A+ Certification Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram 220-301, Exam Cram 220-302), Second Edition

250,000 readers have trusted their A+ studies to Exam Cram because this book ensures they have what they need to pass the exams. In this best-selling new edition, the chapters map exactly to the objectives for the new A+ exams (220-301, 220-302) -- released in November 2003 -- helping readers quickly and easily assess their mastery of the material. In addition, it features test-taking strategies, time-saving tips, more than 750 practice questions, and two hours of video from Scott Mueller's Upgrading & Repairing PCs Video Trainer. The book also includes the popular Cram Sheet, a tear card that highlights the essential information covered on the exam and is designed for that `last-second read` before taking the exam. To ensure our material is the most complete, up-to-date, technically accurate, and well-organized material on the market, the book goes through a stringent review process by industry experts.

User review
3.5 Actualy. Good book, but also a pain!
Ok im going to say that this book does have good info for passing the test I took the 220-301 and passed. I really suggest you get the practice questions with this, it will help you understand the information. I havent taken the OS 220-302 yet, so I well give an update when I take that portion of the exam. Yes the book does include tones of information that is not going to be on the test, and tells you after you have read several pages of needless PC history, but I am smarter for it,,.imho, The question on the actual exams are going to be closer to the Transcender format. But this book is still worth getting w/ the practice question book. Ive looked at the Mike Myers book and I like that one better. Basically all we want in a self-study exam book is the the raw information that will be on the test, and most books do give that. Remeber This test isnt pure vocab/definitions, it forces you to take all the infoyou read in the book and apply it to real world situations. I think most people are looking for a book that is cut and dry and goes hand-in-hand with the test. Comptia is smaerter than that, thats why they have multiple test banks, and are always upgrading tests. You are supposed to be challenged. Anyway these books cost pennies compared to bootcamps, so spend 100 bucks and buy 3 or 4 different ones. If you want something that really close to the actual exam, you wont find it here, buy the Transcender study kit, oh yeah its like 500 bucks. So stop complaining and actually read the book, then you'll learn how to skim through the B.S. and get the information you want.

User review
Helped me pass the exams.
This book was a big help to me in passing the A+ certification exams. Not only does it include all the necessary information you need to memorize, it also includes test taking tips based on how Comptia likes to word their tricky questions. The practice questions looked a lot like the questions I saw on the exam. They have practice questions at the end of each chapter and a comprehensive test at the end of the hardware and software sections.

Besides the necessary, the book includes background and other information to help you get a solid grasp of the concepts you are reading about. After reading this book, I have a deeper understanding of how computers work. The first section for the Hardware exam was a great read. Well organized and interesting. The second part on operating systems in my opinion is weaker. The reading didn't flow as smoothly but still includes everything you need to know. The software gives more questions to test your knowledge, and it helps you practice in the format that the test will be given.

Overall, I recommend this book.

User review
stupid people don't like this book
i got this book as an intro to computer hardware. it provides a very nice overview of all you need to know as well as many good troubleshooting tips. to the guy that says it has too much info,,,,.it provides background on the parts you need to know, nd in doing so helps you understand the overall trend of computers. also the sections of dry humor are awesome. i'm an avid reader, and have read this book from cover to cover, even the supplementary info. this book will show you how computers work. every single thing mentioned can be researched outside the book for more info. only thing i think they could have added is a better explanation of memory timings(from what i remember they mention latency but in passing.) BUT,,.they do provides all the info you will need to pass the A+ certification test, nothing more. this book as an overview and Upgrading and Repairing PCs 17th Edition for a specific content book will make a very nice set.

User review
DOES NOT WORK WITH PALM AS ADVERTISED !
Do not buy if you want to use with Palm OS! Spent two hours getting this book into my palm treo 600 only to have it not open. Transferred fine, just wont open.

User review
It is what it is
As always with the Exam Cram series the book is not comprehensive. It is a book that will help you Cram for the Exam. In this it does very well. The book covers major topics that are on the exam and the practice questions and Prep Logic test engine are very helpful. One of the best parts about the book is how the author tries to help a new test taker through the scenario type questions. The worst part about the book is how the authors wasted time and pages, albeit not too much or too many, with the history of OSs and other such non-sense. My critique would be for them to keep their `eyes on the prize` as it were and include more useful information instead of factoids they know will not be useful on the exam.