general

I took the Network+ today and passed with a score of 800+ out of 900 (passing score is 646). This book was a tremendous help in providing a solid understanding of basic networking. Mike Myer's humor takes a bit to get used. But this is a technical book and at least he tries to keep things interesting. The book covers probably 80% to 90% of the subject matters that were on my actual test. The practice tests included is helpful. I would say that over 70% of the questions are similar to what appear on the test. Anyone preparing for this exam should also search the Internet for other practice exams. Also,I would never attempt to take any test based on just one book. You should always have another text fro reference.

I purchased and read this book from cover to cover in less than 3 weeks. I thought the information was slightly vague and could have been better. After taking the network+ exam, I now know this book is sufficient for passing the exam. I scored a 873 out of 900 possible and have no REAL experience in the networking field. If you want a bullet proof combination, I used Exam Cram 2 by Mike Hardwood along with the Meyers book. I am stressing the fact that all you need is either book. Exam Cram 2 is shorter and more informative, but if you like Meyers' approach, stick with him. The test is not difficult, contrary to some newsgroup posts. Good luck!

If you have read by past reviews of IT books you know that I'm pretty unforgiving toward sub-par certification books.

Thankfully, Mike Meyers, "Network+ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide" is a glowing example of how lots of experience, great writing and skillful editing can unite to form a beautiful book. This is rare in the days of, "can't wait to get it to press (profit)" publishing.

Meyers writes VERY clearly, gives detailed examples, plenty of illustrations (which really helps me to remember) and terrific, easy-to-understand analogies. It is actually a joy to read!

I haven't taken any practice tests yet, so I'm unsure how well Meyer's focus and depth are appropriate for the exam. However, it seems to me that Meyer's differs from other authors in that he provides a lot of detail, but then explains the details in such a way to make them understandable and thus EASY to remember! I really quite amazed because I haven't yet found an author who is as capable of doing this.

Meyer's tone is perfectly balanced between the two extremes of being too dry and too humorous. I can take the dry humorless tone of some authors but the intrusive- often stupid- humor of other authors have lead me to sometimes return books the same day I've purchased them. In short, I find Meyer's tone unobtrusive and actually refreshing- and I tend to be very picky about such things.

Great job Mike!

Update July 11, 2004:

Ok, I've taken my Network+ exam and passed (846 out of 900). Meyers book was not the only preparation material I used though. The Exam Cram 2 Network+ review book is excellent. It goes into more detail than Meyer's book, but you really need to first read Meyer's book to understand the Exam Cram 2 fully. In addition, I used the Transcender practice exams which were right on the money- very similar to the actual exam. I also tried the 2nd Boson practice exam which was only ok. The practice exams in Meyer's book were much easier than the actual Network+ exam but is a good review before tackling the tougher Transcender exams. Best of luck to you!