General Books

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.
10 of 11 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.

CISSP Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 4th Ed. (All-in-One)

Shon Harris

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

All-in-One is All You Need

Fully revised for the latest exam release, this authoritative volume offers thorough coverage of all the material on the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. Written by a renowned security expert and CISSP, this guide features complete details on all 10 exam domains developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC²). Inside, you'll find learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, exam tips, practice questions, and in-depth explanations. CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Fourth Edition will not only help you pass the test, but also be your essential on-the-job reference.

Covers all 10 subject areas on the exam:

• Access control
• Application security
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning
• Cryptography
• Information security and risk management
• Legal, regulations, compliance, and investigations
• Operations security
• Physical (environmental) security
• Security architecture and design
• Telecommunications and network security

The CD-ROM features:

• Simulated exam with practice questions and answers
• Video training from the author
• Complete electronic book

The PMP Exam: How to Pass On Your First Try (Test Prep series)

PMP, Andy Crowe

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 178 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Get the PMBOK Guide and this Book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I passed the PMP on my first try today. I bought Andy's book (The PMP Exam - How to Pass on Your First Try), the PMBOK Guide, and Rita Mulcahy's PMP Examp Prep. I studied in the order of PMP Guide first, Andy's book second, and then Rita's third. Although Rita's book gave a few different perspectives, it wasn't really necessary to buy it. You can pass the PMP with the PMP Guide and Andy's book. It's a wonderful resource. Make flash cards, they work great!

Editorial Review:

This self-study guide for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam from the Project Management Institute contains everything project managers need to pass the PMP Exam, including 44 processes, and 592 inputs, tools, and outputs. Exam topics are covered and insider secrets, complete explanations of all PMP subjects, test tricks and tips, hundreds of highly realistic sample questions, and exercises designed to strengthen understanding of PMP concepts and prepare managers for exam success on the first attempt are provided.

SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 6 Exam 310-065

Katherine Sierra, Bert Bates

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Best Fully Integrated Study System Available--Written by the Lead Developers of Exam 310-065

With hundreds of practice questions and hands-on exercises, SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 6 Study Guide covers what you need to know--and shows you how to prepare--for this challenging exam.

• 100% complete coverage of all official objectives for exam 310-065
• Exam Objective Highlights in every chapter point out certification objectives to ensure you're focused on passing the exam
• Exam Watch sections in every chapter highlight key exam topics covered
• Simulated exam questions match the format, tone, topics, and difficulty of the real exam

Covers all SCJP exam topics, including:

Declarations and Access Control · Object Orientation · Assignments · Operators · Flow Control, Exceptions, and Assertions · Strings, I/O, Formatting, and Parsing · Generics and Collections · Inner Classes · Threads · Development

CD-ROM includes:

• Complete MasterExam practice testing engine, featuring: Two full practice exams; Detailed answers with explanations; Score Report performance assessment tool
• Electronic book for studying on the go
• Bonus coverage of the SCJD exam included!

Bonus downloadable MasterExam practice test with free online registration.

CCNA Official Exam Certification Library (CCNA Exam 640-802) (Exam Certification Guide)

Wendell Odom

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Third Edition, is the newest edition of the all-time best-selling CCNA self-study preparation package. This comprehensive review and practice package is designed for the latest CCNA® 640-802 exams. The two books contained in this package, CCENT/CCNA ICND1 Official Exam Certification Guide, Second Edition, and CCNA ICND2 Official Exam Certification Guide, Second Edition, present complete reviews and a more challenging and realistic preparation experience. The books are updated to cover all the new 640-802 exam objectives, such as security, wireless, IPv6, and troubleshooting.

What can you do with the CCNA Official Exam Certification Library?

• Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes
• Review key concepts with Exam Preparation Tasks
• Practice with hundreds of exam questions on the CD-ROM
• Learn about more complex topics with over one hour of video training

CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Third Edition, 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. Chapter ending Exam Preparation Tasks sections help drill you on key concepts you must know thoroughly and help increase your speed in answering questions, a difficult hurdle many candidates face on the new exams. Final Preparation chapters guide you through tools and resources to help you craft your final study plan. Special troubleshooting sections help you master the complex scenarios you will face on the exam.

The companion CD-ROMs contain a powerful testing engine with over 400 questions that allow you to focus on individual topic areas or take complete, timed exams. The test engine also includes simulation and testlet questions, and all questions are available in study mode and test mode. The assessment engine also tracks your performance and provides feedback on a chapter-by-chapter basis, presenting question-by-question remediation to the text.

The bonus DVDs contain more than 60 minutes of personal video mentoring from the author focused mainly on the topic of subnetting. These videos help bring difficult subnetting concepts to life and make learning easy.

Well-regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, and challenging practice questions, this completely revised and updated edition provides you with more detailed information and more realistic practice exercises than any other CCNA study guide, enabling you to succeed on the exam the first time.

Best-selling author and senior instructor Wendell Odom shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you to identify areas requiring further study and to improve your conceptual and hands-on knowledge. The material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding of exam topics and preparing you for the numerous challenges the exams present.

These official study guides help you master all the topics on the CCNA exams, including:

• TCP/IP and OSI networking models
• Operating Cisco routers and LAN switches
• Ethernet switch configuration and troubleshooting
• Virtual LANs and Spanning Tree Protocol
• Wireless LANs
• IP addressing and subnetting
• Routing protocols
• Router configuration and troubleshooting
• Static and connected routes
• VLSM and route summarization
• IP access control lists
• OSPF and EIGRP configuration
• WAN configuration and troubleshooting
• Frame Relay
• Network Security and VPNs
• NAT
• IPv6
• Troubleshooting

A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Sixth Edition (A+ Certification All in One Exam)

Michael Meyers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 127 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Number-One CompTIA A+ Exam Guide

"The most comprehensive publication on the market." -Certification Magazine

Completely revised and updated for all four new exams and reviewed and approved by CompTIA, this definitive volume covers everything you need to know to pass the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam and CompTIA A+ Exams 220-602, 220-603, and 220-604. Mike Meyers, the leading authority on CompTIA A+ certification and training, has helped hundreds of thousands of people pass the CompTIA A+ exams-and now he can help you too. Inside, you'll find detailed coverage of the exam format, helpful exam tips, end-of-chapter practice questions, and hundreds of photographs and illustrations. After you ace the exams, this comprehensive guide will serve as an essential on-the-job reference.

Full details on all exam objectives, including how to:

• Work with CPUs, RAM, and motherboards
• Install, partition, and format hard drives
• Work with portable PCs, PDAs, and wireless technologies
• Install, upgrade, and troubleshoot Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP
• Install sound and video cards
• Manage printers and connect to networks
• Implement security measures
• Understand safety and environmental issues
• Establish good communication skills and adhere to privacy policies

The CD-ROM features:

• Eight full practice exams covering CompTIA A+ Essentials and Exams 220-602, 220-603, & 220-604
• One hour of LearnKey video training featuring Mike Meyers teaching key A+ topics
• Electronic copy of the book
• Complete exam objective map for all four exams
• List of official CompTIA A+ acronyms
• Useful tools and utilities for PC technicians

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.

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-620): Configuring Windows Vista(TM) Client (Self Paced Training Kit 70-620)

I. McLean, Orin Thomas

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

You'll need a second opinion. . . 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've only read through 4 chapters so far and it's left me confused and aggravated because I'm reading things in the book that I think are wrong and have to take the time to research these inaccuracies online- and thats wasting my time and irritating. It's like going to a Doctor and not being able to trust his advice and needing a second opinion for everything.

Also, this book seems like a training manual to be a minimum wage tech for an electronics megastore as many of the scenarios place you in this less than admirable, albeit hypothetical, role. I'm not sure why the authors would choose to place their readers in such a role when the same duties are faced by experienced network administrators as well.

I bought this because there wasn't much out there covering the topic at the time. I don't know if it's the authors fault or perhaps MS Press forcing the book out before being thoroughly proofed, but I will definitely look for other options before I purchase another book by these "Three Amigos" of authoring again . . .

Editorial Review:

Announcing an all-new Self-Paced Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on 70-620, the required exam for the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Vista Client certification. This 2-in-1 training kit delivers, an in-depth official Microsoft study guide, plus practice tests on CD to help you assess your skills. plus practice for 70-620. Ace your exam prepand build real-world job skillswith lessons, labs, practice tests, code samples, more. You also recieve detailed explanations for right and wrong answersincluding pointers back to the book for further study.

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

Todd Lammle

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 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

MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647): Windows Server® 2008 Enterprise Administrator Core Requirements

Dan Holme, Nelson Ruest, Danielle Ruest, Tony Northrup, J. C. Mackin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Your all-in-one kit for the skills measured by the core exams for Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator certification and on the job. Covering Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, and 70-647, these four official Microsoft® study guides provide in-depth exam prep plus practice tests to help maximize your performance.

This kit comes packed with the tools and features that exam candidates want most including self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and customizable testing options. It also provides labs and exercises for skills and expertise you can apply to the job.

Focusing on Windows Server 2008 enterprise administration, topics include configuring, managing, and supporting user accounts, computer accounts, groups, Domain Name System (DNS) zones and client settings, group policy objects, Active Directory Lightweight Directory Service, and Active Directory Rights Management Service; configuring remote access, Network Access Protection, Network Authentication, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, and DNS Replication; working with Terminal Services, Web services infrastructure and security, Media Server, Windows SharePoint® Services server options, File Server, Print Services, network maintenance, and Simple Network Management Protocol; planning networks and application services; designing core identity and access management components; implementing PKI; and designing virtualization strategy.

You ll work at your own pace through the lessons and hands-on exercises. Then assess yourself by using more than 1200 practice and review questions on the CD, which features multiple, customizable testing options. Choose timed or untimed testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives or chapters. You get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers including pointers back to the book for further study. You also get an evaluation version of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition and an exam discount voucher making this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment.

Key Book Benefits

 Excellent value: Four official Microsoft study guides covering the core requirements for MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification all in one box  In-depth coverage of exam objectives and sub-objectives plus instructive case studies and troubleshooting scenarios to enhance your performance on the job  1200+ practice and review questions  Test engine that enables customized testing, pre-assessment and post-assessment, and automated scoring and feedback  Handy exam-mapping grid  Evaluation version of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition  15 percent exam discount voucher from Microsoft (limited-time offer)  All four study guides in searchable eBook format