CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (Exam 640-801) [With CDROM]

I used this book to pass the CCNA exam several months ago but never wrote a review on it... so here we go A lot of people said you need multiple sources to study for this exam, but I only needed to use this book (along with testing simulator material). I don't really understand why you would need multiple books. This book covers everything that was on the exam (including stuff that won't be included, like the 1900 switch information). Nothing was on the test that wasn't in this book. I did have experience with cisco routers, but it was limited to certain technologies and a limited set of commands. The book did a fine job of filling in all the blanks. Each chapter is very clear, and the reading was very straightforward. There was very little "fluff" or "bs". It was to the point and concise. The chapters build upon each other relatively well, and the order of the chapters are probably the best way to go about learning the material. The only part of the book I found poorly worded was the frame relay section, where it went of non broadcast multiple access. It did a poor job of defining what NBMA actually was and what it meant. A quick web search cleared up my confusion though. Probably the best aspect of this book would be that it bothers to explain the technologies in an easily understood manner. Things like PPP, CHAP, ISDN, RIP, OSPF are all made very clear. They are potentially very confusing if not explained correctly, but the book did a great job of adding unnecessary confusion. CONS: The Boson simulator on the CD did not install... I also hear it has limited functionality. The test questions aren't going to prepare you for the actual exam. I reccommend that you use something that tests you with multiple choice questions and simulator questions. I used the commercial version of Boson software to study for this test, and it did a reasonable job of prepping for the exam. I also used some other testing material to test the knoweledge I had (multiple choice). Nothing I was asked wasn't covered in the book, but I found I had to go back to gather a better understanding of the reading. Its very crucial that you are able to perform configurations on an actual router (via a real router or testing simulator). The simulator questions on the exam carry a lot of weight. ABOUT THE TEST: The CCNA test itself was in a somewhat unusual format. Make sure you read the material issued before the test starts on how to use the interface of the simulator questions.. The interface is a little unusual. You also can't go back, and the test is adaptive. I believe that I had aced most of the multiple choice questions easily due to the knoweledge acquired in this book. I also felt like I had nailed the simulator questions, however I think the CCNA test mightve been a bit buggy with the simulator. I'm not sure how the simulator is graded, but my biggest frustration was that the simulator questions want you to do things a specific way. It w

For CCNA 640-801, i used sybex and passed in the 1st try with 950 score, so i gave that book 5 stars. and i used to recommend that book for exam preparasion in the past, but now, not any more. i found this 10 stars McGraw-Hill book on CCNA title, OMG, it is even better than what i already impress from sybex. if i can choose only one CCNA study guide it will be this one (in the past few months, it would be sybex). I highly recommend this book for both (especialy !) educational purpose and exam preparasion. i already passed CCNA with 950, i can really tell u this is the best book on CCNA title, even better than CCNA from Sybex (i used sybex befor). This book come with very good learning packet: video clip, router simmulation, flash card, exam prep software, e-book. The book is easy to read, beginer can read this book without problem (unlike sybex book, which i don't recommmend for beginner in my review). The best parts i like most from this book are (beside hard copy): -" Interactive Video clips" that show you how to perfom each excercise in the book, i really like this, it fell like i am sitting just beside the author and look at how he perform a task. -"Router sims tool" that allow you to practice and get yourself familair with router and switch (sybex won't give this); these are the things i gave this book more stars than sybex book. Beleive me, you can't find a better book than this one, this packet will educate and entertain you in the netwoking world. I realy hope that McGraw-Hill/Osborne continue produce the same quality product in CCNP, surely i will buy them.

I used this book to pass the cisco exam. It's the only book besides the Cisco ICND books that covers the depth of knowledge necessary to succeed in the test.Unless you prefer dry and boring study materials, like Cisco Press products, this book is for you. Sybex and the other books just won't cut it. This book is practical, and explains all the concepts very well. As you read this book, you may wonder about things or ask yourself questions, only to find the answers clearly explained moments later.Some effort, this book, and the Boson or Cisco lab sim, and you are guaranteed to pass.

I honestly had to come back and re-do the review on this book. I believe I was a bit too harsh on this book based on the errors in the book ""with no errata" available. I am already a CCNA so this was a book for another individual that works with routers and switches daily but needed a good book to pass the new 801 test. It is important for anyone that is using a book as a study guide, to have their confidence reinforced by a book that has few errors or errata immediately available. I contacted the author (so he will know who is writing this review) and he immediately placed a copy of the errata on his personal web site. He also contacted his publisher who stated they would have the errata on that following Monday. Big kudos to the author and he certainly gained my respect by his reply emails and follow ups to the publisher. With errata in hand, careful and purposeful study with Richard Deal's book will most assuredly quarantee a pass on the 640-807. If you want to take the smaller sub tests, the book will work perfectly as well to one's success. To all students: do all the examples, and exercises, questions and labs and you will have the confidence needed to pass this test. This book has a load of all the above mentioned so one cannot go away not understanding it if they put forth the effort. Do not skip anything and complete the book, learning what the author is teaching. Don't just complete the book to say you finished it. PS - Know your subnetting inside and out and be able to subnet in your head for CLass A, B, and C subnets.Thanks Richard Deal. I have re-evaluated your book. I took a second reading of your book with errata in hand at Barnes and Noble as well as look over the rest of the book and I am thoroughly confident in stating this is the 640-801 and subtest book for everyone. Excellent job and thanks for the assistance!

About 3 years ago I was teaching a CCNA Class when I discovered Richard Deal had practice test at Boson.COM. I have been a true fan ever since and was eagerly awaiting this release for the new CCNA exams.One thing that has always impressed me about Deal is that he goes far beyond the exam requirements giving you the best chance to pass the exam on the first shot. This 800 plus page book covers all 3 CCNA exams and the book and the add-on cd you have a first rate study tool.Seeing how the new exams now covers even more topics than previous exams and can be taken in 2 sperate exams, it is good to see that this book shows you the best way to make excellent use of the material based of the exam you are planning to take.The cd has a limited edition of the Boson NetSim and there are a number of labs in the book that coincide with the simulator. I think that if you need more labs than you should go to Boson.COM and purchase the full version.There are also practice question ont he cd, coupled with what is in the book you have over 750 questions. Knowing Richard Deal, I am sure that there will be more practice exams for sale at Boson.com, which would add even greater value tothis book.2 utilites that come with the book, the subnet calculator and the config register, will be highly useful in real life. While they are not allowed in the exam, they will be extremely handy to have around when you begin working on your network(s). A couple of things to add to the next edition, first a few more labs, since I think more is always better. Second the NetSim be a full version allowing to study beyond the exam.Overall if you are serious about the new CCNA exam, than here's a good place to start your training.