Product Description

Cisco authorized self-study book for CCNA foundation learning

• Prepare for CCNA exam #640-607 certification while learning the fundamentals of setting up, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Cisco networks
• Determine in which situations a hub, Ethernet switch, or router would be more appropriately used Use Cisco software to identify addresses, protocols, and connectivity status in a network containing multiple interconnected Cisco devices
• Interconnect Cisco switches and routers according to a given network design specification
• Configure Cisco switches and routers to support a specified list of protocols and technologies
• Configure access lists to control access to network devices or segments and general network traffic
• Verify that Cisco switches and routers, as well as their configured network services and protocols, operate as intended within a given network specification

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices is a Cisco authorized self-paced learning tool for CCNA foundation learning. This book provides you with the knowledge needed to identify and recommend the best Cisco solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. This book teaches you how to perform all the basic configuration procedures to build a multirouter, multigroup internetwork that uses LAN and WAN interfaces for the most commonly used routing and routed protocols.

This book provides the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting information required to install and configure Cisco products. You will learn the fundamentals of interconnecting Cisco network devices in five modules: getting started with Cisco networks (assembling, cabling, operating, configuring, and managing devices), interconnecting Catalyst(r) switches (fundamental switch operations and VLAN configuration), interconnecting Cisco routers (TCP/IP, IP routing, traffic management, and IPX configuration), extending the network to WANs (serial point-to-point connections, ISDN BRI, and Frame Relay PVC connections), and supplemental appendixes (AppleTalk(r), HyperTerminal, Cisco 700 series routers, and password recovery techniques). Each chapter concludes with questions to help assess your understanding of key concepts and start you down the path for attaining your CCNA certification.

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco Systems that can include simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press.Amazon.com Review
Here's a book that clearly and concisely explains the low-level internetworking concepts that make the Internet go. If you read Internetworking Cisco Network Devices and come to understand its subject matter, you'll be well prepared to pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam (640-507) and do a bang-up job at most any networking job you choose to pursue. This book explains Internet-standard data communications protocols (the TCP/IP suite and routing algorithms particularly) in terms of their implementations on Cisco routers, switches, and software systems. By doing so, it prepares you to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco equipment.

If you're starting from near zero on the networking knowledge scale (and even if you're not), you'll likely want to read this book from beginning to end. The authors lay down a conceptual foundation (including excellent coverage of the Open Systems Interconnection reference model) in early chapters, and subsequently proceed to place Cisco-specific knowledge on top of that base. The text frequently seems dry, but it's clear that the authors and editors went to considerable trouble to get their facts right and drive home the big concepts with illustrations. Test-preparation aids are limited to a dozen or so review questions (with brief, minimally annotated answers at the back of the book), so it's clear that this book is about knowing the material, not preparing for an artificial test. It does readers a service. --David Wall

Topics covered: The contents of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam (640-507), which verifies knowledge of interconnections among networks as implemented with Cisco equipment running Internet-standard protocols. Coverage spans selection of hardware from the Cisco line, cabling, configuring Internetwork Operating System (IOS), setting up switched networks with Catalyst 1900 switches, and establishing virtual local area networks (VLANs). Plenty of coverage goes to TCP/IP under Cisco gear, including routing protocols, the configuration of routes, and point-to-point communication over wide area network (WAN) links of various kinds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

EXACT SAME book as ICND for 640-507
The book didn't change, except for the cover.I compared the 640-507 book with the new one for 640-607 and the info is, page-for-page, exactly the same.You can turn to page XX in one book and the exact same info is on page XX of the other book.See, the ICND material didn't change.The only thing that Cisco changed was the format of the test (640-607 has the material weighted differently; Cisco.com might explain this better) and (I think) the passing score is higher.So, if you want to study for the new test, use the same ICND book, but the NEW Cisco Press study guide for 607 instead of the old 507 guide.

Careful if you think this is the v3.0 exam book...
There is a new version of this book being advertised by Cisco Press under the same ISBN number for exam 640-607... this is *not* it!!!Still useful, but it's plain as day on the cover, this book is for 640-507, not the new exam.

What do you use for 640-607?Dunno since Cisco Press is giving the wrong ISBN... tell the world when you find out :)

Pretty basic book on Cisco.
The information contained in this book is fairly basic for anyone but a complete beginner. There is no coverage of IP routing protocols. If you want to take it a step (or two) further, check out "Cisco IOS for IP Routing" by Andrew Colton. That book will get you up to speed with dynamic IP routing and should give at least the CCNP level information on Cisco routing.

tedious
Take a decent user manual, remove 3 scoops of details, add 1 scoop of errors, 2 scoops of ambiguities, and puff to 5 times its volume with repetitions, disorganization, and verbosity, and you've got this turkey.

See _The Switch Book_ by Rich Seifert if you want to know how switches work.See _Upgrading and Repairing Networks_ by Terry Ogletree for a good general primer.

YOU CAN'T MISS WITH THESE BOOKS
Took the test yesterday and it was a breeze!Cisco books ,no holds
barred,made it so easy!OoPs!Some hands-on with Cisco Routers can
help really get you pass that interview too !Good Luck! ... Read more

Product Description
Mike Meyers, the industry expert on professional certification, brings you this concise, affordable, and portable study tool for this MCSA exam. With an intensive focus on only what you need to know to pass this challenging exam plus practice exam software on CD, this Certification Passport is your ticket to success on exam day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

My daughter-in-law wanted it for Christmas and she loved it!
My daughter-in-law really wanted this book.She is a systems administrator.I looked at it before I wrapped it and couldn't make sense out of it (computer illiterate!!) She said Thank You!. ... Read more

Product Description
Written for computer and network professionals of all levels of experience, this book covers more than 70 vendor-based and organization-based certification programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

no longer current.
This book, published in 1998 (during the height of the certification boom), is no longer current.Some of the certifications are no longer offered, still others have been discontinued.Still, it contains a lot of good information on the varied certifications available, and can jump start your thinking if you want to add a few lines to your resume.

Good Guide
This book is not an exam preparation book. It is helpful for anyone interested in obtaining a computer certification. It covers certifications at all levels of difficulty and all range of skills. This book was a greatinvestment for me and am sure that almost anyone will find it helpful.There are certifications that I didn't even know existed and now thanks tothis book I've earned a few of them and I'm pursuing yet a few more.

Excellent
If you're not sure which certification to go for, then this book is for you. It tells you about all certs that are currently available, exam formats(multiple choice questions, etc.), approx. fees, prerequisites, andalso the difficulty of obtaining the certs.

But if you can read it at abookstore, you will find that buying this book won't be such a good ideacoz by then, you would have decided on which exams to take.

The book getsmy 4 stars coz it gives you what you'd expect from the title.

Meets the Requirements to be a Guide
Well, it does what it claims.

It describes the certifications available by vendor.Short, to the point descriptions, usually not longer than a page, for each certification.

Format is basically:

"XXX CorpCertification" Who needs it... Requirements for certification... Whereto take the test... Cost of test... Format of test...

And that's aboutall the info you'll get for each certification covered in this book.

Itincludes info for (from inside cover) certifications from: Ascend, Adobe,Banyan, Bay Networks, Borland, Centura, Cisco, Compaq, CompTIA, CA, Corel,HP, IBM, Informix, Learning Tree, Lotus, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle,Prosoft, SCO, Silicon Graphics, Sun, Sybase, USWeb, Xylan.

I didn't giveit 5 stars because it is really a cut-dry book, very to the basics and tothe point book.Very dry so it's not interesting reading.But it'll giveyou the facts your looking for.

Excellent Book, especially for Informix Certification Info.
I found this to be a fantastic guide, especially for me when researching Informix Software.All major certifications in IT are covered just as well as Informix is. ... Read more

Product Description

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide

• Master IUWNE 640-721 exam topics with the official study guide
• Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes
• Review key concepts with Exam Preparation Tasks
• Practice with realistic exam questions on the CD-ROM

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide is a best of breed Cisco® exam study guide that focuses specifically on the objectives for the CCNA® Wireless IUWNE exam. Senior instructor Brandon Carroll shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding and retention of exam topics.

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide presents you with an organized test preparation routine through the use of proven series elements and techniques. “Do I Know This Already?” quizzes open each chapter and allow you to decide how much time you need to spend on each section. Exam topic lists make referencing easy. Chapter-ending Exam Preparation Tasks sections help you drill on key concepts you must know thoroughly.

The companion CD-ROM contains a powerful testing engine that allows you to focus on individual topic areas or take complete, timed exams. The assessment engine also tracks your performance and provides feedback on a module-by-module basis, presenting question-by-question remediation to the text and laying out a complete study plan for review.

Well-regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, and challenging review questions and exercises, this official study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that will enable you to succeed on the exam the first time.

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press. To find out more about instructor-led training, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, please visit www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining.

Brandon James Carroll is one of the country’s leading instructors for Cisco security technologies, teaching classes that include the CCNA, CCNP®, CCSP® courses, a number of the CCVP® courses, as well as custom-developed courseware. In his eight years with Ascolta, Brandon has developed and taught many private Cisco courses for companies such as Boeing, Intel, and Cisco. He is a CCNA, CCNP, CCSP, and a certified Cisco instructor. Brandon is the author of Cisco Access Control Security.

The official study guide helps you master all the topics on the IUWNE exam, including:

• WLAN RF principles

• WLAN technologies and topologies

• Antennae concepts

• 802.11 protocols

• Wireless media access

• Wired to wireless network packet delivery

• Cisco Unified Wireless Networks basic architecture

• Controller discovery, association, and configuration

• Adding mobility with roaming

• Migrating standalone AP to LWAPP

• Mobility Express architecture

• Wireless clients

• Installing and configuring the WCS

• Securing, maintaining, and troubleshooting wireless networks

Companion CD-ROM

The CD-ROM contains an electronic copy of the book and more than 150 practice questions for the IUWNE exam.

This volume is part of the Exam Certification Guide Series from Cisco Press®. Books in this series provide officially developed exam preparation materials that offer assessment, review, and practice to help Cisco Career Certification candidates identify weaknesses, concentrate their study efforts, and enhance their confidence as exam day nears.

Category: Cisco Press–Cisco Certification

Covers: IUWNE exam 640-721

$49.99 USA / $54.99 CAN

Customer Reviews (20)

Excellent Resource/Study Guide
This is another great book by Cisco Press. I work on and support wireless everyday and not only is this a good resource to have on my shelf to refer to when I have questions but it's an excellent study guide for the CCNA wireless exam. In my opinion Cisco Press is the only way to go when studying for one of their exams.

Rushed to Press
I have read many reviews about the errata, typos, and general feel that this book was rushed to press, and I must agree.Many of the opening chapters seem merely to be a hodgepodge of tables pulled from Cisco documentation with no real description of the meaning of the material.Most of the figures within the book either have no bearing on what is being discussed, or are in organized in a way to make the example nearly impossible to follow.Though I understand this is a CCNA-level book, I found description of radio technologies are rushed and shallow and left me scratching my head, though I have worked with IP of radio systems of all sorts for a decade.

I admire what was attempted, from radio theory to basic deployment of a Cisco wireless network in less than 500 pages.Yet, even with the most experienced writer/engineer, this would be a Herculean effort.

I wish I'd had a book like this back in 2005..
I received this book a couple of months ago, and couldn't devote much time to reading through it when I originally received it, but I sat down with it this evening & made some notes..

First off, I wish I'd had a book like this back in 2005 when I was first implementing Cisco's controller based unified wireless architecture.I had to read deployment guides and release notes and piece together the information that is neatly contained in this book.

Chapers 1- 9 [Wireless LAN Fundamentals]

This section covers everything from the basic WLAN concepts, principles of RF, antennas, 802.11 protocols, AP discovery methods, and how packets are delivered from the wireless to the wired networks
The graphics used to show influences on wireless transmissions are very helpful to visualize the affect that different sources of 'interference' have on the RF signals.The antenna types section is very thorough and gives good examples of common antennas chosen for wireless deployments, as well as all the extra antenna connectors and hardware that might be required for outdoor deployments.The diagrams of client communications [Fig 7-9 through Fig 7-18] are extremely helpful to visualize the flow of information from a client station through the WLAN and back again.The section covering other wireless technologies is also very thorough in describing how a ZigBee WPAN operates.ZigBee technology is often overlooked in discussions of wireless LANs, as are DECT phones and WiMAX, and it is good to see these technologies represented even if they are not a major part of the IUWNE exam.

Chapters 10 - 16 [Cisco Wireless LANs]

This section covers Cisco WLAN Architecture, controller discovery and association methods, client roaming, SNMP, migrating aIOS {autonomous APs} to LWAPP, the Cisco Mobility Express line of APs/controllers and wireless clients.As Cisco's WLAN Architecture line is always evolving - the best place to read about Cisco's offerings is of course Cisco's website, but this section covers the basics of the access points and controllers that were available when this book was initially published (2009).Since then Cisco has released the 1140, 3500, and 1520 series access points, along with the 5500 series controllers.The step by step process (Ch. 11) of how an AP joins a controller is always helpful when trying to pinpoint where in the join process the communication is breaking down between an AP and a controller.
Layer 2/Layer 3 Roaming is described in detail in Chapter 12, along with helpful visual aides to further diagram the roaming characteristics of each type of client roam method.Migrating APs from IOS to LWAPP - this is something that we all do again and again - either the wrong AP SKU was ordered, you're performing a network migration - or are just testing/troubleshooting either IOS or LWAPP functionality - the upgrade process is defined in simple terms with visuals from the upgrade tools.The only time I've personally seen the Cisco Mobility Express line of hardware was when I was assisting with beta testing back in '07 - but they serve a purpose for business cases where the scalability of the other lines of Cisco hardware is not necessary.It is good to see this hardware covered in depth in this section, as most of us won't see this gear in person.Wireless Clients - great screen captures of configuring Windows, Mac and Linux wireless clients with common wireless NICs, including how to configure the Cisco ADU, ACAU, and the Secure Services Client.

Chapters 17 - 20 (WLAN Maintenance and Administration)

These chapters cover securing the WLAN, enterprise management, maintaining & troubleshooting WLANs
This first chapter (Ch 17) is a good primer on WLAN attacks, WLAN security methods, and has nice diagrams showing the authentication/authorization information flow between the client, authenticator and authentication servers.WCS is covered in depth in chapter 18, and this section is very helpful in describing the uses for WCS - management, reporting, auditing configurations, simulating wireless coverage and generating proposals based on RF simulations.The troubleshooting section will be a good reference section for any wireless engineer - the most common debug commands are listed along with descriptions of the data generated by each of them, as well as defining common client-side issues.Now although I have not used this book to study for or take the IUWNE exam 640-721, this book still serves as a reference guide for anyone just beginning to learn about the world of Cisco wireless LANs and Cisco wireless hardware (APs/controllers/WCS).The information is presented in clear terms along with helpful visuals to reinforce the topics covered.Brandon Carroll has done a wonderful job of covering a lot of very technical information without taking a deep-dive into the nuts and bolts of each of the topics covered. This book is a primer for the next stage of reading materials (yet to be published) for the CCNP wireless track.It is easier to begin to understand wireless networking through repeated layers of information.

This book is an excellent starting place for Cisco network engineers new to the line of Cisco wireless hardware, or the fundamentals behind the technology from Cisco's perspective.

CCNA Wireless Official Certification Guide
As someone who is fairly new into the Cisco certifications, I choose this book based on my goal for a CCNA wireless certification.


If I am taking a Microsoft certification I buy Microsoft publishers - so for me buying Cisco Press books to take the Cisco exams is the only way to go.
I feel the Cisco Press books are written in such a way, that really help someone who is trying to grasp the concepts, and are articulated in a clear concise manner.

This book in particular I thought was well laid out from start to end, the chapters flowed and I was always able to understand the text.The breakdown of the Exam Topics really helped me hone in to particular areas of study and then test myself with the quizzes.

The CD was of great value as well - I use it to test my retention of the material which is great to really really sink the info into my head (Studying Cisco always hurts my head)

Overall this book has really helped me and I hope that my cost and effort will pay off when I pass the test.

Good for someone starting up in the wireless networking field
I have been working in networking for a few years, but was never on the wireless side of things. I recently moved positions and now run everything network related, including wireless. Having a solid base in how a network runs, but no real world wireless knowledge, this book saved me a lot of time and headache. It gave me everything I needed to configure a network. Then I could go back and learn about the technology and how to troubleshoot it properly (should've done it the other way around, but didn't have time). I will be supplementing this book with some more in depth ones, but this was a great starter for someone like me (no wireless experience, but solid networking background). ... Read more

Product Description
Map out your success with help from this compact bundle of expertise. Series editor Mike Meyers, the industry expert on professional certification, brings you this concise, affordable, and portable study tool for the Network+ exam. With an intensive focus on only what you need to know to pass this exam plus practice exam software on CD, this Certification Passport is your ticket to success on exam day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

It is possible to pass with only this book... but...
I just passed my Network+ (2007 Objectives) yesterday with a 752/900, after studying using only this book. There is enough information in this book to pass the test, but don't expect to get a perfect score. In fact, there were several questions on the test that I had to guess for (which ended up being 50/50 for most of them, after deductively removing the rediculous choices). There were more in-depth questions about routing protocols and wireless encryption than the book covered, and I was shocked to see so many questions about fiber, when the book barely touched the topic. You can pass with this book, but if you want a perfect score, you'll need to get anothter book, too.

Good Book
I am fond of the Passport Series and think that this book put you in the right direction for the skills and knowledge of the exam.I have not taken the exam as of yet, but feel confident that this has helped me.

Great book
Very informative, lets you know what you need to pass the cert test and nothing else.

Very short on useful information
I bought this book as a study guide for taking the Network + exam, and as far as concepts goes, there's nothing in the book I would consider wrong. However, it's very short on useful specifics that will help you pass the test. I read the book from cover to cover and studied very hard, but it was sorely lacking in information on ISDN, WEP, CHAP, MS-CHAP, Tunneling Protocols and just about the whole section with regards to security which is a part of the current test. Don't buy this book by itself if you're studying for the test--unless you're just looking for a quick refresher.

By the way, it contained almost no information about Fibre Optics, their connectors, distance lengths, which are all a part of the current exam.

WAY TOO BRIEF!!!
WARNING! DO **NOT** USE THIS BOOK AS YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR PASSING THE EXAM. I just took the exam last week and I was amazed how different the questions were on the VUE test. I was sadly mistaken relying only on this book for theexam and failed it by 20 points. I've learned a $200 lesson. The exam has been slightly modified since the date this book was written. There were hardly any questions on the exam covering Novell, Apple or ISDN. I saw very few questions covering the basics on RAID, OSI, and cable connectors/cable lengths. The new test weighed heavily on wireless implementation and network troubleshooting (about 50 of the 85 questions or so covered Network+ Objectives 3 and 4). This Passport book covers only the very basics of networking and does not go into much depth at all for troubleshooting issues. This is a great book only if you want a very brief review before taking the exam. Having some real world experience will also help you greatly. In addition, the questions in the chapter reviews are a joke compared to the real exam. I would strongly recommend getting another book like Tamara Dean's Network+ 2005 In Depth, Exam Prep, or Exam Cram. The questions from Exam Cram/Exam Prep will more closely resemble questions I've seen on the real exam. Tamara's book does a great job explaining troubleshooting fundamentals in detail. Again I stress, do not underestimate this Network+ exam.

... Read more

Product Description

Develop the skills you need in the real world

Hit the ground running with the street-smart training you'll find in this practical book. Using a "year in the life" approach, it gives you an inside look at network administration, with key information organized around the actual day-to-day tasks, scenarios, and challenges you'll face in the field. This valuable training tool is loaded with hands-on, step-by-step exercises covering all phases of network administration, including:

• Designing a network

• Implementing and configuring networks

• Maintaining and securing networks

• Troubleshooting a network

An invaluable study tool

This no-nonsense book also covers the common tasks that CompTIA expects all of its Network+ candidates to know how to perform. So whether you're preparing for certification or seeking practical skills to break into the field, you'll find the instruction you need, including:

• Designing and drawing an internetwork

• Identifying devices and components

• Configuring wireless components

• Planning for static and dynamic routing

• Setting up hubs, switches, and routers

• Maintaining security with encryption, scans, and more

• Troubleshooting your network

The Street Smarts series is designed to help current or aspiring IT professionals put their certification to work for them. Full of practical, real world scenarios, each book features actual tasks from the field and then offers step-by-step exercises that teach the skills necessary to complete those tasks. And because the exercises are based upon exam objectives from leading technology certifications, each Street Smarts book can be used as a lab manual for certification prep. ... Read more

Product Description
You cannot go wrong with this book!

Part of the TotalRecall: The IT Question Book Series, this new ExamStudy Aid is now available for candidate’s preparing to sit for theCCNA 640-607 exam. This book is designed for the individual that wantsto gain confidence by reviewing a large quantity of practice examquestions and help readers determine their readiness for the CCNA640-607 certification exam.

Each section of the book provides questions and answers that cover theexam topics specified in the CCNA exam requirements. Each question andanswer is also followed with a brief explanation to help readersunderstand why that answer was chosen.

The intent of this book is help candidates realize their goal ofachieving the CCNA certification and to provide them with a strongfoundation and knowledge base that they can build on. This is not atextbook about the subject, but should be used as a final check to seeif you are ready to pass the Routing exam for CCNA. This book containsa comprehensive cross-section of the exam material and is presented ina question and answer manner similar to that of the actual exam.

Accompanying the book is our exclusive ONLINE test engine that createsrandomized simulated exams drawn from a database of over 500 sampleexam questions. A score of 800 is needed to pass the BFQ PracticeExam. Written to mimic the real exam, you also get complete answersand explanations plus a detailed scoring summery showing test resultsby exam topic. The practice labs included in this book are provided byBFQLabs.com.

You cannot go wrong with this book! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent Enterprise Routing Coverage
If you are deploying or managing JUNOS routers in a enterprise network, this is THE book to have. It does not cover service provider topics such as MPLS, ISIS, or advanced BGP. There are plenty of other books that do. Harry and Doug do an excellent job of filling in the gap that was missing. This book explains how complex topics such as IPSec VPNs, NAT/PAT, Stateful Firewall, BGP policy, IGP migration, etc. all work in JUNOS.

Useless Book
If you work for a service provider, then this book is useless for you. This book has no coverage of MPLS and IPV6 or Layer 2 services such as Metro ethernet/VPLS or pseudowire services etc.

The BGP coverage is basic to medium and is not enough for a service provider environment.

I am not sure who will use juniper router to implement NAT or IPSec tunnel. However, this book does cover such topics as NAT/IPSec, Basic multicastetc.

JUNOS ENTERPRISE ROUTING
tHE PRODUCT IS SO NICE AND IS RECOMANDABLE FOR ANY ONE WHO WANT TO DEAL WITH A NETWORKING USING jUNIPER EVEN CISCO.

Excellent and Approachable
Many tech books put you to sleep within a few pages, but not this one.This book is extremely readable. The authors have a very engaging writing style, and the talent for teaching shines through. This book presents difficult concepts in an easy-to-understand way, and throws in enough humor to make sure you were really paying attention.This book is a valuable every-day reference guide, as well as a roadmap for learning JUNOS and going on to tackle the JNCIE exam.

I had the pleasure of attending a course given by Doug Marschke, and I can say his classes were every bit as wonderful as the book.Doug knows this material inside and out, and he has the teaching skills to be able to share his immense knowledge.

Not All Juniper Books Are Created Equal
Not all Juniper books are created equal and this one certainly tops my list.

This guy should win a award for his wit and apparent knowledge exhibited in each chapter.This book helped me TREMENDOUSLY.Well written and easy to understand...AND kept my attention.They put quizzes at the end of each chapter to make sure you 'got it'.This book is a definate must if you use Juniper.

I'd pay money to hear this guy teach a class on this!
... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to manage security for a Windows 2000 system infrastructure—as you prepare for MCP Exam 70-214, a core requirement for Microsoft’s new security specialization for MCSA/MCSE certification. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Conflicted Review
My review of this book is somewhat conflicted.While I would state it would make a good book if you did not know anything about Windows 2000 Security, I find that it fails as a preparation for the 70-214 exam.

I read some of the paragraph length sentences to others at work, and they too got a chuckle out of it.The simplest of items are presented in a wordiness that would make reading Our Mutual Friend or even War and Peace akin to glancing through the Sunday comics.At the same time, many items that should be the meat of the book are glossed over in an almost trivial manner.

If this were simply a training manual, it would have received 3 or even 4 stars.While Windows NT 4.0 Server can be considered archaic, not even a full page in this text is given to security concerns during the upgrade procedure from NT 4.0 to 2000.

I would heartily suggest brushing up on upgrade issues for the exam if this book is to be your sole study guide.With only 50 questions on the exam, it would not take many NT 4.0 questions to blow your chance at passing the 70-214 exam.

A good startto learning a vast topic.
After reading the Microsoft Press book for the 70-214 exam, I can recommend it as a good start to learning about securing a Windows 2000 network, which covers a lot of territory. Since I am already a MCSE I do not plan on taking the exam but read the book because I am always interested in security books. The book has a lot of content and is loaded with step by step instructions and exercises, so much so that I thought it was mostly a "cook book" and light on the theory and practical experience end. The end of chapter questions were very brief and few in number. However the content covered was thorough and by and large accurate (the statements that ipsec requires certificates and that NT4.0 workstations apply the user configuration part of group policy are wrong). It was nice to see a specific example of how to use secedit and create a few basic script files. Kerberos authentication was nicely explained along with the benefits, and why and how you should upgrade older clients to Active Directory Client to get them up to NTLM 2. There was quite a bit of coverage on pki and setting up cerificate services and great examples of using Web Enrollment to obtain certificates. The usual stuff on managing groups/users, share and ntfs permissions, and user permissions were covered. Vpn explanations were fairly thorough, with especially good explanation of differences between pptp and l2tp. It was nice to find a chapter on wireless security that included a step by step example to setting up a WAP. The section on IIS security does not require you to be a guru at IIS, but gets to the point on how to implement various authentication methods to a website from anonymous to ssl and why and when to use each. Intrusion detection is a basic part of network security and using group policy to enable various types of auditing and using Eventcomb is well covered. There is even a lesson on how to set up and use a honey pot. The often misunderstood IPSEC is explained well enough that you can learn how to implement, create a custom policy, and do some basic troubleshooting. Service packs and hot fixes are an important part to maintaining a secure operating system, and chapter 14 covers how to use various tools like MBSA and Qchain to determine the need for and to effeciently implement these updates. Slipstreaming service packs and using RIS is also well explained.
There was a lot for me to like about Implementing and AdministeringSecurity, but I felt it was short in a few areas also. It could have used an intro chapter explaining the importance of security and ramifications of lack of to get the reader in the right mindset, but the first page jumps right into group policy. There could have also been an ending "put it all together" summary chapter with general tips/tricks like the top ten security blunders or how to harden a Windows 2000 server like Microsoft has on their website. I saw very little on disabling uneeded services (though the MBSA tool checks for that). There was little detail about EFS which trips up a lot of users using it by losing their data or believing it is secure when it is not. Dcdiag and netdiag were briefly covered, but these are two very useful tools deserve more - they help troubleshoot when policies are not applied correctly. MBSA was not covered in much detail either. A couple pages on the mysterious anonymous/null session account, what it is used for, how it is a security risk, and what to do about it would have been a great inclusion. Finally I thought that even though the explanation of implementing security policy and templates was good, there was very little explanation of what any of the settings in user rights or security options actually do. Incorrect configurations of some of them can lead to problems in environments with downlevel clients and NT4.0 servers.
In Summary I though the book was a good read and worth keeping, but I would be hesitant to advise anyone to use this book alone to prepare for the 70-214 exam. It would be a good book to have even if not planning to take the exam, because it explains a lot of topics required to know in more detail than you will find in "core four" books. I highly recommend the Microsoft Press Design Security 70-220 book as a possible read to reinforce/supplement topics found here. I also STRONGLY suggest spending time at Microsoft TechNet security website. It has a tremendous amount of detailed information about topics covered in the book and much more including white papers. Finally if you are serious about learning about securing Microsoft networks beyond requirements for this exam I also recommend reading Hacking Windows 2000 Exposed and Inside Network Perimeter Security as a good foundation.

.

Does the job but needs afew updates.
Having recently passed the 70-214 exam, which is new from Microsoft, I had used another book for the exam study as this one arrived 2 days before my exam. With the material contained in this book had it arrived earlier I could have used it to study for the exam.

Like most MS Press books each topic is broken down into lessons with practice labs to help you learn as you go. The cd included has a 120-day evaluation of Windows 2000 Server and the exercises coincide with the cdrom, which also has exercises on it as well.

Looking at the questions on my exam, this book came up a little short with coverage of utils like MBSA, as I several questions on the use of MBSA and there are only a few pages and labs covering the topic.

Although the book does a good job on other utils like QChain, HFNetChk and URLScan. As with any book there will areas with more coverage and areas with less coverage, which is why it is important to have multiple sources.

There is a great deal of material covered in this book and it does make a nice study tool for the exam. The cd also has a practice test generator which is a nice add-on. Overall I think a few updates are needed and this book makes a great companion with other study material. ... Read more

Product Description
This official MCSA TRAINING KIT teaches system administrators how to manage a Microsoft Windows-based network environment-as they prepare for MCP Exam 70-218, a core requirement on the new Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) track. Students learn through an integrated system of skill-building lessons, hands-on exercises, and self-assessment tools. Topics map directly to the objectives measured by the exam, including managing file, print, and Web resources; configuring network infrastructure; monitoring servers and client computers; managing Active Directory organization units and Group Policy; and implementing and troubleshooting remote access. An economical alternative to classroom instruction, this MCSA TRAINING KIT enables students to set their own pace and learn by doing!Amazon.com Review
An excellent beginners' guide to the basics you'll need to know in order to get through the rest of the MCSE/MCSA exams, Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment should be the first book you buy--and it'll continue to come in handy with the rest of the exams you'll take.

Essentially, this book is the absolute minimum you need to know in order to set up and maintain a Win2K environment--how to share a file, how to manage disks, and how to use TCP/IP properly. Advanced users will know these concepts in and out, of course, but this book isn't written for them; it's aimed squarely at the beginning user who's starting from scratch, or close to it.

One of Microsoft's strengths has always been explaining introductory concepts--not necessarily going over every last aspect of each program, but telling you what the program is supposed to do when it's working right--and that's continued here. If you don't know what DNS is or WINS is you'll have a solid idea of what a well-functioning DNS server looks like by the time it's all over.

The writing is heavy on exercises--about a quarter of the book consists of recipes of simple tasks that can be done with two networked computers. The exercises invariably go over what you've just learned, and help to reinforce the basic concepts. An even nicer touch is that certain exercises ask you to purposely "break" something within Windows 2000, then ask you to try what would normally work and see what sorts of error messages you get--this is rarely done, but it's a nice attempt at teaching elementary troubleshooting, and a welcome reminder that not everything goes right in the real world. (Don't worry, they show you how to set it right after you're done.)

Some aspects of the book are a dramatic improvement over past Microsoft books--the section on NTFS permissions, for example, is miles ahead of anything Microsoft has done before, nailing down the reasonably complex issue of overlapping permissions with ease and grace. The section on disk drives is also well done, and while I doubt that anyone will ever be able to write a section on the monstrously dry TCP/IP protocol that could be called enjoyable, Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network nicely communicates the essentials of TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP.

Likewise, a weakness in previous Microsoft books was real-world experience--the exam itself consists mostly of troubleshooting networks gone awry. This is still a problem, and the book is in no way a substitute for hands-on experience, but the troubleshooting sections sprinkled throughout the book (they give lists of basic problems encountered in Win2K networks and their solutions) are a nice touch.

Unfortunately, the most complex portions of Windows 2000--the infamous Active Directory and Group Policies--are the book's weakest sections. Where the reader really needs some handholding to get them through the moderately complex set of concepts associated with Active Directory, the book instead falls into lists and exercises. Novices will definitely need some hands-on effort here to get their minds around it, and will probably have to read these sections several times.

Another minor problem is that the questions--which, in a near first for Microsoft, actually have MCSE-style multiple-choice questions--still come in essay form, and are relatively simple questions that don't test your ability to fix broken networks. There are also relatively few questions, with perhaps three to five at the end of every section; more would have been an added bonus. However, the book comes with a 120-day trial version of Windows 2000 Server, allowing you to get your hands dirty with your own version.

In short, Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment isn't for experts--but then again, experts will probably pass this exam without really needing a book. For the at-home student and the novice, this book is a top pick. Highly recommended. --William Steinmetz ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Muddled
Try Sybex and compare.Needs alot of work to come up to standard.

Corrections from Mircosoft Press
As I use this book to prepare for 70-218 exam, I found it has a few mistakes.So I searched the Microsoft web site and found the following:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q318907

MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit: Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment Exam 70-218 Comments and Corrections (Q318907)

This article contains comments, corrections, and information about known errors relating to the Microsoft Press book MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit: Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment Exam 70-218, ISBN 0-7356-1581-0.

Decent conceptual overview only!
This book provides a good overview of a lot of different material, but covers nothing in-depth.If you are going for your MCSA certification, and you don't have a lot of experiance, I would recommend that you study this manuel first, then study for and take 70-210 and 70-215, followed by 70-218.You will have a better concept of the technology on the 70-210 and 70-215 exams after reading this book.

If you have already passed the 70-210 and 70-215 exams, you should ace 70-218 without any additional study material.If you haven't taken these exams, this study manuel alone will not get you through 70-218.

My final words of wisdom -- if you have a fair amount of Windows 2000 experiance, skip this book altogether and take the test!

Microsoft Press + Sybex Virtual Lab + Transcender worked
My friend, who is an computer instructor at a local school, recommended that I get this book, Trancender, and the Sybex MCSE Virtual Lab. The combo worked, as I was able to pass the exam pretty easily. This book was my guide, and the Transcender questions showed what I needed to study, with the Sybex Virtual Lab was sweet because it simulated a network so I could do my lab exercises on it. The Trancenders were the most expensive part, so you might want to skip them if you're trying to do it super-cheap. Read the book. Learn group policies. Practice hands on (on the Sybex simulator). Review with Transcender as needed. Worked for me.

New Microsoft Press
I finished up my MCSA cert a few weeks ago.I only used this book to study for the 218 exam.Microsoft has made some changes to there publishing of exam study guides.I think they are trying to compete with the Exam Cram and other study guide books.Previous MCSE study guides didn't give you any insight into the actual exams.This book does.Since it is coming from the people who write the exam it makes for a great study guide.Some of the sample questions in the book were actually on the exam.Kind of pricey, but if you get the cert it's worth it.Good luck. ... Read more

Product Description
Training guide developed to help you study and retain the essential knowledge you need to pass the Network+ exam. Text and lab guide package. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not quite the book I was hoping for.
As a technical instructor I am always looking for new material for the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning process. While this book does provide coverage of the Network+ exam is falls a little short for the classroom.

There is over 600 pages of material and the material does cover the exam objectives completely. Topics like data communications and transmission, modems, the OSI model, 802 standards, TCP/IP, subnetting, WAN routing and protocols, security and satellite communications.

At the end of each chapter there is review questions and multiple choice questions and the lab manual included has exercises that coincide with each chapter of the book. The cd included use the exam gear testing software with over 500 questions.

I think if the author combined the lab manual with the book, added more coverage to routing and switching, included network operating systems like NT, UNIX, Novell and Linux than this book goes to the top.

Don't waste your time
This book was written before the passing score was raised to 82%.On the test, you will find questions on Unix files, UARTs, and tranceivers.These topics are barely covered or not covered at all in this book. I recommend that you read either Mellisa Craft or David Groth's book if you really want to pass. Good luck

Not sure you'll pass with this one.
If A+ is a must for the pc technician, than Network+ should be a must for the basic network technician. New Riders Training Guide for Network+ Certification makes a valiant effort to help you along, however they fall a little short.

The book is under 400 pages and overall the materialcovered leaves you shortchanged. For the price, I expected farmore than a basic overview of each subject. I would consider this book areference, but not a go to source.

The book has practice exam questionsand apply your knowledge areas, which should help. What this book needs ishands-on labs or even better a lab manual that coincides with the book. NewRiders has created a good book, but with time they could have a realwinner.

Network+ certification is fairly new, but growing. New Riders'sbook will get you started, but you may want another book to fill in thefiner points. Overall this book wasn't everything I had hoped it would be.

Network+ Certification Training Guide
Overall, this book is mediocre at best.

It was written before the pass rate for the Network+ exam was increased from 68% to 82%.

There is an incompatibility between the material presented in the main part of the bookand the summaries of these chapters presented in the fast facts section atthe end.

The practice test at the end of the book includes material andterms that are not covered in the corresponding chapter in the book.

Itis a dissapointment because most New Ridersbooks are very good. ... Read more

Product Description
Mike Meyers, the industry expert on professional certification, brings you this concise, affordable, and portable study tool for the new MCSA certification exam. With an intensive focus on only what you need to know to pass exam 70-218 plus practice exam software on CD, this Certification Passport is your ticket to success on exam day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Right on the money
Great coverage of a new topic.I read this book.Took one transcender.Passed the test.I like the book because it's all meat and no potatoes.It was easy to read and edited very well.My first Passport book and I enjoyed it very much.I usually use the red and blue Syngress books, but I think I found another favorite.

Great 70-218 overview
Very readable. Concise. A great overview. Given the price, a great value.

Certification seekers: If you have a lot of real-worldexperience this will be useful in pointing out what you haven't had to deal with but will be on the test. Those taking classes to prepare will find this a much more pleasant review than slogging through the Microsoft Press book again. Useful for those taking the 70-215 test as well, as the 70-218 rehashes many concepts begun in 70-215.

Possible improvements:
If the CD tests were expanded/enhanced, value wouldbe even greater.
In the text: Need more "On the Test" mentions.

Great 70-218 test's review
This book is easy to read; excellent writing style, not boring at all. It contains a good summarize of important concepts for pass and understand the 70-218 Microsoft test, butCAN NOT BE your one resource. You'll need another book for 218 or have strong knowledge and "hands on" experience working on Windows2000.

Recommended book for use with this: MS-PRESS Book 2nd Edition.

Cut down and right to the point.
There are certification books and manuals designed to cover the exam beyond the objectives and then there is those books whose purpose is to hammer home the finer points of the exam, this I one of those books.

Cuttingdown the material to cover the most important facets of the exam while ensuring the objective are met is what we have in this manual. Overall the author has given you a handy reference manual. Keep in mind that this book is a supplement to studying and you will need other books.

The book is setup in a manner that covers each objective from beginning to end. Each chapter has a study time frame to set a guide for you, although you can take as much time as need in the areas you are having trouble with.

Throughout the book there is exam tips and notes as well as review questions at the end of each chapter, which should give you a good handle on the exam. Also included is a cdrom with more question to practice with. What the author has done is taken the reader straight to the exam point, without sacrificing content. ... Read more

Product Description
You cannot go wrong with this book!Part of the TotalRecall: The IT Insight Certification System Series,this new book fills the gap existing in study material available forcandidates preparing to sit the Microsoft MCP/MCSE Implementing andAdministering a Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Network Infrastructure Exam #70-216. It covers the information associated with each exam topic indetail and includes information found in no other book.

Using the book will help readers determine if they are ready for theMicrosoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure MCP 70-216 CertificationExam. Each chapter in this book includes a pre- and post-assessmentquiz to measure comprehension of each topic. This book explains theconcepts in a clear and easy-to-understand manner to help you not onlypass the exam, but to apply the knowledge later in a real-worldsituation. Chapter summaries help wrap up each topic. The largeglossary at the end of the book provides a review of essentialexam-related terms and concepts that will prove invaluable just beforetaking the exam. Helpful tips and time management techniques willalleviate pre-exam jitters and put you in control. This certificationexam measures your ability to install, manage, monitor, configure, andtroubleshoot DNS, DHCP, Remote Access, Network Protocols, IP Routing,and WINS in a Windows 2000 network infrastructure. In addition, thistest measures the skills required to manage, monitor, andtroubleshoot Network Address Translation and CertificateServices. Keep in mind that you may need to supplement any course withadditional work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

216 Review
Good exam review for 70-216.Clear and precise.

216 Review
Good exam review for 70-216.Clear and precise. ... Read more

Product Description
You cannot go wrong with this book!Part of the TotalRecall: The IT Question Book Series, this new book fills the gap existing in study material available for candidates preparing to sit the Microsoft MCP/MCSE Implementing and Administering a Microsoft® Windows®2000 Network Infrastructure Exam # 70-216. It covers the information associated with each exam topic in detail and includes information found in no other book.

Using the book will help readers determine if they are ready for theMicrosoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure MCP 70-216 CertificationExam. Each chapter in this book includes a pre- and post-assessmentquiz to measure comprehension of each topic. This book explains theconcepts in a clear and easy-to-understand manner to help you not onlypass the exam, but to apply the knowledge later in a real-worldsituation. Chapter summaries help wrap up each topic. The largeglossary at the end of the book provides a review of essentialexam-related terms and concepts that will prove invaluable just beforetaking the exam. Helpful tips and time management techniques willalleviate pre-exam jitters and put you in control. This certificationexam measures your ability to install, manage, monitor, configure, andtroubleshoot DNS, DHCP, Remote Access, Network Protocols, IP Routing,and WINS in a Windows 2000 network infrastructure. In addition, thistest measures the skills required to manage, monitor, andtroubleshoot Network Address Translation and CertificateServices. Keep in mind that you may need to supplement any course withadditional work.

Accompanying the book is our exclusive Online Exam that creates randomized simulated exams drawn from a database of 300+ sample exam questions. Written to mimic the real exam, you also get complete answers and explanations plus a detailed scoring summary showing test results at the end. ... Read more

Product Description
Mike Meyers, the industry expert on professional certification, brings you this concise, affordable, and portable study tool for the MCSE Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure Administration certification exam. With an intensive focus on only what you need to know to pass exam 70-216 plus practice exam software on CD, this Certification Passport is your ticket to success on exam day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very good detail and too the point
Between this and a number of other books I used to study for the 70-216 exam.I just got home from passing this exam and am now ready to continue on with finishing my MCSE certifcation for Windows 2000.I had already completed my MCSA in Windows 2000 and it had been awhile since my last exam.But I wanted to continue to work on my skills and finish my MCSE soon.

This series is one in which I would highly recommended.Just wish they had them now to cover the electives I need to finish my MCSE now.

Right on the money
Don't kid yourself if you've never touched the stuff, but this book makes an excellent compliment to any prep material you may have already used or own. Already having taken a basic networking class, for me this hammered down all the fundamentals including practical scenarios. The chapters on RRAS,VPN,& Certificates may prove troublesome for beginners, as it will be hard to visualize what is read without having any experience (classroom or otherwise). This book doubles as a concise reference, for those starting out. The only way you could possibly get more detail is if it came directly from Microsoft. This is good value for the price.

Very well done
I highly recommend this book if it is used *only* to compliment some other, more in-depth, material.Prior to this book I had taken the 2153 class and had read the entire corresponding MOC book.This book did an outstanding job of nailing down the important points and clarifying the theories of the 70-216 exam topics.It is, however, not a replacement for an all encompassing 70-216 book, such as the MOC or Microsoft Press books, or perhaps one of the other various hardbacks available.This is extremely readable though, which is a welcome change from the incredibly unreadable MOC books.I got through this in a just a few days.

Lightweight, easy read
This book is a perfect introduction to the 70-216 test. It covers all the basics. It is a very easy read, however, it is a little light on the real nitty-gritty of DNS and WINS management. If you've been working on them for a little while, and think that your understanding may have some holes in it, this book is perfect for you. Just don't kid yourself about the 70-216 exam - one book won't make you pass.

A Must for any Windows 2000 Network Professional
Whether or not you are looking to be an MCSE 2000, this book is the best networking book I have read in a long time. Very clear and accurate. The style is easy to follow. And yes, it will help you do well on the actual test. Great job by the author!!! I will recommend anyone to buy it. On a general note, the student should have some familiarity with routing protocols and subnets before taking the exam. I did well in the actual test because I am a Cisco professional. My 2 cents. ... Read more

Product Description
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Exam 70-221 measures the ability to analyze business requirements and design a network infrastructure for the Windows 2000 operating system. With READINESS REVIEW, certification candidates can sharpen their test-taking skills, save valuable time and money, and build their confidence for the real exam with the help of this exclusive exam simulation on CD-ROM. The READINESS REVIEW electronic assessment tool delivers randomly generated practice tests covering actual MCP exam objectives. Readers can test and retest with different question sets each time. After completing practice sessions, readers can consult the companion text for helpful explanations for all responses-right and wrong-and identify areas for further study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Horrible Exam Prep book
This book if full of valuable network information - almost none of which is asked by the exam questions. This is more than a little shocking since this is a Microsoft Press book, since MS press editions are usually competently written exam guides. However, the actual test, four long and complex case studies from which you must pick out network design factors based on hints in interviews, existing designs, network diagrams and future plans, has little in common with the content presented by this guide.

This book summarizes everything you need to know about setting up a Windows 2000 network, but doesn't say a thing about WHY to choose one type of design over another. Much of the exam is about choosing between alternative design factors, which this MS book does not mention one word of. It has hundreds of sub-topics entitled "making the decision" but those are in fact nothing but re-statements of the technical content and are not about decision making at all. It is highly unlike that anyone could pass the exam using this book, it is merely a summarization of the topics covered in the "core four" 70-210 through 70-217 MS exam guides.

This book may help!
This is the seond place for the most MCSE test..Number one is 70-216...Network infrastructure........The elective part studying material is so boring. I recommend my students to practice a lot on this...+ Transcender+ Troytec and Test-out! ... Read more

Product Description
Provides everything you need for total preparation for passing COMPTIA's Network+ Exam, in-depth coverage of every exam objective.Includes network fundamentals, configuration, management, security, troubleshooting, and TCP/IP theory and real-world practice. DLC: Electronic data processing personnel-Certification. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Makes passing the exam easier.
Ethernet, Token Ring, OSI Model, DOD Model, TCP/IP, routers, subnet mask, bridges, gateways, protocols, 802.2, 802.3, 802.5, IEEE, LLC, MAC. How can you remember what is required for the Network+ Certification exam any more?

First thing you need to do is get a hold of Network+ Certificationby Prentice Hall. Second thing is begin reading and studying for this bookwill give everything you need to pass the exam and more. The authors arethree of the leading Network trainers, so they might know a thing ortwo.

The book just over 450 pages and is filled with pictures, diagrams,tables and even tells you when to take a study break. Each chapter hasreview questions for you to aid in your study for the examination. While nobook can cover everything, this book comes very close.

Subjects liketopologies, TCP/IP, standards, network hardware and troubleshooting are buta few of the topics covered in the book. What is missing is the practicetest cd; this would make a big difference in getting you ready for theexam. Overall a good value for the money.

Network+ Book
Just finished reading Network+ Book by Tim Hoffman, Dave Houde, and Kostya Ryvkin.

If you need and want to pass the exam, this is a MUST READ material. I don't have any particular experience, but can very quicklyunderstand and easily follow the book, even in complex ideas as they areexplained very well.

Overall, this book is the best technical support Ihave ever read. It's complete, interesting, and easy to undertand.

I amcertainly going to use it for quite a bit of troubleshooting, thanks toauthors! They made my life easier.

Thanks! ... Read more

Product Description

This book helps certified Solaris System Administrators pass the Network Administrator exam. This exam is rapidly increasing in popularity.

This book follows the successful Training Guide format, which delivers superior solutions in the form of lab examples, self-assessment opportunities, summary tables, and several effective learning tools - including ExamGear -- that enhance the learning experience.Amazon.com Review
Tailored to the scope of the Sun Solaris network administration exam (exam 310-043), the Solaris 8 Network Administrator Training Guide provides introductory and intermediate-level coverage of the TCP/IP protocol stack, including key utilities and services, as implemented by Sun's commercial version of Unix. Rafeeq Rehman uses plenty of examples and a lot of "why we do it this way" explanations to help his readers become competent configurers and troubleshooters of Solaris servers and workstations on Internet-standard networks. Some readers may wish for more coverage of the specific characteristics of the Solaris network architecture, but the book follows the exam's lead and covers general networking subjects in equal depth.

Kudos to Rehman and New Riders for their handling of practice questions. At the end of each chapter, there are between 10 and 25 multiple-choice questions in the style of the actual exam. Answers to these questions appear--with explanations, thankfully--in an appendix. That's what you expect in a certification-preparation aid. This book's companion CD-ROM exceeds expectations, though: It's nicely set up and allows you to see the answers ("Study Mode") or go through on your own, without help ("Exam Mode"). There are only 150 questions, but they're different from the ones printed in the book. A nice addition: A tracking utility to monitor your progress over time and point out your weak subjects. --David Wall

Topics covered: Those subjects Sun Microsystems requires candidates to understand in order to pass its Sun Certified Network Administrator for Solaris 8 exam (310-043), including IP addressing, routing with Routing Information Protocol (RIP) and Router Discovery Protocol (RDISC), automatic configuration of nodes with DHCP, and the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). There's an IPv6 introduction, too. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Good review book with lots of examples
Covered are TCP/IP protocol concepts, client-server ports and sockets, routing, DHCP, SNMP, DNS, and IPv6.

The book has lots of examples and output, which are well-explained. At the end of the book are summary and prep tips, a sample exam, and answers.

Got The Job Done
I used this book as my primary study reference and passed. Overall, I found this study guide useful, accurate, and reasonably complete, although the answers to the questions at the end of each chapter were incomplete.

As always, it helps to combine practice exams with study material. The practice exams on the CD were OK, although I thought the Boson tests were better.

If you are going after your Solaris 8 certs, it'll get the job done.

Lacking in many ways.
While this book is informative, it is in no way a good reference guide in preparing for the exam. The author fails to deliver many key areas that are essential for the exam. Also, the test questions are not good enough to get you prepared for the exam.

I was forced to use the SUN manual for this exam i.e. SA-387. The book also contains many errors, too much errors for a book of this kind.

Be warned. If you plan to use this book, make sure that you have allot of hands on experience with Solaris and also make sure that you have a good reference guide to back it up.

The verdict, this book is a good paper weight.

a so so book
Technically inaccurate in many, many places, I would definitely not consider it the "Training Guide" it claims to be.However, if you want a half way decent overview of various Networking topics, and want to know just enough to cover the exam, then the information in this book is helpful.

If you really want to be a professional Network Administrator, I would suggest reading the "Suggested Readings and Resources" section at the end of each chapter or avoiding this book altogether and picking up a copy of "UNIX System Administration Handbook" (Nemeth, et. al.) and/or a few O'Reilly books.

Good Book to pass exam
Found this book good to pass the Solaris 8 network admin certification exam. It is written in a very clear and to-the-point manner so that the reader does not waste his/her time in un-necessary detail and reading unrelated things.

BTW, I have seen a review under heading "A superb illustration of mediocrity, February 11, 2002 " about this book. I beleive that the reviewer probably wanted to write this review for some other book because there is no chapter 16 in this book. Also the question mentioned in that review is not related to Network administration at all and is not contained in this book.

To me this book is excellent to pass the exam if you have some experience with Solaris. ... Read more