Rating: 
Summary: Loaded with typos and technical inaccuracies
Review: Sybex's website already has a long list of typos and technical inaccuracies for this book (and this particular edition.) It's apparent to me that they have still managed to miss many more mistakes. I'm only on Chapter 4 and I've been so dismayed by the quality of this book that I had to write this warning immediately.
Rating: 
Summary: Not impressed.
Review: After having thoroughly read this book cover to cover, I cannot understand how it can be so highly recommended. To be a fourth edition, there were far too many errors, especially in the written exercises. The author has a habit of not explaining some topics in detail, and his writing style leaves a lot to be desired. At many points in the book, I ran across passages that were completely vague and other parts that contradicted previous information. Initially, I was planning on reading this book twice, but I am now moving on to Cisco Press.I do not recommend this book. ...
Rating:
Summary: Ok study guide
Review: Background: This was my only study guide for the CCNA exam. I have been working with Cisco gear for the last few years and my job wants me to go for the certifications. Review: I didn't really read the book, skimmed the chapters and answered the review questions at the end of each chapter. I also did the simulation exam and the practice tests on the CDs. I used the questions to focus me in on what I was weak in (frame/isdn/etc) and reviewed those sections. In the end I did relatively well on the practice exams (high 80's, 90's). So with a good days worth of studying behind me, and accounting for my experience I felt confident, maybe a little too confident... Exam Results: Took the exam this morning, let me tell you the questions in the book are WAY easier than the real test. I was ten questions in and I was wondering if I should continue. It was pretty tough I was actually sweating at points, cursing myself for not reading the book more carefully. (ok some questions were close but those felt few and far between). In the end I passed, by a decent margin, but I would have been happier if I prepared a bit more. I will probably use a different publishing company for the CCNP exams. Advice: Don't use the questions from this book as a gauge for the exam, either actually read the book and comprehend things or get a book that has better questions (don't ask I have no clue which book has better ones). Also on the real exam try not to burn to much time on the sims. Their awesome, loved them, but they can suck a lot of time, so don't over think them. GOOD LUCK
Rating:
Summary: Just barely enough for me
Review: Bottom line: I got my CCNA by using only this book and the CCNA practice test from www.boson.com. However, it was not easy. I missed passing the 801 exam (twice) by one or two questions - very annoying. I finally passed by taking the 640-811 and 640-821. Scored high. I did enjoy reading this book. Loved Todd's style and teaching methods. The conversational style and humor made it a quick read. Several times he mentioned just the right thing to help me lock in a paticular concept. The test is tricky. Much trickier than it was 3 years ago. They did things like ask for the 2 best answers, and then gave 3 or 4 right answers. Or they would ask for the 2 best answers and only give one technically correct answer - you have to pick which one they decided was the best of the incorrect answers. Typical. If I had it to do over again, I would read the Cisco Press books CCNA Self-Study : Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND) 640-811, 640-801 CCNA Self-Study : Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) 640-821, 640-801 And I would start by taking the 821 and 811 exams. It might not be any better, it might even be worse, but I would try something different.
Rating: 
Summary: Suggestion
Review: Check out sybex.c0m before you purchase from Amazon. This 4th edition can be found on the publisher's website at half-price, because a more current 5th edition was published this month (Jan 05).
Rating:
Summary: Decent but doesn't cover everything
Review: I am a student and used this book for a network engineering class. I liked the authors writing style, and the book was an easy read but as stated before the example questions were not anything close to what is on the real exam. The biggest flaw though is that there is some incorrect info given in the fourth edition. The author states that RIPv2, subnet 0, and a few other technology areas will not be on the exam, however they were on the exam as of when I took it. All in all an ok book, but if you have little experience with this material, then consider getting additional study aids
Rating:
Summary: Good for detailed review.
Review: I have started reading through this book and am finding it is actually fun to read. Most technical books are fairly dry, but this one has a little humor and sometimes is written in the first person. If you are starting from scratch and unfamiliar with networking, you will be lost. This book works best for people who have some network in their background. There is a CD with some nice tools. I like the availability to print book in PDF format. The true test of this book will be when I take my CCNA exam!
Rating:
Summary: This will get the job done!
Review: I passed the 640-507 using the Sybex Study guide, I taught 640-607 classes using the Sybex study guide. Now that the 640-801 exam is out, it is only a natural choice to use the 640-801 Study guide from a trusted author and publisher. I had the pleasure and privilege of being one the Technical Reviewers of the manuscript before publication. I found several useful pieces of information in the manuscript add to that the 30 plus labs to work with and this is one of the best guides on the market. The book covers the exam in a logical manner, making this study guide one of the easier to read and comprehend. Lammle's ability to communicate a concept is what separates this book from the pack. There is just about everything you need to work, from practice questions to flash cards, about the only thing missing is the simulator and that has been handled with the CCNA Virtual Lab. If you are looking for the go to source, than look no further. Overall the money is well spent and the material is well written, you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Good book but not enough to pass the exam
Review: I read all the book and I think it's good for beguinners BUT it's not enough to pass the exam if you are not experienced. The real CCNA exam is too hard to pass and the questions on book are easier to answer and give you false idea how the CCNA exame is. There are some few topics on the real exam that the book doesn't cover just like RIP version 2 and others. I think it's better to find other materials to study for the exam, not only this book.
Rating:
Summary: The absolute best Todd Lammle book to date!
Review: I really can say that I have nearly all of Todd Lammle's books, Based upon that, I think I am well founded to say that this latest tome is, by far, the most enjoyable, fluid updated book in both my experience and my possession. Good show! This volume is absolutely first class, and comes highly recommended. Internetworking, wireless, RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, IP routing, etc. is covered in depth and in an easy to understand manner as usual for a Sybex Cisco book.
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