Absolute Beginner's Guide to A Certification

Passing a test is one thing,,.mastering the field is another, and this book is the first step to mastering the world of PC hardware and operating systems. Mark Edward Soper not only shows you what you need to pass the tests, but also what you need to have an edge on the competition, on exam day and in the workplace. Each chapter takes a ground-up approach, starting with the essentials and gradually building to larger, more complex concepts. The book is loaded with informative illustrations, photos and screen captures that help you follow along, even if you don't have all the hardware at home.

The CD accompanying the book provides study resources, including a PrepLogic test engine, lab exercises, and study notes. The book also offers a handy objectives index that maps each test objective to the section of the book in which it is covered. This invaluable - and overlooked by competitors - tool helps you to be certain that you are ready for test day!

User review
Great Book, Easy to Follow
Great book with lots of information. Well written and easy to follow for the beginner. I used this book as the primary study aid and passed the A+ certification. Now I have a great reference tool.

User review
Don't let the title fool you.
I have two books which I an using to study for the A+ exams. This book and the much higher priced All In One A+ Exam Guide - 5th Edition.

This book is very easy to follow and loaded with information.

Don't let the title fool you, it is chuck full of advanced topics that target the A+ exams.

I use this book as my primary source of study now and just use the other as a reference tool to see if anything has been missed.

Do yourself a favor and get the book if your serious about the A+ certs.

An Update:
I have just finished passing both of the A+ exams, with a comfortable passing margin, using this book as my primary source of study.





User review
I might sue
This book says it is for Absolute beginners but introduces technical terms from the word go without explaining them.

I wanted a simple introduction but immediately was bogged down with terms I did not understand and detail about specifics which I also didnt understand. Not a good book in my opinion.

I might sue this book book, as the title is misleading, under the trade descriptions act.

User review
5 Stars! Buy this book!
This is an excellent book! But like the title indicates, it is for the absolute beginner seeking to learn about hardware from A-Z from a well-planned book with a very clear writing style. Although this book is elementary, I think it is possible to pass the A+ exam using only this book and your hands-on experience.

User review
All you need, except maybe for hardware, to pass the A+ exam
While certification is not a guarantee that you will get a job or keep the one that you have, it is an important credential that will increase the odds of both. The A+ certification is a general one, with the required knowledge being:

* The basic components of a PC.
* The manner in which data is stored in a digital computer.
* Motherboards and the components connected to it.
* Power supplies.
* RAM and ROM memory devices.
* Hardware used for I/O operations.
* The fundamentals of video.
* The fundamentals of printers.
* Portable computers, the similarities to and differences from desktop computers.
* The different ways in which data can be stored offline.
* How to prepare disks for storage.
* How to install operating systems.
* How to upgrade, optimize and troubleshoot the various Windows operating systems.
* The fundamental network protocols.
* The basic hardware used in networking.

This book covers all of this material (for exams 220-301 and 220-302) at a level where the beginner can follow. If you have some experience in an area, then reading those sections may not be of benefit. However, all readers will find the sample exams on the CD of assistance. One can read all they want about a topic, but at some point you reach the area of diminishing returns. Nothing better prepares you for a certification exam than going through a realistic sample exam. In fact, it is the best way to study as well. By taking the exam, you can identify your weaknesses and use the book to strengthen those areas.
With over 800 pages of text and additional practice material on the CD, this book is a bargain at $34.99. I recommend that you consider trying it before you spend the money for preparation classes. The only area where classes are superior would be those where you actually work with the hardware.