Books for the new CCNA exam.

[TheGoodRev]

Hey, im buying a book so I can get stuck into the CCNA exam, unfortunately ive just realised that only a few of the book companies have updated their books for the new 640-607 exam.

Im a little confused now, because I LOVE the All-In-One series books for the way they present complicated information in a simple and fun way to learn.

In contrast some other Cert books ive read, are painful in the way they blandly present information to the reader, it becomes more like hard work and takes the element of fun that we all need to learn well.

Now the only books ive seen that have been updated are the Cisco book itself and Sybex (Todd Lammle). Browsing through them in store, they both 'appear' very bland and full of routing script, but is there anyone who has read them and can comment?

Maybe the 640-507 texts arent really that different to 640-607.

 

[rburke]

There are actually several other threads that posted this same type of question, but this is what I've told them... I used the Sybex and new Cisco Press book to study for the exam, and I passed with flying colors. Both of them really aren't too bad, but the definately aren't the "comedy Cisco Cert book" either. But they both present more than enough for the test, and if you are going to go on with the Cisco certs then I would STRONGLY recommend the new Cisco Press 640-607 CCNA book at least, and the Sybex book just to reenforce the topics.

In terms of the tests, the only difference between the 607 and 507 tests are that the new 607 test has actual router simulations, as opposed to only multiple choice over the router commands. But content wise they are the same. No different topics between them, only how to use them on a router simulation. So you could use other 507 study guides, but, you will need to have at least some working knowledge of actual routers. Hope this helps, let me know....


Burke

 

[leonlaf]

I concure with rburke's recommends. I have done some research into purchasing books for the CCNA exams also. Every bookstore that I go into I ask about the top selling books. I've received the same answer from the 10 or 12 stores that I've been in; Cisco Press and Sybex.

They maybe a little dry, but these are the books I will purchase when I am ready. When you prep for the exams thmselves, you may also want to check out Transcenders. I haven't checked to see if they have prep tests for Cisco, but I have used there testing s/w for Microsoft and found it very heplful.

 

[rburke]

I used the practice exams from

http://www.boson.com,

and found that they were pretty accurate. I ended up with a 949 on the real exam, and on the Boson software I got around a 90%. So it is fairly accurate (remember that the score ranges on the exam are 300-1000, not 0-1000). I haven't tried any other practice exam software, but don't forget to get some hands on time with routers, and switches(mostly routers). Just my insight to the topic....

Burke

 

[nakona]

I used the sybex too and as it happens I used the 507 book.

I'll tell you a secret...
You don't need the 607 book. You know why?

Because the router sim questions are ROUTER SIM questions.

In other words, if you practice configuring your routers in the sybex e-lab or in RouterSim then you'll be fine.

If you do not have any kind of router simulation program or an actual router to practice on AT HOME then I cannot encourage you strongly enough to go buy one. If you have to buy one anyway, go to routersim.com.

Also, give consideration to buying the CCNP router sim.
You're going to want it eventually anyway and it'll do everything you need for the CCNA.

 

[TheGoodRev]

I think youre right, if the subject matter hasnt changed, then any of the old exam books would be fine. And just get hold of one of the router programs to practice with.

I dont think the exam content has changed anyway, do the new 607 books cover any hints/tips on the router simulation questions in the new exam?

 

[nakona]

I haven't seen the new books.

But what COULD they say, you know?

I mean, all the config stuff on the new test is basic, "get your router's working" stuff.

It's basic enough that even the sybex e-trainer covers it.

Plus of course, the 507 books are much cheaper!

 

[vila75]

and some times you can get the 507 books for free .

I have used one , with some access to router simulator and i scored a good one ( 949 ) i dont think i would do better if i used the 607 guide .

one note for the router sim questions , Dont forget to save.

Goodluck for all !

 

[TheGoodRev]

Just out of interest, Ive spent a few days looking through the CCNA texts in stores, and here is what I gathered:

1) CCNA 2.0 All-In-One #640-507 (Robert Larson)
Looks really easy to read, well explained. I really wanted to buy it for the read, but it looked like it really lacked the nitty gritty scripting details and examples that were present in other books, and I think with the new exam format, this is detrimental. But hey it did look really interesting to read, maybe too general though.

2) Sybex: CCNA - Deluxe Edition #640-607 (Todd Lammle)
Looked pretty good, some more emphasis on scripting for routers which the All-In-One was lacking. But I found the font a little monotonous, thats just a personal thing though. A big upside is that they include a Simulator on the CD, and thats a biggie.

3) Self-Paced CCNA #640-607 (Anthony Chiarella)
Very short book, looks pretty condensed and potentially good, but more for those already experienced, as there isnt the depth of information for beginners.

4) Cisco Systems: CCNA Cert Guide #640-607 (Wendell Odom)
Im not usually a fan of official exam texts (like the MS ones), but I quite liked this book, it looked extremely technical, as in most pages are full of actual routing scripts in full, rather than snippets like a few others. And I thought this was off-putting, but the pages are clear and highlighted and look easy to read. They also have a lot of quizzes and lab examples to practice along the way. I get the feeling that there is probably too much emphasis on scripting in this book than there needs to be, but I didnt want to 'arse' my way through this cert, I wanted to really learn it. The big negative is no Simulator is included, even in the 3-book CCNA box-set they sell.

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I spent a few days browsing books and comparing how they attacked certain subject matter. But not being a CCNA, I cant comment yet on how good they are as a reference/learning tool, but ill be sure to give a review in a few months time. I opted for the Cisco book, but each book has its own merit...I wish there was a clear winner, but there isnt. Whichever book however, youll have to get a simulator from somewhere.