CompTIA A+ Cert Guide (Exam Certification Guide) Har/Cdr Edition

Let me start by saying that today I took the 220-701, the first of the required two tests. I passed with a score of 775, which as best I can figure correlates to between 85 and 90 on a 100 point scale. My study was entirely self-directed and consisted of using four different books, the A+ video series from K Alliance and exam prep software from [...].I used a wide variety of resources purposely, to ensure that everything I might encounter on the test was covered. Looking back, I now realize that was unnecessary. I could have saved a great deal of both time and money simply by using this book exclusively. I probably would have gotten a higher score as well, though I'm not disappointed by any means!I'm assuming that those who read this are interested in preparing for the test as well.. You'll get a lot of different opinions on how to go about it, but here's my two cents. First off, I URGE you to steer clear of all of the "condensed" books out there, ex. Mike Myers' Passport and the Exam Cram version. Of those two Exam Cram is by far the best, but both fall way short of giving you adequate preparation.Second, if you're a novice as I was back in March when I seriously began to study, take your time. The A+ will eat you alive if you wait till a couple of weeks before and try to shove everything you need in your head. The questions aren't simple true-false or even the classic multiple choice. They're written in the form of real-life scenarios you will likely face as a tech, forcing you to think them through and choose the best out of what are often several good answers.Third, and I know many may disagree, but I found the cert. prep. practice tests like [...] to be largely wasted time. There wasn't a single question on the actual exam that was identical to the ones on their software. You can't pass this thing just by memorizing answers - not that you were thinking along those lines anyway of course.So, what do I suggest? First, GET THIS BOOK. I found it to be the best overall out of several I considered, with the Dummies version coming in a close second. I advise steering clear of Mike Myers and Scott Jernigan. I found their material to be both juvenile and confusing. This was especially true of the Passport A+ guide, which had maybe half the information needed for the test.Secondly, check out the online videos at free a plus dot calm (misspelling intentional). Professor Messer's training series is as good as the ones I paid several hundred dollars for, better in many ways, and they are FREE.Third, get a laptop and a desktop PC you can completely destroy (make sure they have XP or Vista, preferably both) then proceed to do so. Play with the BIOS, remove and replace the RAM, fiddle with the monitor settings, unhook and reattach the power and date cables. Alter the settings in Control Panel. Change out the CMOS battery. Get some compressed air and find out what happens when you blow it in the USB ports. Hands-on is an essential supplement to book learning.When you feel you're ready, take the free pretest at Comptia's site. It's the best single indicator you'll find of how well you'll do on the real exam.As for me, I'm taking 220-702 on 10/1. With everything I've learned from this excellent book I am confident I'll pass and soon have my certificate. It's just a matter of hard work and the right resources. Good luck!UPDATE: It took longer than I anticipated to take the 220-702, but I did so yesterday 11/10 and, yes, passed. WOO HOO!

I was looking for a book that would take me from a beginner to a somewhat knowledgeable computer tech. This book got me started on my way! Very detailed, points out what may be on exam, no matter what your learning style is this is a good book to have.

The book arrived three days early, in perfect condition and there is nothing I do not like about my purchase. The book is easy to use as a study guide, breaks A+ certification down into easily digestible sections and includes sections to test yourself to see how well you retained knowledge from the previous chapter.

Given the title of the book, I found no point in starting the first chapter explaining how the computer numeric system works (binary, hexadecimal, decimal). The included DVD contains some questions that should be reviewed!!!For the price, isn't a bad book.

I received my A+ Certification back in 2004, and just wanted a book to "brush up" on new technologies, etc. Being a Scott Mueller fan from his "Upgrading and Repairing PCs" series, I decided to give this a try. This is will written, and VERY detailed, covering everything I remember from back then to all of the newer technologies and even includes coverage of Windows 7.I have a few other certifications I am planning to pursue in the next year or so, and I hope Pearson has guides for those as well!

This book may be great in some parts, but I have a hard time trusting it. I went through the first 4 "Do I know this already" quizzes and found a number of errors. I'm not wasting my time copying them down one by one. But when I find several typos my first several minutes into a book, I'm not impressed. Good thing I got it used.

I dont usually write reviews online, but i bought this book at the local electronics store and wanted to see what the rating of it was. It is a SHAME this gets anything other than 5 stars. This book is VERY thorough, takes you deep into all aspects of computers and printers, and does it in a beautifully and organized manner. Highly recommended!

This book has the best hardware coverage of any Comptia 2009 study guide I've seen. The BIOS coverage and step by step hardware installation steps were excellent. Pictures of hardware and associated connectors were very useful. It also explains the differences between Windows XP and the dreaded Vista.