Which N+ book?

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I know there are the 2 main contenders (Meyers & Groth) but could someone who's possibly read both recommend one over the other? Went with the Meyers A+ all in one and found it easy to understand, informative and well written so I have to admit I'm tempted to go with his N+ book. Amazon doesnt have any reviews of Meyers N+ and 2 reviews of the Groth book which aint particularly helpful. Anyone got any opinions?

Lord Deckard.

 

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I havent used them but from what i have seen on CF it seems groth is better than meyers for n+

 

For what it's worth, I used the Sybex (David Groth) N+ book and found it good.

Sorry, I haven't read the Meyers one but I have detected a general feeling that Meyers is best on A+ and Groth on N+.

I bought mine from http://www.compman.co.uk/ and have found their prices and service to be excellent.

 

I'm using (a few chapters left) the Sybex Network+ book, I'd recommend it.

 

I also used Sybex/ Groth and found it easy going yet thorough. Can't comment on Meyers N+ publication though. I would actually like to read it just to see the comparison, but once again the emerging trend remains Meyers for A+, Groth for N+.

Tip: ALWAYS check the publisher's website for errata - whatever the book.

As always, just my 2€ and happy to be proved wrong

 

I have both books. IMHO it is a close run thing as there are points for both of them. If you liked Meyers A+ book then you may find the Groth a bit dry.

There are details that are only in one, and not the other, and different emphasis on what is important. I can't say that the exam, when I took it, favoured one over the other.

On Jak's point about the errata - I couldn't agree more. It is a shame that, unlike the Meyers book, there is no apparant errata for Groth (or wasn't last Autumn when I was doing the cert), as I spotted a few errors in it.

Harry.

 

Thats definitely good advice.

I suppose books are almost bound (no pun intended ) to have typos in them.

There is the facility for errata on the Sybex site, but it doesn't seem to list anything for the Net+ study guide - although there is one change listed for the deluxe edition.

The Osbourne/Mcgraw book I used for the XP exam had at least one error in it, but fortunately by that point I knew it was wrong and I wasn't (remote desktop port 3398 instead of 3389).

I think this illustrates the value of combining different training media rather than trying to cram one source only.

Best of luck either way.

 

Im using Meyers Passport to N+ book and find it easy to understand tho heavy on the protocols..... The exam tips it gives are small but good pointers. I have found 2 errors in it but compared to the exam cram practice test software i have thats nothing....... However i think that to do it properly, if you can afford it, i'd say get both books. Better to have too much than not enough!

 

Going to pop into Waterstones and have a browse through the books and see which one appeals to me more. Anyone got opinions on the Exam cram N+ practice questions book? Seems pretty cheap for what it is and you can never test yourself too much, can you?

Lord Deckard.

 

I have both the Meyers and the Groth book. I have to go with the party line here and say that Groth is better.
My reasons are this:
*The explanations are shorter and more economically worded.
*Groth's chapter on the OSI layer is better than Meyers'. It's simpler and contains less fluff.
*In general, Groth is a shorter work. Meyers is a good read - it's chatty and easy going stuff - but this can get tiring, because reading anything that isn't 100% relevant is a waste of valuable (and in my case fairly limited) concentration.
*The Groth CDs (two in the deluxe version) are excellent. There are practice tests, chapter tests, flashcards, a PDF of the text, and other stuff.

But this is the main difference:
*Groth's questions are more numerous and way tougher than Meyers'. This alone sets the books apart.
Now I know why the majority go with Groth on this one.
I read Meyers first and it was a quick read, but I couldn't absorb much. Now I am working through Groth and it is really helping the information sink in.
Groth was pricey (U$97) but worth it.

 

Groth for *to the point* study.
Myers for a brilliant read.
I found Mike Myers enjoyable to read, although i would keep Groths in my bag as a reference.

my 2p

 

I used Groth and have to admit it was well written and great.

Sorry, not read the Myers though.