Cisco Systems Inc.
1 Adequate if this is what you need
This training kit is almost what I wanted. It contains a CD and a brief tutorial brochure. The CD has a 199 page PDF book, which you can use both on screen and on paper, it also has CBT software which allows students to learn step by step and check their understanding of the material. There is no video or audio. To be honest I was expecting more from Cisco but this kit is adequate in my case.
Edgar Danielyan CCNP CCDP
Danielyan Consulting
2 Study from the Source!
Instead of taking courses for the CCNA, I decided to configure the self-study route (ha ha) and studied from a few books, including this one. Just passed CCNA with 94% marks! The trick is to find a good book like this one, study well and take lots of sample tests. Good Luck!
3 Could make improvements - overall it's oaky as a study tool.
When I studied for the CCNA exam I used a great deal of books and software to study from. I read everything and tried all the practice exams and after 6 months I took the exam and passed. I wish this training kit had been available at the time I was preparing for the exam.
The installation of the software was simple and easy, there were no major problems. I was able to install and run the software on a Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000 platform and the only thing I had to do the lower the number of colors in order to run without problems.
The software is setup to run in a study mode, which allows for the learning by individuals modules. Also you can leave out questions and this mode allows for you to learn at an easy pace. Study Mode also has the ability to get help while you learn to aide in the study progression.
The practice exam mode will give the feeling of the actual live exams before the real exam is your first attempt. With the software installed I was able to track my progress and review the areas I was weakest in. Overall this enhances the Cisco Press books for CCNA, a job very well done.
4 Disappointed!!!
Don't buy this book, it's very poor and has a lot of basic errors!!
5 This is NOT a CBT, this is an E-book...
The reading assignments are simply 199 page long PDF files. There is NO interactivity within the reading assignments themselves, and the "simplified navigation" is limited to jumping between 199 page long PDF files from a menu. The PDF files are all material printed in Cisco press books. Converting their current publications into 199 page long PDF files, and marketing that as a CBT is irresponsible and misleading on Cisco's part. (Cisco never even MENTIONS Adobe Acrobat or PDF files in their product descrptions or packaging.)
The testing software also has some design flaws. (i.e. If your time expires in study mode, the test will not get graded or reviewed.)
I am extremely disappointed with this product, and in Cisco. This is NOT a CBT, this is an E-book with a test program.
6 This is NOT a CBT, this is an E-book...
The reading assignments are simply 199 page long PDF files. There is NO interactivity within the reading assignments themselves, and the "simplified navigation" is limited to jumping between 199 page long PDF files from a menu. The PDF files are all material printed in Cisco press books. Converting their current publications into 199 page long PDF files, and marketing that as a CBT is irresponsible and misleading on Cisco's part. (Cisco never even MENTIONS Adobe Acrobat or PDF files in their product descrptions or packaging.)
The testing software also has some design flaws. (i.e. If your time expires in study mode, the test will not get graded or reviewed.)
I am extremely disappointed with this product, and in Cisco. This is NOT a CBT, this is an E-book with a test program.
7 Cisco CCNA Training Kit Exam #640-507
The software package delivers as promised with all the information you need to know and test simulations to pass the real deal, but the user interface needs some polishing, and one serious consideration before buying this program. How much time do you want to spend home in front of your computer studying, assuming you already spend 8-10 hrs at work in front of a workstation. Take into account that Cisco press already has the CCNA Library kit w/all the info needed to pass the test and a test sim CD is included in the kit. it's a matter of personal choice books w/sim test or same books and test in digital format. I would have taken the books if given a second choice.
