Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals

I rarely come back to a book I have reviewed to again make comment but in this case I'll make an exception. "I didn't take the Security+ test, but I can tell this book would be woefully useless for it. Avoid this item!" writes a reviewer from Provo Utah (where?). How on earth could this reviewer come to this conclusion. Osmosis? A mind-meld with with the question setters? A week in a box with David Blane. Based on this reviewer and his review I can tell that Provo Utah is awash with alien abductees. Well can't I? Another reviewer complains references to viruses and exploits etc being out of date. Get a life, time, tide and technology waits for no man. The top selling Firewall from Check Point has gone through three changes since this book was published. Are you looking for a supplement to be mailed to you every week? No, spoon feeding is what is wanted by some it appears. " Material is repeated verbatum several times over and the labs are the same in several chapters". I'm not surprised that they have to repeat things, from the reviews printed here it will take a lifetime for the publishers to get some of the concepts in this book through to some buyers/reviewers. On second thoughts don't buy this book as it seems to bring on uncontrollable bouts of fevered gibberish in some parts of the population. A clear attempt to dump on a good product, don't be had!

To everyone saying the book is incomplete, you are correct. Check the publisher's website for errata and you'll see they admit chapter 6 is jacked and offer a PDF to complete.I've learned from MS PRESS you should always check for errata first, before you even crack the book open.See:http://www.course.com/catalog/downloads.cfm?isbn=0-619-21294-2

I've used Course books since my first A+ and N+. and CCNA exams and they have never missed a beat. They can be a bit dry at times but that is the house style. They have always contained information that mapped to the objectives. This book is no exception. However the book like the exam requires careful study. If you don't bother and don't put the hours in then you will not get the results. This book will get you there but as always you should NEVER rely on one source for your study material. Some people expect the world on a plate and complain like heck when they don't get it, or write trashing and ill thought out reviews which are indeed - incomplete and poorly written! 5 Stars.*****And still they don't stop 21st November 2003 See the "spoiler review" above which says nothing, you actually have to READ the book to get something out of it!*****

The book covers the exam blueprint, as well as outline basic security practices. I've heard a lot people state that this test is very basic. It is basic, however the information covered is quite broad. The book does a good job of explaining technologies and inner workings of security. I also used the accompaning lab manual, which was a little too easy, but a nice compliment to the book. Highly recommend if your getting into security or wish to take the Security+ exam.

I thought this book went over every basic and advanced features of security. There was alot of usefull hands on labs and review questions. Defintly prepares you for the CompTIA Security+ Exam.