IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide (Cisco Networking Academy Program) (2nd Edition) (Companion Guide) (Companion Guide)

At first glance, I was a little shocked to see Cisco Press publish a book titled, I.T. Essentials 1: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide. After all, this is a company in which its name is synonymous with routers and switches. However, this book is intended for those folks who are just starting out in the I.T. world and those of who are attending an Authorized Cisco Network Academy. That does not mean that you have to be a student of an Academy to grasp the practices and concepts packed in this guide. This book was designed for individuals who want to understand the workings of a computer, both hardware and software. I.T. Essentials 1 does a great job in covering the basics of computers while teaching you how to prevent, maintain, and troubleshoot both hardware and software issues. The companion guide is laid out in the normal Cisco Press fashion we have grown accustom to - starting out with the chapter objectives and ending with a chapter summary and "Check Your Understanding" review questions. As expected, I.T. Essentials 1 is packed with screenshots, figures, and diagrams to help illustrate the information clearly. For those of you who wish to pursue their A+ certification, this book will not disappoint you. All thirteen chapters are dedicated to help you achieve your CompTIA A+ certification. The accompanied CD-ROM contains three test engines as well as interactive labs, videos, and PhotoZooms. For individuals studying for the CompTIA A+ exam, supplemental material includes a certification map that correspond the books chapters to the A+ exam objectives. One thing I did find disappointing with the book was the organization, you're the lack there of. The chapters appear to be in no particular order. I found myself jumping around from one topic to the next and then back again. However, this would hardly be a reason not to purchase this book. In the end, I felt Cisco Press; et al did a great job in relaying the information clearly. Weather you are a student at an Authorized Cisco Network Academy, an individual just starting out in the I.T. world, or someone who is studying for their CompTIA A+ certification I.T. Essentials 1: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide will not disappoint you.