Linux+ Certification Study Guide (Certification Study Guides)

Linux+ Certification Study Guide (Certification Study Guides)

Linux+ Certification Study Guide (Certification Study Guides)
By Robb Tracy

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media
Number Of Pages: 1038
Publication Date: 2007-08-27
ISBN-10 / ASIN: 007148874X
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780071488747
Binding: Hardcover

The most exam-focused CompTIA Linux+ study guide available
This fully integrated study system delivers trusted and up-to-date coverage of the newly revised CompTIA Linux+ certification exam. Featuring more than 200 review questions, step-by-step exercises, and in-depth explanations, this is the only study guide to include platform-independent practice exams. The CD-ROM contains sample questions, video training, and more.

Summary: Good Linux introduction, poor test prep
Rating: 3
This book is a fairly good introduction to the principles of Linux system administration. Someone with littleorno Linux experience should be able to use this book and learn quite a lot on the subject. There are numerous examples, and the practical labs included are good as well.
However, here are two serious caveats:
1. This book did not prepare me adequately for the actual CompTIA Linux+ certification exam. When I took the exam, I found questions on the exam covering concepts that were either not covered in this book,orwere covered very briefly. The test is much more detailed and in-depth than this book goes, so I do not recommend that someone taking the Linux+ test rely solely on this book as a study aid for the test.
2. The book is filled with errors. They are mainly typographical errors, but there are a few errors where the author has simply misstated some of the information. I sent a 3-page errata sheet to the publisher. Hopefully they will publish an errata page for this book -- if so, it will be on the following Web page: http://www.mhprofessional.com/?page=/mhp/categories/computing/content/errata.html. You should check the site from time to time to see if they have published an errata sheet for this volume. Absent the errata sheet, keep your eyes open for numerous errors (file names spelled wrong, commands misprinted, etc.), especially in the self-test sections.
Overall, it is a book worth reading to learn about Linux, but due to the errors and due to the fact that it does not adequately meet its stated purpose as a Linux+ certification test prep guide, I gave it only 3 stars.

Summary: Good Stuff
Rating: 3
The book is very good and I like the postage packaging. Delivery was quick I appreciate it very much. I have no problem with the item.
That's good business.

Summary: Its not just the examorthe cert.
Rating: 5
I bought this book, expecting that it would teach me for the cert. It does more that that. It teaches me the essentials of linux and things that you might have learnt over experience. Event small pieces of skills put together forms a mountain. In the same way, the author has put things together in such a way that you would not have your heart filled with a feeling that you learnt for yet another certification exam, but you would have the real feeling of learning and playing with linux. The thing about knowledge and skills is to go to the foundational level, the higher your knowledge level the deeper you go into foundations. This book will help you do that in linux and if you feel that this review is bad, please feel free to contact me at shyaam (at) gmail (dot) com.

Summary: I used this book and failed
Rating: 2
I usually buy Sybex books, but they didn't have one when I bought this. My mistake, and today it cost me the price of this book plus the $230 exam fee. Ugh. I knew while I was reading it that it wasn't very well written, and told my peers the same. Still, I thought the material would be close enough for me to pass (it wasn't). Bad omen - check out the wording and answer on the very first self-study test question at the end of the very first chapter. I found many spots in the book that were just not accurate.
This book includes a CD with practice study questions too, and an offer to download more from the web. I did, and used all of them to study. After all that, I was sure that I knew the material well enough to at least pass. I'm a 4-yr college grad, work as a SysAdmin (including Linux), I'm a good test-taker, and have passed my MCSE and Network+ exams. Nope - I could tell as I took the test that I was not prepared, and I'm just sick about it (I hate to fail).
Robb Tracy, if you read this, you should send me a refund. I'm either going to go for the LPI certification,orswitch to the Sybex book to continue study for Linux+.

Summary: This book is a winner!
Rating: 5
The book is very well written. Bravo! Makes complex topics look simple. Clarity is genius. I thought DNS, DHCP and NIS was going to be tough to describe in a job interview. Whew.. luckily I read this book and nailed it. I'm not even sure which chapters sticks out the best because they're all written and laid out nicely. The boot process was written better than any that I've read. Broke it down into 3 phases with a nice flow diagram. RAID was explained so simply I wonder why other books didn't describe it like this. Sudo section.. light bulb turned on. Love this book!

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