Posts Tagged ‘CompTIA’

Preparation for Cisco and CompTIA Linux Certification

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

The growth of both local and wide area networks (LAN and WAN) requires the availability of trained certified network personnel. The Preparation for Cisco and Comptia Linux Certification Program focuses on the key networking technologies to plan, design, and implement local and wide area networks. Graduates of this program will be employed as PC support specialists, network administrators and network designers. Due to the shortage of trained personnel employment opportunities are excellent.

(more…)

Passed Network+ But…

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

I passed but the test was much harder than I thought.

Basically, my advice for anyone else who is taking it is invest more time than you think you need in the material. For example, I read a book and watch a series of videos to prepare and then crammed the day before the test. That was enough but barely. I like a comfortable cushion in my grade so that I know I wasn’t just risking $200 when I took the test not as prepared as I should have been. This site helped, don’t get me wrong, but it can’t replace actually attempting to memorize the material. Practice tests are better than I thought for seeing what you know and do not know.

Best study material for Network+ : Chris Bryants Network+ video. But don’t watch it just once. Watch it twice all the way through, take notes, and then remember which “chapters” you may need to watch again and for your third round of viewing only watch the videos that you think are your weak point. Knowing what you don’t know is really important. There is no room for ego when it comes to an exam.

Book I used: Mike Myers Passport Second Edition Network+ (2005). I used Mr. Myers book for the A+ exam and it helped but it wasn’t as useful for Network+. It didn’t seem to flow as smoothly as the first book. Topics just came and went and by the end of the book I felt I was weighed down with information, not absorbing it. If someone else suggests a different book, try it.

Surprise questions on the test: Network Security protocol troubleshooting. There were several questions that related to not only security protocols but what to do when things are not working. These questions required more thought on my part because I had to place myself in situations I’ve never been in. I’ve worked as a net admin but only after the network was built and security implemented. We never had a problem with our protocols. But, if you ready enough then you can make up for this sort of deficit. Just acknowledge you need a little more study in this area (or any other area), spend some time on it, and when you feel comfortable with the material move on.

If I can think of anything else I’ll post it later.

The Lowdown on the CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Don’t Believe the Hype

As a person who has grown up addicted to a keyboard and mouse, I tread a fine line between computer enthusiast and IT specialist. I enjoy the occasional call to a local business in “dire” need of assistance or the house call from the “friend’s-brother’s-nephew” who (according to my friend’s brother at least) has “messed up or fried the CPU.” These are all fine and well; they allow me to practice my hobby in an enjoyable and profitable way. When computing ceases to be a hobby and begins to be a mundane chore, I cut back on work a bit and try to enjoy myself again. It is my belief that to be successful in “information technology,” or whichever buzzword you choose to employ, you must be able to take pleasure in the troubleshooting process, keep a level head, and never allow yourself to be caught up in the world of industry jargon and empty rhetoric. Nevertheless, earning a certification or engaging in coursework in the IT field can be a rewarding experience if you keep a level head and seek to learn.

A Secret about Comptia Network+

In my own pursuit of Network+ certification, I first began with a simple interest in the certification. I was looking for a summer job but was unable to really provide a reasonable list of qualifications, other than “many years of experience working with computers.” For some reason, employers seemed to take my “qualifications” at face value. So, I felt that it would be necessary for me to attain some kind of universally recognizable certification in the IT field so that I could at least begin a career as a PC technician. The CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications seemed to be most relevant; after all, they cover the basic fields of on-site troubleshooting: PC hardware/software and networking. And, as I was seeking a quick job at the time, it didn’t hurt to know that A+ and Network+ are totally vendor-neutral and universally recognized. However, when I discovered that the classes for these certifications were in the $1000+ range, I felt a bit disheartened by the prospect of having to attend night classes and waste valuable time I could be earning money. Now, I will let you in on a secret of sorts. For this exam, as for virtually any other IT-related certification exam, it is ”not a requirement” to enroll in a costly course or to purchase time with an expensive trainer to pass the examination. While a course can certainly ease your path to certification, the knowledge required to pass and even excel in the Comptia Network+ exam can be attained through experience as an IT professional. The examination tests you on what is truly important - the experience that is derived from hands-on field training.

(more…)

Top 5 A+ Study Tools

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

If you are thinking of becoming an A+ certified computer technician, then you are in the market for some study tools. There are several good ways to study for the A+ exams; books, software, and classroom training will all help you get certified. You’ll find the best of the best right here in our Top Five A+ Study Tools.

1. A+ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide

From Micheal Meyers, and with the all new pre-assessment exam, CD-ROM practice questions, and proven techniques, this book will prepare you for your A+ exams. From beginner to expert, this is the one book you will need to get an A+ Certification.

2. Transcender A+ Products

Transcender offers several tools for study, from practice tests, to flash instruction, to instructor led training on CD. Costs range from $129 to $229, depending on the combination of products purchased.

From Micheal Meyers, and with the all new pre-assessment exam, CD-ROM practice questions, and proven techniques, this book will prepare you for your A+ exams. From beginner to expert, this is the one book you will need to get an A+ Certification.

3. The A+ Certification and PC Repair Handbook

(more…)