Security+ - Security+ Self-Training book.

Author

Security+ Self-Training book.

JT3

2004-04-08, 8:55 pm

Okay... I've got a question that's no doubt been asked a zillion times, but I can't quite find the exact information I need, so please forgive me if this is a worn-out question.

Basically, I've heard mixed reviews on nearly every self-training guide out there for Security+, but I've heard the most positive about the Syngress Security+ book with DVD. I went to get it at my local B&N, but their only copy didn't have the DVD. In looking at their selections, I ended up with the Security+ Training Guide from QUE (By Todd King... Here's a link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/bo...s2Pid=946&pdf=y.)

Okay, so my question is... did I do the wrong thing? Should I take it back and get the Syngress book, or maybe even another one?

Also, I'm looking at both the Transcender and Boson practice tests. Which ones should I go for? I like the fact that Boson offers double the questions, for about $40 less, but the Transcenders offer money back if you fail once, while Boson's requires twice.

Anyhoo... which book, and which practice tests? All comments welcome.

-JT3

plunt

2004-04-08, 10:47 pm

Here is my experience, for what it's worth (maybe every penny you paid for it :-). Backgorund: I currently have Network+, iNet+ and CCNA. Am working on CCDA and it is a tough row for me. I have a side interest in Security, and when I saw the free CBT at www.gtsystemslab.com for Security+, I thought I'd take a side trip and see about getting my Security+. A diversion, if you will. Can't hurt to add that to resume. So I went thru the first 2 sections of the 4 section class and took lots of notes.
Reading in this and other forums, I found references to other books people used in getting their Security+ cert. So I went to Barnes and Noble and perused a few of them. Came away with the opinion that the Microsoft book seemed very good, which surprised me, since it wasn't a M$ focus obviously. Bought the book and went thru it cover to cover. Did not take any notes for a change, wanted to just see what I would assimilate on reading and taking the books quizs only. Also bought the Cert2 exam prep book. Once I made it thru those, I read the other following aux. info: The MCPMag "Barbarians at the Gate" article on IDS's, skimmed rfc 2196 "Site Security Book", read the Boson study guide by Jason Zandri and the Security+ Study Guide by Kiran Gupta from the CertificationSuccess site. I then tried the exams that came with the cert prep and the one that came with the Microsoft book. When I didn't do badly, I decided to go for the real thing. Which I did and passed.
I also have other books I used for reference when I wanted another read on a subject though, example, the book "Real 802.11 Security" by Edney and Arbaugh had a better way of explaining cryptography to me.
Anyhow, I never did finish the CBT, which was what got me going. I found it very good anyhow. It's one of those, it depends on your learning mode. The only other comment I'll add, the Microsoft book is very well written for our time, in that the chapters/lessons are short and sweet. Great for picking up anytime and making progress.

Doug_Black

2004-04-09, 3:18 pm

Hey JT3,

Take the book back and have them order the Security+ Study Guide and DVD Training System by Robert J. Shimonski, Norris L. Johnson, Debra Littlejohn Shinder, Michael Cross and Tony Piltzecker. I also would recommend getting the Security+ ExamCram2 book a week before taking the real exam!

If you simple read the reviews on www.Amazon.com, www.bookpool.com and other sites you will see this book is the best choice!! Also, If you read some of the other threads here on ExamNotes.Net you would of seen this topic before. If you do a search on Robert J. Shimonski on www.amazon.com and check out his 10+ books on security and firewall topics, it should become obvious he is the author to trust your money before taking this exam!

Transcenders are much better that Boson, yes they cost more, but they are worth it. Why else could they offer to insure your pass on the 1st try -- they didn't get voted best Test Prep Software Company numerous years by your fellow IT buddys. Just read MCP or Certification Magazines or talk to your friends who have Transcenders. See if somebody can show you the software and pay close attention to their answer key -- it will tell you why some thing is correct or wrong and give text book references back for further study. "You get what you pay for!"

Doug

Supertech

2004-04-09, 4:01 pm

The Shimonski book is good but the DVD is horrible. See if you can get the book without the DVD for a discount. You won't miss out on anything.

Check out Tcat Houser's InsideScoop for Security+ @ TotalRecallPress.com. It's very good. Very readable with good explanations. Lots of links for deeper research. His Exam simulator is excellent.

I'm almost finished with ExamCram2. It's not as easy a read as Shimonski but I like to cover the same ground from several differnt angles.

The MS book typically gets bad reviews.

I've got a voucher that expires end of May so I'm taking full advantage of the time.

JT3

2004-04-09, 4:03 pm

Yeah... I've used the Transcenders, so I know how good they are... at least for Microsoft Tests... I just didn't know how they stacked up next to the Bosons'.

I went back today to see what it would take to take this book back, and the person said I'd have to get a credit, and that the book I want to order would be here in 1-2 weeks. Honestly, I want to be done with this cert before the end of April, so I can't wait that long. I hate to have wasted my money on this book by buying the other book somewhere else, so I think I'll try this one, and see how I score on the Boson and Transcender tests (I worked out a deal where I can get both of those tests for pretty cheap, so I'll have 900 total questions to work with... if that isn't enough, I don't know what is).

If I end up bombing in the practice tests, then I'll probably go on and get that other book too, and try again. Man! If only their one copy had come with the DVD. Not that I really care about it, but I'm not about to spend that much money, and not get what I'm supposed to get (they wouldn't give me a discount for it, since they said they'd simply send it back to the distributer for a replacement).

The one good thing is that this book that I have was published in 2003, as opposed to 2002 like the other book. I should think that it would have a little more current information, especially when it comes to mapping to what's actually covered on the test, but like I said, we'll see.

Thanks for the comments, though... I really appreciate them. I'll let you all know how it all turns out.

mdtran

2004-04-11, 10:50 pm

I have the Syngress book and can tell you that it is pretty good. Totalrecall book is also excellent.
I just passed the Security+ today with 844.
For this test, I would go with Boson to save money.

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