Networks Books

CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide: Exam 640-802

Todd Lammle

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 37 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Completely Revised for the New 2007 Version of the CCNA Exam (#640-802)

Cisco networking authority Todd Lammle has completely updated this new edition to cover all of the exam objectives for the latest version of the CCNA exam. Todd’s straightforward style provides lively examples, easy-to-understand analogies, and real-world scenarios that will not only help you prepare for the exam, but also give you a solid foundation as a Cisco networking professional.

Packed with updated topics that have been added to the 2007 version of the CCNA exam, this updated study guide features expanded coverage of key topic areas plus new material on switching, network address translation, and OSPF. Inside, find the complete instruction you need, including:

• Full coverage of all exam objectives in a systematic approach, so you can be confident you’re getting the instruction you need for the exam
• Practical hands-on exercises and labs to reinforce critical skills,
• Real-world scenarios that put what you’ve learned in the context of actual job roles
• Challenging review questions in each chapter to prepare you for exam day
• Exam Essentials, a key feature in each chapter that identifies critical areas you must become proficient in before taking the exam

• CD-ROM Includes:
• Chapter Review Questions
• Four Full-Length Practice Exams
• 200 Electronic Flashcards
• Audio and Video Instruction from Todd Lammle
• Full book in searchable PDF format

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (4th Edition)

James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

One of the Best 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.

"Computer Networking" by Kurose and Ross is an excellent introduction to the topic of computer networking as it relates to the largest and arguably most important network of them all: the internet. As stated in the title, the authors take a top-down approach that, in my opinion, is very well suited to CS or SE majors who are typically already familiar with aspects of the application and transport layers, but who often have had little or no training (or interest) at the physical layer. In this way Kurose's text distinguishes itself from other popular texts such as those by Stallings ("Data and Computer Communications") or Tanenbaum ("Computer Networks").

There are a total of nine chapters, the first of which paints the big picture and lays out the plan for the book. The book presents a analysis of each layer of the 5-layer TCP/IP model. The decision to use the TCP/IP model over the OSI model is appropriate considering the authors' intentions of focusing on the internet. To accomplish their goal the authors next provide chapters on the application, transport, network and data-link layers respectively. The coverage of the application and transport layers are where the book seperates itself from both Tanenbaum and (especially) Stallings. In addition to providing the theory Kurose and Ross also inject practical demonstrations such as introducing the reader to socket programming in Java. The coverage of the network and datalink layers is somewhat more standard, but still very good and complete. Following these are chapters on wireless and mobile networks, multi-media networking, network security, and a small chapter on network management. Coverage of the physical layer is spread throughout all of the chapters in the book and presented on a "need-to-know" basis. Each chapter presents ample details about the protocols, technologies, algorithms and standards that are used by each layer as it relates to the internet. All of these chapters are quite long (between 70-120 pages) which may give readers the impression that the text drags on. It would be wise for readers to treat the major sub-headings in each chapter as single entities, rather than attempting to plow through each chapter in a single sitting.

The style of the writing would be best described as clear and accessible. The authors make use of analogy and repetition to drive home the content, particularly in the first three chapters. Students who are new to the subject and have not had much experience thinking about things such as protocols and algorithms will likely appreciate this approach.

Like any book, this book will be useful only to a subset of people who want to study computer networks. I think this book provides the best introduction for CS/SE students who have not had much exposure to network theory and are looking for a practical introduction to the subject. For CS/SE students who feel they want a more formal, terse, and dense introduction to the subject, they should try Tanenbaum's "Computer Networks" instead. Be aware that while Tanenbaum does provide more complete coverage he also assumes more "maturity" from the reader. Kurose can thus be thought of as a "gentle" verion of Tanenbaum's book. For EE/CE majors I would recommend Stallings or Tanenbaum over Kurose. Although Kurose does cover topics such as physical media and signaling, his treatment is cursory and assumes that the reader is not particularly interested in the fine theoretical details. Stallings, in contradistinction to Kurose, assumes the reader is not particularly interested in the transport and application layers and spends many pages covering the fine details of the physical theory. Stallings coverage is also much more broad than Kurose's, as he does not give particular preference to the internet, an approach that will probably just bore CS/SE students. Tanenbaum provides the most balanced and uniform coverage of the three books, and can be used successfully and fruitfully by anyone who has a solid background in computer science or computer engineering.

A word needs to be said about the problem sets at the end of each chapter. Some of the problems can be difficult to solve unless you have really mastered the material in the chapter. There are not tons of examples given within the text itself. Thus, it is fair to say that the authors implicitly assume a certain amount of mathematical maturity. You must be fairly comfortable thinking algebraically, and with calculating values and solving basic equations. CS and SE students should not have any problems here. There is very little advanced algebra, no trigonometry, and no calculus. While the lack of examples may frustrate some readers, compared to both Tanenbaum and Stallings, Kurose's problem sets are very straight-forward and elementary.

In conclusion, Kurose and Ross provide an excellent introduction to networking and the internet for CS/SE majors or anyone who is at least somewhat computer saavy. Highly recommended overall.

Editorial Review:

Building on the successful top-down approach of previous editions, the Fourth Edition of Computer Networking continues with an early emphasis on application-layer paradigms and application programming interfaces, encouraging a hands-on experience with protocols and networking concepts. With this edition, Kurose and Ross bring the issues of network security to the forefront, along with integration of the most current and relevant networking technologies.

Computer Networks and the Internet; Application Layer; Transport Layer; The Network Layer; The Link Layer and Local Area Networks; Wireless and Mobile Networks; Multimedia Networking; Security in Computer Networks; Network Management.

For all readers interested in computer networking technologies.

Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition (Networking)

Tamara Dean

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Grueling Course 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.

This book is officially approved courseware for the CompTIA Network+ exam. It has been approved also by the CSSIA (Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance). The book is very comprehensive. But as all textbooks go it has both strengths and weaknesses. In this review I will try to highlight some of both.

Like most computer industry books, this one comes with a supplemental CD. That CD includes the Certblaster and MeasureUP self-test software and other files the student will find useful.

Each chapter begins with a highlight box that will outline what will be covered in the chapters. Then it includes a letter or story from someone working in the industry. At first these seemed a little cheesy, but as I moved further and further into the book I realized that they were a great source for a feel for the material in the real world, and not just in the classroom or self-study. On the side of the pages are some green bars; these bars highlight specific information you are required to know for the CompTIA exam, and which exam objective they are part of.

One of the greatest strengths is that each chapter ends with a mini glossary of key terms or new terms from that chapter. There is also a complete glossary of all of these terms at the back of the book. Then at each chapter's end there is a series of review questions - multiple choice questions much like those found in self-test software and on the actual exam. Finally, each chapter has a series of hands-on projects. Each project gets progressively more difficult.

The greatest strength of this book is that it has all-encompassing hardware, software, different OS's. The weakness is that it is a lot of material packed very densely into nearly a thousand pages. When I did the school program, we did this book in 3 weeks. For most it was a little overwhelming.

If you want to write the CompTIA Network+ exam, this is a great book to help get you there. Pay special attention to the Novell Netware sections. There were a lot of questions on the exam about those. And Good Luck!

Editorial Review:

Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition is designed to prepare users for CompTIA's newly-revised 2005 Network+ certification exam and will also offer mapping features to the exam objectives.

Outlook 2007 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Bill Dyszel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Describes a Lot you can do with Outlook 5 out of 5 stars.
29 of 36 people found this review helpful.

Microsoft's Outlook is the hands down most popular package in the world for handling e-mail. The overwhelming percentage of peopel using Outlook use it only for handling e-mail. They ignore that in revision after revision, down through many years Microsoft has expanded the functionality built into the program to becomen what Microsoft calls a Desktop Information Manager. Not only that, but in keeping with Microsoft's traditions, it has kept the Outlook look and feel rather consistent across the range of functions.

Among the standard features built into Outlook 2007 include what you might call a contact management system (and you don't have to pay extra for it). With you can keep a lot of information about your contacts, not just their e-mail addresses. Then there's a calender, scheduling system, sending yourself notes (kind of like those little yellow slips), keeping a journal and lots, lots more.

Like the other For Dummies books, this book uses simple English to explain things and yet covers the subject very completely.

Editorial Review:

• Most users take advantage of only two percent of Outlook's power; this book shows them how to harness frequently overlooked tricks and techniques that can significantly boost productivity
• Shows how to manage time and information in the new interface, covering instant searches, the To-Do bar, color categories, and task integration with OneNote, Project, Access, and Windows SharePoint Services
• Explains how to connect across boundaries with access to WSS data, two-way sync and offline access, calendar sharing, smart scheduling, RSS support, electronic business cards, and the improved out-of-office assistant
• Demonstrates how to stay safe and in control with the improved spam filter, anti-phishing capabilities, e-mail postmark features, e-mail folder organization, and information rights management

Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide

Mark Dye, Rick McDonald, Antoon Rufi

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide is the official supplemental textbook for the Network Fundamentals course in the Cisco® Networking Academy® CCNA® Exploration curriculum version 4. The course, the first of four in the new curriculum, is based on a top-down approach to networking. The Companion Guide, written and edited by Networking Academy instructors, is designed as a portable desk reference to use anytime, anywhere. The book’s features reinforce the material in the course to help you focus on important concepts and organize your study time for exams.

New and improved features help you study and succeed in this course:

• Chapter objectives—Review core concepts by answering the focus questions listed at the beginning of each chapter.
• Key terms—Refer to the updated lists of networking vocabulary introduced and highlighted in context in each chapter.
• Glossary—Consult the comprehensive glossary with more than 250 terms.
• Check Your Understanding questions and answer key—Evaluate your readiness with the updated end-of-chapter questions that match the style of questions you see on the online course quizzes. The answer key explains each answer.
• Challenge questions and activities—Strive to ace more challenging review questions and activities designed to prepare you for the complex styles of questions you might see on the CCNA exam. The answer key explains each answer.

How To—Look for this icon to study the steps you need to learn to perform certain tasks.

Packet Tracer Activities— Explore networking concepts in activities interspersed throughout some chapters using

Packet Tracer v4.1 developed by Cisco. The files for these activities are on the accompanying CD-ROM.

Also available for the Network Fundamentals Course

Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide

ISBN-10: 1-58713-203-6

ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-203-2

Companion CD-ROM

The CD-ROM provides many useful tools and information to support your education:

• Packet Tracer Activity exercise files v4.1
• VLSM Subnetting Chart
• Structured Cabling Exploration Supplement
• Taking Notes: a .txt file of the chapter objectives
• A Guide to Using a Networker’s Journal booklet
• IT Career Information
• Tips on Lifelong Learning in Networking

This book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Series from Cisco Press®. The products in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy online curriculum.

Guide to Networking Essentials

Greg Tomsho

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Not for self-study! 2 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Please be aware that this book (and others by the same publisher)are meant for colleges and/or trade schools and thus the answers to exercises, labs, projects, etc are available ONLY to instructors. Furthermore, neither the publisher nor the authors maintain a website for errata so you are on your own if you misunderstand a concept due to typos and false information.

Editorial Review:

Guide to Networking Essentials, Fifth Edition has been revised and provides a baseline level of knowledge for success in industry and preparation for networking certifications, including the MCSA, MCSE, CNA and CCNA designations. This new edition has been updated to cover new industry topics such as Networked Attached Storage (NAS), Cable Installation and Management, as well as, Fixed and Mobile WiMAX. Written with a focus on networking operating systems, this book continues to provide up-to-date coverage of Microsoft Windows XP and Server 2003 technologies along with UNIX, Red Hat Linux, and Novell Netware operating systems.

CCNA Portable Command Guide (2nd Edition) (Self-Study Guide)

Scott Empson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

CCNA Portable Command Guide

Second Edition

All the CCNA 640-802 commands in one compact, portable resource

Preparing for the CCNA® exam? Here are all the CCNA-level commands you need in one condensed, portable resource. The CCNA Portable Command Guide, Second Edition, is filled with valuable, easy-to-access information and is portable enough for use whether you’re in the server room or the equipment closet.

This book has been completely updated to cover topics in the ICND1 640-822, ICND2 640-816, and CCNA 640-802 exams. Use this quick reference resource to help you memorize commands and concepts as you work to pass the CCNA exam. The guide summarizes all CCNA certification-level Cisco IOS® Software commands, keywords, command arguments, and associated prompts, providing you with tips and examples of how to apply the commands to real-world scenarios. Configuration examples throughout the book provide you with a better understanding of how these commands are used in simple network designs.

The ten topics covered are

• TCP/IP
• An Introduction to Cisco Devices
• Configuring a Router
• Routing
• Switching
• Implementing a Wireless LAN
• Network Administration and Troubleshooting
• Managing IP Services
• WANs
• Network Security

Scott Empson is currently the associate chair of the bachelor of applied information systems technology degree program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, teaching Cisco® routing, switching, and network design courses in certificate, diploma, and applied degree programs at the post-secondary level. He is also the program coordinator of the Cisco Networking Academy® Program at NAIT, a Regional Academy covering central and northern Alberta. He has earned three undergraduate degrees and currently holds several industry certifications, including CCNP®, CCDA®, CCAI, and Network+®.

• Access all CCNA commands–use as a quick, offline resource for research and solutions
• Logical how-to topic groupings provide one-stop research
• Great for review before CCNA certification exams
• Compact size makes it easy to carry with you, wherever you go
• “Create Your Own Journal” section with blank, lined pages allows you to personalize the book for your needs
• “What Do You Want to Do?” chart inside back cover helps you to quickly reference specific tasks

This book is part of the Cisco Press® Certification Self-Study Product Family, which offers readers a self-paced study routine for Cisco® certification exams. Titles in the Cisco Press Certification Self-Study Product Family are part of a recommended learning program from Cisco that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press.

Category: Cisco Press–Cisco Certification

Covers: CCNA Exam (640-822 ICND1, 640-816 ICND2, and 640-802 CCNA)

Networking All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Doug Lowe

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent Book! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This helped me learn a lot and have a grip on things in the avast world of networking, This is the perfect book for beginners and it will help anyone get started. This book touches on all the subjects and gives you a basic view of how everything works from internet protocol,wireless networking, to Linux to server 03, and so on so that you can determine what path you want to specialize in but it also gives you enough info to "get you by" on any hands on project or job that requires it. Those who complain about this not having enough info are not seeing the clearer picture because if this truly contained all in one material it would have to be between 3000 to 5000 pages long and this book is already a heavy weight at 800. This book really helped me put my foot on the door with a job at a data storage company, I was able to "get by" thanks to this book and I am on the road to learn more "ccna by todd lammle" So far that book is great too, had I not read this book first, the ccna 1000 page book would be impossible to understand.

Editorial Review:

10 books in 1 - your key to networking success!

Your one-stop guide to the latest updates on networking

Packed with new and updated material on Windows Server 2008, the latest Red Hat(r) Fedora(r), Vista, and Office 2007, and the most up-to-date wireless standards, this solitary reference contains everything you need to manage both large and small networks. With these ten minibooks, you'll discover how to make your network share information in the most efficient way possible.

Discover how to:

• Manage Macs in a Windows environment
• Handle mobile devices on a network
• Configure Windows(r) XP and Vista clients
• Back up and protect your data
• Set up a wireless network

Business Data Communications and Networking

Jerry FitzGerald, Alan Dennis

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Almost, but not quite there..... 2 out of 5 stars.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book for a class I was taking. It was the required text for the class. I have 15 years experience in network design and administration and recently returned to school to earn a second degree. I found this text to be overly technical for its intended audience, and would not recommend it to any instructor. Also the accompanying test bank from which an instructor can pull quiz/test questions are absolutely horrible and only serve to confuse students trying to learn.

Great Introductory book for Networks 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

It's a great introduction to networking, with details about LAN, Backbones, and WAN architectures. It is also easy to read and Understand.

Easy to read and understand 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The business data communications and networking book is very to read and understand. The bold and italicized writing makes it easier to comprehend the communication being presented. The information is up to date and I'd recommend this book to anyone who requires a clear understanding of business data communications and networking

Editorial Review:

Updated with the latest advances in the field, Jerry FitzGerald and Alan Dennis' Ninth Edition of Business Data Communications and Networking provides the fundamental concepts, cutting-edge coverage, balanced presentation, and practical, real-world applications that professionals and students need to succeed in this fast-moving field.

Security+ Guide to Networking Security Fundamentals, Second Edition

Mark Ciampa

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Lightweight textbook; lab material is dated 3 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

My instructor uses this as one of two textbooks for the Network Security course, primarily because there is an answer key for the chapter review questions. The book isn't bad, although I find it lightweight in comparison to the other text, Designing Network Security 2nd ed., by Merike Kaeo.

My biggest issue is that the lab material presented is woefully out of date, since this book was published in 2004. The principles of network security do not change radically in two years' time, but software certainly does!

I attend Illinois Institute of Technology, which is unique in that some programs mix graduate students and undergrad students in classes, with the expectation that graduate students perform at a higher level than the undergrads. IIT is also known for the [...], or Interprofessional Projects Program, which brings together students from engineering, science, humanities, business, architecture, psychology, law and design to solve many unique and useful problems.

As you can see, IIT encourages diversity and teamwork. My project team consists of myself (grad student with a good deal of experience) and three undergrads with varying levels of experience.

If one does not have a certain level of PC experience, doing some of the labs in this book without current instructions can be tedious, if not impossible for some people.

The official website has only two downloads for the book. One is a list of errata, dated July 2006. The other maps the textbook content to the LabSim content, which I suspect would be useful only if you purchased that option. My suggestion to the author is that he publish a quarterly update on the website with revisions to the labs in the textbook.

Regardless, I would not advise paying full price for this book, especially since the Security+ exam is going to be revised soon, from what I have been reading.

Editorial Review:

Completely rewritten to include Microsoft Windows Server 2003 coverage and other cutting-edge technologies, this best selling text will ensure your students' success on CompTIA's latest Server+ Exam.