDROM
This book is fair, but has many incorrect statements. The CDROM included is Horrible. To start with there are spelling errors - unacceptable in today's wordprocessor environment. The web interface is nearly unusable. The questions have incorrect statements/answers. I was hoping for an upgraded/better version, but McGrall-Hill (publisher) says one is not available.
34 Way too many errors to count
Talk about getting confused. I doubt you can pass the test using this book, I didn't. The questions are worthless and there are too many errors.
35 A brief idea
This book doesn't explain things. It is a big index. Software that comes with this book is crumsy at best.
36 Definately worth it; I used this book to pass the exam.
The CCNA test would have been impossible without the knowledge I gained through this self-study book... The CD that came with it allowed me to do word-searches of the entire text, which was perfect for maximizing my review sessions.
37 This book is indispensable to anyone who wants to pass CCNA
Overall, the text is intelligently presented. the best part about it is that each chapter is broken up into. certification objectives that matched the exam. It has everything I needed: practice tests, good diagrams, and to-the-point explanations.
38 No substitute for quality
No, one can't blame this text or any other for a failing score on this exam. However, you'd think that a publishing house would have enough pride to never let such a flawed work escape their doors. This volume contains quite a lot of good information, but errors abound throughout. If someone decides to rely upon this text alone for certification preparation, it would most likely be faulty logic. As an MCSE&CNE trainer I would not specify this text for any students that pursue the Cisco track.
39 Exam Objectives Oriented
I would recommend this book as a supplementary. ICRC (Cisco Press) edited by Laura Chappell or the ICRC course is essential for 80% of the info required to pass the exam. Once after going thru' ICRC and then study exams specifics will allow better recollection especially during the exams (that was my strategy...Passed 87%).
40 Only Fair at Best
This book fell short on real hands on examples. Some of the test questions on the CD are wrong. Over all I was very disappointed.
41 Goal achieved
How I studied for the exam: I used this text as my primary guide for studying for the CCNA. I used the ICRC and ACRC texts from Cisco Press and the "CCIE study guide" by Roosevelt as reference texts. I have limited hands-on experience with routers and lots of experience with switches at work.
Did I pass? Yes, I passed the exam. Overall score of 81%. Specific scores of 100% on ACRC, 80% on ICRC, and 33% on Switching. Passing is something like 68%.
Recommendation: If you just want to pass the exam then this text will help you do that -- pass. I was not overly thrilled or disappointed with the text.
If I had to do it all over again: If you want to ace the exam then use it (or another study guide) balanced with the Cisco Press books. Cisco writes the exams based on their information -- read their books. Use the study guides as practice exams to test your understanding of the material.
42 Well, at least I passed.
I agree with the reader from Washington, the book has a lot of good information but is lacking material for the exam. The sections on wide area networking (Frame Relay and ISDN, specifically) were not "in-depth" enough. Some of those questions caught me off-guard. The best part of this book is the author's tips for taking the test. Those worked for me, but the test was certainly intimidating on first pass.
43 Great Book
People who critize this book, obviously havent studied hard enough or have expected certifcation to come easy. This book covers all the topics, and is well presented. Although, of course not covering all the topics to 100% detail. It is a study guide not a tomb of knowledge, if you are writing the exam you should have a understanding of the OSI model. I found this book to be lacking in that aspect, otherwise it has been a great study guide.
44 Useful of you already know the CIOS
This book helps explain some of the more technical aspects required for CCNA certification. There is a large quanity of information missing in this book that must be gotten from other resources. This is a good book, however don't depend on this book alone to get you the CCNA certification.
45 Easy Read, well written
I wrote in earlier about taking the test and failing and now I'm writing in to say I passed. I am now one of over 5,000 (and counting) CCNA's.
FYI, there are 64 questions in the Introduction to Cisco Router Configuration section, 3 in the Advanced Cisco Router Configuration section and 3 in the Cisco LAN Switch Configuration section, for a total of 70 questions. The test is based on how many questions you get right, not how you do in each section. Each question has an equal weight, as far as scoring goes. Each question is worth 1.4285714. 1.4285714 x 70 = 100%.
Read the Cisco Press book by Laura Chappell, Introduction to Cisco Router Configuration. I say this because Cisco's language on the test is not the same kind of language that you will read in Syngress's book, but you will in Laura Chappell's book by CISCO PRESS!
You'll get questions on everything in Laura Chappell's book! Word for Word! Know the 7 layers of the OSI Model, the way Cisco wants you to know it! (Data, segments, packets, frames, bits!) Live it, learn it, love it! Cisco RULES!
46 READ THE BOOK----PASS THE TEST
If you have any experience with Cisco products a carefull read of this book and practice questions will help you pass the test. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS, WHEN ARE THE OTHER FOUR IN THIS SERIES GOING TO BE RELEASED?
47 This is a good book!
I cannot understand why people are criticizing this book. I agree that there are some errors, but show me one that has none. I can't help but laugh at those that blame the book for not passing the exam. These are books to help one study and learn but are NOT a substitute for experience. I read the Sybex book as well- it too is well-written and certainly helped explain some issues, but I truly preferred this one. It maps well to the CCNA objectives, and explains things in ways that are easily understood, yet technically sound. I'll be certain to be next in line for Syngress's CCNP series.
48 The book is a good reference for basic networking concepts
The book was obviously written by multiple people, of which only one had any clue as to how real networks operate. While reading the book I noticed dozens of mistakes, not to mention old syntax for alot of the commands being explained. The book covers all the topics on the CCNA exam so if nothing else it provides a general concept for which direction you need to study..
In short, if you're reading this book to get your CCNA plan on spending hours on a network playing with the routers and the various routing protocols.
Steve Smith CCIE
49 One of two books needed to safely pass the CCNA exam
I originally purchased the CCNA Study Guide from Network Press, but quickly realized that the book was poorly written and did not explain things clearly, although it did list the objectives that Cisco lists on its website, it was written poorly.
So I went back to the book store and picked up the CCNA Study Guide by Syngress-Osborne by McGraw Hill. It was precise, easy-to-read, and it covered a wide range of subjects. Much better than the Network Press book as far as understanding key features and techniques for decimal-to-binary conversion.
Anyway, I took the test and failed? I Scored a 59% on the intro section, a 100% on the advanced section and 66% on the switching section...a 75% average in my book, but Cisco gave me a 61%? Go figure...
So I went out and purchased the Introduction to Cisco Router Configuration (CCNA) book by Cisco Press and I will be taking the test next week.
I'll let you know how I do...but the Syngress book and the Cisco Press book are what you need to pass the test. The Syngress book because it's easy to read and understand the technologies and the Cisco Press book, because the test is what the Cisco book is all about. They wrote the test, they wrote the book...figure it out yourself...
50 Poor study guide for exam
This book does not prepare you for the exam. I read this book, Laura Chappel's ICRC book, and Lamalle's CCNA book. This book was a total waste of money. I would give it zero stars if I could. The ICRC book is a good foundation and I found it very helpful. Lamalle's CCNA guide is the best for studying for the exam. If you want to pass the test this book is a must. I passed the test. To make sure read the ICRC book and then study Lamalle's CCNA guide. If you want to save money you can get by with Lamalle's book plus experience.
51 Do not buy this book!
After finding many errors in this book, I spent the remainder of my study time worrying that what they had taught me was in error. I took the exam after reading this book and failed. I then bought the Sybex book, read it, and passed. If you listen to just one of these reviews, listen to mine: DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!
52 Average
Format of book was excellent but felt that it's content was a bit on the weak side. Did not give me everything I needed to pass exam the first time, although did give a good foundation of most exam theories. Felt the Introduction section of the actual test was not covered in the book anywhere near what someone needs to pass the test. The other sections were great though. Had some questions on the test, (about 10 out of 70) that never heard of before by reading the book.
53 Why the bad reviews???
To all who are pursuing CCNA cert. Don't let the bad reviews through you. This book, as well as the others from Syngress will prepare you for the exams that they cover. I can't understand why there are so many bad reviews for this book. Of course some experiance helps, but this book will lay the ground work for CCNA status. There are some errors but show me a Certification book that doesn't have one. 70% of those who gave this book bad reviews probably should not be working in networking.....
54 This book is very good!
Unlike some that have reviewed this book, I cannot express my delight at having purchased it. It follows the exam objectives which makes it so much easier to study, and realize what's important. The sections on VLAN and IP Configuration were very helpful to me. I could not disagree more with the people who have rated this book so low. There is absolutely no valid reason, in my mind, why this book would not help anyone in their certification path. Sometimes it makes me wonder if all these people actually read this book.
55 This book DOES NOT address the test objectives. BAD BOOK
This book does not prepare the reader for the CCNA exam, and is wrought with errors. I was very disappointed with this book. !!!!!Shame on you for keeping this book in print!!!!!!
56 Not Good
This book does not help with the test. I received a 61%. I now need to re-take the exam and give Sylvan another $100. Use Cisco's ICRC and ACRC books. CCNAPREP.com is OK, but I saw things on the test that were not there either.
57 A few too many errors/a few too many irrelevant topics...
This book had some errors in the practice question section; if you are new to Cisco routers, you end up having doubts about what is supposed to be the right answer. In addition, while it certainly covered all of the topics, it adds information that probably won't be tested.
58 Bad Book
This book was written by a monkey with a crayon
59 outdated!!!!
This book is not even close to the depth that the CCNA requires. The CCNA questions are more situational than this book leads you to believe. Do not rely on this book for any more than a stepping stone up to the Cisco Inro to Cisco Router Configuration (Cisco Press)book.
60 Syngress, Inc
I found this book to live up the expectations I have come to expect from the Syngress Study guides, poorly written, not focused on what you need. Its more of just a dump of everything without regard to exam objectives.
61 Book isn't complete.
First of all, thanks to all who've written reviews on this book, you were an immense help. Second, I found this book to be incomplete. As everyone else has said, the parts covering the OSI model were not in-depth enough; the questions I tested on were very specific. Also, there was not enough on switching. Although you could pass the test without doing to well on switching (as I did) it needed more than just VLANs. Bottom line: This book isn't bad, but if you've taken ICRC, that book will probably be better.
62 Not a Cisco Certified Publication as per Cisco.
Even tho I thought this was a good book to prep for the CCNA exam and did learn alot from it unfortunately it did not help me much with the exam. None of the over 500 practice exam questions were even close to any of the questions I had on the exam. Every question on the exam had multiple answers, some up to four to choose from in order to get credit for the one question. The book's review questions had only a very few which were like that. I had to rely more on my general knowledge and background working on Cisco routers to answer most of the questions and not anything I learned from the book. After taking the exam I called Cisco and they informed me only books published by "Macmillan Technical Publishing" which publishes the "CISCO PRESS" line of books are the only ones authorized by Cisco and recommended. They do have a CCNA study guide which is suppose to be out Feburary of 1999 however I have not seen it yet. I have one of the Cisco Press books,"Network Design and Case Studies" and without a doubt the content is alot more in debth than the Syngress CCNA Study Guide format. I have to believe the Cisco Press CCNA study guide will be to. In conclusion I hope this review will help others persuing the CCNA certification. Again I learned alot from the book and thought it was very good however was not in depth enough and to simplistic to prepare for the Cisco CCNA exam. This is just what I personaly thought.
63 This book is full of errors -- mainly contradictions
The answers to the end of chapter questions contradict the text. Which is right, the text or the q&a section? I would buy a different book.
64 COVERS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
This book is one of the best for CCNA certification. The ICRC and ACRC material was some of the best I have ever read! It sure beats Cisco documentation.
The reader that states there is no AppleTalk on the test doesn't know what he's talking about! It's part of the material that Cisco suggests you study.
Passed the CCNA test the very first time thanks to these authors!
65 Don't believe the negatives...
I read many of these reviews, and despite some of the negatives here, decided to give it a try (For the price, why not?) Come to find out, the good reviews here are the right ones! I found this study guide to be well written and comprehensive. Things such as the From the Classroom sections only add to the overall learning experience. I highly recommend this book.
66 Ideal text for learning ip addressing quickly
This book isn't perfect, but the text is readable, and I have yet to find a better reference for ip addressing and subnetting. The best way to pass this exam is to thoroughly read the Cisco ICRC manual, then use this for further reading. My background is in business rather than IT, and I believe that even those new to networking can pass as long as they know their stuff. Myles Urquhart BCom(Hons),Dip.Bus,CCNA
67 Don't waste your money!
This book sucks! Answers to self test questions are sometimes wrong...so are some routing concepts and configuration examples. When in doubt, use the original ICRC and ACRC training manuals. They probably did not QC this book!!! There is no AppleTalk in the exam, don't waste your time to read those sections. There are also ISDN questions in the exam not covered in this book. Don't just count on this book to pass the exam! The only thing I like about this book is the hardcover, so I give it a 1 star.
CCNA, CCDA, BSEE, MBA
68 This book does a poor job of preparing you for the CCNA test
I just finished taking and passing the CCNA test. I bought this book and Lammle's as study guides and I honestly can say that the Lammle book was much better written and was pretty much on target. The Syngess book missed the mark on a number of areas. I would not waste my money. Use the Lammle and the CCIE Prep books for study guides.
69 Weak and needs to be rewritten. Doesn't cover the test.
I agree with the other reviews on this page: This book does not have the necessary information to pass the CCNA exam. You have to know your OSI, CDP, subnetting and ISDN. All of these are not covered in enough depth to pass the exam. Get the Cisco press book and Sybex CCNA books instead.
70 This book is better and cheaper
This book covers alomost everhting for CCNA test. It is cheaper and better than another book that I bought. I pass the test easily.
71 This book explains subneting very well
The biggest problem with the book is that ISDN is covered in half a page. Presentation and Application layer protocols are not described adaquately enough. However, this book deserves 3 stars for being very concise and informative in explaining subnet masking.
72 Didn't prepare me, missing lots of info that is on the exam.
This book did not prepare me for the CCNA exam. It is missing a lot of very important information covered on the exam, and has lots of filler information.
73 Doesn't have the information for the CCNA exam.
This book is severely missing CCNA exam information. I received a lot of really hard questions on the exam relating to the OSI. I studied what they had in this book but I was really blown away by how hard the test was. I also didn't know anything about CDP because it had only one page in this book, but I got asked some super hard questions about that protocol on the test. I didn't even know it was a protocol. This book is weak at best.
74 Too Many Errors!!!!
This book is really bad for someone who doesn't have any too much experience in networking. Key points are just blurted out, while easy concepts seem to go on for pages. Finally, the question and answers are very error prone. Will confuse you if you don't take the time to reference errors.
75 This book is OK but not enough to pass the CCNA by itself.
I passed the CCNA easily but I have an MCSE and have experience with routers. I also used the Sybex study guide which is a better book. In all the Sylvan exams I have passed, I have always used 2 study guides. The CCNA did NOT have Appletalk, VLANs, or ATM. Concentrate on Cisco IOS, TCP/IP, OSI model, and WAN technolgies.
76 Easy to read. Covers all the main points
I don't understand all the bad reviews this book received. I used this book almost exclusively to study for the CCNA exam, practised the exam questions until I received a 90% average and then sat the real exam, achieving 80% - comfortably within the 68% pass mark.
With the advice received from these reviews I missed out the Appletalk chapter - it was not in the exam - and read the Cisco on-line documentation on CDP, sub-interfaces and ISDN to cover the topics covered a bit lightly in the book.
95% of the questions in the exam were covered in the book. Remember that Cisco throw in a few "bastard" questions to sort the heroes from the wimps. The real questions were, however, much tougher than the practice questions in the book. The technical level is the same, but the questions themselves require a lot more thinking.
All in all I think this is very good book. It was easy to read. I could finish a chapter in one evening. It's ommissions and un-needed information are almost inevitable given that the authors managed to get a book available for us almost as soon as the exam itself was available, meaning that it was being written BEFORE the exam was available. Syngress should be applauded for having such a decent study source ready so that we can pass the exam and get on with our careers with minimum cost and fuss.
77 You won't pass the test if this is your only study material.
I can see why the book is selling for 30% off - it is full of errors. For someone with Cisco experience, the mistakes are easy to pick-out. As much as 40% of the book is not directly applicable to the CCNA test, but I did get $35 of use out of it. I found the textbook from the actual ICRC class a better reference for test preparation. You won't pass the CCNA test if you have no Cisco experience and this is your only reference guide. Yes, I did pass the CCNA test today on the first try.
78 Is there a 0 star rating?
The book, and also the CD, are full of errors and bugs. This adds to the fact that it hardly relates to the actual exam and its objectives. Don't waste your time, look for a better one.
79 If you go by this book, you will fail the test.
This book is not organized. It appears to ramble and go off in tangents (ie, session layer APIs). It falls way short of explaining subnetting and access lists in a concise way. The book appeared not to have any clue as to the criteria that is covered on the test. Stick with the Cisco press book on ICRC before wasting your energy and money on this book!!
80 Well Written and it helped me pass the test!
This book is very well written and its step by step teaching medthodology helped me pass the test.
I've read all of the comments on the book and decided that I would try it for myself! My advice, do yourself a favor and buy this book!
81 Doesn't cut the mustard!
After reading this book and taking the test, I found this to be missing lots of information. I did not find any questions on VLAN, ATM or AppleTalk, which is covered heavily in this book. Also, there were some really hard questions on the OSI model, which was really missing from this book altogether.
82 I Bought All Three... and passed!
Ok, here's my review of the all three Syngress, Sybex, and Cisco Press books. the Syngress works great for quick cramming using the two minute drills at the end of each chapter, and the review questions at the end are summarized very nicely in the Appendix. It looses points for horrible network diagrams. The Sybex is more concise with better examples (screen printouts) of the results of router commands, very clean easier to read. Great for beginners just starting out. The Cisco ICRC book with Laura Chappell as editor makes for a good review. If you've read Laura's books before, you might be dissapointed in this one. It's a nice book but lacks her sense of humour/sarcasm that make it fun to read. My suggestion for those taking the tests, buy all three, considering the cost of exams, why not, besides they look good on the shelf. BTW I passed with 92% and have NEVER worked on a router.
83 Good resource, some errors
Good book. Touched on MOST aspects of the CCNA exam and was a great prep-tool (especially with all the practice questions). Noticed a handful of QA errors (these companies are probably rushing these books out). Syngress is coming out with 4 CCNP books (who knows when?). Good buy (Much better than that Roosevelt Giles book.
84 Yes, this book is a bad as all the other reviews!
This book is really a bad book, and the people who actually bought this book and write reviews all said the same thing "It should not be called CCNA". All the readers are correct. This book has all the wrong information for the exam. Do yourself a favor and stay with the Cisco press books. You won't go wrong there as you can here.
85 Keep this by your side
If you think CCNA makes Cisco certification easy you're dead wrong. I've worked on CAT 5s for three years, and thought I knew what I needed. But stuff like grouping switch ports to sequential cards needs a lot of review. I though this was very well done.
86 Extended IP lists and VLAN will be covered in this way.
The focus on extended IP and VLAN is very strong and the graphics were helpful. These are difficult topics to understand but the are definitely covered on the exam. The Cd was helpful in that it provides decent questions and answers. If you're not totally familiar with the OSI model, you may need to read more than is covered here.
87 This is far and away the best book available
I've been studying for two months to for the CCNA test and finally passed it last week. This book was very useful, particularly in the more difficult IP configurations. I read with amusement all of the noise here about the book; if for 50 bucks you can get ANY help in passing the CCNA exam, you should do it in a nanosecond.
88 Tainted Love
For study guides, I used both the Syngress and Sybex study guides. Don't let the Amazon.com reviews throw you ... neither one of these guides is sufficient on it's own, but both together work wonders.
If you want to know exactly what to study, go through Cisco's published exam objectives and know each one. They really do hit on all of them, and they're very good about mapping the exam to these objectives. If you can answer each objective, you'll pass. If you're an MCSE with the TCP/IP exam under your belt, you're about 1/3 of the way there.
89 I was dissapointed with the content and errors.
This book does not meet the objectives to prepare you for the test. It does not meet the objectives that it boasts. It also has many errors. I think anyone who bought this book should receive the new book free. The Sybex study guide is much better.
90 Very poorly written. Writers didn't take the test.
The writers could not have taken the same test I did. They covered things in this book that aren't even in the official Cisco test objectives. I DO NOT RECOMMEND this book to anyone trying to prepare for the CCNA exam.
91 Hate this book, it helped me FAIL THE EXAM!!!!!!!
If you want to fail the exam, then buy this book. This is the strangest book I have ever read. It does not map to the test objectives, it has the oddest figures, and the CD included is junk. I recommend the ICRC book by Cisco press and/or the Sybex CCNA book. Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time trying to find the information in this book like I did. The information does not exist.
92 Doesn't prepare you for anything, especially the test!
This book was so rushed into production, that is doesn't even help you with anything. It does not have the test objectives covered. I recommend the Sybex book which has the test objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter.
93 Buy the Cisco manuals
I'm sorry to say that I bought my copy of this book from a local bookstore -- without first reading the reviews here. I failed the CCNA test on my first try with only a 64% score. I studied my brains out and managed only a 72% on my second try.
There are a number of areas on the test that are not covered in this book. Most memorable to me are the questions I received about "message of the day." Most other topics were presented, but not in enough depth to truly understand the answers.
I attempted to take this test without any hands-on experience and would not have been able to pass at all, based upon this study guide. I got my hands on a 1601 for experimentation and managed to make it through my second try.
94 THIS A GOOD ATTEMPT THAT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT.
It is rather unfortunate that people are complaining about this book.I bought this book and got the ICRC CBT at work. I do not found much difference in the contents of the two. I think the problem is the fact that a lot of people these days think they can just jump into networking or internetworking without first knowing the basics. CCNA is not for beginers.If you are knowledgeable in networking you will agree with me that this book is a good resource. There is no doubt this book contains some mistakes, but that does not justify the barrage of condemnations that it is recieving. Definitely the mistakes will be corrected in the next edition. And talking about Apple talk, ATM, etc that were covered on the book and not on the exam. Is there any knowledge that is a waste? So why the complaints? My advice is that a prospective buyers should not be discouraged by these negative remarks.As long as you are not new to networking this book is a good one. If you are new to the subject of networking I will advice that you go for networking essentials and Introduction to TCP/IP before thinking of sturdying for the CISCO exams.
Muhammed Hakeem Kareem. OAO,Corp.
95 This is the best book on this subject
I have read many tech books that think they need to be filled with jokes to keep you awake, I have also read many books where you mentaly shut down after a few pages. This book flows perfectly. The subject material is very complex, and I am still able to read, follow, and comprehend the information in this book, reading cover to cover, 3 chapters at a time. This book was very well written and a huge asset to anyone going after the test or looking to work with real cisco routers.
96 Not That Bad! I sure learned something!
This book is an adequate "study guide". It has some errors but not as many as some have stated. The review questions were good and there were many more of them than in the Sybex CCNA book. This book also covers areas like switching and ATM LANE better than the Sybex book. I really liked the instructor comments section in each chapter (First good explanation of "local significance" of DLCIs I've seen in any book). However, don't rely on this book as your only means of study. If you want to really "learn" the material, I recommend the "Intro to Cisco Router Configuration" by Cisco Press, the Sybex "CCNA" book, and all the Cisco web resources you can get your hands on. The Sybex book is more readable and more geared to the test I took. I passed the CCNA exam yesterday with a score of 92.
97 Didn't prepare me for the test, I failed!
I worked with hands-on went through the practice test questions, and failed the test. this book does not prepare you for the test. I don't think any one book will prepare you for this exam. However, this has to be one of the worst ones.
98 Great Prep Guide for the CCNA Exam
I found this book to be very readable and well written. The book was written in cooperation with GKN, the worlds largest computer training company.
As with any networking certification, you need to have a basic knowledge of networking before you sit for the test! I purchased both the Osborne book and the Sybex book. This book was far superior.
99 Some usefull info, but not for the CCNA exam
This book is "ok" for basic CISCO routing info but does not prepare you for the CCNA exam. I passed, but this book was off on many areas. I hope the new approach that Osbourne is taking actually works for writing their future manuals.
100 Save your money
After reading this book, I felt like it wasn't enough to prepare me for the exam. It turns out that I was right, but due to my previous experience with Cisco, I still passed. If someone read this book cold, they would probably get a 30% on the exam. This book contains many errors in the questions and some contradictions in the text. SAVE YOUR MONEY or try the other CCNA book. This is one of the worst technical books that I have ever read.
