Network+ adivce

Discussion in 'Network+' started by twizzle, Jan 16, 2006.

  1. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    Hi all,

    Im looking at taking the Network+ exam as a way of helping towards a MSCE qualification. I already have the A+ cert. Thing is im Unemployed but not on benefits so am looking at doin the studying myself. I know the Myers book is supposed to be good but i used Exam cram A+ by Jones & Landes for that course, Do they do one for Network+? Also is there any other advice any one cam give me about studying for this? or for the MCSE? I plan to sit the exam at a local center but have found that the cost migt be too high (£154??) so want to know of any other alternatives. BAsically any advice anyone can give me that might help in anyway will be welcome.
    Thanks
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+, N+, MS 70-271, 70-272
    WIP: Being a BILB,
  2. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    There are lots of different resources available for you to study the Network+.

    In answer to your question, yes you can get an Exam Cram book for the Network+, but this may be slightly out of date.

    Meyers also does a Network+ book, but it is apparently not as good as his A+ ones. The man for Network+ seems to be David Groth.

    Unfortunately you are also correct about the exam pricing, but you may be able to get hold of some discount vouchers fromhttp://www.getcertify4less.com, be sure to look in their International section though.

    If you're struggling with any understanding then make use of the great thing that is the Web for clarification. You will find that a simple google search on a topic will produce thousands of results, and a wealth of information.

    Finally, try to make use of this great forum by asking any question that you may have here, oh yeah, and welcome to CF!

    :biggrin
     
  3. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    Simon's covered it all. I used the Sybex Network+ book (David Groth that simon mentioned) and can say it was an excellent book.

    The cram series of books are helpfull but are mainly used to refresh your knowledge just before taking an exam or if you already have excellent knowledge in the subject matter.
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP | MCDST | MCTS: Hyper-V | MCTS: AD | MCTS: Exchange 2007 | MCTS: Windows 7 | MCSA: 2003 | ITIL Foundation v3 | CCA: Xenapp 5.0 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
    WIP: Online SAN Overview, VCP in December 2011
  4. arisen

    arisen Byte Poster

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    What they said :cheeseyg
     
    Certifications: BEng, PRINCE2, ITIL, Net+
    WIP: MSc, Linux+ 2009, RHCE
  5. Modey

    Modey Terabyte Poster

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    The centre's generally don't set the cost for the exams, they just provide the means to take the test via certain providers (VUE & Prometric) who actually set the cost. As mentioned you can sometimes get a good discount with a voucher. I did this for both my A+ & N+ and saved a fair bit of cash. The N+ is quite a bit more expensive than the A+ though which is probably what suprised you. I guess since it's just one exam they like to make a bit of extra cash out of you. :)

    As for advice on your MCSE. Well it's a big undertaking and will require allot of hard work and plenty of time to complete. The best help is to get hands on experience working on servers and workstations in a network environment. This isn't always possible so the next best thing is to setup a lab at home. eg, if you buy a copy of the Microsoft study guide for the 70-290 exam, I believe you get a 90 trial copy of Windows Server 2003 that you can use to install and play about with. And if you buy the client exam study guide for 70-270 I believe you get a trial copy of XP Pro with similar restrictions.

    Team that up with Virtual PC or VMWare which will allow you to simulate multiple PC's all on a single 'real PC' and you have a setup which will allow you to train for the exams.


    I don't want to put you off or anything but without real-world experience of actually working with servers, workstations etc.. you may find it difficult when hitting some of the more advanced topics and exams in the MCSE. As long as you go into it with realistic expectations you will be fine though.

    You have certainly picked one of the better ways to start studying by following the A+ & N+ though. They are a great introduction into some of the more advanced areas you will be deliving into later on.

    Good luck with your studying!
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCP, MCDST, MCSA 2K3, MCTS, MOS, MTA, MCT, MCITP:EDST7, MCSA W7, Citrix CCA, ITIL Foundation
    WIP: Nada
  6. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    Ok so seems im heading in the right direction.

    Now what about using a Learn direct center to help me study? Assuming i can find one near me doing the N+ course that is. Are they any good?? I've heard bad things about some courses like this (computeach etc) but what about learndirect?
    Or am i still better of doin it off my own back so to speak?
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+, N+, MS 70-271, 70-272
    WIP: Being a BILB,
  7. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    In IT you will be constantly learning, and that means all of the time, even when you're qualified up to the eyeballs. You have to stay up to date.

    In order to stay up to date you have to study, now you could go out there and pay a company to help you study, but what about the next thing you need to learn, then the next, etc. Getting properly acustomed to learning off your own back will really help you to go far in the world of IT.

    Having said what I have just said though, many beginners do find it helps when they are starting out to use a provider who will support them through it, even though most of the work you do will be in you own time and off your own back.

    I can't say that I know that much about Learn Direct, or even if they offer a Network+ course, but as a lot of their courses are either free or at a minimal cost then it could be worth finding out about.

    8)
     
  8. Modey

    Modey Terabyte Poster

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    Have a look at this thread. I did a post there about using Learndirect for A+.

    I think they have a few courses that cover some of the objectives of the N+ but I'm not sure if they have any that are aimed specifcally at the N+. As Simon mentioned though, it will be low in cost (less than £50 probably) and could even be free if you are not currently working.

    I don't think they offer the best courses out there, but they certain't aren't bad. At the end of the day you get what you pay for. :)
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCP, MCDST, MCSA 2K3, MCTS, MOS, MTA, MCT, MCITP:EDST7, MCSA W7, Citrix CCA, ITIL Foundation
    WIP: Nada
  9. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Hi Twizzle,

    Welcome to CF. I see you have had some top quality advice already.

    Good luck with the N+ :thumbleft
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  10. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    Ok now im not sure which rout to go :oops:

    Assuming i can only do one course, which would be better suited to me? Network + or Security +. I already have the A+, some background in hardware maintenance but want to try for system admin jobs. With that in mind i think Network+, but the Security + one does seem tempting.
    HELP!!
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+, N+, MS 70-271, 70-272
    WIP: Being a BILB,
  11. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    Network+.

    Security+, although still a basic cert is more specialised.

    The Network+ will stand you better for any path you may want to take in the future.

    8)
     
  12. arisen

    arisen Byte Poster

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    Yep, Network+ is a good one.
     
    Certifications: BEng, PRINCE2, ITIL, Net+
    WIP: MSc, Linux+ 2009, RHCE
  13. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    I agree, do your Network+ first then if you still wish go and do the Security+. I believe, so don't quote me, that there alot of the security questions are based on networks so get the basics out the way first - then build on them :D
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
  14. Clyde

    Clyde Megabyte Poster

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    yes, there is overlap between net+ and sec+ - ie port numbers... but there's more besides so you'll still need to study... its not so bad tho'
     
    Certifications: A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA, MCSE
    WIP: MCITP
  15. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    Just thought i'd say that i've now signed up for the 45hour course that Learndirect do that supposedly covers the content for the Network + exam. Managed to get it for free being on benefits!!
    Unfortunatley it puts paid to my taking the exam by the end of Feb as it takes a week to get the course work from them....Ah well.
    Will let you know how it goes and whether its worth doing for the exam.

    BTW can anyone tell me why the vouchers etc for comptia no longer apply after Feb?? are they changing or something?
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+, N+, MS 70-271, 70-272
    WIP: Being a BILB,
  16. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    It seems that quite a lot of the vouchers have a limited life.

    I was given a voucher last year that expired at the end of the year (if I remember correctly).

    Harry.
     
    Certifications: ECDL A+ Network+ i-Net+
    WIP: Server+
  17. acepal

    acepal Bit Poster

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    i paid 135.00 for the exam im taking it tommorow.i used mainly meyers.i let u know how i get on
     
    Certifications: A+,NETWORK+
    WIP: 70-270

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