If you're preparing for the new CompTIA 2006 certification in A+, or the current Network+ and Security+ certifications, you'll find this book invaluable. It provides all the information you need to get ready for these exams, including the four new A+ exams -- the required Essentials exam and three elective exams that pertain to your area of specialization. As with other O'Reilly Nutshell books for certification exams, A+, Network+ and Security + in a Nutshell follows a proven style and approach. It reviews all of the topics needed to master each exam in a remarkably concise format, with required knowledge boiled down to the core. Instead of plowing through 500 to 700 pages to prepare for each exam, this book covers each one in approximately 150 pages. And because the objectives for the three elective A+ exams are redundant, and the book covers them in one section. The exams covered include:

• A+ Essentials: Required for A+ 2006 certification

• EXAM 220-602: For the A+ IT Technician specialization

• EXAM 220-603: For the A+ Remote Support Technician specialization

• EXAM 220-604: For the A+ IT Depot specialization

• EXAM N10-003: For Network+ Certification

• EXAM SYO-101: For Security+ Certification

Each exam is covered in three parts: Exam Overview, Study Guide and Prep and Practice. Plenty of detailed tables and screen shots are included, along with study notes and practice questions. Once you have completed the exams successfully, you will find this all-in-one book to be a valuable reference to core administration and security skills.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 6 Ratings

Decent guide, but some pretty terrible inaccuracies - 2007-08-26
Reviewer Rating:
I used this guide to study for my A+ exams. It was a decent guide, but there were some pretty large technical errors in the book. This wouldn't be such a big deal, if it weren't for the fact that the most glaring of the errors is in there *twice* (once for the A+ Essentials exam, and once for the A+ 602/603/604 exam), and the reader is advised to *memorize* specific voltages which are obviously wrong. Other errors include a few practice questions with wrong answers (including one that directly contradicts an earlier warning in the book), and a couple of errors with regards to inputs commonly found on the back of computers.

It's also worth mentioning that I haven't yet read the Security+ or Network+ portions of the book, and obviously, since I bought the book, I definitely am not intimately familiar with everything it covers, yet I have found 6 major technical errors. If this weren't a book written as a test prep guide, this wouldn't be such a big deal, but as it stands, I recommend against purchasing this book.

Get it for the topics, not for the tests - 2009-07-07
Reviewer Rating:
O'Reilly books are known for their quality and this one (despite a few inaccuracies) is no exception. Anyone interested in adding entry-level networking and PC repair knowledge to their skill set should add this book to their library. That, however, is not the reason for this review.

At the time of this writing, the CompTIA exams referenced by this book either have been updated or are in the process of being updated. While students and shoppers hoping to purchase one book to pass four tests and earn three certifications are bound to be disappointed by this news, there is a silver lining: the information is still valuable, both on the revised exams and in the real world. As such, I still highly recommend the book.

Forget A+, Network+ material quite alright - 2008-08-02
Reviewer Rating:
Yes must agree with Brett. The A+ section of this book is woeful and extremely boring! Many Factual inaccuracies which make it impossible to use this book as a passing guide for the A+ exam. For instance the Power connectors to the MB in the A+ section are totally wrong! (it lists most of then as +1v connectors and does not list any 12V connectors) Also the 2nd A+ guide practically repeats the First section of the A+ guide. Don't bother reading it, my biggest mistake!

However the Networks+ guide seems to be far superior. I have not seen as many errors (yet still one or two). But the content is quite interesting. It is also on the ball in discussing IPSEC PAP, Chap, MS-Chap, Routing, etc. Most of what you want to know about in Network technology and communication. My recommendation if you know what you are doing forget A+ (saving you $600 in examination fees) go straight to Network+ and security+ Will update when I pass Network+

Good Service - 2009-02-18
Reviewer Rating:
This customer had good service and there wasn't any negative issues concerning this seller. I have gotten accustom to the seller emailing me that the item was shipped with a tracking number, and I did not get one this time. I had to inquire about the shippment. But I will say this, the product was delivered in no time.

O'Reilly Strikes Again with another Hit!! - 2008-11-17
Reviewer Rating:
While I've written about O'reilly "Nutshell" books before, and have had nothing but compliments, I offer a caveat with this one: make sure you know your stuff before getting this book and taking the CompTIA tests. I bought this book with about 10 years of computer knowledge behind me - I did reasonably well on the A+ portion, but blew the Network+ right out of the water...

This text hits all of the points with good categorization and logical flow... but it will not give you all of the "nuts and bolts" required by technical job knowledge. Make sure you have the recommended time and experience before you take the test - O'Reilly's "Nutshell" book will help you with the days leading up to the test, but it should not cover any "new" topics you've never seen.

For those with the appropriate background, this book is awesome. The review sections are clear and concise, and the coverage is amazing. I like how they packed three test subjects into one book (saving you valuable $$$!)

Great as a review/reference, not a "first-timers" instruction book.

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