Matthew Luallen
1 Useful
This book is not perfect - but among all the available SUPPORT references - this one appears to be more useful. The support exam is littered with dump questions, stupid answers - which literally cannot enter any self-respecting reference - so do not expect this book to cover every thing - but I suspect what this book covers would allow you to get a pass - since the passing mark is at a low 692/1000. Some of the things I find relevant are: 1. This is the only book that list the LED status of Catalyst module in a very compact, easy to study format - and being compact give you a chance to compare the differences to clarify the confusion. 2. Everyone talk about SAGE/SAINT/EARL - but only this book talk about MCP/LCP/Pheonix. 3. This is the only book that mentioned there is a command "show apple ADJACENT-route" - not many guru would have know this command out there. 4. I have came across many books that talk about the 4 loopback tests - this is the only one that gives the 4 IOS commands that did the loopback test - whatever happen to all the other authors - including the legendary Cormac Long? 5. He managed to trick me with one tricky question on SAP updates calculation - twice! 6. This is the only book that gave me ISDN bri port RJ45 pin out - not sure if this is exam question. 7. This is the only book that mentioned debug and show command that you can run on the Cisco router to troublehshoot VLAN/ISL problems - all other authors tunnel vision on the Catalyst IOS commands when they discuss Catalyst switch. 8. Most people provide OK explanation on Ethernet frame type - this author use precise diagram that left no doubt. 9. The end of chapters questions are OK - but I think it would have been better if it adds some packet/frame analysis type question. 10. There is some thoughtfulness when it come to organise those show and debug commands - I find that I can easily compare IP, IPX, Apple commands in 3 different chapters since simiar command occurs in similar place in each chapters.
Wise remarks here and there appears to be exam relevant. But given the dumbness of the exam, I afraid this is as good a book on support as it can ever be when it comes to exam preparation. There is not much use for a book like this after the exam.
2 It's OK.
Remember that this is an "exam cram". It is a refresher for those that already know the material. As such, it is a good enough book.
If you don't already know the material or don't have at least a year of hands on experience, this book won't do the job.
If the book alone is applied to the test, the best that you can hope for would be 70%.
The book is mostly accurate, with few typos, but it does not cover everything.
3 The following are a must have to pass the CCNP Support Exam
I passed the CCNP Support Exam 640-506 on Feb 18 2001. I had purchased Amir Ranjbar's book 3 weeks ago,last week of Jan 2001. I also bought CORIOLIS support Exam Cram by Matthew Luallen. The following is what I did to pass the exam.
1. I read Mr. Ranjbar's book cover to cover 11 Chapters. Second time around I read the Q&A in each section and the Foundation Summary in each Chapter. ( Excellent layout ). Third time around I just paid attention to the screen print out of all commands, there are many and Mr. Ranjbar has done a great job of explaining various sections of the output. Great diagrams of the ISDN, Internal architecture of 7000 & 7500 series Routers, and troubleshooting scenarios. These are actual printouts of the commands just visualize you are looking at a screen on a PC, and you will be fine. This book is GREAT !!! on the job too, it is practical.
2. Tear out the cram sheet on the Coriolis exam cram book. it has 103 commands and brief description of each, this is imperative to know,laminate this sheet at office depot for one dollar. Keep this laminated sheet with you wherever you go, good for rush hour commute, waiting at Dentist's office etc. Keep looking at it every day, it will make sense in a week or so.
3. 3-4 days before the exam, just read the Coriolis book 13 short and easy reading fun chapters, take the exam at the end of the book, keep in mind that the actual exam is much more harder than that, fill in the blanks are great.
4. Take the exam on the test engine provided by Mr. Ranjbar's CD that comes with his book, keep taking the exam until you start getting above 90% and close to 100%. If you fllow the above directions, with discipline, dedication and hard work you can pass this exam too. Good Luck to You.
4 You'll need the exam prep book to fill in the gaps.
I always thought I had excellent technical skills with over 12 years of hardware troubleshooting experience. I also though hardware and software support was fairly straightforward and easy to understand, that was until I started reading Cisco books.
Coriolis has put together a book that begins to breakdown Cisco support and clear up my confusion. The Cram Sheet, tables, figures, screenshots, practice questions and sample test in this book are great ways to make the learning easier.
Covering topics like resources, methodology, the technician's tools, protocols, frame relay, ISDN, IP, IPX, AppleTalk, and the Catalyst 5000 switch I have the beginning of a very goof foundation.
I am anxious to read the Support Exam Prep book once published to fill in the details of the areas covered in this book. Visit Coriolis's website to find this and other certification books on several subjects.
5 Not enough for exam
Although I barely squeeked by this final exam , this book was definitly not enough info for the test. Not even the format of the practice exams was the same as the test. The test had tons of enter the command on the blank line (rather than multiple choice as the book presents them) as well as questions on interpreting sniffer output, which was not mentioned once in the book. I recomending that everyone try another book because this book didn't give much "test relevent" info, nor did it give an idea of what to expect on the test
6 Not enough for exam
This is a hard test. One book can't do it. This one wasn't even close. I failed very badly. Hate this test and I blame this book for me failing! Urgh!
7 Excellent Resource!
This book was a great aid for the support exam. Albeit I will admit that you need to have an additional resource with this book .. the author takes the time to explain some real world troubleshooting scenarios that can be applied to your network immediately. Passed with over 900.
8 Really good test prep material
Purchased the book to help study for the CIT exam. Found it to be a very good book for studing the exam. There are a few mistakes and weak points in this book but over all it is a good review for the test. I do not think that there will be any 1 book out there that will prepare you for the CIT exam. You need a lot of practice and experience before attempting this exam. This book will help get your there but you have to do some additional reading also.
9 Good reference, but bad test prep
While this guide provided quite a bit of useful information that I have been able to use frequently in my work environment, I do not think that it did an adequate job of reviewing the materials that I encountered on my exam. I passed the exam, but only by a slim margin, and only because of some material from other tests that I was able to remember. I cannot divulge the exact areas that I felt the book came in lacking due to the Cisco Confidentiality Agreement, so I can only say that this book alone will likely be inadequate as a sole test preparation resource. However, I would definately recommend this as a supplementary resource due to its potential real-world benefits.
10 support
It is a good guide for people who have understanding of cisco equipment. It guides you in a very easy manner and saves a lot of time not studying things that are unnecessary.
