A+ Complete Exam Notes

by David Groth

This is a practical review guide to A+, the programme which certifies the competency of service technicians in the computer industry. The programme is developed by CompTIA, which is supported by major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers and publications. To become certified, a candidate must pass two modules: the Core module (which covers hardware and essential concepts) and the DOS/Windows module (which covers DOS, Windows...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0782128033
• ISBN13: 9780782128031
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Sybex
• Length: 551 Pages
• Weight: 1.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.9" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

This is an excellent book by an excellent author...

I have read the book and it is very easy to follow and very accurate. I have actually had the opportunity to work with one of the authors, Todd Halpin. It is good to know that this book was written by someone who has actually done the stuff. Todd is very smart and he knows his stuff. I would recommend this book to anyone. *****Primetime

Much better than the Exam Cram

My stock advice for those preparing for certification is to "get the Exam Cram". If you are planning to take the new A+ tests, however, and you have even the slightest bit of experience, then this book is far superior for a variety of reasons:1. Better Organization. The Exam Cram is laid out in a conceptual order ideal for beginners - you start at the motherboard and gradually work outside the computer, you start at DOS and progressively upgrade to Windows 2000. But that's what the thousand page study guides are for - these books are supposed to help you CRAM for the EXAM. The Exam Notes are instead patterned directly after CompTIA's objectives, making it far easier to locate information on your weak areas when studying for the tests.2. Appropriate Detail. The Exam Cram provides a scant 20 pages on networking (though it makes up 10-15% of each exam) and less on laser printers (typically, an uncomfortable area of study), but reprints almost all of the Windows 3.1 information from the first edition despite the new test objectives! In contrast, these Exam Notes contain an excellent introduction to basic networking concepts, a fully illustrated review of the EP process, and far less "historical data".3. Overall Quality. The latest version of the Exam Cram still contains an almost useless motherboard diagram, disjointed discussions of barely related technologies (see Chapter 7), and some truly unforgivable factual errors (see page 401). This book provides stark contrast with actual photos of things you should be able to visually identify, better focus on current test objectives, high accuracy, and IT EVEN COSTS LESS!Coriolis produces useful study guides, but Sybex got them this time. Mr. Jones and Mr. Landes have a fine test prep product on audio cassette, but this is, in my opinion at least, the best in print.

Great Concise Review

If you are looking for a review text that looks at each and every Comptia A+ objective for both tests, buy this book. No fluff or extras, just every single objective reviewed and briefly explained. Well written and to the point, it also reviews terminology, concepts, and step-by-step procedures vital to passing the newest and toughest A+ exams. What I was most thrilled about is the good coverage given to the Operating Systems portion. This is the absolute toughest test of the two and the information reviewed here is essential to pass the test.

Good but not good enough

Great introduction. The authors write beautifully about their background and the tributes are wonderfull.The text maps directly to the CompTIA Domains and that is great. The content is a bit "light on". I found some areas were glossed over. The hardware was better than the OS, much better!I passed the HW exam but did NOT make the new ADAPTIVE 222 OS exam! I did use other material for my study. None of the material was adequate for the new OS exam.Perhaps an "Adaptive Edition" would be a required book? The book proberbly only deserves 3 stars for content but gets 4 for the presentation and organisation. Even if I had passed I would rate it as I have. Of the three books I used this was the easiest to use!

Don't do the Test until you've done this Book!

I didn't pass the test first time around, which is because I didn't know about this book. Using this book (along with a couple of technical websites) boosted my test score by 23%!! I strongly recommend it as a must-have supplement to your studying.